August 24, 2020

• Last week, Mayor Carter issued Executive Order 2020-22, which extends the Saint Paul skyway system’s reduced hours of operation, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., through Aug. 31. Beginning on Sept. 1, the skyway system will be allowed to to operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The order will remain in effect for 40 days or until the end of the declared local emergency. To reduce skyway hours within their buildings, property owners must post signage noting the new temporary operating hours of that section of the skyway. For information, call 651-266-8989 or email DSI-InformationAndComplaints@ci.stpaul.mn.us.

• Saint Paul Parks and Recreation will be offering S'more Fun, Recreation for Preschoolers, and Rec Check youth programs this fall, with CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines in place. 

• The Families First Housing Pilot provides Saint Paul families a $300 monthly rent supplement and ongoing supportive services for three years, in partnership with the Saint Paul Public Schools. To learn more about the program and eligibility, visit stpaul.gov/FamiliesFirst.

• Metro Transit will expand bus and light rail service starting in September. On Saturday, Sept. 12, many local bus routes, the METRO A Line and the METRO C Line will have about as much service as they did before the COVID-19 pandemic. The METRO Blue Line and METRO Green Line will offer 10-minute service throughout most of the day.

• Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy has allocated funding to support small businesses that are facing financial hardship as the result of COVID-19, recent civil unrest or the economic downturn. One-time grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to eligible businesses for operational expenses related to managing waste and recycling effectively.

• Last week, Mayor Melvin Carter announced his 2021 City Budget Proposal. The proposed budget totals $627 million, and includes no property tax levy increase, no city staff layoffs, and no use of emergency reserves. Information about the Mayor's 2021 proposal is available at stpaul.gov/2021-budget-proposal. Watch the Mayor's full remarks on YouTube.
• Free drive-in food distribution event this week. The Sanneh Foundation, Second Harvest Heartland, Southeast Community Organization, and the Ramsey County Sheriff's office are hosting a free food distribution event on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at Grace Lutheran Church (1730 Old Hudson Rd). Volunteers will be available to load items into your vehicle. The first 700 cars will receive three boxes of fresh food, including produce, dairy, and meat. For more information, call 651-578-7600.

Important Links

stpaul.gov/coronavirus