St. Paul sets hearing on 5.3% 2026 levy
The St. Paul City Council will hold its Truth in Taxation hearing at 6 p.m. Tuesday at 15 W. Kellogg Blvd. to discuss Mayor Melvin Carter’s 2026 budget, which proposes a 5.3% property‑tax levy increase. The $887 million plan includes trimming some recreation center hours and a hiring freeze for dozens of open positions while adding $5 million for office‑to‑residential conversions and $1 million for emergency rental assistance; the levy would be $232.5 million supporting a $404.9 million general fund, adding an estimated $107 to taxes on a median $289,000 home amid shifts from declining commercial/apartment values.
Local Government
Business & Economy
📌 Key Facts
- Hearing: 6 p.m. Tuesday in St. Paul Council Chambers, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
- Proposed 2026 levy increase: 5.3% ($232.5M levy; $404.9M general fund; $887M total budget).
- Median $289,000 home estimated impact: +$107 in city taxes, with larger percentage increases likely in Frogtown, Payne‑Phalen, the North End and the West Side.
- Budget changes: trims some rec‑center hours; freezes hiring for dozens of open positions; adds $5M for office‑to‑residential conversions and $1M for emergency rental assistance.
- Related hearings: SPPS on Dec. 2; Ramsey County on Dec. 11.