St. Paul has a lot to celebrate, but the city still must work to expand that progress to include more of its residents.

That was the theme of Mayor Chris Coleman's 10th annual State of the City address last week, delivered from Ordway Center's new concert hall. Coleman recounted a strong list of city accomplishments, including population growth, improved graduation rates and rising property values. Investment in the city is at an all-time high: St. Paul issued $715 million in building permits last year.

Several new housing options are up and running, as are new bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and the $65 million CHS Field ballpark. And, of course, the Central Corridor light-rail line known as the Green Line now links the two downtowns and has higher-than-expected ridership.

To jump-start work on some of its other development needs, the city will commit $700,000 for two neighborhood commercial nodes to create jobs and expand the tax base. "Whether it is a neglected commercial strip or an empty lot, we know that there are numerous parcels in St. Paul that can be put to higher and better use," Coleman said.

Part of the city's higher purpose, he added, is recognizing that not all residents are sharing in the city's progress. The mayor pledged to continue efforts to close learning gaps between white and minority students. He touted services such as the city's after-school Sprockets program, which already has improved test scores for many lower-income youth.

In an interview after the speech, Coleman said he is vigorously opposing a House legislative proposal that would cut local government aid (LGA) to St. Paul by more than $30 million. That reduction, combined with an expected $10 million deficit caused by inflation alone, could result in deep service cuts and double-digit property tax increases, he said.

St. Paul has some significant development momentum, but Coleman is rightly focused on disparities in education, income, jobs and housing. The city's long-term success depends, to a great extent, on fulfilling his vision of a better quality of life for all.