Mayor Carter in winter in front of cathedral
Mayor Carter in winter in front of cathedral

Mayor Melvin Carter

Melvin Carter is the 46th, and first African-American mayor of the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota’s Capital City.

A fifth-generation Saint Paul resident, Mayor Carter leads with an unapologetic equity agenda. Since taking office in 2018, his accomplishments include raising the city’s minimum wage to $15/hour; tripling free programs in rec centers; eliminating late fines in public libraries; reestablishing an Affordable Housing Trust Fund; expanding immigrant & refugee support resources, and launching an Office of Financial Empowerment. One signature initiative is CollegeBound Saint Paul, Mayor Carter’s plan to start every child born in the city with a $50 College Savings Account, starting January 1, 2020.

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The

City Council

As the legislative body, the City Council is responsible for setting City policy through ordinances and resolutions. The Council also has sole responsibility for adopting the City’s budget. The Council legislates by passing Ordinances which become City laws. The Council also makes performance auditing decisions and monitors the operation and performance of city agencies and holds regular oversight hearings on city departments to determine how programs are working and whether budgeted funds are being spent well. In its decision-making roles, the City Council actively involves the public through its weekly public meetings.

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Latest News

The Heights Awarded $4.7 Million for Geothermal Energy System

3/27/2024 Mayor's Office

The loan award is the first from the newly created Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority

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RELEASE: City of Saint Paul announces free youth swimming lessons

3/27/2024 Parks & Recreation

The City of Saint Paul today announced that all youth swimming lessons will be offered free of charge this summer. Registration will be open to all Saint Paul youth on a first come, first-served basis starting April 1, 2024. 

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Attend an Upcoming Cultural STAR Info Session

3/27/2024 Planning & Economic Development

The Cultural STAR program provides grants for arts and cultural programming and organizations within Saint Paul.

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Metropolitan Council and Saint Paul HRA Seek Developer for Central Station Block

3/25/2024 Planning & Economic Development

The Metropolitan Council and the City of Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) are looking for a developer for a prime property in the heart of downtown Saint Paul.

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Last Edited: March 20, 2024