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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/09/08 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 6:00 p.m. Study session – Community Room Discussion items 1. Boards and Commissions check-in with city council: Human Rights Commission 2. Title VI program 3. Language access plan overview Written reports 4. Racial equity and inclusion (REI) system kick-off Members of the public can attend St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority and city council meetings in person. At regular city council meetings, members of the public may comment on any item on the agenda by attending the meeting in-person or by submitting written comments to info@stlouisparkmn.gov by noon the day of the meeting. Official minutes of meetings are available on the city website once approved. Watch St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority or regular city council meetings live at bit.ly/watchslpcouncil or at www.parktv.org, or on local cable (Comcast SD channel 14/HD channel 798). Recordings of the meetings are available to watch on the city's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@slpcable, usually within 24 hours of the meeting’s end. City council study sessions are not broadcast. Generally, it is not council practice to receive public comment during study sessions. The council chambers are equipped with Hearing Loop equipment and headsets are available to borrow. If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call 952.924.2505. 5. Impact of changing property values in commercial and residential property types Meeting: Study session Meeting date: September 8, 2025 Discussion item: 1 Executive summary Title: Boards and Commissions check-in with city council: Human Rights Commission Recommended action: None at this time. Policy consideration: None at this time. Summary: Based on guidance provided by city council members during the Feb. 3, 2025 special study session which was focused on establishing protocols for boards and commissions, it was decided to schedule regular check-ins between boards and commissions and the city council throughout the year. The September 2025 meeting will spotlight the Human Rights Commission, represented by the current chair, Katie Lawler Turnbull, and vice chair, Andrea Alvarez. The staff liaison to the Human Rights Commission is Pat Coleman, community engagement coordinator. The Human Rights Commission is one of the five advisory boards and commissions whose purpose is to advise the city council in its efforts to ensure all citizens protection of their human rights and full and equal opportunity for participation in the affairs of this community. The commission assists individuals and groups in cultivating a community that embraces principles of equity and respect for all of its citizens. The discussion will cover an overview of the commission's approved work plan, including any completed tasks, ongoing projects and strategies for addressing unaddressed work plan items. Additionally, the discussion will include opportunities for council feedback, potential modifications or additions to the work plan, and any other relevant topics concerning the commission's activities. In October 2025, the boards and commissions check-in meeting is set to feature the Housing Authority and the Police Advisory Commission. Financial or budget considerations: None at this time. Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all. Supporting documents: 2025 Human Rights Commission approved workplan 2025 Human Rights Commission current roster Human Rights Commission Bylaws Prepared by: Pat Coleman, community engagement coordinator Reviewed by: Cheyenne Brodeen, administrative services director Approved by: Cindy Walsh, deputy city manager Board and Commission Annual work plan Approved by city council: Feb. 18, 2025 1 2025 work plan │ Human Rights Commission 1 Initiative name: Neighborhood Revitalization Grant Program Initiative type: ☒Staff support (review project, policy or program and provide feedback) ☐Independent research project ☐Gather community feedback ☐Lead community event Initiative origin: ☐Third party-initiated ☐Staff-initiated ☐Commission-initiated ☒Council-initiated Legally required (e.g. response to Legislative changes or Judicial decisions)? ☐Yes ☐No Commissioner lead(s) name(s): All commission members If joint commission initiative, list other board or commission: Is this an established work group? (if applicable) ☐Yes ☒No Initiative description: Supporting city staff on reviewing the program as needed. Strategic Priority: ☒ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☒ 5 ☐ N/A Deliverable: ☐ Research report ☐ Summary of community input ☒ Other ☐ N/A Target completion date: Q1 This section to be completed by staff: Council request (if applicable): ☐ Review and comment or reply ☐ Review and decide ☒ Informational only – no response needed Budget required: None Staff support required: None Liaison comments: None Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 1) Title: Boards and Commissions check-in with city council: Human Rights Commission Page 2 2 2 Initiative name: Cashless businesses and unbanked policy Initiative type: ☒Staff support (review project, policy or program and provide feedback) ☐Independent research project ☐Gather community feedback ☐Lead community event Initiative origin: ☐Third party-initiated ☒Staff-initiated ☐Commission-initiated ☐Council-initiated Legally required (e.g. response to Legislative changes or Judicial decisions)? ☐Yes ☐No Commissioner lead(s) name(s): All commission members If joint commission initiative, list other board or commission: Is this an established work group? (if applicable) ☐Yes ☒No Initiative description: City staff approached the HRC before their report on cashless businesses and unbanked policy went to the city council for review. Staff provided feedback on the information provided and were asked to report any information they heard in the community regarding the topic. Staff have committed to being involved in this process as needed. Strategic Priority: ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5 ☐ N/A Deliverable: ☐ Research report ☒ Summary of community input ☐ Other ☒ N/A Target completion date: This section to be completed by staff: Council request (if applicable): ☐ Review and comment or reply ☐ Review and decide ☒ Informational only – no response needed Budget required: none Staff support required: none Liaison comments: none Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 1) Title: Boards and Commissions check-in with city council: Human Rights Commission Page 3 3 3 Initiative name: Children’s first literacy festival Initiative type: ☐Staff support (review project, policy or program and provide feedback) ☐Independent research project ☐Gather community feedback ☒Lead community event Initiative origin: ☐Third party-initiated ☐Staff-initiated ☒Commission-initiated ☐Council-initiated Legally required (e.g. response to Legislative changes or Judicial decisions)? ☐Yes ☐No Commissioner lead(s) name(s): All commission members If joint commission initiative, list