Budget Committee Meeting - August 5, 2026

The Budget Committee met on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers, City Hall. Chair Johnson presided. Roll call showed five present (Bowie, Coleman, Jost, Noecker, Yang, Johnson) and two absent. The committee received presentations on the Evie Carshare Program and District Council funding, both received and filed without formal action.

Discussion Items

Evie Carshare Program Update (SR 26-161)

• Presentation by: Aaron Kaiser (Public Works) and Amanda Lagrange (CEO of Our Car). The update covered the EV Spot Network, which includes EV Spot charging and EV carshare. St. Paul operates 170 charging plugs (50% public, 50% for carshare) and 179 vehicles (167 free-float, 12 hub-based). The service area covers about 18 square miles (1/3 of the city) and is expanding to the east side, adding 3 square miles (total ~38% coverage).
• Funding history: The system was built largely with federal grants (DOE, MPCA) and local match. Operations funding is now at risk due to federal cuts, reduced philanthropy, and shifting regional solicitation requirements. The program faces a drastically changed funding landscape.
• Performance: In 2026, over 3,000 carshare users and 80,000 trips recorded (up from ~4,000 users in 2025). User survey (2025) found: 62% using for groceries/household goods, 47% for commuting, 41% for medical appointments, and 66% said carshare allowed them to sell or postpone vehicle purchase. 46% of users combine carshare with transit.
• Financial challenges: Insurance costs are 23% of annual expenses, having doubled in 2025. Electricity rates are rising. The program has experienced maintenance issues (copper wire theft, equipment damage) and unexpected utility minimum usage penalties from Excel Energy. The city is negotiating with Excel to adjust rates but faces slow progress.
• Budget request: Public Works requested a $440,000 above-base increase for the EV Spot Network (covers 14% increase in charging operating costs, $300,000 for EV carshare operating support, and $60,000 for expansion). Separately, Our Car is seeking $1.1 million from multiple partners (Minneapolis, Ramsey/Hennepin counties, Met Council); St. Paul's share ($300,000) is part of that $1.1 million. The committee asked about verification of low-income access plan eligibility (self-attested but reviewed by member services) and about leveraging purchasing power with Excel and insurers. Councilmembers Yang and Noecker expressed strong support for the program and requested further data on station usage and partnership commitments.
• Outcome: Report received and filed.

Update on District Councils (SR 26-162)

• Presentation by: Zoe Borgeray (PED District Council Coordinator). Overview of the 17 district councils: independent nonprofits that partner with the city via annual Community Engagement Agreements. They provide community input on planning/development, amplify city messaging, support city engagement, and maintain district plans.
• Budget changes from FY2025 to FY2026: Total allocation increased from $1,441,211 (FY2025: $1,096,211 General Fund + $345,000 CDBG) to approximately $1,700,000 (FY2026: increased General Fund by $200,000 ongoing + $59,660 HRA General Fund ongoing + one-time $345,000 transfer from HRA Parking Fund to replace CDBG). CDBG removal eliminates federal compliance burdens (e.g., 15% indirect cost cap). The funding formula (based on population, poverty, non-English speaking, and employment data) was updated with current demographic data; minimum allocation rose from $62,922 to $55,049. The formula dates from 2005 and is population-heavy.
• Discussion: Council President Noecker asked whether the $345,000 one-time parking fund transfer creates a 2027 funding gap (answered: yes, a future source must be found). She also inquired about practical effects of removing CDBG requirements—Borgeray noted it may take time to assess but relieved administrative burdens. Councilmember Johnson noted the city's interest in equitable distribution and asked that district councils be surveyed on their experience with the change. Councilmember Noecker questioned whether additional funding for districts with higher poverty/non-English populations comes with expectations for targeted engagement (translation, childcare, etc.); Borgeray said expectations are still being developed but language access and equity are now eligible expenses.
• Outcome: Report received and filed.

Key Outcomes

• Both SR 26-161 (Evie Carshare Update) and SR 26-162 (District Councils Update) were received and filed with no votes taken. The committee will continue budget discussions at the August 13 community engagement session.