St. Paul mayor unveils 2025 city budget proposal

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter unveiled an $855 million proposal for the city's 2025 budget Tuesday.

The proposal calls for a $24.5 million increase to the city's general fund and a property tax levy increase of 7.9%, which would amount to an increase of approximately $11 per month on a medium-value home.

"Our city is growing in population and in popularity, becoming a desired destination to both live and recreate," Carter said Tuesday, highlighting the recent success of the Minnesota Yacht Club Festival , which drew over 60,000 attendees to the first outdoor concert held on Harriet Island in over a decade.

Carter's budget proposal includes a $4.5 million boost to the city's Community-First Public Safety Framework, which encompasses an array of jobs and programs designed to improve safety.

The St. Paul Fire Department's budget, for example, is proposed to include seven additional full-time equivalent jobs in 2025.

Increasing the availability of affordable housing is another priority of Carter's budget, with $7 million proposed to invest in an "all-in" housing framework that includes studying office-to-housing redevelopment projects.

Carter is also proposing to permanently exempt new housing from the city's controversial rent control ordinance , which caps annual rent increase at 3% after 20 years.

In downtown St. Paul, a $1.7 million revitalization strategy is proposed to help increase safety, prepare for events, enhance beautification efforts, fund new signage and more.

Another $1.4 million is proposed to address climate change with funding available for home weatherization and electrification programs, the addition of climate staff and other efforts.

Next steps

As required by state law, the St. Paul City Council will adopt the maximum property tax levy in September.

Budget hearings will be held for the City Council votes to adopt the final 2025 budget and tax levy. While the City Council may make changes to Carter's proposal, Carter will maintain line-item veto authority over the City Council-adopted budget.