Saint Paul Invests Over $3.7 Million in Local Businesses and Arts Through STAR Grants

The City of Saint Paul has allocated a substantial grant exceeding $3.7 million, benefiting numerous local businesses and the cultural sector as part of its Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) program, continuing its long-running tradition of nurturing neighborhood growth and artistic diversity. This week’s announcement, detailed by

Saint Paul STAR Program Awards Over $3.7 Million in Support to Local Businesses and Arts & Cultural Organizations

, highlighted the endorsement of over 127 projects split between capital improvements at the local enterprise level and a variety of arts and cultural initiatives.

According to the City’s release, the funding includes more than $2.6 million doled out through its Neighborhood STAR program, aimed at capital project enhancements across various Saint Paul districts; the Cultural STAR program allocated upwards of $1.1 million to fortify and augment the city’s arts and culture scene, supporting events, capacity for organizations, and even additional special projects. As quoted by the city’s Mayor Melvin Carter, “Saint Paul thrives as a result of our local businesses, artists, and neighborhoods,” iterating the comprehensive goal of these grants as a direct investment into the community’s core elements. Council President Mitra Jalali reflected this sentiment,

stating

, “Neighborhood and Cultural STAR grants put city funds directly into the local businesses and public art that make Saint Paul unique.”

Various recipients voiced their appreciation, showcasing the impact of the STAR program on their endeavors. From Tyrone Minor, CEO of The Mali Center, who praised the building improvements made possible by the Neighborhood STAR grant, to Kerry Antrim, executive director of the North End Neighborhood Organization, acknowledging the support for at least 17 local businesses which enhances the vibrancy of their area, successful candidates shared their stories. Meanwhile, Abdo Sayegh Rodriguez from TU Dance lauded their Cultural STAR grant for bolstering their mission to deliver high-quality community arts experiences, a sentiment echoed by Brandon Griffin of The Sanneh Foundation, who detailed improvements to multi-use sports courts enabled by their funding.

Reflecting the STAR program’s commitment to inclusivity, over half of the Neighborhood STAR recipients and more than 30% of the Cultural STAR recipients are BIPOC-led, with a significant representation of women in leadership positions as well. Councilmember Nelsie Yang expressed pivotal the STAR grants are in addressing disparities and creating positive change, which Andi Otto of Twin Cities Pride further highlighted by mentioning the allure the program brings to LGBTQ+ programs, and the consequential financial benefits to Saint Paul as a whole. Mikeya Griffin from the Rondo Community Land Trust

mentioned

, “The STAR program plays a vital role in addressing historical inequities and fostering cultural and economic renewal,” emphasizing the dual focus on economic growth and cultural preservation.

History and statistics were not amiss in the mention with the Neighborhood STAR program supporting over 1,220 projects with more than $135 million aid since 1994 and the Cultural STAR program investing in over 1,500 projects with funds amounting to $43.7 million within the same span. The 2024 STAR grant recipients, as diverse as their projects, spanned from Gloria Contreras Edin’s plans to beautify the Charles Avenue and Rice Street intersection, to Little Brazil MN’s Charles Spies aiming for increased store visibility—they each expressed unique, community-embedded visions fueled by the city’s fiscal backing. Dr. Artika Tyner of the Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute pinpointed how the Cultural STAR award would amplify the significance of the Rondo Renaissance, underscoring the importance of preserving transformative narratives within the cityscape of Saint Paul.

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