Early Life and Entry Into Politics
Melvin Carter III was born in 1979 in St. Paul, Minnesota, where his family has resided for four generations. After a formative experience with voter suppression during the 2000 presidential election while in college, Carter became involved in community organizing and political campaigns.
This activism led him to successfully advocate for light rail stations in St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood, where his family lost property decades earlier due to freeway construction. Carter then served on the St. Paul City Council from 2008-2013.
Tenure as Mayor
Carter was elected Mayor of St. Paul in 2017 and assumed office in January 2018. During his tenure, he has focused heavily on equity initiatives.
Some of his major accomplishments include raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour, eliminating late fines at libraries, establishing the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, expanding services for immigrants and refugees, and creating CollegeBound St. Paul to start college savings accounts for children.
Carter has also implemented significant policing reforms like revising the department’s use of force policy and embedding social workers to respond to mental health crises. And his public safety approach centers on community violence prevention programs and alternative justice models.
Ongoing Policy Priorities
As Carter starts his second term, his budget aims to improve public safety by investing in youth jobs, mental health resources, recreation, and first responders.
Additionally, Carter is working to address issues like affordable housing, tenant protections, infrastructure, and racial equity across Saint Paul. From launching a guaranteed income pilot to canceling medical debt, Carter strives to uplift underserved residents.
At only 38 when first elected, Melvin Carter brought new energy and vision to the capital city. And as the first African American Mayor of Saint Paul, his leadership is paving the way for a more just and inclusive future.
