Government's Essential Role

In a Pioneer Press opinion piece this past weekend, Saint Paul City Council President Noecker made a compelling case that government is at its best when it focuses on core responsibilities, works collaboratively, and creates the conditions for communities to thrive. As Noecker argued, cities must prioritize the fundamentals—public safety, infrastructure, and basic services—while building stronger partnerships with counties, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations to address broader challenges.
 
That philosophy resonates strongly with me.
 
The strongest communities are built when government, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations each bring their strengths to the table. And in Saint Paul, we’re working together on critical issues such as zoning, economic development efforts, workforce initiatives, downtown revitalization, public safety partnerships, and efforts to support vulnerable populations. 
 
One clear example of the City focusing on basic services is Mayor Her’s commitment to serving the unsheltered – a continuation of the City and County work over years of focused efforts and committed resources. She has faced criticism for the City’s plan to close homeless encampments. And yet, this approach is not new. And neither is service to the city’s most vulnerable a new priority. Tacit endorsement of people remaining in unsafe and unhealthy conditions is not a solution. Real compassion means connecting people with housing, services, treatment, and support—and such services are essential to ensure people are served, not simply relocated.  
 
This is but one example of how partnerships between the city, the business community, service providers, and residents create better outcomes than any one sector can achieve alone. And partnership also means supporting leaders who are willing to make tough decisions – tackling complex issues directly. It means recognizing that compassion and accountability are not opposing values. And it means continuing to build the kinds of cross-sector relationships that produce real results for our community.

---

Next on the Calendar: