53° and Light rain shower
MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | INVESTIGATION FINDS SAINT PAUL MAYOR ENGAGED IN INAPPROPRIATE WORKPLACE CONDUCT BUT DOES NOT SUBSTANTIATE HARASSMENT CLAIMS
SAINT PAUL, MN (September 19, 2026). A city investigation has concluded that Saint Paul Mayor Kaohly Her engaged in offensive and inappropriate conduct involving city employees, while finding insufficient evidence to substantiate allegations of sexual harassment or retaliation.
The findings were released by Saint Paul’s Human Resources Department following allegations raised against the mayor during the summer.
According to the investigative conclusions, Her created or shared offensive material, engaged in behavior deemed inappropriate for the workplace and contributed to an uncomfortable working environment.
The investigation nevertheless found that the available evidence did not establish that Her sexually harassed employees or retaliated against workers.
The distinction is significant. Although the most serious allegations were not substantiated, investigators did not fully clear the mayor’s conduct. Instead, the findings identified lapses in professional judgment and workplace boundaries.
The report recommended that Her complete workplace-conduct training, retain an executive coach at her own expense and take steps to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with city employees.
Her previously acknowledged that some of her attempts at humor had fallen below the standard she expected of herself.
The findings create an important leadership and accountability issue for Saint Paul. A mayor exercises authority over senior administrators and influences workplace culture throughout city government. Conduct that may be regarded as humor among political associates can have a different effect when directed toward or shared with employees working within that power structure.
The city has not announced disciplinary action beyond the recommendations contained in the investigation. Questions remain about how compliance with those recommendations will be monitored and whether the City Council or other oversight bodies will seek further review.
STAY CONNECTED TO MINNEAPOLIMEDIA
Local stories matter. Subscribe free to MinneapoliMedia and receive independent news, community reporting and important updates from Minneapolis, the North Metro and communities across Minnesota.
SUBSCRIBE FREE: https://minneapolimedia.town.news/subscribe
MinneapoliMedia | Community. Culture. Civic Life
