The city of St. Paul, MN has a long tradition of community engagement and involvement in the planning and development of neighborhoods. Since the 1970s, the city has encouraged the creation of district councils, which are citizen-run organizations affiliated with specific geographic areas. These district councils have been instrumental in developing neighborhood plans, which provide a framework for land use and development decisions in their respective areas. Neighborhood plans typically include goals and strategies related to housing, transportation, open space, and economic development. They are intended to be flexible documents that can evolve over time as community priorities and needs change.

Neighborhood plans are a critical tool for community-driven planning and development in St. Paul. They ensure that development decisions are made with input and feedback from residents and other stakeholders, and that neighborhood concerns are taken into account. For example, a neighborhood plan might call for the preservation of historic buildings, the creation of new parks or green spaces, or the establishment of affordable housing units in a particular area. The city uses neighborhood plans as a guide when making decisions about zoning, transportation infrastructure, and other issues that affect the built environment. By incorporating community input and vision into the planning process, St. Paul ensures that development is more sustainable, equitable, and responsive to local needs.