City of Saint Paul Authorizes $1,080,000 Investment in Expanding Capacity and Services Ahead of Upcoming Encampment Closure

Mayor Her, Council President Noecker, and Councilmember Johnson released the following statement:

"I am grateful for the partnership of Ramsey County and the Saint Paul City Council as we address the immediate and medium-term challenges associated with closing the Pig's Eye Park encampment next month," said Mayor Her. "This is just one piece of the puzzle, and our financial partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving safety while advancing long-term solutions. We are committed to addressing safety concerns at encampments and working alongside the County to connect community members with case management, housing resources, and other direct services that support lasting stability."

"This Joint Powers Agreement demonstrates what effective local government looks like. By partnering with Ramsey County to expand emergency shelter capacity and strengthen supportive services, we're taking a coordinated approach to an immediate need while laying the groundwork for better long-term outcomes," said Council President Rebecca Noecker. "Emergency shelter is not a permanent solution to homelessness, but it is a critical step in connecting people to the support they need. This investment reflects our shared commitment to promoting both housing stability and safe, healthy public spaces for everyone."

"This agreement reflects something we've said consistently throughout our conversations about unsheltered homelessness: no one level of government can address this challenge alone," said Housing and Redevelopment Chair, Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson. "Meaningful progress requires strong partnership between the City, Ramsey County, and our service providers. As we work through encampment closures, it is critical that we have safe, coordinated shelter options available for people who are ready to come indoors. This Joint Powers Agreement strengthens that partnership and helps ensure we can respond more effectively to both the immediate needs of our unsheltered neighbors and the concerns of the surrounding community. While emergency shelter is not the final solution to homelessness, it is an important step toward greater stability, connection to services, and long-term housing."

Ramsey County Commissioners are scheduled to review this agreement at the County's board meeting Tuesday morning.

Additional information about available resources and the City's response to unsheltered homelessness is available at https://www.stpaul.gov/residents/citys-response-encampments