Councilmember Johnson Leads Ceasefire Resolution Adopted Unanimously by Saint Paul City Council
This week, Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson brought forward Resolution 24-386 calling for an immediate and permanent mutual ceasefire in Israel and Gaza, which was adopted unanimously by all seven Saint Paul city councilmembers.
After weeks of listening to our constituents and community members on all sides of this issue, and in response to persistent demand from our constituents, this resolution marks a significant step forward; guided by Council President Mitra Jalali and Vice President HwaJeong Kim, it was crafted after weeks of extensive discussion with Saint Paul residents of all backgrounds and analysis of similar resolutions adopted by neighboring cities.
This resolution calls on Saint Paul's Federal Leaders to take the following actions:
- Publicly support and work toward an immediate and permanent mutual ceasefire in Gaza;
- A release of all hostages;
- An end to future unconditional military aid to Israel from the United States that does not provide clear red lines or guarantees for loss of civilian life by international law;
- Condemn the use of murder, kidnapping, and rape by Hamas; and
- The urgent facilitation of humanitarian aid sent to the region to save lives.
Listen to the ceasefire resolution discussion during this week's Council meeting here. Read the full text of the ceasefire resolution here.
New Parks & Recreation System Plan
Check out the newly published Parks and Recreation System Plan! This document was finished in 2023, with the intended implementation of recommendations and other findings for 2024 onwards.
The City of Saint Paul worked with Visible City throughout 2022-23 to prepare their new system plan. Utilizing the principals within the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan as a core guide, the new System Plan is a people-driven, data-rich document sourced from community input, policy direction, and innovative research and analysis.
Development of the plan incorporated a robust community engagement process, including community events, surveys, a “draw the future” graphical option, and a “design a park” activity, which helped gather feedback from thousands of respondents of all ages. By integrating all of these sources, this plan presents a comprehensive, forward-looking program that will move the system forward in each of the principles prescribed in the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
Register for Youth Summer Sports
Youth Summer Sports registration is open through the end of March. Youth sports are FREE at all rec centers for 10U and up!
Tax Assistance
Do you need help with your taxes this year?
Prepare + Prosper offers free tax preparation, financial coaching, and helps people obtain banking access. Tax preparation is done by IRS-certified volunteers.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free tax assistance with several preparation options now through April 15.
Coming Soon: Neighborhood & Cultural STAR 2024 Grants
 
Applications for Saint Paul’s Neighborhood STAR and Cultural STAR grant programs will open on Friday, April 5, 2024. Online applications for both programs will be due Wednesday, May 15 at 4 p.m.
Neighborhood STAR grants fund capital projects in Saint Paul neighborhoods and Cultural STAR grants support arts and cultural organizations and events in Saint Paul.
Visit the program websites for more information on this year’s STAR programs. The 2024 guidelines and information on application workshops will be available in March.
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