Title
Authorizing the proper City officials to accept a gift stipend to attend the Cities for Action National Convening in Chicago, Illinois on Sunday November 15, 2026, through Tuesday November 17, 2026.
Body
WHEREAS, Cities for Action is a coalition of nearly 200 U.S. mayors and county executives advocating for pro-immigrant federal policies and launching innovative, inclusive programs and policies at the local level;
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul is a member of Cities for Action;
WHEREAS, Cities for Action will be hosting a national convening on November 16, 2026, through November 17, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois;
WHEREAS, this convening offers City and County representatives an opportunity to strategize on how members can develop a pro-active agenda that will increase their ability to serve immigrant residents;
WHEREAS, Cities for Action members have identified several critical issues impacting their work and this convening provides the space to think, plan, and learn together;
WHEREAS, Cities for Action will discuss upcoming advocacy opportunities and share best practices in local immigrant inclusion initiatives;
WHEREAS, Cities for Action has offered a travel stipend of up to $800.00 to cover the airfare, hotel, and ground transportation in Chicago for one representative from the City Attorney’s Office of Saint Paul to attend this convening;
WHEREAS, the educational and networking opportunities offered through this convening would be of significant benefit to the City of Saint Paul and our residents;
WHEREAS, participation in the Cities for Action convening would provide an opportunity to acquire technical knowledge to develop and improve the City of Saint Paul’s immigrant and refugee integration programming;
WHEREAS, we recognize that participating in the Cities for Action National Convening would benefit the residents of the City of Saint Paul;
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Attorney’s Office wishes to send Assistant City Attorney, Edmundo D. Lijo, to the Cities for Action National Convening; therefore,
be it resolved that the Saint Paul City Council authorizes the Saint Paul City Attorney’s Office to accept the stipend of up to $800.00 to cover the travel and lodging costs associated with sending Assistant City Attorney Edmundo D. Lijo to the Cities for Action National Convening and approves the changes to the 2026 budget as outlined in the attached financial analysis.