other board or commission: Is this an established work group? (if applicable) ☐Yes ☐No Initiative description: Yearly, the HRC partners with Children’s First and attends an event promoting city happenings. Strategic Priority: ☒ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5 ☐ N/A Deliverable: ☐ Research report ☒ Summary of community input ☐ Other ☒ N/A Target completion date: Q4 This section to be completed by staff: Council request (if applicable): ☐ Review and comment or reply ☐ Review and decide ☒ Informational only – no response needed Budget required: Staff support required: Liaison comments: Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 1) Title: Boards and Commissions check-in with city council: Human Rights Commission Page 4 4 4 Initiative name: Human Rights Awards Initiative type: ☐Staff support (review project, policy or program and provide feedback) ☐Independent research project ☐Gather community feedback ☒Lead community event Initiative origin: ☐Third party-initiated ☐Staff-initiated ☐Commission-initiated ☒Council-initiated Legally required (e.g. response to Legislative changes or Judicial decisions)? ☐Yes ☒No Commissioner lead(s) name(s): All commission members If joint commission initiative, list other board or commission: Is this an established work group? (if applicable) ☐Yes ☒No Initiative description: Re-implement the Human Rights Awards which last took place in 2022. Strategic Priority: ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☒ 5 ☐ N/A Deliverable: ☐ Research report ☐ Summary of community input ☒ Other ☐ N/A Target completion date: Q1 This section to be completed by staff: Council request (if applicable): ☐ Review and comment or reply ☒ Review and decide ☐ Informational only – no response needed Budget required: funds to purchase award Staff support required: council report and award presentation Liaison comments: None Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 1) Title: Boards and Commissions check-in with city council: Human Rights Commission Page 5 5 5 Initiative name: Support citywide Vision 4.0 process Initiative type: ☒Staff support (review project, policy or program and provide feedback) ☐Independent research project ☐Gather community feedback ☐Lead community event Initiative origin: ☐Third party-initiated ☒Staff-initiated ☐Commission-initiated ☐Council-initiated Legally required (e.g. response to Legislative changes or Judicial decisions)? ☐Yes ☒No Commissioner lead(s) name(s): All commission members If joint commission initiative, list other board or commission: Is this an established work group? (if applicable) ☐Yes ☒No Initiative description: Support the citywide Vision 4.0 process by participating directly and/or encouraging others to participate, and by sharing information with other community members about the process. Strategic Priority: ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☒ 5 ☐ N/A Deliverable: ☐ Research report ☐ Summary of community input ☐ Other ☒ N/A Target completion date: This section to be completed by staff: Council request (if applicable): ☐ Review and comment or reply ☐ Review and decide ☒ Informational only – no response needed Budget required: None Staff support required: None Liaison comments: None Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 1) Title: Boards and Commissions check-in with city council: Human Rights Commission Page 6 6 Initiative Origin Definitions •Third party-initiated – Project initiated by applicant or external agency (statutory boards) •Staff-initiated – Project initiated by staff liaison or other city staff •Commission-initiated – Project initiated by the board or commission •Council-initiated – Project tasked to a board or commission by the city council Strategic Priorities 1.St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all. 2.St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in environmental stewardship. 3.St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of housing and neighborhood oriented development. 4.St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably. 5.St. Louis Park is committed to creating opportunities to build social capital through community engagement Modifications •Work plans may be modified, to add or delete items, in one of three ways: •Work plans can be modified by mutual agreement during a joint work session. •If immediate approval is important, the board or commission can work with their staff liaison to present a modified work plan for city council approval at a council meeting. •The city council can direct a change to the work plan at their discretion. Future ideas Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 1) Title: Boards and Commissions check-in with city council: Human Rights Commission Page 7 Initiatives that are being considered by the board or commission but not proposed in the annual work plan. Council approval is needed if the board or commission decides they would like to amend a work plan. 7 Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 1) Title: Boards and Commissions check-in with city council: Human Rights Commission Page 8 Initiative Comments LGBTQIA+ allyship (mental health resources and resources) Commission is interested in seeking allyship with the LGBTQIA+ community citywide to continue to understand their challenges and work alongside them to promote equity and inclusion. AI interactions awareness Human Rights Book club Hosting a book club Housing Rights Making residents aware of their housing rights More Awareness/Support opportunities Hosting events, tabling, info/awareness snag bags Response to hate crime What/how can we respond Current 2025 Human Rights Commission Roster Name Role Term Expires Katie Lawler Turnbull Chair May 31, 2027 Andrea Alvarez Vice Chair May 31, 2028 Isabel Anderson Regular Member May 31, 2026 Daniel Bashore Regular member May 31, 2027 Lee Conlife Regular member May 31, 2026 Jackie Kay Regular member May 31, 2026 Cynthia Thaiye Reuglar member May 31, 2028 Akilah Anderson Youth member Aug. 31, 2026 Otoha Masaki Youth member Aug. 31, 2026 Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 1) Title: Boards and Commissions check-in with city council: Human Rights Commission Page 9 ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION BY-LAWS Revised March 20, 2007 and Approved by City Council on April 16, 2007. The St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission was established May 20, 1968. Article I - The Commission 1.1 Name of Commission. The name of the Commission shall be the “St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission”, which is referred to herein from time to time as “The Commission”. 1.2 Powers. The powers of the commission shall be vested in the Commissioners thereof in office 1.3 Mission, Vision, Values, and Goal Statements. The Commission shall operate under the tenets of these mission, vision, values and goal statements. 