About the "Common Cent" 1% Sales Tax

In 2023, Saint Paul voters approved a 1% increase to the local option sales tax to be used for repairs and improvements to streets, bridges, parks and recreational facilities within the city. This “Common Cent” approach will generate nearly $1 billion over 20 years, of which $738 million of funds must go to streets and $246 million for parks.  

The 1% local option sales and use tax was implemented on April 1, 2024. Learn more at stpaul.gov/salestax.

“With support from our Council, legislative leaders, and voters, we're ready to improve the safety and sustainability of our roads, and invest in the nationally-acclaimed Parks amenities that our residents enjoy every day. I am thrilled to finally transform this long-awaited investment into reality." - Mayor Carter

Parks and Recreation Facilities Improvements 

Each year, Saint Paul parks, trails, and recreational facilities attract more than 15 million visitors from all over the country. The average building is approaching 40 years, and coupled with years of deferred maintenance, the aging facilities are deteriorating.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department has over $600 million in assets and a current deferred maintenance backlog of more than $100 million, including $60 million in critical or urgent status and $40 million set to reach critical or urgent status within the next five years.

The revenue collected over 20 years will provide $246 million for improvements and upgrades Parks and Recreation facilities throughout the city. This investment will revitalize aging parks infrastructure with a focus on the worst-condition parks, community centers, trails, connections, and athletic facilities.

Sales Tax Funded Projects

The projects below are prioritized based on data points such as facility condition, identified need, and efficiencies gained through coordination with other projects. Projects listed are either complete, anticipated to begin in the near-term, or part of multi-year projects in various stages of planning, community engagement, design, or construction, and may be completed at a later date. Additional projects will be added as they are identified.

Moving forward, the department will consider many factors when selecting projects, including utilizing our 5-year plan and recently updated System Plan to assess need and guide decisions from a system-wide and equitable lens. This revenue source is a multi-year effort with significant funding, and all areas of the city will see investment over the next several years.    

As projects progress, we will work to keep the community informed by providing status updates below.

These projects represent our expected timelines, but some shifts or adjustments could occur due to market conditions, bid results, weather, or other unforeseen factors. While some projects will be completed this year, others are multi-year projects in various stages of planning, community engagement, design, or construction, and may completed at a later date.

Last Edited: January 9, 2025