Sponsor: Property Management
Title
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Presentation on the Proposed Special Service Improvement District for Downtown Saint Paul
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Recommendation
recommendation
None. For information and discussion only.
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Background
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The Saint Paul Downtown Alliance represents downtown businesses, nonprofits, government entities, residents, and entrepreneurs to build a strong and vibrant downtown and create a positive downtown experience. Joe Spencer, President, will present to Ramsey County on the proposed Special Service Improvement District for downtown Saint Paul in support of the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance’s mission to create and maintain a vibrant, economically successful, safe and attractive downtown that benefits the entire city and region by: recruiting new employers; attracting new investments; and creating a great, positive downtown experience.
The Saint Paul Downtown Alliance has strong support for establishing a Special Service Improvement District. A petition has been presented to the Saint Paul City Council in accordance with the requirements of Minnesota Statutes section 428A.08 to establish the district for a five-year period, 2021-2025.
The presentation will include the proposed district boundaries and include an overview of the benefits, role, responsibilities, budget, and funding for the Special Service Improvement District.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The racial equity impact is unknown. It is expected that with the implementation of the planned Fusion Center, a centralized monitoring and dispatch center, and expanded use of the ambassador model there will be fewer incidents requiring law enforcement to respond. Black, indigenous, and people of color are disproportionately arrested and imprisoned compared to that of the white population. Reducing the need for law enforcement response to minor downtown incidents will have a positive impact in reducing these numbers.
Community Participation Level and Impact
There was no community participation related to this action. The community is informed of the action through the County Board documentation. More information on the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance is available on their website: <https://stpdowntownalliance.org/>. Information on the City Council public hearing is available at <https://stpaul.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx>.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The commercial property owners in the proposed district will have a service charge imposed beginning in 2021 based on their building square footage and the front footage of the property. The Saint Paul Downtown Alliance will be seeking voluntary participation by Ramsey County and the City of Saint Paul as government entities are otherwise exempt from the service charge.
County Manager Comments
The Special Service Improvement District will work with businesses, property owners, and government entities to improve the vibrancy of downtown by creating a better environment for all.
Last Previous Action
There is no previous action related to this item.
Attachments
1.Presentation