1.31 Mission •The purpose of the human rights commission shall be to advise the city council in its efforts to ensure all citizens protection of their human rights and full and equal opportunity for participation in the affairs of this community. The commission assists individuals and groups in cultivating a community that embraces principles of equity and respect for all of its citizens. •The Commission adheres to the vision set forth by the City •The Commission adheres to the values set forth by the City 1.34 Goals •Study and review programs and policies and advise and aid the city council in enlisting the cooperation of agencies, organizations and individuals in the city in an active program directed to create equal opportunity and eliminate discrimination. •Make recommendations to the city council regarding formulation and implementation of human rights programs for the city. The programs shall be directed toward increasing the effectiveness and direction of all individuals and agencies of the city through planning, policy-making and education in the area of human rights. •Advise the city council with respect to human rights issues arising out of or in connection with the plans or operations of any city department or agency and recommend the adoption of such specific policies or actions as may be needed to protect human rights in the city. •Advise and recommend to the city council programs or legislation to eliminate inequalities of opportunity in the area of human rights. Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 1) Title: Boards and Commissions check-in with city council: Human Rights Commission Page 10 1.33 Values from time to time. 1.32 Vision •Publish and distribute to the public at large any materials necessary or advisable to carry out its functions, subject to requirements of the city council. •Make studies, surveys and investigations necessary or advisable to carry out its functions. •Sponsor such meetings, institutes, and forums and other educational activities as will lead to clearer understanding of local human rights issues and contribute to their proper resolution. Article II - Officers 2.1 Officers. The officers of the Commission shall be Chair, and Vice-Chair. 2.2 Chair. The chair shall preside at all meetings of the commission. The chair shall also be responsible for appointing Commission members to task force committees. The Chair’s position rotates annually and the chair serves for one year. 2.3 Vice-Chair. The vice-chair shall perform the duties of the chair in the absence or incapacity of the chair; and in case of the resignation or death of the chair, the vice- chair shall perform such duties as imposed on the chair until such time as the commission shall select a new chair. The Vice-Chair serves for one year. 2.4 Secretary (if applicable). The secretary shall be responsible for ensuring proper notice of all meetings is given. The secretary shall also be responsible for the minutes of all meetings and for the recording of all official actions of the commission in accordance with MN Statute and City policy. The secretary shall perform other duties as the commission shall prescribe. 2.5 Staff Liaison. A staff liaison to the Human Rights Commission shall be appointed by the city manager and shall be subject to the administrative rules and regulations of the city. The staff liaison may facilitate or assist in the meetings and shall be responsible for recording attendance of commission members. The staff liaison is responsible for keeping the city manager informed regarding the business of the commission and shall communicate to the city manager any problems or issues that may arise. The staff liaison shall also be responsible for assisting the commission in considering their financial needs and, if deemed necessary by the commission, shall request appropriate funding from the city council through the annual budget process. 2.6 Delegation of Duties. Officers may delegate duties of their position to other personnel as deemed appropriate by the commission. Article III - Election of Officers 3.1 Elections and Terms of Office. The chair and vice-chair shall be elected from the commission membership by its members at the regular meeting in December of each year, or as shortly thereafter as possible. Terms of office shall be for one year and shall run from January 1st through December 31st of each year, or until a duly elected successor takes office. Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 1) Title: Boards and Commissions check-in with city council: Human Rights Commission Page 11 3.2 Vacancies. Should the office of chair or vice-chair become vacant, the commission shall elect a successor from its membership at the next regular meeting, and such election shall be for the unexpired term of said office. Article IV - Meetings 4.1 Meetings. All meetings of the commission shall be conducted in accordance with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law. 4.2 Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the commission shall be the regular meeting in December at which time elections will be held and the schedule for the following year’s regular meeting schedule will be considered. 4.3 Regular Meetings. The regular meetings of the commission shall be held on the third Tuesday of the month at City Hall at 7:00 p.m. The commission may, by a majority vote, change the regular meeting dates for any reason provided proper public notice of the changed meeting is provided to the public. 4.4 Holidays. The Commission shall hold regular meetings as set forth in section 4.3. [provided however, that when the day fixed for any regular meeting of the Commission falls upon any of the following holidays: Ash Wednesday, Chanukah, Christmas, Veterans Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, President’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, New Year's Day, Passover (first two nights), Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur, such meeting shall be held at the same hour on the next succeeding Tuesday not a holiday. (For Chanukah, Christmas, Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the holiday includes the evening before the holiday.) All regular meetings of the Commission shall be held in the City Hall of the City or other public building as noticed. 4.5 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Commission may be called by the chair or two commissioners, or by the city council, for the purpose of transacting any business designated in the call. The call for special meeting shall be delivered in compliance with state law. The secretary must deliver to the commissioners at least three days prior to the meeting a notice of the date, time, place and purpose of the special meeting. If however, all commissioners attend and participate in the meeting, these notice requirements are not necessary. The presence of any commissioner at a special meeting shall constitute a waiver of any formal notice unless the commissioner appears for the special purpose of objecting to the holding of such meeting. Notice of the date, time, place and purpose of a special meeting must also be posted by the secretary on the principal bulletin board of the city at least three days prior to the date of the meeting. 