In his State of the City Address, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter emphasized housing growth and investments in the city’s downtown infrastructure. He also highlighted significant public safety progress and announced a citywide summit to address fentanyl and the opioid crisis.
Public safety remains the Mayor’s foremost priority, with the Community-First Public Safety framework yielding significant results. As of early April, Saint Paul recorded a 73% drop in non-fatal shootings and no gun-related homicides in 2025—a testament to coordinated efforts across the police department, Office of Neighborhood Safety, and community programs. Additionally, the city purchased Minnesota’s first electric fire engine and shared plans to buy a second with a grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
In 2024 alone, Saint Paul added 731 new affordable housing units, including 255 for families earning 30% of the area median income. Another 293 units are underway, with significant developments such as Mary Hall providing permanent housing for vulnerable populations. The city’s innovative housing programs, such as the 4d tax incentive program, the Inspiring Communities initiative, and the Inheritance Fund, are helping preserve affordability, promote ownership, and restore generational wealth. Looking ahead, Mayor Carter has proposed updates to rent stabilization policies and tenant protections that aim to spur new housing development while preserving vital renter safeguards.
Funded by the new “Common Cent” one-cent sales tax, Saint Paul has already delivered $11.5 million in park and recreation upgrades and committed nearly $24 million to repair 50 miles of roads. Initiatives such as The Loop, a free transportation route for youth, and a lead pipe replacement program highlight the city’s dedication to safety, accessibility, and environmental justice. On the downtown front, Mayor Carter unveiled plans to convert underused office spaces into residential units to bring 20,000 new residents to the city’s core.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
At a time when our rights, freedoms, and futures are under threat, Democratic Mayors are showing the nation what real leadership looks like.
