By B Kyle

As the New Year begins, it’s natural to reflect on the past — celebrating successes, acknowledging challenges and identifying opportunities for growth. In that spirit, the St. Paul Area Chamber’s 2024 Public Safety Survey tells a compelling story: Public safety efforts are making a difference, and public perceptions are improving.

For the past three years, the Chamber has conducted public polling and downtown employee surveys to gauge community perceptions of safety in Saint Paul. These surveys go beyond crime statistics — they capture the real concerns and experiences of residents and employees alike.

The results show a notable shift — since 2022, concerns about crime as a top issue have dropped by over 50%. In contrast, the top concerns for residents are now tax rates and the quality of public infrastructure. Encouragingly, the percentage of those who feel crime is declining has risen from 7% in 2023 to 12% in 2024.

This shift is no accident. It’s the result of dedicated efforts by the City of Saint Paul, Ramsey County, the Met Council and numerous local partners who are collaborating to improve safety across our neighborhoods.

That said, we can’t stop here. We continue to wrestle with serious issues that need attention.

For many — especially those in downtown and key commercial corridors like University Avenue — drug use, aggressive panhandling, the unsheltered and accompanying activities are still top concerns. These things change behavior — where people choose to shop, dine, or conduct business — and they directly affect the feeling of safety in our city.

We urge a focus on these three priorities for 2025:

Enhancing downtown safety and cleanliness

Last year, the City Council voted to expand the Downtown Improvement District (DID) to cover all of downtown. This change will boost safety, cleanliness and vibrancy in our city’s core. Downtown’s recovery depends on creating a safer environment where businesses thrive, and people feel secure.

Supporting people in crisis

Programs like the Saint Paul Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART) and Union Gospel Mission’s “Work Now” initiative are crucial in connecting unsheltered individuals with services and pathways to stability. Building lasting partnerships across public, private and nonprofit sectors is key to long-term progress.

Tackling police recruitment and retention

Saint Paul residents increasingly support funding for more police officers and public safety solutions, including mental health services, social services, and enhanced police training. Our law enforcement must keep pace as our community grows and evolves. The police department faces ongoing staffing challenges that impact its ability to provide effective service. Chief Henry has been vocal about these challenges, particularly regarding the strain on the existing workforce due to staffing shortages and increased overtime costs. Addressing these staffing issues is essential for maintaining safety as our city evolves.

Moving forward: We’ve made progress, and the work is far from finished. Public safety is fundamental to our city’s revitalization and future success. Let’s build on the momentum, celebrate progress, and keep pushing forward.

B Kyle is the president and CEO of the St. Paul Area Chamber.