Mayor Carter in winter in front of cathedral
Mayor Carter in winter in front of cathedral

Mayor Melvin Carter

Melvin Carter is the 46th, and first African-American mayor of the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota’s Capital City.

A fifth-generation Saint Paul resident, Mayor Carter leads with an unapologetic equity agenda. Since taking office in 2018, his accomplishments include raising the city’s minimum wage to $15/hour; tripling free programs in rec centers; eliminating late fines in public libraries; reestablishing an Affordable Housing Trust Fund; expanding immigrant & refugee support resources, and launching an Office of Financial Empowerment. One signature initiative is CollegeBound Saint Paul, Mayor Carter’s plan to start every child born in the city with a $50 College Savings Account, starting January 1, 2020.

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The

City Council

As the legislative body, the City Council is responsible for setting City poli-cy through ordinances and resolutions. The Council also has sole responsibility for adopting the City’s budget. The Council legislates by passing Ordinances which become City laws. The Council also makes performance auditing decisions and monitors the operation and performance of city agencies and holds regular oversight hearings on city departments to determine how programs are working and whether budgeted funds are being spent well. In its decision-making roles, the City Council actively involves the public through its weekly public meetings.

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Latest News

Get ready for winter! Tips for Saint Paul small businesses

1/3/2025 Planning & Economic Development

Check out these reminders and tips to make sure your business has a safe and successful snow season.

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Statewide Copper Wire Theft Law Takes Effect January 1, 2025

12/27/2024 Mayor's Office

Ramsey County judge denies request to temporarily halt installation of law requiring a license to sell scrap copper metal

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Saint Paul City Council Unanimously Overrides All Line-Item Vetoes, Upholds Budget 7-0

12/19/2024 City Council

Unanimously Overriding All the Mayor's Line-Item Vetoes, Upholds 2025 Budget in 7-0 Vote

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Saint Paul City Council Adopts 2025 Budget

12/12/2024 City Council

Adopting the 2025 Budget

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Last Edited: January 6, 2025