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Updating Chapter 310 of the Legislative Code (Title XXIX) pertaining to Uniform License Procedures to extend payment of license renewal fees owed in calendar year 2026.
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SECTION I
WHEREAS, The City of Saint Paul holds direct authority over several service-based business license types, a critical lever it can use to provide timely support to local businesses; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) is funded in part by licensing fees as required by section 310.01 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code; and
WHEREAS, Federal immigration enforcement actions conducted in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area as part of “Operation Metro Surge,” beginning in late 2025, have caused significant economic disruption and instability for businesses and workers across the region; and
WHEREAS, Many establishments holding Class N licenses operate within the hospitality and nightlife sectors and rely heavily on stable staffing and consistent customer activity, but as a result of Operation Metro Surge these establishments have experienced reduced revenue and staffing challenges; and
WHEREAS, Providing a temporary delay in payment of Class N license renewal fees is a sound policy approach that delivers clear temporary, targeted relief while maintaining necessary oversight; and
WHEREAS, The City experienced a cyberattack in July of 2025 that, as a consequence, prevented the timely notice of all business license renewals, necessitating DSI’s delay of renewal notices normally issued and due between July 2025 and April 2026; and
WHEREAS, The City is taking this action to support local businesses, protect jobs, and strengthen economic stability, community resilience, and the vibrancy of all neighborhoods in Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, Providing temporary flexibility in the timing of Class N license renewal fee payments received and owed in calendar year 2026 will help affected businesses maintain compliance with licensing requirements while recoverin...
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