Report on the Restoration of Public Internet Services in Saint Paul and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Executive Summary

On September 18, 2025, the City of Saint Paul completed the restoration of public internet access across all public library and recreation center locations. This action follows a precautionary system-wide shutdown initiated on July 25 in response to a digital security incident. The restoration of this critical public utility directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by enhancing educational opportunities, promoting economic growth, reducing inequality, and building resilient community infrastructure.

Background of Service Interruption

A digital security incident prompted a city-wide system shutdown on July 25. While public internet access was not directly compromised, the service was suspended as a proactive measure to secure the city’s internal networks. The subsequent restoration process involved extensive testing, validation, and the implementation of enhanced security protocols to ensure the integrity of public and internal systems, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by building resilient and secure public infrastructure.

Advancing SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The provision of free public internet is a foundational component of the city’s strategy to reduce the digital divide and promote equity. For a significant portion of the population, this service is an essential lifeline rather than a luxury. The restoration directly addresses SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring that all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to vital digital resources. Key user groups benefiting from this initiative include:

• Students requiring access for academic research and digital learning platforms.
• Job seekers utilizing online portals for applications, training, and employer communications.
• Families and seniors who depend on the internet for essential services and social connectivity.

Contributions to Quality Education and Economic Growth (SDGs 4 & 8)

The restored internet access in libraries and recreation centers is instrumental in achieving key development objectives related to education and employment.

1. SDG 4 (Quality Education): By providing students with the necessary tools for schoolwork and research, the city reinforces its commitment to inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all.
2. SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The service empowers job seekers with the resources needed to participate in the modern economy, fostering productive employment and contributing to local economic growth.

Strengthening Infrastructure and Sustainable Communities (SDGs 9 & 11)

The restoration project included significant upgrades to the network’s security architecture, contributing to the development of resilient and sustainable urban infrastructure as outlined in SDG 9 and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The enhanced safeguards ensure long-term service reliability and user safety.

• Network Segmentation: Public internet traffic is now entirely isolated from the city’s internal networks to prevent potential security breaches.
• Simplified Access: The user login process has been streamlined to improve accessibility.
• Open Network Design: The system is configured as an open network to ensure that residents can connect easily and safely.

Alongside internet restoration, the city has reinstated other core systems, including the new PAULIE permitting platform, financial systems, and public meeting platforms, further demonstrating progress in strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring reliable service delivery for a sustainable community.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on the restoration of public internet access in Saint Paul connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on digital inclusion, education, economic opportunity, infrastructure, and equity.

• SDG 4: Quality Education
  
  The article directly links public internet access to education, stating that “Students use it for schoolwork, research, and digital learning.” Restoring this service in libraries supports learning opportunities for all.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  
  The text emphasizes the role of internet access in economic empowerment. It notes that “Job seekers depend on it to apply for jobs, complete training, and connect with employers,” highlighting its function as a “lifeline to work.”
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  
  The core of the article is about restoring and improving public digital infrastructure. The city’s efforts to restore systems, secure them with “modern safeguards,” and ensure “segmented and secure public internet traffic” all relate to building resilient and reliable infrastructure.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  
  The article frames public internet access as an equity issue. The statement that restoring access is a “critical step forward for equity across our neighborhoods” and that it is a “lifeline” for many residents directly addresses the digital divide, a key aspect of modern inequality.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  
  The initiative is a municipal action to improve public services and community facilities. By restoring internet access in “all Saint Paul Public Library locations and recreation centers,” the city is making its public spaces more inclusive and accessible, which is essential for sustainable community development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s focus, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 4.4 (under SDG 4): “By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.”
   
   The article supports this target by providing the necessary tool—free internet access—for residents to engage in “digital learning” and “complete training” to acquire skills for employment.
2. Target 8.6 (under SDG 8): “By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.”
   
   While the target date has passed, the principle remains relevant. The city’s action to restore internet access directly facilitates the ability of job seekers to “apply for jobs” and students to pursue “schoolwork,” thereby helping to reduce the number of people not in employment or education.
3. Target 9.1 (under SDG 9): “Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.”
   
   The city’s work to restore a system that was shut down due to a “digital security incident” and to rebuild it with “strengthened safeguards” demonstrates a commitment to resilient infrastructure. The fact that access is free and available in public libraries and recreation centers addresses the goal of equitable access.
4. Target 9.c (under SDG 9): “Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet…”
   
   The entire press release is about increasing access to ICT. By restoring free public internet, the city is working towards the principle of universal access for its residents, especially those for whom it is a “lifeline” and not a “luxury.”
5. Target 10.2 (under SDG 10): “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all…”
   
   Providing free public internet is a direct measure to empower residents who may not afford private access, promoting their economic inclusion by enabling them to apply for jobs and access essential online services. The director of Parks and Recreation calls it a “critical step forward for equity.”
6. Target 11.7 (under SDG 11): “By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible… public spaces for all…”
   
   The article discusses enhancing public spaces (libraries and recreation centers) by restoring a critical modern service. This makes these community hubs more inclusive and accessible in the digital age, allowing them to better serve students, families, and job seekers.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator for Targets 9.1, 9.c, and 11.7: The number and proportion of public facilities with restored internet access.
  
  The article provides a clear, measurable outcome: “public internet access has been restored at all Saint Paul Public Library locations and recreation centers.” This serves as a direct indicator of the successful restoration and provision of accessible digital infrastructure in public spaces.
• Indicator for Targets 4.4 and 8.6: Availability of public access points for education and employment activities.
  
  The article confirms that “Public computers and printing services are available now at every library location.” The availability of these tools for students and job seekers is an implied indicator of the city’s support for education and employment goals. While the article doesn’t provide usage numbers, it confirms the infrastructure is in place to be utilized.
• Indicator for Target 9.1: Implementation of enhanced security measures for public infrastructure.
  
  Progress towards building resilient infrastructure can be measured by the implementation of new safeguards. The article mentions specific improvements: “Segmented and secure public internet traffic that is entirely separated from the city’s internal networks” and “Simpler access with fewer steps and log-ins.” These are concrete indicators of a more secure and reliable system.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: stpaul.gov