4.5 Emergency Meetings. An emergency meeting may be called by the chair due to circumstances which require immediate consideration. The staff liaison may notify commissioners by any means available. A good faith effort shall be made to provide notice of the meeting to any news medium that has filed a written request for notice of meetings. The notice shall include the purpose of the meeting. 4.5 Quorum and Voting. The presence of a majority of all currently appointed members of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting its business and exercising its powers and for all other purposes. In the event a quorum is not reached, a smaller number of members may meet to discuss the business of the commission and recommendations may be made, however, formal action must be reserved for such time as a quorum of the commission is reached. Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 1) Title: Boards and Commissions check-in with city council: Human Rights Commission Page 12 Article V - Agenda and Records of Proceedings 5.1 Agenda Preparation. The agenda for regular and special meetings of the commission shall be prepared by the staff liaison subject to approval by the chair. Items to be placed on the agenda may be proposed by the chair, a commission member, the staff liaison or at the request of the city council. Residents, businesses, or other interested parties may contact individual commission members or the staff liaison to request that an item be placed on the agenda for consideration. All agenda topics presented by the city council will be placed on an appropriate agenda, requests from other parties will be placed on an appropriate future agenda at the discretion of the chair. . 5.2 Approval of the Agenda. The agenda shall be approved at each meeting prior to discussion of any item on the agenda. At the time of agenda approval, items may be removed and the order of business may be modified by a majority vote of members present at the meeting. Prior to adjournment, members present may communicate items recommended for inclusion on future agendas. 5.3 Record of Proceedings. All minutes and resolutions shall be in writing and shall be copied in the journal of the proceedings of the Authority. Records shall be kept in accordance with MN Statute and Rules regarding preservation of public records and the MN Data Privacy Act. Article VI - Attendance and Performance of Duties 6.1 Attendance. Regular attendance at meetings is a requirement for continued membership. Commission members are expected to attend regular and special commission meetings and assigned committee meetings. Planned absences communicated to the commission chair or committee task force chair in advance of the meeting will be deemed excused. Any other absence will be deemed unexcused. The commission will approve and record the approval of all excused and unexcused absences. 6.2 Reporting. Council will be informed if a member receives three unexcused absences in any calendar year, if a member attends scheduled meetings irregularly or if a member is frequently absent from scheduled meetings. 6.3 Performance of Duties. Commissioners are expected to adequately prepare for meetings. Commissioners unable to complete an assigned task should notify the commission chair or task force chair as soon as possible. The commission may ask the Council to review a member's appointment based upon its assessment of significant non-performance of duties. Article VII - Commission Activities 7.1 Annual Work Plan. The commission will adopt an annual work plan that details activities and projected timelines for the calendar year. •The chair may appoint commission members to be primarily responsible for each work plan activity. •The commission may establish task force committees to oversee work plan activities, chaired by members appointed by the chair. Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 1) Title: Boards and Commissions check-in with city council: Human Rights Commission Page 13 •Commission work plans will be submitted to the City Council by January 1st or as shortly thereafter as practicable. •Commission members will attend a study session to discuss the annual work plan with the City Council. A written mid-year progress report is due by July 31 of each year. 7.2 Task Forces. The commission may create task force committees to investigate and perform duties related to subjects of interest to the commission and to oversee work plan activities. •Task force committees will be chaired by commission members appointed by the commission chair. •A task force consists of at least two appointed commission members, one of whom will be designated committee chair or committee co-chair by the commission chair. A majority of the task force must be present to conduct business, including at least two commission members. •The commission may consolidate or dissolve existing task forces at any time. •The task force chair may appoint other commission members and representatives from the broader community to the task force. •The task force chair shall report about task force activities as an agenda item at regular commission meetings. 7.3 City Council Annual Report. The commission will submit an annual report to the City Council summarizing the past year's activities. The report may highlight issues of concern and other information the commission feels appropriate to convey to the city council. •The commission chair or designee will prepare the report for approval by the commission. Commission members may submit signed addenda presenting alternative conclusions or perspectives. •The report and addenda are submitted with the current year work plan by January 1 or as soon thereafter as possible. Article VIII - By-Laws and Rules 8.1 Amendments. These By-Laws may be amended by a majority of all voting member of the commission. Commission members must be given one month's advance notice regarding proposed amendments prior to formal commission action. Amendments to these procedures can only be considered at a regular meeting of the commission. 8.2 City Council’s Rules and Procedures for Boards and Commissions. These by-laws are subject to the City Council’s Rules and Procedures for Boards and Commissions, amended by Resolution 06-148 on September 18, 2006 and Chapter 2, Administration, the St. Louis Park City Code. Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 1) Title: Boards and Commissions check-in with city council: Human Rights Commission Page 14 Meeting: Study session Meeting date: September 15, 2025 Discussion item: 2 Executive summary Title: Title VI program Recommended action: There is no action being requested for this item. Policy consideration: There is no policy consideration for this item. It is being shared with the council for informational purposes. Summary: The REI Division is leading a citywide Title VI program where we abide by the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin, including limited English proficiency, in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Implementing a Title VI program is a commitment our city makes to continuing racial equity and inclusion work. Creating a citywide Title VI Program ensures our local jurisdiction has a nondiscrimination mandate where programs and activities cannot discriminate against any person with these protected characteristics. The Title VI Program is crucial for ensuring that federal funds are not used to support discriminatory practices and that all individuals have equal access to opportunities and services, regardless of their race, color or national origin. A citywide Title VI program will provide a streamline guidance, clear expectations from departments/divisions, and direction on nondiscrimination efforts including how to address discrimination when it occurs. This item is being brought forward as informational for the council. Financial or budget considerations: None. Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all. Supporting documents: Title VI Plan Staff Report Dec. 19, 2022 Prepared by: Pa Dao Yang, Racial equity and inclusion director Reviewed by: Cheyenne Brodeen, administrative services director Kim Keller, city manager Approved by: Cindy Walsh, deputy city manager Study session meeting of September 15, 2025 (Item No. 2) Page 2 Title: Title VI program Discussion Background: In December 2022, the city council adopted a Title VI plan with a focus on meeting basic transit requirements of Metropolitan Council and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). This work was done in partnership between the racial equity and inclusion (REI) division and the engineering department. For 2025, the focus is to create a Title VI program addressing citywide nondiscrimination authorities in addition to Metropolitan Council and MnDOT. In April 2025, a group of staff and key leaders met to discuss the city’s current efforts and future opportunities related to Title VI. Following this meeting, a core group was formed with representation from the following departments/divisions: racial equity and inclusion, police, engineering, sustainability, housing, human resources, communications and fire. The core group will meet three times in 2025 to review our current Title VI process. The group’s role will be to provide feedback, help identify gaps and opportunities, and support the implementation of an updated program. Staff anticipate this program will launch in 2026. Present considerations: To ground the conversation, it is essential to understand the foundation of Title VI. Title VI is a key component of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin in any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. Over time, these protections have been expanded to prevent discrimination based on age, sex, disability and income status. Our city is also subject to additional human rights laws, including the Minnesota Human Rights Act and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Title VI aligns directly with the city’s strategic priority to be a leader in racial equity and inclusion. It allows us to be intentional and proactive to remove barriers, create access and build trust. A Title VI Program is a key tool that puts this commitment into practice by moving our community from stating that we value racial equity to doing the work of racial equity. When building a Title VI program, there are key components that each program must include: •Nondiscrimination statement: A public purpose that we will not discriminate based on race, color or national origin. •Title VI Coordinator: A designated person responsible for overseeing compliance and addressing concerns. This role will be housed in the racial equity and inclusion division. •Complaint process: A clear, accessible procedure for anyone to file a discrimination complaint. •Public notification: Actively informing residents of their rights under Title VI. •Public participation plan: Strategies to ensure all voices, especially from underrepresented communities, are heard in decision making. •Language Access Plan (LAP): A plan to provide translation and interpretation services to ensure residents with limited English proficiency (LEP) can access city services. •Staff training: Ensuring city employees have the knowledge to uphold Title VI principles in their daily work. •Data collection and analysis: Using demographic data to ensure our programs are serving everyone equitably. Study session meeting of September 15, 2025 (Item No. 2) Page 3 Title: Title VI program To provide some factual context, the State of Minnesota and the City of St. Louis Park are diverse and growing communities: City of St. Louis Park: •The top five non-English languages spoken in the city are Spanish, Somali, Tibetan, French and Oromo. •The community is growing both in population and in demographic diversity. State of Minnesota: •Within the state’s population, People of Color are projected to be at 30% in 2030 and 40% in 2040. •Immigration accounted for 94% of Minnesota's net population gains from 2020 to 2024. •From July 2023 to July 2024, 30,000 people were new arrivals to Minnesota, which is two-and-a-half times higher than the annual average for the past decade. This makes the state welcoming to diverse nationalities with varying languages, cultures, religions, traditions and practices. •According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in 20 adults experience mental health challenges. •A population of 593,000 people in Minnesota has physical disability. These data matter to us now for several key reasons. As the City of St. Louis Park continues to grow and become more diverse, implementing a city-wide Title VI program ensures our services evolve to meet the needs of all residents. This is particularly important when thinking about the large infrastructure projects that are a necessary part of government work. A broader understanding of Title VI will help ensure that there is equitable access, minimize possible construction impacts where possible, and that projects are distributed fairly. A strong Title VI program is also crucial for building trust and transparency between the city and community members. When a real demonstration of the city’s commitment to equity is shown, the city can strengthen community relationships. Ultimately, this approach allows the city to govern proactively to identify and fix inequitable practices before they cause harm, leading to better outcomes for everyone. It is important to recognize that our efforts to build a Title VI program may still result in underreported discrimination. Some causes linked to underreporting discrimination are due to: •Lack of awareness regarding the ability to or how to report discrimination. •Fear of retaliation. •Perceived ineffectiveness of the process discrimination. •Complexity of filing a complaint or discrimination report. •Understanding that specific communities, especially communities of color, have experienced discrimination and are less likely to report discrimination due to historical mistrust with institutions. Having a Title VI program is an effort to address underreporting by creating public awareness campaigns. These campaigns help residents and community members understand how and where to file a discrimination report in multiple languages. Campaigns such as “Know Your Rights” are an example of the effort to build trust and empower communities to report Study session meeting of September 15, 2025 (Item No. 2) Page 4 Title: Title VI program discrimination when it occurs. Community outreach is a critical effort to engage with residents and key community leaders as trusted messengers and build trust to report discrimination. Additionally, essential components of a successful program include building a streamlined process that makes filing and reporting effective and efficient, having a clear investigation process, and reporting back on timely solutions. When a city is proactive in creating a Title VI Program, it looks at policies, budget and projects through an equity lens to prevent discrimination from happening in the first place. Without such a program, discrimination might only be addressed after a complaint is filed. Next Steps: The Title VI plan approved in 2022 will be reviewed and updated to reflect citywide program efforts. A draft of the citywide Title VI program will be presented to the core group and the human rights commission for review and feedback before bringing it back to council for approval. The REI division anticipates launching the citywide Title VI program in 2026. A communication plan will be put in place to inform city employees about the Title VI program and include training, process and procedures, resources and guidance. Meeting: Study session Meeting date: September 8, 2025 Discussion item: 3 Executive summary Title: Language access plan overview Recommended action: There is no action being requested for this item. Policy consideration: There is no policy consideration for this item. It is being shared with the council for informational purposes. Summary: To support the diverse linguistic community in St. Louis Park, and to ensure compliance with Title VI law, the city will implement a language access plan. This plan is designed to ensure everyone has equitable access to our city programs, services and activities. The plan will provide guidance and meaningful access on how to engage with our limited English proficiency (LEP) communities , understand the federal law in alignment with Title VI for nondiscrimination, and technical assistance. This item is being brought forward as informational for the council. Financial or budget considerations: None. Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all. Supporting documents: None. Prepared by: Pa Dao Yang, racial equity and inclusion director Reviewed by: Cheyenne Brodeen, administrative services director Kim Keller, city manager Approved by: Cindy Walsh, deputy city manager Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 3) Page 2 Title: Language access plan overview Discussion Background: On March 1, 2025, the federal administration issued Executive Order 14224, declaring English as the official language of the United States. While largely symbolic, it carries significant policy implications. The Department of Justice rescinded prior LEP (Limited English Proficiency) guidance under Executive Order 13166, significantly weak ening federal language access frameworks. St. Louis Park will implement its first language access plan to ensure compliance with Title VI law and to continue progress on our adopted racial equity and inclusion strategic priority. The language access plan provides information about the diverse linguistic community in St. Louis Park and in Minnesota, federal law changes, and procedures for staff to create meaningful access to our LEP communities. In March 2025, the REI division and communications and technology department worked together closely to create a language access plan workgroup that represented all nine (9) city departments with the support of department directors nominating staff to join. The members of the workgroup have high touch communication and interaction with the public (e.g. field staff, front desk customer service, community engagement, etc.) and/or are native speakers, readers or writers of a non -English language to provide their lived experiences. The workgroup will meet three times in 2025 and are tasked with identifying LEP -related services and vital department documents; considering ways to track and gather data about LEP related services; gathering data on LEP resources, tools and services used to communicate with LEP individuals; finding opportunities for departments to improve interactions with LEP residents and sharing current practices of engagement with LEP speaking, reading and writing communities. Present considerations: While the council is not making a policy decision on this item, this information is meant to inform the council on the internal policy staff is working on to embed meaningful access for limited English proficiency individuals and communities when seeking city services, programs or activities. A person who does not speak English as their primary language and has a limited ability to read, speak, write or understand it is described in federal terms as Limited English Proficient (LEP). Furthermore, an LEP can also be described using the US Census categories such as, “Speak language other than English at home” or “Speak English ‘less than very well’”. The term identifies individuals who may need language assistance or services to have meaningful access to programs, benefits, and information - particularly in areas like education, healthcare and government services. The language access plan is an extension of the Title VI program with comprehensive guidance to city employees on: 1. Federal, state and local laws on how to support LEP individuals and community members. 2. Procedures and process on how to embed equitable, accessible resources, technical assistance, and community engagement with limited English proficiency individuals and community members when utilizing city programs, services and activities . Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 3) Page 3 Title: Language access plan overview 3. Empower, educate, and inform LEP individuals and community members on their rights to access city programs, services and activities no matter their language preference and/or limited English skills. A language access plan is important because it ensures legal compliance, promotes inclusivity and equity, improves service quality and outcomes, reduces organizational liability and fosters trust and community engagement. The City of St. Louis Park is a growing diverse linguistic community. Based on the Minnesota Department of Education 2025 language data report for the St. Louis Park School district, the city’s top five non-English speaking languages are: Spanish, Somali, Tibetan, French and Oromo. In addition to the top five non-English speaking languages, St. Louis Park is home to about 50 diverse languages which also include Russian, Hebrew, Hmong, Vietnamese, Thai, Ojibwe, Ukrainian, Wolof, Punjabi, Urdu, Farsi, Tigrinya, Bassa, Mina and more. The diversity of language within our city also brings the rich culture, traditions, history and learning to our community as an asset. Prior to 2015, the city contracted with Telelanguage to support interpretation and translation for LEP community members. In 2022, to enhance our customer service and provide more accessible resources for city employees and LEP