Got an idea to revitalize your neighborhood in St. Paul? The City of St. Paul's Neighborhood Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) Program is seeking applicants for more than $1.9 million in available loans and grants to help fund capital improvement projects promoting economic, commercial or residential development.

Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on March 23.

"Every year, the STAR program bolsters economic development and helps strengthen neighborhoods across the city," St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said in a statement released Thursday. "Eligible nonprofit, for-profit or public entities should all strongly consider this valuable opportunity."

Organizations that received funding in the past include the Asian Economic Development Association, Model Cities of Saint Paul, Inc. and East Side Neighborhood Development Company.

A workshop about the program and application process is set for Wednesday, February 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Historic Mounds Theatre at 1029 Hudson Road, St. Paul. Program guidelines and applications will be available at the workshop and afterwards by calling 651-266-STAR or online at www.stpaul.gov/star.

Applicants can request a minimum of $5,000 in assistance. The funding must be matched dollar-for-dollar with private resources. Funding decisions will be announced in July 2016.

Proposals can be mailed to:

City of Saint Paul, Planning and Economic Development

25 West Fourth Street, Suite 1400

Saint Paul, MN 55102