City leaders are seeking significant state support this year for a range of priorities, from revitalizing downtown assets to investing in the West 7th corridor.
The St. Paul City Council recently adopted its 2026 legislative agenda, which includes a major push to secure state funding for renovations to the Grand Casino Arena complex. The proposal, developed in partnership with the Minnesota Wild, outlines a $600 million overhaul of the downtown venue and surrounding facilities.
The plan includes upgrades to Grand Casino Arena, Roy Wilkins Auditorium, RiverCentre and related infrastructure, with city officials emphasizing the importance of preserving a major economic driver that supports jobs, tourism and tax revenue.
Mayor Kaohly Her and team representatives announced a framework agreement in early March, with both sides committing to seek state participation while avoiding local property tax increases. The proposal calls for $200 million in state funding, with the remainder split between the city and the team.
Beyond the arena project, the city is also advocating for multi-year investment in the West 7th corridor — a key commercial and transit route — in partnership with Ramsey County, the Metropolitan Council and MnDOT. Proposed improvements aim to support small businesses, enhance infrastructure and strengthen one of St. Paul’s most active neighborhood districts.
Other legislative priorities include expanding financial tools for downtown redevelopment, such as tax increment financing and historic tax credits, particularly to support office-to-residential conversions amid shifting post-pandemic demand.
The city is also seeking changes to allow full state reimbursement for cyberattack response costs and additional support for public safety expenses tied to large protests at the Capitol.
Officials say the agenda reflects both immediate recovery needs and long-term investment strategies to maintain St. Paul’s economic competitiveness.More information: stpaul.gov.
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