During public meetings, these civic leaders make decisions about policies and programs. They determine what the community can afford and judge what is best for the community's well-being. The city council’s work is generally organized into items that require action and those that require discussion or policy direction. The city council sets and follows the rules and procedures for the conduct of their meetings. Learn more here.

Items that require city council action, such as voting on a street construction project or approval of the city’s budget, occur during regular meetings held on the first and third Mondays of every month at city hall. Items that require more in-depth city council discussion or policy direction usually occur at study sessions held on the second and/or fourth Mondays of every month or as needed at the discretion of the city manager. View the city council meeting schedule.

At regular meetings, any member of the public may address the city council on an item that is on the agenda. Comments will be limited to three (3) minutes per person. If you are unable to attend a regular meeting in person, you may also comment on agenda items by emailing info@stlouisparkmn.gov by noon the day of the meeting. Comments must be related to an item on the agenda and will be shared with the city council prior to the meeting. Generally, it is not council practice to receive public comment during study sessions.

The city council utilizes “systems thinking” to approach and organize their work. In many cases, items are discussed at a study session prior to being placed on a council agenda for action.

Regular city council meetings are shown live on ParkTV. Recordings are available on the city's YouTube channel typically 24 hours after the meeting.

A member of the public may complete this form to request a proclamation or presentation time on an agenda to address the city council on a specific topic. Requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of a meeting. Staff will respond to all requests within (3) business days of receipt. All requests will first be reviewed by staff to determine the options available to facilitate. Requests should reflect or be related to at least one of the city's strategic priorities. The city manager makes the final determination on items that are placed on any city council agenda. Meetings of the St. Louis Park City Council are open to the public. Anyone may address the council at any time regarding items that are on regular meeting agendas. Generally, it is not council practice to receive public comment during study sessions.

If you have any questions, contact the city clerk's office at mkennedy@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.928.2840.

On May 21, 2018, the St. Louis Park City Council adopted the following strategic priorities:

• 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.
• St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in environmental stewardship.
• St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of housing and neighborhood oriented development.
• St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably.
• St. Louis Park is committed to creating opportunities to build social capital through community engagement.

Systems thinking is an approach that allows the city council to analyze and focus on how items and concepts are connected so they can establish desired outcomes that reflect the city’s strategic priorities. Making informed decisions requires an understanding of how a particular action is influenced or impacted by other parts within a system.

The city council organizes its work into five systems, one system for each of the city’s strategic priorities.

The city council systems calendar is developed by staff and reflects different considerations related to timing of discussions, impact on other projects and leaves space for council’s regular blocks of business, such as developing and adopting the city’s budget or making decisions on development or street projects.

Note: The systems calendar may be adjusted if more or less time is needed in a system or to accommodate other items that may arise and require more immediate city council discussion or policy direction.

At the start of each system, a general outline is provided to the city council that details the items that will be addressed within the system. The best ways to stay up to date on the city council’s work is by viewing their meeting agendas, subscribing to receive email notifications about the city council and contacting city staff or a council member.