July 22, 2026 - Special City Council Meeting on the Mayor's Encampment Plan

The City of Saint Paul held a special City Council meeting on July 22, 2026, focused on the Mayor's encampment closure plan addressing homelessness. The meeting was a public hearing primarily featuring extensive testimony from unhoused residents, advocates, social workers, and public health professionals. Speakers expressed strong opposition to the planned closure of homeless encampments, citing concerns about insufficient shelter capacity, lack of clear relocation plans, and potential harm to vulnerable populations. Many urged the council to invest in affordable housing, recovery-based services, and community-led solutions rather than proceeding with encampment sweeps. No formal votes or motions were recorded during the session, and the council recessed without immediate action, indicating plans for a follow-up meeting to continue the discussion. The meeting highlighted significant community resistance to the mayor's plan and underscored the need for more comprehensive, humane strategies to address homelessness in Saint Paul.