St. Paul Inaugurates First All-Women City Council

The youngest and most racially diverse council in the city's history faces backlash and high expectations.

St. Paul, Minnesota, has inaugurated its first all-women City Council, marking a historic shift in the city's governance.
The seven-member council is not only all-female, but also the youngest and most racially diverse in the city's history, with six of the seven members being women of color.
The council members, all under 40, include former teachers, nonprofit executives, community organizers, congressional aides, and a civil engineer.
Despite some public backlash, council president Mitra Jalali has emphasized the importance of this shift, stating that it is not just symbolic, but also functional.
The council's priorities include affordable housing, public safety, and community service.