Council adopts resolution recognizing Saint Paul’s participation in Welcoming Week; national nonprofit outlines program

The Saint Paul City Council adopted a resolution on Wednesday recognizing the city’s participation in Welcoming Week, and Welcoming America representatives outlined the network’s work and the Sept. 12–20 schedule.

Council members unanimously approved Resolution 205‑1404 (Item 15) after the council president introduced Edmundo Lijo from the city attorney’s office and Brianna Broberg, Midwest regional manager for Welcoming America. Broberg described Welcoming America as a national nonprofit that supports inclusive communities and convenes municipal members and local nonprofits. "Welcoming America is a national nonprofit nonpartisan organization," Broberg said, adding that the organization aims to ensure "everyone belongs and has the opportunity to thrive."

Broberg said Welcoming Week is an annual celebration of events and messaging that highlight immigrant‑inclusion work. She noted Saint Paul has been a Welcoming America member for several years and referenced a 2022 immigrant inclusion report produced with the American Immigration Council that informed local work. The council’s resolution recognizes the city’s ongoing participation and the week of Sept. 12–20 as Welcoming Week 2025.

Multiple council members praised city staff and Welcoming America for outreach and resources, and Council Member Yang thanked staff for resources that have been widely shared and used by council offices. The motion to approve the resolution passed with a recorded voice vote and the council recorded "7 in favor, no 1 opposed."