Title
Recognizing the City’s participation in Welcoming Week 2026.
Body
WHEREAS, Welcoming Week, sponsored nationally by Welcoming America, brings communities together to strengthen connections across languages, cultures, and customs, and to affirm the contributions of all communities, including immigrants, refugees, New Americans, and longtime residents, and to invite reflection on the meaning and process of acquiring United States citizenship; and
WHEREAS, the Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis have collaborated in developing this resolution to affirm a shared regional commitment to welcoming communities and to recognize that every resident benefits when our cities foster belonging, safety, connection, and opportunity for all; and
WHEREAS, Saint Paul is strengthened by the people who call our city home, including immigrants, refugees, and new Americans who contribute as neighbors, workers, business owners, public servants, community leaders, and advocates; and
WHEREAS, the stories, cultures, languages, and experiences of our diverse communities are woven together to create the rich tapestry of Saint Paul and contribute to the cultural, civic, and economic vitality of our city; and
WHEREAS, current events with continuing impact on our communities, including Operation Metro Surge, have demonstrated the importance of trust, clear and accurate information, community support, and ensuring residents have safe spaces to live, work, seek help, and participate in community life without fear of discrimination or harm; and
WHEREAS, a welcoming Saint Paul requires more than words or celebrations; it calls for continued commitment to language access, equitable services, meaningful community engagement, inclusive employment practices, and ensuring residents have real opportunities to shape the decisions that affect their lives; and
WHEREAS, our communities continue to show resilience, creativity, and support for one another, reinforcing the strength that comes from shared commitment to belonging; and
WHEREAS, Welcoming Week 2026 will take place September 10 through September 19, offering Saint Paul opportunities to recognize the people and communities who make our city stronger and to renew our shared commitment to belonging, dignity, safety, and opportunity for all; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council recognizes Welcoming Week 2026, September 10-19, and reaffirms Saint Paul’s commitment to being a city where every resident can experience safety, dignity, connection, opportunity, and belonging; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Saint Paul will continue strengthening partnerships, expanding equitable access to services, and supporting community-driven efforts that foster trust and inclusion throughout the city.