St. Paul Mandates Early Submission of Legislative Request List at Start of Session – Twin Cities

as one of the most popular sports of the year and the start of the new season. the St. Paul City Council is now looking to ensure it doesn’t make the same mistakes twice.

St. Paul City Council Moves to Formalize Legislative Agenda Process

ST. PAUL, MN – The st.Paul City Council is taking steps to streamline its legislative priorities, aiming to avoid a repeat of last year’s delayed agenda approval. A proposed amendment to the city’s administrative codes woudl require the mayor’s office to submit the city’s legislative agenda for council review by the first Wednesday in December, with final adoption expected before the start of the state legislative session.

The move comes after the 2024 legislative session began with the city’s agenda still under development, circulating among lobbyists and council members. The council didn’t formally approve the agenda untill April, well into the legislative process.

“Last year got way, way too late,” said City Council President Rebecca Noecker. “It wasn’t ready. It wasn’t put into our Legistar software by our intergovernmental relations team.We had it shopped around to council members,but it wasn’t ready for prime time.”

The delayed agenda impacted the city’s ability to advocate effectively for key projects, like funding for the Grand Casino Arena remodel and a new big cat enclosure at the Como Zoo, neither of which secured state funding this year.

The proposed amendment aims to ensure that city lobbyists are equipped with official, council-approved priorities. City intergovernmental relations director Brynn Hausz supports the deadline, stating it allows sufficient time to draft bills and prepare for the legislative session.

Noecker also expressed a desire to narrow the scope of the legislative agenda, suggesting a focus on a concise summary of top priorities rather than a lengthy list where “everything is a priority, and nothing is a priority.” She also wants to better organize the agenda, separating bonding requests from other legislative items.

the final weeks of December and the start of January presented additional challenges last year with budget disagreements between the council and the mayor, and an unusual start to the legislative session itself. The amendment is intended to prevent such complications from further delaying the process.

What is the deadline for submitting legislative requests for the 2025 St. Paul City Council session?

New Rules for 2025: Streamlining St. Paul city Council Processes

Starting wiht the 2025 legislative session, the st. Paul City Council is implementing a important procedural change: a mandatory early submission deadline for all legislative requests. This impacts anyone – residents, community groups, businesses – seeking to propose new ordinances, resolutions, or amendments to existing city policies within the Twin Cities metro area. The move, approved in late August 2024, aims to increase openness, improve planning, and allow for more robust public engagement throughout the St. Paul legislative process.

What Does This Mean for Legislative Requests?

Previously, legislative requests could be submitted relatively close to the start of a council session. This often led to rushed reviews, limited prospect for public comment, and potential delays in addressing critical city issues. The new policy requires all requests to be submitted by November 15th, 2024, for consideration during the 2025 session.

Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:

* Early Submission Deadline: November 15th,2024. This is a firm deadline.

* request Format: All requests must be submitted using the standardized form available on the City of St. Paul’s website (link: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/city-clerk/legislative-requests).

* Preliminary Review: The City Clerk’s office will conduct a preliminary review for completeness and adherence to formatting guidelines.

* Council work Plan Integration: Submitted requests will be considered for inclusion in the Council’s work plan, which outlines the legislative priorities for the upcoming year.

* Increased Transparency: A publicly accessible list of submitted requests will be published online, fostering greater government transparency.

who is Affected by the New Policy?

This change impacts a broad range of stakeholders involved in local government and city planning in St. Paul:

* Residents: Individuals with ideas for improving their neighborhoods or addressing community concerns.

* Community Organizations: Non-profits and advocacy groups working on specific issues like affordable housing, environmental sustainability, or public safety.

* Businesses: Companies seeking changes to regulations impacting their operations or proposing new economic development initiatives.

* City Departments: Departments within the City of St. Paul proposing updates to policies or seeking authorization for new programs.

* Developers: Those involved in real estate development and needing zoning changes or approvals.

Benefits of Early Submission: A More Effective Legislative Process

The City Council believes this new system will yield several benefits:

* Enhanced Public Engagement: More time for public hearings, community meetings, and online feedback opportunities. This directly addresses concerns about limited citizen participation in the past.

* Improved Council Planning: Allows the Council to prioritize requests based on community needs and available resources.

* Reduced Delays: Proactive review and planning can minimize delays in addressing vital issues.

* Greater Transparency: Publicly available request lists promote accountability and build trust in local governance.

* More Thorough Review: Council members and staff will have more time to research and analyze proposed legislation, leading to better-informed decisions. This is particularly important for complex issues like zoning ordinances and city budgets.

Navigating the Submission Process: Practical Tips

Successfully navigating the new submission process requires careful planning. Here are some practical tips:

1. Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Begin drafting your request and gathering supporting documentation well in advance of the November 15th deadline.
2. Utilize the Standard Form: The City Clerk’s office provides a specific form for legislative requests. Using this form ensures your submission includes all necessary information.
3. Research Existing Policies: Before submitting your request, thoroughly research existing city policies to ensure your proposal doesn’t conflict with current regulations.
4. gather Community Support: Building a coalition of supporters can strengthen your request and demonstrate broad community interest.
5. Contact the city Clerk: If you have questions about the submission process, don’t hesitate to contact the City Clerk’s office for assistance. Their contact information is available on the city website.
6. Understand the City’s Thorough Plan: aligning your request with the city’s long-term vision, as outlined in the St. Paul Comprehensive Plan, will increase it’s chances of success.

Case Study: The 2023 Sidewalk Repair Debate

The need for this change was highlighted during the 2023 debate surrounding sidewalk repair responsibilities. Several resident-led proposals were submitted late in the session, leading to a rushed and contentious process.The lack of adequate time for public input resulted in a compromise that satisfied few stakeholders. This experience underscored the importance of a more structured and transparent legislative process. The new policy aims to prevent similar situations in the future, particularly regarding infrastructure improvements and public works projects.

Resources for Further Information

* City of St. Paul Website: https://www.stpaul.gov/

* City Clerk’s Office: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/city-clerk

* legislative Request Form: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/city-clerk/legislative-requests

* St. Paul Comprehensive Plan: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/planning-and-economic-development/comprehensive-plan

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