Background

In the absence of leadership and funding from both federal and state governments, numerous cities across the country have stepped into the gap by providing city-wide early childhood learning and care programs to help parents of preschool-age children. However, no city in Minnesota has yet implemented such a program, despite the proven benefits for children and the broader community.

In response, the Saint Paul City Council took steps to explore how the city can create a city-wide program that will deliver significant benefits for children, families, businesses, and the community as a whole. Early childhood education plays a critical role in closing opportunity and achievement gaps, reducing poverty by supporting parents, and boosting the economy by alleviating the financial burden of preschool-age childcare.

On July 27, 2022, the City Council passed Res 22-1183, which led to the formation of an Early Learning Legislative Advisory Committee to guide the development of such a program.

About the Early Learning Legislative Advisory Committee

In September 2022, the City Council established the Early Learning Legislative Advisory Committee to explore the possibility of funding an early learning program in Saint Paul. The committee reviewed existing public funding streams for early childhood education at the state level, analyzed financial models to estimate the potential costs of such a program, and assessed available funding sources for the City. Representatives from four city-run early learning programs across the country, each operating under different models, presented to the committee. The committee engaged in discussions to debate and evaluate potential program models for Saint Paul.

The limited-term legislative advisory committee worked with the Saint Paul City Council and the City to: 

  • evaluate a locally governed program to ensure universal and equitable access to early care and education for all Saint Paul children (the "Program"); and
  • explore public funding, and any other relevant funding options, for the Program, including the possible use of public dollars.

The Committee was tasked with making recommendations to the City Council regarding the design and implementation of the Program and, if deemed appropriate, proposing legislation to establish the Program. On March 22, 2023, the Early Learning Legislative Advisory Committee presented its final recommendations to the City Council.

Committee Membership & Meeting Calendar

Legislative History

1

July 19, 2023

The City Council passed a resolution ordering a special election to be held on November 5, 2024, to add a ballot question on whether the City should be authorized create a dedicated fund for subsidies for children's early care and education funded through a property tax levy. 

2

July 27, 2023

Mayor Carter vetoed the resolution the Council passed.

3

August 16, 2023

The City Council overrode Mayor Carter's veto, placing the question on the ballot.

4

November 6, 2024

Per RES 24-1340, the Saint Paul City Council accepts Early Care and Education Program plan recommendation made by Dr. Nikole Jones of People of Victory LLC and committed to continue conversation about the City's role in addressing the childcare crisis and the needs of Saint Paul children and families. (See, Saint Paul Early Childhood Program Plan Recommendation)

The Early Care and Learning Referendum

In November 2024, Saint Paul residents were asked to vote on whether to authorize a special levy to provide public funding dedicated to childcare initiatives for children under the age of five.

Ballot Questions

  1. SHOULD THE CITY LEVY TAXES TO PROVIDE EARLY LEARNING SUBSIDIES?

    In order to create a dedicated fund for children’s early care and education to be administered by a City department or office that provides subsidies to families and providers so that early care and education is no cost to low-income families and available on a sliding scale to other families, and so as to increase the number of child care slots and support the child care workforce, shall the City of Saint Paul be authorized to levy property taxes in the amount of $2,000,000 in the first year, to increase by the same amount each year following for the next nine years ($4,000,000 of property taxes levied in year two, $6,000,000 in year three, $8,000,000 in year four and so on until $20,000,000 of property taxes are levied in year ten)?

  2. BY VOTING "YES" ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE. 

    The maximum amount of increased levy as a percentage of market value is 0.006% in year 1 and estimated to be 0.060% in year 10. The amount that will be raised by the new referendum tax rate in the first year it is to be levied is $2,000,000.
     

Key Links
  • Early Learning Legislative Advisory Committee
  • 2024 Early Care and Learning Proposal
  • Dr. Nikole Jones - Saint Paul Early Childhood Program Plan Recommendation report                       

    Dr. Nikole Jones, founder and owner of People of Victory LLC, was contracted to develop the Saint Paul Early Care and Education Program Plan. Her work focused on enhancing early education, family wellness, and community connections within the city.

    In November 2024, Dr. Jones presented the program plan to the Saint Paul City Council, discussing strategies to improve early care and education accessibility for all Saint Paul families.

    The comprehensive plan addresses the critical need for quality early childhood education, proposing a phased approach to support children from birth through kindergarten entry. It emphasizes financial subsidies to reduce out-of-pocket costs for families, aiming to improve kindergarten readiness and long-term outcomes. The initiative also highlights the importance of engaging with local agencies and professionals to foster a robust early education ecosystem. 

    For a detailed understanding of the recommendations and strategies outlined in the report, you can access the full document here: Saint Paul Early Childhood Program Plan Recommendation (You can view Dr. Jones' presentation here and note item #35 (RES 24-130) on the City Council Agenda.)

Last Edited: March 19, 2025