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About Planning and Economic Development

The Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED) guides development in Saint Paul in partnership with residents, businesses, and developers. The department consists of three divisions: Planning, Economic Development, and Housing.

The Planning Division oversees citywide and neighborhood planning. This includes major project site plans, zoning, and data and mapping resources. The division's goal is to promote a resilient and vibrant community for residents, property owners, and businesses.

The Economic Development Division works to create a strong and diverse city. This includes boosting job creation and access and growing Saint Paul's tax base. The division also runs the Business Resource Center. The center connects local businesses with programs and services to help them succeed.

The Housing Division works to ensure quality housing for all Saint Paul residents. The division provides financing for home construction and renovation, supports homelessness prevention, and helps shape housing policy.

Aerial view of department staff, approximately 50 people, in the atrium of Landmark Center.
The Department of Planning and Economic Development staff.

Featured Video: Ruam Mit Thai and Lao Cuisine Reopens in New Downtown Location

Ruam Mit Thai + Lao Cuisine has been a staple of downtown Saint Paul for over 30 years. The restaurant has recently reopened in the heart of downtown, in a larger space owned by the City's Housing and Redevelopment Authority. The restaurant received support for remodeling from the City's Neighborhood STAR Program.

Guiding Development in Saint Paul

A woman with two school age children smile while reading a book outside on a Saint Paul college campus

Comprehensive Plan

Explore the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to see how Saint Paul is guiding development over the next 20 years. It was created with extensive community engagement and was adopted by the City Council in 2020. The City's development priorities include:

  • Providing quality affordable housing
  • Embracing growth and supporting job creation
  • Investing in bike, pedestrian, and public transit infrastructure
  • Preserving and building on Saint Paul's history
  • Supporting a diverse population
  • Protecting the environment
2040 Comprehensive Plan
Houses on a street in the Rondo neighborhood.

Consolidated Plan

The Consolidated Plan outlines community development and housing priorities that the City will address through federal grant programs. It's submitted every five years to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

View the Consolidated Plan to learn how the City puts federal funding to work in Saint Paul. In addition to the Consolidated Plan, you'll find:

  • Annual Action Plans
  • Public review and comments
  • Past funding recipients
  • Annual evaluations
Current Consolidated Plan

Newsroom

Xcel Energy Breaks Ground on New Service Center at The Heights

11/8/2024 Planning & Economic Development

Xcel Energy collaborated with the Saint Paul Port Authority throughout the process of locating and designing the service center, including in the sustainability features of the new facility.

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Saint Paul STAR Program Awards Over $3.7 Million in Support to Local Businesses and Arts & Cultural Organizations

11/7/2024 Planning & Economic Development

For 30 years, the Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) program has provided funding to support commercial revitalization improvements and cultural vibrancy in Saint Paul neighborhoods.

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Saint Paul PHA Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List Opens November 13

10/24/2024 Planning & Economic Development

The Saint Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA) will accept applications for its Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list from Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 8 a.m. through Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

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Notice of Availability of 2024 Update for University of St. Thomas Multipurpose Arena Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)

10/8/2024 Planning & Economic Development

The City of Saint Paul is accepting public comments on the updated EAW through Thursday, November 7 at 4 p.m.

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Community members attend the grand reopening of Ruam Mit Thai Restaurant in downtown Saint Paul.

Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved in community development in Saint Paul. Residents can attend a meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) or Planning Commission, join a commission or committee, or connect with their local district council to shape development at a neighborhood level.

Residents can also sign up for our Early Notification System (ENS) to receive alerts on new development.

Last Edited: October 28, 2024