St. Paul Mayor seeks outside help for $11 million shelter shift

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her is looking to state, county, and federal partners to cover the cost of an $11 million homelessness plan, aiming to spare local taxpayers from the full financial burden. The City Council recently approved a strategy that shifts resources from clearing encampments toward outreach, temporary shelters, and permanent housing. Her stated that the city has already invested substantial funds in this sector and does not have $11 million available in its current budget. She emphasized the need to close this funding gap through external support rather than increasing local spending.

The mayor indicated she largely supports the council’s proposed approach but wants to ensure the money comes from broader partners. She defended a $2.2 million expenditure made earlier this year on the Pig’s Eye Park encampment, noting that the funds provided by St. Paul and Ramsey County taxpayers purchased shelter beds that remain in use. Her maintained that the city will continue its current policy of rolling closures of homeless encampments while it explores these new funding options. She told reporters the city has not wavered on this position and continues to fulfill its commitments to residents.

Council President Rebecca Noecker expressed optimism about securing the necessary funds within the next 60 days. Noecker stated that if the external money is not secured by then, she does not plan to ask local taxpayers to cover the remaining cost. The city is currently balancing the new housing initiative with its existing operations for managing encampments across St. Paul.

The discussion comes as city leaders weigh the long term sustainability of homelessness services. Her’s comments clarify the administration’s stance on the council’s new plan, which prioritizes housing stability over immediate removal. The 60 day window set by Noecker establishes a near term deadline for intergovernmental funding negotiations. City officials will continue to coordinate with Ramsey County and state agencies to address the $11 million gap before the next budget cycle.