individuals, the city issued an RFP and contracted with the vendor, INGCO International. The city conducted training for city employees to utilize INGCO International’s services which included technical assistance for phone interpretation, onsite interpretation, video/remote interpretation, and how to request interpretation and translations for city communication. In addition to INGCO, the police department uses a separate vendor, Language Line. As to date, the city has two interpretation and translation contracts: INGCO International is used widely by city staff and Language Line is primarily used by the police department. To further understand the opportunities of engagement and improvements for building a Language Access Plan, the REI division and communications and technology department conducted a survey in May 2025 among city employees to gauge: 1. Awareness of utilizing the city’s contracted vendor 2. Experience working with LEP communities; and 3. Interest and importance in creating a language access plan. In total, there were 94 responses, representing one-third of the city’s staff and all nine (9) departments. Here are some of the key findings from the survey: • Most survey respondents believe it is important for the city to provide translation and interpretation services to support the LEP community. • Although staff reported that interactions with LEP community members are currently rare, there is a clear need to inform the LEP community about their right to access free interpretation and translated materials from the city. Providing this educational outreach could encourage more LEP individuals to engage with the city and its resources. • The survey indicated a need for more training for staff on who the LEP community is and how to use the city’s interpretation and translation services. Such training would build Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 3) Page 4 Title: Language access plan overview staff confidence in using these resources, leading to more equitable access to city services, programs, and activities for all residents. Next Steps The staff work group, and human rights commission will review and provide input on the Language access plan before it is finalized. A final plan will be brought to the council for review as the Title VI program is brought forth for the council’s approval in 2026. Meeting: Study session Meeting date: September 8, 2025 Written report: 4 Executive summary Title: Racial equity and inclusion (REI) system kick-off Recommended action: None. Policy consideration: None. Summary: The racial equity and inclusion (REI) division will be providing a summary of policies staff are currently developing for 2025 and anticipate launching in 2026. As part of the REI system, the city council will hear presentations or receive reports regarding the following topics: •Sept. 8, 2025: REI system kick-off •Sept. 8, 2025: Title VI program •Sept. 8, 2025: Language access plan •Sept. 15, 2025: 2026 cultural observances and proclamations •Sept. 15, 2025: REI system wrap-up Each of these topics is being brought forth as a continuation of the city’s commitment to our strategic priority of being a leader in racial equity and inclusion. While this year’s REI system will not include any specific policy questions for the council, there will be informational discussions with the council that are related to the foundational work for the REI division. Financial or budget considerations: None. Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all. Supporting documents: None. Prepared by: Pa Dao Yang, racial equity and inclusion director Reviewed by: Cheyenne Brodeen, administrative services director Kim Keller, city manager Approved by: Cindy Walsh, deputy city manager Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 4) Page 2 Title: Racial equity and inclusion (REI) system kick-off Discussion Background: In 2016, the city of St. Louis Park joined the Government Alliance for Race and Equity, a national network of government working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all. In 2017, the council formalized the city’s commitment to advancing race equity as a strategic priority after an extensive community engagement process. A new racial equity and inclusion director was hired in February 2025 and has been developing and refining foundational policies that are necessary to continue to do racial equity and inclusion work in the city of St. Louis Park. In today’s climate, efforts related to racial equity, diversity and inclusion work are facing significant challenges. The federal administration is using executive orders and federal agency guidance to threaten and even reverse the progress made by state and local governments often using federal funding as leverage. As a community who have made embedding racial equity and inclusion in our programs, policies, and practices a priority, the City of St. Louis Park is committed to creating local policies that reflect the needs of our residents and community. This will help create a more equitable, accessible, and inclusive place to work, live and thrive. Staff will continue to develop and implement policies, programs and services that: 1) uphold our commitment to our strategic priority of being a leader in racial equity and inclusion, 2) build a stronger directive on how we ensure all residents and communities receive support from the city, 3) reflect the needs of residents and community members which strengthen the fabric of city 4) are impactful and make a difference in people’s lives, and 5) are authorized by the State of Minnesota and the city charter. Present considerations: Two foundational bodies of work, the Title VI program and language access plan will be brought before the council. Staff will provide both in a presentation format to share background information with council around the work that has begun to implement these programs and plans. There will be no policy question for either consideration. Rather, staff’s intention is to offer dedicated time for the council to learn about these two bodies of work and the opportunity to discuss them with the racial equity and inclusion director. Title VI program Staff will provide the council with an overview of the Title VI program. The council adopted a Title VI policy in 2022 to comply with federal grant requirements. The Title VI program will be updated to include a citywide approach and ensure all departments are abiding by Title VI law. The council will be presented with a brief history and overview of Title VI, how the City of St. Louis Park is impacted and the importance of implementing a Title VI program citywide. Language access plan As a part of the Title VI program, cities are required to have a language access plan. A language access plan provides information about the federal law in alignment with Title VI and procedures that provides meaningful engagement with non-English or limited English Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 4) Page 3 Title: Racial equity and inclusion (REI) system kick-off proficiency individuals and community members. Staff will provide the council with information and data as it relates to the importance of this work and ensuring that all residents can access city information. 