Audit committee reviews Wilder Research audit of Saint Paul community project CIB; recommends clearer roles, pre‑application phase

The Saint Paul Audit Committee on an unspecified date reviewed a draft Wilder Research audit of the city’s Community Investment Budget (CIB) community project process and discussed recommendations intended to improve equity, community engagement and transparency.

Wilder Research presented findings that the CIB community‑project process produces enthusiasm among applicants and committee members but still “feels complex and confusing” for many community applicants, especially those without prior city experience. Dr. Heather Bridal, the Wilder Research presenter, told the committee the consultant team interviewed 17 people, reviewed submitted documents and built an interactive story map of submissions across recent cycles to illustrate gaps and clusters.

The audit found three recurring problems: unclear ownership of community outreach and engagement; an application and timeline that favor repeat applicants or those familiar with city procedures; and inconsistent definitions and operationalization of “equity.” The report recommended clarifying roles and responsibilities among the mayor’s office, the Office of Financial Services (OFS) and CIB committee members; launching a short pre‑application screening phase…