September 2, 2026 - Library Board and Housing & Redevelopment Authority Meetings

The City of Saint Paul's Library Board and Housing & Redevelopment Authority meetings on September 2, 2026, focused heavily on the proposed 2027 library budget, including a detailed discussion about the potential closure of the Dayton's Bluff Library due to budget constraints. The mayor's proposed budget includes cost savings from closing this leased library location, with no layoffs but a reduction of 1.3 FTE through attrition. The board debated the impact on community services and library safety specialists, whose funding is intertwined with the library budget. Additionally, the meeting covered the library's fund balance, fee increases for services, and the need for updated visit count technology. The Housing & Redevelopment Authority discussed early descertification of several Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts to return approximately $4.6 million to the tax base, with considerations for affordable housing pooling funds. The board also reviewed requests for extensions on conduit revenue bonds for affordable housing projects and approved a land sale to Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services to facilitate residential development without city funding. Finally, an update on small-scale development projects was provided, highlighting funding sources, development strategies, and ongoing efforts to support affordable housing and neighborhood stabilization through various programs and RFPs.