2025 proclamations and cultural observances report Staff will provide the council with the regular, annual report that includes all planned proclamations and cultural observances for 2026. Since 2024, staff has worked to make proclamations a document of observation, connection and learning by including links to further reading, community organizations and ideas of local events to attend for experiential learning. Next steps: As part of the REI system, the city council will hear presentations or receive reports regarding the following topics: • Sept. 8, 2025: Title VI program • Sept. 8, 2025: Language access plan • Sept. 15, 2025: 2026 cultural observances and proclamations • Sept. 15, 2025: REI system wrap-up Meeting: Study session Meeting date: September 8, 2025 Written report: 5 Executive summary Title: Impact of changing property values in commercial and residential property types Recommended action: For discussion purposes only. Policy consideration: Does the city council need any additional information about the proposed maximum 8.02% levy increase in 2026 before the preliminary maximum property tax levy vote on Sept. 15, 2025? Summary: The property tax levy is set through the budget process and then distributed among property taxpayers in the city according to their property type and taxable market value. Hennepin County finalizes the relevant market values for 2026 taxes in mid-August, typically around the time the city is finalizing its preliminary levy. From year to year, the timing of when the city actually receives this information from the county can vary. Once those values are known, city staff can compute an estimate median value home’s property tax bill in budget year 2026. Unfortunately, staff had not received the information from the county and was only able to do the analysis after the study session on Sept. 2, 2025. The results are included in this report. Steady growth in residential values combined with falling values in commercial buildings, particularly office buildings, is shifting more tax burden onto residential property owners. Staff wanted to get this information to council now prior to approving the preliminary levy. Financial or budget considerations: The property tax levy is adopted by city council to fund the 2026 Budget. Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable. Supporting documents: Discussion Prepared by: Amelia Cruver, finance director Reviewed by: Cheyenne Brodeen, administrative services director Approved by: Cindy Walsh, deputy city manager Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 5) Page 2 Title: Impact of changing property values in commercial and residential property types Discussion Background: The property tax levy is set through the budget process and then distributed among property taxpayers in the city according to their property type and taxable market value. Hennepin County finalizes tax capacity for 2026 taxes in mid-August, typically around the time the city is finalizing its preliminary levy. From year to year, the timing of when the city actually receives this information from the county can vary. Once final tax capacity values are known, city staff can compute an estimate median value home’s property tax bill in budget year 2026. In the assessment of property values for taxes payable 2026, St. Louis Park is experiencing trends that are also being felt by other metro-area municipalities: • Stable growth in single-family homes, • Shrinking values in commercial and industrial properties particularly buildings with office space, • Tax court resolutions that led to a reduction in value for commercial office space properties. As a result, single-family homes and all residential properties will pay for a larger portion of the overall tax levy. This trend is exacerbated by the fact that commercial properties are taxed at a higher percentage than other property types. This means that a small decrease in value for commercial properties creates a shift of taxes paid by other property types. On Sept. 2, 2025, the St. Louis Park city council discussed the 2026 budget and associated property tax levy increase. A budget was presented that included a 7.92% increase and the council consensus was an increase of $50,000 to support climate change initiatives in the climate action investment fund, bringing the total increase to 8.02% Present considerations: With the preliminary approval of the 2026 budget including an 8.02% increase in the levy, staff were able to estimate the impact on property taxes for different property types in St. Louis Park. The table below shows the estimated impact to property tax bills in 2026 by property type: Underlying growth in values Monthly Increase Annual Increase Property Tax Bill % Increase Single-Family Homestead 3.0% $27.20 $326.36 18.3% Non-Homestead 2.7% $27.54 $330.50 17.9% Condominium Homestead 0.1% $10.70 $128.42 15.0% Non-Homestead 0.0% $12.41 $148.88 14.9% Townhome Homestead 4.2% $18.33 $219.93 19.7% Non-Homestead 3.5% $19.40 $232.84 18.9% Commercial -7.9% $41.88 $502.54 5.5% Industrial -1.3% $160.82 $1,929.87 13.4% Study session meeting of September 8, 2025 (Item No. 5) Page 3 Title: Impact of changing property values in commercial and residential property types The largest factor impacting this increase in taxes is not increased spending, but rather the shift in values from commercial to residential in the city. To illustrate, no increase in the levy in 2026 would result in a 9.4% increase in property taxes for the median value single-family home, while a median commercial property would see a 2.4% reduction. The table below shows the impact of various levy increases on a median value single-family home: Percent increase in the levy Increase in property tax bill for residential single-family homes Flat levy, no increase from 2025 +9.4% 6% increase +16.0% 7% increase +17.1% 8% increase +18.2% 9% increase +19.3% Relief for some homeowners is available through the State Department of Revenue. Homeowners that experience an annual increase in their property tax bill that is over 12% may be eligible for a property tax refund. There are two types of Homestead Credit Refund: • A regular refund based on your income and property taxes • A special refund based on how much your property tax increased St. Louis Park residents may qualify for one or both of these refunds. Type of refund Requirements to claim the refund Regular • You owned and lived in your home on Jan. 2, 2025 • Your household income for 2024 was less than $139,320 Special • You owned and lived in the same home on Jan. 2, 2024, and on Jan. 2, 2025 • Your home's net property tax increased by more than 12% from 2024 to 2025 • The net property tax increase was at least $100 • The increase was not because of improvements you made to the property For complete program requirements, residents may visit: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/homeowners-homestead-credit-refund. Next steps: The city council is scheduled to vote to adopt the preliminary maximum property tax levy on Sept. 15, 2025.