Happy October, Saint Paul!

As we welcome the beautiful fall season, I hope you're enjoying the vibrant colors and crisp air around our city. I’m excited to share a wonderful opportunity for our community! The Minnesota Humanities Center is offering the Community Identity & Heritage Festivals Grant—a fantastic way to celebrate and honor the diverse cultural heritage that makes Saint Paul so special. If you're interested in hosting a cultural festival or event that highlights our shared history and identity, I encourage you to apply. 

Additionally, don’t forget to sign up for the Ward 1 Budget Community Conversations at the Frogtown Community Center, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., with the program starting at 5 p.m. This is your chance to share your priorities for next year’s budget! We'll open the conversation with an overview of the budget process by our Chief Budget Officer, Jay Willims, followed by small working groups facilitated by community members on key topics like housing, transportation, public safety, and small businesses.

Let’s continue to work together to strengthen our community and make Saint Paul a city where every story is celebrated. I look forward to hearing your ideas and supporting projects that bring us all closer together.

Wishing you a wonderful October, and as always, I am here to help make our city thrive! 

Anika Bowie

St. Paul City Councilmember, Ward 1

Ward 1 Events

Ward 1 Community Budget Meeting

Reconnect Rondo Discussion & Dinner

MHC Grant Info Session (Starting on 10/22/2024)

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Ward 1 Highlight

Congratulations to Flava Café!  We are thrilled to announce that Flava Café (623 University Avenue West, Ward 1) has been honored with the Alice O’Brien Award, recognizing women-owned businesses committed to equity and empowerment. Under the leadership of Shaunie Grisby, a visionary and creative entrepreneur, Flava Café has become a warm and inclusive space for our entire community. Shaunie’s dedication to fostering connections and creating opportunities for all is a true inspiration. Join me in celebrating this well-deserved recognition and the incredible work happening right here in Ward 1!

MHC Open Grant Announcement!

The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC), by virtue of funding provided by the Minnesota Legislature, is accepting applications on a rolling basis to organizations for the following grant opportunity:

• $450,000 Community Identity & Heritage - Festival grants for humanities organizations, to create programming and educational opportunities, specifically for community events, music and jazz festivals, cultural festivals for art installations, and other performances and activities that support festivals and events. 

Applicants may request up to $50,000. Funding is available through June 30, 2025, or all funds have been spent, whichever occurs first. 

Please visit MHC’s website for more information or learn how to sign up for an upcoming informational session regarding this grant opportunity!

Grant Information Sessions will take place in October and the application deadline is on a rolling basis through May 30, 2025.

Community Dinner and Discussion about Rondo's Future

Reconnect Rondo is hosting a special discussion focused on the Restorative Development Neighborhood Area Plan. This is an opportunity to gather with neighbors, share a meal, and help shape the next phase of the project. 

Date: November 4, 2024
Time: 5:30PM - 8PM
Location: Wilder Center, 451 Lexington Parkway

This will be an interactive, hands-on discussion where you will have an opportunity to contribute to the vision of our neighborhood’s future. We’ll explore new ideas, identify solutions, and ensure that our community’s voice continues to be at the heart of the planning process.

Whether you've been involved from the start or are joining the conversation for the first time, your insight is invaluable. This event is about coming together to ensure our neighborhood continues to grow in a way that benefits all of us.