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State of the City
2025 State of the City Address
The 2025 State of the City Address highlights a year of progress, partnership, and planning in South St. Paul. Mayor Jimmy Francis, joined by City Council members and department leaders, reflected on major accomplishments from 2024 such as infrastructure upgrades, public safety improvements, expanded recreational opportunities, and community engagement efforts. The address also took a look ahead to 2025, outlining goals that include investing in core services, strengthening neighborhood connections, and improving community resources.
This new video-style address offers a thoughtful look at the people and projects shaping our city’s future.
2024 Highlights & Facts
- Launched the Therapy K9 Program with K9 Riley to support officer wellness and community outreach.
- Formalized officer training plans to enhance career development and consistency.
- Expanded community engagement programs, including collaboration with South St. Paul Public Schools.
- Secured grant funding for ballistic vests.
- Implemented ALPR (License Plate Reader) technology to improve investigations and public safety.
- Responded to 8,114 incidents, the highest call volume in department history.
- Secured grant funding for additional firefighter staffing to improve emergency response.
- Completed a department-wide strategic plan with Dr. Chad Weinstein.
- Renewed EMS transport contract with MHealth, ensuring top-tier medical services and generating $2.5 million in revenue.
- Added a new ladder truck, replacing aging equipment for improved capabilities.
- Introduced new service dog Finnegan to continue therapy dog support for staff.
- Completed 7th Ave S and I-494 watermain improvements under budget and ahead of schedule.
- Reconstructed Concord Exchange and Grand Avenue streetscapes.
- Completed the Wakota Scenic Trailhead project, adding trails and facilities.
- Made significant progress on the Water Treatment Plant at Well No. 3 (scheduled completion May 2025).
- Inventoried all lead water services and secured grant funding for future replacement.
- Secured $1 million Safe Routes to School grant for Marie Avenue pedestrian improvements.
- Upgraded Seidl’s Lake trail and removed/replaced damaged sidewalks citywide.
- Completed The Yards and The Back Yards, adding 263 new market-rate housing units.
- Updated zoning ordinances to reduce red tape and expand opportunities for outdoor dining, signage, and home additions.
- Progressed redevelopment efforts at the Hardman Triangle, including demolition, acquisition, and planning.
- Planted 124 new trees as part of a citywide canopy restoration effort; secured an additional $688,000 grant for future plantings.
- Completed major taxiway reconstruction to enhance safety and efficiency.
- Replaced the aging beacon system, improving nighttime operations and overall visibility.
- Completed asphalt overlays on Richmond St, Syndicate Ave, 18th Ave N, 9th Ave S, and multiple intersections.
- Crack sealed and chip sealed Richmond, Syndicate, 18th Ave N, 17th Ave N, and 9th Ave S.
- Received new maintenance trucks, replacing vehicles up to 25 years old.
- Completed over 500 boulevard stump grindings and tree removals (50 trees removed in 2024).
- Upgraded facilities with volleyball court and parking lot overlay at Lorraine Park and renovated 8 ballfields.
- Completed the Parks Master Plan, setting a long-term strategy for park development.
- Received grants for outdoor equipment rental and youth programming (cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, roller skiing, biking/e-biking).
- Launched the Pool Feasibility Study with JLG Architects to plan future aquatics investments.
- Upgraded Kaposia Park Pavilion floors, Lorraine Park volleyball court, Kaposia Landing trails, and 8 ball fields.
- Successfully hosted events including the Color Run, Splish Splash Bash, and the Giant Egg Hunt.
- Completed community projects including Lucy’s relocation, the Lois Glewwe Suffrage Memorial, and Knock Out Hunger Border Battle.
- Participated in new prayer breakfast partnership event with Inver Grove Heights.
- Successfully administered three elections: Presidential Primary, Statewide Primary, and General Election.
- Introduced expanded direct balloting early voting at City Hall with over 1,300 participants.
- Implemented significant improvements to the rental licensing program.
- Began planning for precinct realignment to better balance voter distribution.
- Provided stable housing to hundreds of residents.
- Completed key building maintenance projects and capital improvements.
- Expanded resident services and support programs.
- Advanced planning for long-term modernization of housing facilities.