St. Paul City Council passes nonbinding plan on homeless encampments

The St. Paul City Council unanimously passed a nonbinding resolution on unsheltered homelessness. MPR News reports it calls for a 60-day strategic investment period of services before future encampment clearings, barring an immediate safety threat, and a temporary winter indoor shelter. Funding would need partners including Ramsey County and the state, and Mayor Kaohly Her's administration says it is reviewing viability and affordability.

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Why it matters

The resolution affects people living in St. Paul encampments and the city, county and state agencies that would fund services. It is not legally binding and sets no cost, so its effect depends on the mayor's administration and funding partners.

What to watch

The mayor's administration is still assessing the plan's viability and affordability; no date has been announced.

How each side sees it

Council members sayCouncil member Hwa Jeong Kim said St. Paul needs a plan; council members say they are committed to the work and want a city, county and state partnership.

Advocates and the mayor's office sayJohn Slade of the Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing called it a good first step but wanted a six-month pause on clearings. Mayor Her's administration says it is looking into the viability and affordability of the proposals.

Sources

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Published Friday, October 23, 2026. Spot an error? Email [email protected]. See our corrections log and standards.