St. Paul resolution seeks 60-day encampment response period

Six of St. Paul’s seven council members sponsored RES 26-1765, a pending resolution that asks for a 60-day strategic investment period with a navigation tent before encampment closures, except when closure is needed to address an immediate threat to life or safety. The proposal also supports planning temporary winter and permanent low-barrier shelters.

As of October 18, 2026, the resolution had not been adopted. The City’s legislative record listed it as “Agenda Ready,” with no final action recorded. If adopted, it would express Council support and requests; it would not itself impose an unconditional bar on closures or commit the City to opening a shelter.

If the immediate-threat exception is used, the resolution asks the administration to document the specific threat, why less disruptive measures were insufficient, and what notice, transportation, placement assistance and protection of personal belongings were provided to affected residents. It also requests a report to the Council within three business days, with private information protected.

Proposed outreach and winter shelter

The navigation-tent process would last at least seven weeks: two weeks of intensive services, three weeks of casework to seek housing placements and two weeks of wrap-up to reach anyone not yet reached. The Minnesota Star Tribune reported an estimated $150,000 to $250,000 for seven weeks of on-site casework. That is an estimate, not an appropriation in the resolution.

For winter, the resolution supports identifying a gym or similar large indoor space for a temporary, six-month low-barrier shelter. Proposed features include 24-hour access, semi-private sleeping arrangements, storage, options for pets and partners, and wraparound services. A qualified provider would be required, along with compliance with City procurement requirements, a use agreement, and zoning, building and fire-code approvals.

The Star Tribune reported that opening and operating the proposed shelter for six months could cost well over $1 million. The resolution does not appropriate that amount, select a site or name an operator.

Permanent shelter plan and funding

The resolution also supports planning a permanent low-barrier shelter modeled on an indoor village or a similar supportive-housing option. It asks the administration to identify potential sites, including publicly held property, and report to the Council by February 3, 2027. The Council is willing to support the City funding a portion of the work; the resolution calls for funding from Ramsey County, the state Legislature, other partners and philanthropy, without specifying an approved amount.

The resolution cites a prior $1.08 million transfer to Ramsey County for emergency shelter capacity ahead of the August 5, 2026, closure of the Pig’s Eye Park encampment. That earlier transfer is historical context, not funding for this proposal.

The mayor’s administration said it was evaluating the proposal’s viability and affordability. Mayor Kaohly Her said spending choices compete with other City priorities and essential services. Avivo’s president and CEO supported temporary indoor space with more privacy, while citing funding and staffing challenges. A People Serving People leader said the proposal could help single adults but would not address families’ needs.

The City calendar listed a Council meeting for October 21, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. CDT; the Star Tribune reported the resolution was expected to be considered for a vote. If adopted, it would express Council support and requests, but would not itself appropriate a specific amount, approve a shelter site or open a shelter.