South St. Paul State of the City Address 2026

By Jake Spitzack | Staff Writer | July 2026

City accomplishments in 2025 and projects on the horizon were recently highlighted at the South St. Paul State of the City Address, available to view at townsquare.tv. Takeaways include:

The police department launched a community response team to address topics that fall outside of emergency services, including traffic concerns and disputes between neighbors. It also created a public safety dashboard on the city’s website, allowing residents to easily find details such as the number of calls for service and arrests.

South Metro Fire got a federal grant allowing it to hire eight more firefighters, expanding the number of firefighters on duty each shift from 12 to 16. The increase allows a third ambulance to be on shift around the clock.

A sixth voting precinct was added in the city to better balance the number of voters in each precinct, and polling locations were updated to improve accessibility and efficiency.

Marie Avenue was reconstructed between 3rd and 9th avenues with the help of a $1 million state grant, and work was completed on Well #1 to help maintain water pressure in the city. About $1.2 million has also been received in grant funding to study PFAS treatment at city wells, and the city has begun working to replace about 1,000 lead and galvanized water service lines across the city.

The city expanded its proactive code enforcement program to help address common issues such as lawns not mowed, junk vehicles and exterior storage. It also planted more than 450 trees in its effort to restore its tree canopy following widespread loss due to emerald ash borer.

Solar panels were installed at City Hall with the help of state funding, and the Nan McKay and John Carroll high-rises are slated to get roof replacements, electric and water system updates, safety improvements, new solar panels and more.

A small area plan was created for the South Concord Corridor to help guide development, and one major project is already underway. Construction began last fall on an 80,000-square-foot office and warehouse building. It’s the first phase of the 50-acre Wakota Industrial Business Park that is anticipated to have about 500,000 square-feet of light industrial development. About $1.25 million in grant funding was secured for soil correction work for phase 1.

Park projects – Grandview and Summit Parks were both revamped; the archery range was updated with six new targets; Kaposia Park volleyball court was replaced; tennis courts at Summit and Harmon Parks were resurfaced; and Doug Woog Arena got a new Zamboni and main entry doors. State grants were received to replace the Lorraine Park playground, scheduled for completion this year. A new summer concert series and drive-in movie night will be held this year.

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