Saint Paul STAR Program Awards Over $3.7 Million in Support to Local Businesses and Arts & Cultural Organizations
This week, the City of Saint Paul approved more than $3.7 million in grant funding for 59 local capital improvement projects and 68 arts and cultural projects thanks to the city’s Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) grant program.
Over $2.6 million of competitive funding for capital projects was awarded in Saint Paul neighborhoods through the Neighborhood STAR program, and more than $1.1 million was awarded through the Cultural STAR program to strengthen the City of Saint Paul’s arts and cultural sector with support for special projects and events, capital projects, and capacity within organizations.
"Saint Paul thrives as a result of our local businesses, artists, and neighborhoods,” said Mayor Melvin Carter. “The STAR program is a direct investment in the people and places that make this city worth visiting and, more importantly, worth living in.”
“Neighborhood and Cultural STAR grants put city funds directly into the local businesses and public art that make Saint Paul unique,” said Council President Mitra Jalali. “Thank you to the Neighborhood and Cultural STAR staff and boards for making this opportunity more accessible and equitable this year, and a big congratulations to the 100+ awardees across the city.”
“We are so thankful for the investment that the City of Saint Paul is making via the Neighborhood STAR program to The Mali Center,” said Tyrone Minor, CEO of the Mali Center. “If it were not for the Neighborhood STAR grant, we would not have been able to do some critical work to our building. The STAR program demonstrates to the community that they are valuable and supported through investment.”
“The Cultural STAR program recognizes, elevates, and supports the work of Saint Paul nonprofits in the arts and culture sector for our community, who deserve high-quality experiences and engagement,” said Abdo Sayegh Rodriguez, executive director of TU Dance. “We are honored for the recognition the City of Saint Paul has for our mission and for the work we do for our community.”
“Receiving this Neighborhood STAR award will allow us to continue to support our business community,” said Kerry Antrim, executive director of the North End Neighborhood Organization (NENO). “Since we began receiving STAR funds, we have been able to assist at least 17 local businesses. Small business growth adds to the vitality of our neighborhood, strengthens our business corridors, and improves the quality of life for the North End.”
For 30 years, the City of Saint Paul has used a portion of a half-cent sales tax to support commercial revitalization improvements and cultural vibrancy in Saint Paul neighborhoods through the two Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) programs.
“We are proud to have brought a beautiful and historic building back to life to once again be an integral part of Grand Avenue,” said Vanessa Beardsley, owner and founder of Catzen Coffee. “Without the STAR grant, we would not be able to finish the patio area necessary for our vision. This new oasis will give our community a much-needed third space for building a sense of belonging and pride in our neighborhood.”
“Receiving a Neighborhood STAR award this year is transformative, enabling us to make essential improvements that are vital for our operational efficiency, customer comfort, and sustainability goals,” said Faiz Khan, owner of Zait & Za'atar. “The STAR award not only empowers us to improve our business but also supports the neighborhood’s economic growth by helping us provide a welcoming and sustainable space for the community to enjoy.”
“The STAR funding will help us expand our multi-use sports courts at Conway Park for increased ADA accessibility and programming for pickleball, basketball, futsal, and adaptive sports,” said Brandon Griffin, senior vice president of operations for The Sanneh Foundation. “STAR is an excellent example of local resources supporting local communities.”
“The impact of the Cultural STAR grant is substantial, as it allows us to provide fair compensation and essential resources to artists, recognize their contributions, and encourage their continued involvement in cultural events,” said Meena Bharti, president of the India Association of Minnesota. “This support enabled an audience of over 25,000 to experience a vibrant showcase of traditional dances from diverse regions of India, strengthen community bonds, and raise the visibility of Indian arts and heritage in Minnesota.”
The STAR program is a major force in celebrating and supporting cultural diversity in Saint Paul. Among Neighborhood STAR recipients, over half are BIPOC-owned or led, and 48% are woman-owned or led. Over 50% of Cultural STAR recipient organizations led by are women and over 30% are BIPOC led.
