St. Paul mayor gives State of the City address

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter gave the annual State of the City address Tuesday morning.

In his address, Carter focused on crime and “reimagining public safety,” saying that he plans reforms to the department and to add more officers. He noted that 55 new officers will join the department later this week and touted “significant” resources to enhance public safety in this year’s budget.

He also proposed a three-year pilot program that would add Saturday hours to some recreation centers and eliminate athletic fees for kids ages 10 and older in some parts of the city.

And, he discussed housing inequities and, on rent stabilization, said St. Paul must provide an exemption to incentivize construction of new housing units.

“While there is much work ahead, today I stand confident that the State of Our City is strong enough, resilient enough, and bright enough to continue lighting the path forward,” Carter said.

Click here to watch or read his full address.