FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<_o3a_p>
January 22, 2025

Contact:
Contact: Jay Willms, Interim Director of Council Operations
[email protected]

Saint Paul City Council Passes Charter Change to Fight for Renters, Workers and Neighborhoods
Saint Paul now has a more effective means of code compliance with equitable implementation named as a priority

SAINT PAUL - Today, Today, the Saint Paul City Council officially amended Chapter 6.03 of the City Charter (Ord 25-2) to be able to implement administrative citations, a tool that will allow the city to more effectively respond to ordinance violations.

Prior to the amendment, the city's enforcement options were limited. Administrative citations for issues like property negligence and wage theft provide a timely, appropriate alternative to the use of criminal citations. This move also brings Saint Paul into alignment with best practices seen in comparable cities.

Passing the charter change completes the first step to implementing administrative citations. In order to use this tool, the city's legislative code must now be amended ordinance by ordinance through the standard public process at City Council in the coming months. The Council will use the equitable implementation framework steps outlined in RES 25-192 to guide that process.

"With this charter change, Saint Paul residents - who deserve the city on their side in every way they need it - can expect more effective code compliance when dealing with issues like our largest problem landlords who neglect both commercial and residential properties, or employers who exploit their workers," said Council President Mitra Jalali. "This is a common civil tool that local governments nationwide regularly use, and it will allow us to even better serve our residents. Thank you to community members who also shaped our Council vision for fair implementation."

The City Council also passed a 7-0 resolution that emphasizes equity as a priority during implementation. Councilmember Anika Bowie authored the resolution, which outlines steps to create an equitable implementation framework, led by a representative community review committee. These steps include ensuring that administrative citations are kept separate from city department budgets; that an ability-to-pay assessment is applied; that city departments engage the public's input on the design and periodic review of the city's fees and fines policies; and that future fees are used to advance equitable measures in the city's budget, such as rental assistance, affordable housing, worker protections, and community engagement.

"This vote on Administrative Citations is a significant step forward in strengthening our city's enforcement measures while ensuring equity is at the center of our approach," said Councilmember Anika Bowie. "By creating a comprehensive equity framework that prioritizes fairness and considers the diverse needs of our residents, we are laying the foundation for a more just and inclusive Saint Paul. I want to thank our dedicated city staff, community partners, and my colleagues for their continued commitment to a process that leads with equity and works toward meaningful change for our residents."

"I was proud to support this charter change along with my colleagues," said Council Vice President HwaJeong Kim. "It equips the city with more robust enforcement tools and ensures stronger protections for all, from workers to renters to protecting youth from harmful conversion therapy. By passing this measure, St. Paul aligns with the majority of cities statewide and nationally that utilize administrative citations. I'm eager to collaborate with my council colleagues on creating an equitable, transparent process for amending individual ordinances, ensuring our policies continue to serve the needs of our community."

"Administrative Citations is a basic function of Municipal Governance," said Councilmember Saura Jost. "This is about enforcing codes that protect our neighbors. Negligent landlords, employers who steal wages, contractors who don't follow through should consider this notice. These crimes disproportionately affect our communities of color and our lower income residents. We can do something about it. Our City can, our Council can, and we are following through with this Charter change to allow Administrative Citations."

"I'm glad that the City now has a more effective way to protect our people and to hold bad actors accountable for following the law," said Councilmember Rebecca Noecker. "Administrative citations will help us fight back when powerful players violate our laws - from downtown building owners illegally locking skyway doors to large corporations denying their employees the wages they've earned."

"This is a landmark moment for our City. I'm proud that we've kept our promise to the community by passing administrative citations to hold landlords, employers, contractors, and others accountable," said Councilmember Johnson. "As a representative of the East Side, it's crucial that policies we create prioritize the needs of East Siders. I'm excited to continue the conversation on how the City will use these new tools to protect everyday people from exploitation, poor living conditions, wage theft, and so much more."

"From rent stabilization to our wage theft ordinance and more, we have important ordinances protecting workers and residents all across our city that need to be complied with," said Councilmember Nelsie Yang. "I am proud that my colleagues and I voted unanimously to approve the administrative citation tool, which focuses on accountability and education, to ensure this. With this action, we are building a better and more equitable system for generations to come."

The amendment passed unanimously.

To view the City Council meeting, go to City of Saint Paul - Calendar.<_o3a_p>

###

<_o3a_p>

Last Edited: January 22, 2025