“Day by day businesses and organizations experience many disparities in accessing resources and opportunities. The STAR grants are a shining example of how we support our businesses and organizations and create positive change in our communities,” said Councilmember Nelsie Yang.
“The Cultural STAR program provides needed funding for fantastic LGBTQ+ programs that enrich the arts and culture of Saint Paul, which in turn attracts visitors and more dollars to the area, which is win for everyone,” said Andi Otto, executive director of Twin Cities Pride.
“The STAR program plays a vital role in addressing historical inequities and fostering cultural and economic renewal,” said Mikeya Griffin, executive director of the Rondo Community Land Trust. “By investing in public art and cultural tourism, the program promotes economic growth while ensuring that our community’s rich cultural narratives are preserved and celebrated. This work is about more than beautification; it’s about community-driven revitalization that empowers residents, honors our heritage, and paves the way for future generations to thrive in a more equitable and inclusive environment.”
Since 1994, Neighborhood STAR has assisted over 1,220 projects and programs with more than $135 million in grant and loan assistance. These funds are estimated to have generated more than $1.4 billion in private investment throughout Saint Paul. The Cultural STAR program has invested over $43.7 million in funds in over 1,500 arts and cultural projects and activities over the last 30 years.
Review panels appointed by the Mayor make initial funding recommendations for each program. Up to 21 members - three from each of Saint Paul’s seven wards – review proposals for the Neighborhood STAR program and up to 9 members of the Saint Paul Arts community review proposals for Cultural STAR. The boards made their funding recommendations to the Mayor and City Council before approval at the November 6 City Council meeting.
Hear more from 2024 STAR recipients
“I am incredibly excited and grateful the City of Saint Paul is partnering with me on my project to bring love to Charles Avenue and Rice Street,” said Gloria Contreras Edin, owner of Tiger Investments, LLC. “I am looking forward to starting my project and investing in our neighborhood. By creating a more attractive and secure environment, I hope that we can bring in more commuters, residents, and tourists to the Capitol area. Thank you to the City of Saint Paul for believing in the power and pride of its people and its business owners, like me.”
“This award will mean the world for us. Our business has been considered a hidden gem because people can't really find us unless they are looking for it,” said Charles Spies, owner of Little Brazil MN. “The STAR program will allow us to invest in areas that will make the whole store more visible and improve the customer experience.”
“The Neighborhood STAR program provides business owners and local organizations the funds to make better spaces,” said Amy Ennen Bertomeu and Alberto Bertomeu, owners of North End Car Wash. “We have made substantial interior renovations to North End Car Wash since purchasing it, but we lacked the funding to make any exterior improvements. The Neighborhood STAR award will help us switch out some fluorescent site lights for LEDs, install awnings where there are none, and update our pole sign to reflect the name of our business.”
“This Neighborhood STAR award will help sustain the construction work on our building with the aim of creating cooler space to better accommodate products and operate more efficiently,” said Okkoy Graham, owner and executive chef of Nanny’s Jamaican Kitchen. “By receiving the funding from STAR, this will enable Nanny's Jamaican to help serve the community better.”
“The STAR program connects, provides, supports, contributes, and gives back. It truly represents why Saint Paul is such a great community to work in,” said Emily Krouse, owner of Sohn Hee Eateries (dba as Best of Best Quality Korean Fried Chicken). “I feel so fortunate to be receiving the grant from this program. It provides such a financial relief for something that's vitally important, but we simply did not have the internal means to get it done—now we can!”
“The Cultural STAR program plays a vital role in enriching and uniting our community. By providing resources to celebrate the arts and honor our cultural heritage, the program strengthens our collective identity while making space for diverse voices and perspectives,” said Dr. Artika Tyner, executive director of Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute. “This award will be transformative and provide us with critical resources to ensure that vital stories are preserved and celebrated, deepening the impact of the Rondo Renaissance and creating lasting connections that will shape the future of our community.”