The St. Paul City Council has finalized its 2026 committee leadership structure, elevating Councilmember Nelsie Yang to vice president and reshuffling key roles that will shape policy and budget decisions across the city.

Yang replaces outgoing Vice President HwaJeong Kim following a unanimous council vote. Council President Rebecca Noecker will continue in her leadership role for 2026, providing continuity as the city navigates budget pressures, housing challenges and recovery from recent economic disruptions.

The seven-member council also confirmed leadership across its major committees, which serve as the primary venues for developing policy and overseeing city operations. Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson will chair both the Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the Budget Committee, positioning her at the center of discussions around housing stability and city spending priorities.

Other appointments include Noecker chairing the Policy, City Council Operations and Audit committees, while Councilmember Anika Bowie will lead the Public Safety Committee. Councilmember Saura Jost will continue as Library Board chair.

City officials say the committee structure is designed to distribute leadership responsibilities while aligning councilmembers around shared priorities, including housing, public safety, economic development and infrastructure investment.

The leadership changes come at a pivotal time for St. Paul, as the council works alongside Mayor Kaohly Her on major initiatives such as downtown redevelopment, emergency rental assistance expansion and responses to Operation Metro Surge.

Council leaders emphasized that the committee system allows for deeper collaboration and more detailed policy work before proposals reach the full council for votes.More information: stpaul.gov/department/city-council