Will St. Paul Voters Approve A 1 Percent Pothole Tax?

ST. PAUL, MN — On Tuesday, Nov. 7, St. Paul residents who head to the polls will be faced with a question about a proposed 1 percent citywide sales tax.

Over the next 20 years, the proposed tax would raise $738,000,000 to repair and improve streets and bridges, and another $246,000,000 to improve parks and recreation facilities.

St. Paul is notorious for the poor shape of its roads, especially during the early spring pothole season. And it's not just anecdotal evidence that backs up the capital city's bumpy reputation.

St. Paul's roads are — on average — in far worse condition than those in Minneapolis and in cities across the upper Midwest, according to a 2019 St. Paul Public Works report.

According to the same report — if funding levels stay constant — "almost 30 percent of streets will be in a failed condition by 2039."

"This represents a six-fold increase in failed roadway mileage. Failed/unserviceable roads will increase from 10 miles to about 60 miles in 2039," the report adds.

Opponents say St. Paul residents and businesses are taxed enough, and the city find otherrsources of funding.

Here's exactly how the question will appear on the ballots of all St. Paul voters:

CITY QUESTION 1 (St. Paul)

1.0% SALES TAX FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO STREETS, BRIDGES, AND PARKS

Should the City of Saint Paul establish a one percent (1%) sales and use tax over the next 20 years to generate $738,000,000 to repair and improve streets and bridges, $246,000,000 to improve parks and recreation facilities, and associated bonding costs? A vote YES means repairs and improvements to streets, bridges, parks, and recreation facilities would be funded through a new one percent (1%) sales and use tax. A vote NO means repairs and improvements to streets, bridges, parks, and recreation facilities would not be funded through a new one percent (1%) sales and use tax.

Learn more about the proposal on the city website.