Kaohly Her Takes Charge: Ambitious Plans for St. Paul’s Future

The inauguration of Kaohly Vang Her as the mayor of St. Paul marks a significant milestone in the city’s history. As the first Hmong woman elected mayor of a major American city, her victory symbolizes hope and progress for a community that came to Minnesota as refugees. Her election, which involved defeating an incumbent candidate, signals a desire among voters to challenge the existing political norms and foster transformative change.

St. Paul faces pressing challenges as it navigates a post-pandemic recovery. The city’s downtown area has experienced a surge in commercial vacancy rates, now among the highest in the region. The decline in businesses and residents has exacerbated issues related to economic vitality, with indicators such as commercial occupancy and business activity consistently falling behind similar mid-sized cities across the United States. This downturn has resulted in increased pressure on homeowners, reflected in rising property taxes.

In her first days in office, Mayor Her has the opportunity to set a bold agenda to reinvigorate the city. A proposed plan could involve launching a four-year campaign to raise $400 million in public and private funds aimed at downtown revitalization. This ambitious initiative would not only energize her administration but also foster partnerships that could shift the political landscape in St. Paul.

Streamlining City Processes

One immediate area of focus for Mayor Her should be the cumbersome permitting process that frustrates small business owners and developers. The current system can be lengthy and inefficient, driving potential investments to neighboring cities that offer quicker turnarounds. With her background in finance and business, Her is well-positioned to implement reforms that could simplify and expedite permit approvals.

On her first day, she could issue an executive order establishing a new standard for 30-day approvals for standard permits. This initiative could include creating a one-stop permit office, requiring simultaneous reviews from relevant departments, and appointing a Chief Permit Officer responsible for these new timelines. Such measures have been successfully implemented in various cities, showcasing that significant improvements are achievable.

Economic vitality is crucial for St. Paul, and private developers, including Ryan Companies and Schafer Richardson, along with housing nonprofits like Aeon and CommonBond, are eager to invest. A reliable permitting process would facilitate stalled housing projects and encourage the reopening of storefronts, revitalizing the downtown area.

Enhancing Downtown Safety and Appearance

Another pressing issue is the perception of safety and cleanliness in downtown St. Paul. Many areas are perceived as empty and unsafe, leading residents to take matters into their own hands by forming Downtown Improvement Districts, funding safety services and maintenance out of pocket. This dissatisfaction underscores the need for immediate action.

Mayor Her can leverage the initiatives already underway within these improvement districts and the planning efforts of the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance. Quick actions such as installing new lighting, removing graffiti, and deploying welcome ambassadors can restore a sense of safety and vibrancy. Moreover, vacant storefronts could be transformed into pop-up locations for art and dining, drawing people back into the area.

Cities like Milwaukee and Detroit have successfully reversed declines by prioritizing a “safe, clean, and open” environment. Such initiatives can lead to a reduction in crime and an increase in business activity, creating a more appealing atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

Office-to-Housing Conversions

St. Paul must also adapt to the changing landscape of commercial real estate, particularly regarding the office market. The city should embrace the reality that the demand for office space has shifted since 2019. The St. Paul Downtown Alliance and the Saint Paul Downtown Development Corporation have identified three key properties—Landmark Towers, U.S. Bank Center, and the Lowertown property on 180 East Fifth—that are prime candidates for conversion into residential housing.

While the complete transformation of these properties will take time, Mayor Her can initiate the process by expediting approvals for preliminary plans and encouraging dialogue between developers and property owners. Visible progress, such as interior demolitions and new building permits, can generate excitement and momentum for the city’s redevelopment efforts.

St. Paul’s current challenges are significant, but the solutions are clear. Mayor Her has the opportunity to implement practical steps that can be initiated from day one. By prioritizing the permit reform, enhancing downtown safety, and kick-starting housing conversions, she can lay the groundwork for a revitalized St. Paul. These actions will not only demonstrate her commitment to the city but also signal a new era of leadership and community engagement.