St. Paul Advances Eviction Protections, Downtown Fund, and Prepares for Capitol Protests
St Paul, MN – March 27, 2026 – City leaders approved a 60-day eviction notice rule, launched a $5M downtown fund, and prepped for major Capitol protests.
St. Paul officials closed out the week with major moves on housing policy, downtown investment and public safety planning.
60-Day Eviction Notice Approved
The St. Paul City Council voted 7-0 this week to require landlords to provide a 60-day notice before filing eviction proceedings for nonpayment of rent. The temporary ordinance takes effect May 14 and runs through the end of the year.
Council members said the change is meant to give families more time to stabilize finances and seek assistance, particularly as immigrant and low-income communities face added pressures. The measure replaces a previously scheduled 30-day standard that was set to become permanent this spring.
The mayor has indicated she will review the ordinance, though the council approved it with a veto-proof majority.
$5 Million Downtown Vitality Fund
City leaders also announced a new $5 million Downtown Vitality Fund aimed at stabilizing and reinvigorating the city core. The fund is expected to support small businesses, attract foot traffic, and help reposition vacant commercial space.
Downtown St. Paul continues to grapple with office vacancies and slower post-pandemic recovery compared to pre-2020 levels. City officials say targeted grants and partnerships will focus on activating street-level spaces and supporting locally owned businesses.
Capitol Protest Brings Street Closures
Meanwhile, St. Paul is preparing for large crowds at the State Capitol this weekend as part of a nationwide day of protest. Police plan to close portions of Wabasha Street and surrounding routes late Saturday morning as marchers converge on the Capitol grounds.
City officials are urging residents and commuters to plan for traffic delays and use transit where possible. Public safety leaders say coordination has been underway for weeks to manage crowd control and minimize disruptions.
What It Means
Together, the housing vote, downtown funding effort and large-scale event planning reflect a city balancing tenant protections, economic recovery and public safety logistics. With budget discussions and development debates continuing this spring, more policy decisions are likely in the weeks ahead.
Sources
St. Paul City Council approves 60-day eviction notice mandate for landlords
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St. Paul launches $5 million Downtown Vitality Fund
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