Public safety, housing and the revival of downtown topped the list of St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter's annual State of the City Address Monday.
Carter credited the police department's focus on building relationships for notable drops in crime, including the fact that St. Paul hasn't had a gun-related homicide yet this year.
He also talked about revitalizing downtown, and how having workers back in the office will help a great deal.
"Our city employees are embracing an office first posture to help bring energy back to our core," Carter explained. "And as state workers prepare to do the same, we see another powerful opportunity to build on our momentum."
Carter also outlined plans for more housing, new strategies for combating the fentanyl crisis, continuing infrastructure improvements like replacing lead pipes at no cost to homeowners, and putting proceeds of St. Paul's new 1% sales tax to good use by so far making more than $11 million in improvements to parks and rec centers.
Carter spoke at the newly-opened North End Community Center, saying the city's personalized focus on public safety remains its number one priority.
"Our teams don't just show up in crisis," Carter said. "They build trust every day as neighbors and partners, and the results speak for themselves. As of April 11th, we've seen a 73% drop in non-fatal shootings and zero - yes, I said zero - gun-related homicides so far this year."
Carter detailed the city's focus on adding more housing, bringing vibrancy back to downtown through strategic investments, and continuing infrastructure improvements like replacing lead pipes at no cost to homeowners and transitioning to a new, more efficient trash hauling system.
"That's why we're erasing medical debt," says the mayor. "It's why we're replacing lead water pipes. It's why we're offering free after school rides through the loop. It's why we're investing in housing and public safety and infrastructure and jobs. It's why we offer free youth sports and swim lessons because the state of our city, the spirit of our family can neither be measured nor preserved through institutions."