In his State of the City Address, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter highlighted the city’s progress and future plans, emphasizing the need for collaboration, resilience, and inclusivity. Mayor Carter outlined several priorities for Saint Paul’s future: public safety, economic development, housing, environmental sustainability, and workforce development.
Mayor Carter praised the effectiveness of the city’s Community-First Public Safety Framework, which aims to balance emergency response with targeted interventions to prevent crime. He highlighted the success of initiatives such as Project PEACE, which has decreased firearm incidents, and acknowledged state support for public safety efforts.
The Mayor also discussed the city’s commitment to financial empowerment and social equity. He highlighted programs such as CollegeBound Saint Paul and guaranteed income pilots, which aim to support residents’ economic well-being and reduce poverty. Additionally, Mayor Carter outlined initiatives to expand employment opportunities for residents, including partnerships with local nonprofits and businesses to provide job training and support.
Mayor Carter shared plans for investments in parks, public spaces, and sustainable energy initiatives, such as geothermal heating and cooling systems. He also discussed efforts to address climate change through measures such as organized waste hauling and snow management strategies.
Watch Mayor Carter’s full remarks here.