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Greetings community,
In this newsletter, you’ll find citywide legislative and policy updates, Ward 4-specific updates, and a digest of community resources and events.
Feel free to reach out to us at the Ward 4 office with questions, concerns, or for assistance.
Thank you,
Jenne Nelson, Interim Legislative Aide, jenne.nelson@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Kristin Koziol, Executive Assistant, kristin.koziol@ci.stpaul.mn.us
The Saint Paul City Council is inviting interested residents of Ward 4 to apply for the position of Interim Councilmember, which will become available upon the departure of Councilmember Mitra Jalali on March 8, 2025.
The City Council is looking for applicants with a strong understanding of city government and its operations, and the ability to dedicate the time and energy necessary to represent the residents of Ward 4 effectively. Candidates must agree not to run for the vacancy in the upcoming election.
Application Details:
- A cover letter, detailing the applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications, along with a resume outlining relevant experience, must be submitted by 4:30 PM on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
- Interviews with finalists will take place on the morning of Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Those selected for interviews will be notified by Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
- The appointed interim Councilmember will begin their term on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
- The term will conclude when the winner of a special election is sworn into office, expected in August or September 2025.
Interested applicants should submit their materials by email to Council-Vacancy@ci.stpaul.mn.us or by mail to Jay Willms, Interim Operations Director, City Council Offices, Suite 310, City Hall, 15 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55102.
More information about the application process and answers to some frequently asked questions can be found here.
Administrative Citations
Following a deliberative process that spanned many years, several iterations of City Council, and sustained community engagement efforts, the Saint Paul City Council officially amended Chapter 6.03 of the City Charter (Ord 25-2) in January of this year to be able to implement administrative citations, a tool that will allow the city to more effectively respond to ordinance violations.
With this charter change, Saint Paul residents – who deserve the city on their side in every way they need it – can expect more effective code compliance when dealing with issues like our largest problem landlords who neglect both commercial and residential properties, or employers who exploit their workers. This is a common civil tool that local governments nationwide regularly use, and it will allow us to even better serve our residents.
Passing the charter change completes the first step to implementing administrative citations. In order to use this tool, the city’s legislative code must now be amended ordinance by ordinance through the standard public process at City Council in the coming months. Alongside the ordinance change, we also passed a 7-0 resolution that emphasizes equity as a priority during implementation, authored by Councilmember Anika Bowie. Thank you to the many community members who helped to shape our Council vision for fair implementation, outlined in RES 25-192.
 The Friday Outreach Team on February 7th braving the cold temperatures and connecting with neighbors.
Friday Outreach on Snelling and University
A coalition of service organizations have started a regular Friday Outreach, moving south on Snelling from Hamline Park to south of University. This effort began on November 15th and continues today. Ward 4 staff was present for this outreach on February 7th, along with Natasha from StreetWorks, Hibak from 180 Degrees, Makenzie and Megan from Breaking Free, and Seneca from Community Medical Services. Other organizations that participate are Ain Dah Yung, Meridian Behavioral Health, Anything Helps, and Women's Advocates. The group is also in regular connection with MAC-V down the street to assist with any veteran needs and MN Community Care for medical needs.
What do they do every Friday from 11am to 2pm? They offer services navigation and information. This can include info on warming center hours, pick up locations, and addresses. Sometimes they assist with booking shelter for the night and set up longer term shelter for youth (ages 14-24). They can make same day treatment referrals and assist with transportation. They can connect folks to domestic violence and exploitation housing, shelters, and drop-ins. They assist with medication refills and medical appointments. They can assist with obtaining vital documents. Often, they provide basic essentials like hand warmers, snacks, and naloxone (narcan).
Since November 15th, they have made contact with 157 unique individuals who are either unsheltered or precariously sheltered. They see many of these neighbors often while out and about in the neighborhood and have made some real interpersonal connections. They have secured spaces to adult shelter 39 times, followed up on referrals to youth shelter 21 times, and secured treatment for 14 individuals, with another 18 referrals made.
Of those 157 unique individuals, 82 have been adults and 75 have been youth. They have also connected with three families who were living in places not meant for human habitation and were able to direct them to the Warming Center and the Family Navigation Center.
Interested in learning more? Reach out to Seneca Krueger at seneca.krueger@cmsgiveshope.com for more information or to learn how you can support this effort.
 Artist rendering of the new Hamline Midway Library.
Hamline Midway Library
Our community’s new Hamline Midway Library is underway. The construction crew has been working inside the building to salvage bricks, wood, and the archway to incorporate into the new facility, and if you drive by today, you’ll see visible external progress.
This accessible, highly functioning public space represents a significant city investment in our neighborhood. The Hamline-Midway Library will be a place for our community to gather, learn, access resources, and as our SPPL partners say, to just do life. The timeline from now to opening is 16-18 months, and the Ward 4 office will share regular updates on the progress. And in the meantime, you can visit our nearest library at Merriam Park and find the Bookmobile at the Hamline Hi-Rise, Lyngblomsten, and Hancock Rec.
United Village Updates
Neighbors from Wards 1 and 4 attended a community meeting on February 20th about the planned developments at United Village this year. Residents can expect construction on a hotel, parking ramp, restaurant pavilion, and office building in 2025. Dr. Bill McGuire shared slides comparing the needs and wants for the property that different community stakeholders have shared with the progress made thus far and the plans that the developers have for the property going forward.
Questions about the United Village development can be directed to Mike Hahm at mikehahm1@gmail.com.
Kimball Court/Beacon Interfaith Update
The team at Kimball Court continues to work on the key concerns that community members have lifted up: day-to-day property management, on-site security, and community outreach/information sharing. The latest update from Ben Clarke at Beacon Interfaith, owner of Kimball Court includes:
- The status of the construction project is on track as planned with construction beginning in late February. Beacon will provide a construction update at that time, and quarterly ongoing, via the monthly Hamline Midway Coalition newsletter.
- The improved exterior security cameras are in place, providing clarity for license plate reading and allowing the building’s security agent two-way audio to help deter unwanted activity around the building.
- Staffing for weekend cleanup around the building continues.
We ask that concerns related to Beacon be emailed to Ben Clarke (bclarke@beaconinterfaith.org) with our office copied to (ward4@ci.stpaul.mn.us) to help track issues and provide follow-up when needed.
Read Brave with Saint Paul Public Library now through March 26
Saint Paul Public Library (SPPL) launched its annual citywide book club, Read Brave, inviting teens, their families, and community members to read the same young adult book and have brave conversations about issues important to the city. This year’s book selection is “Akata Witch” by Nnedi Okorafor, a young adult Africanfuturism novel that follows the story of Sunny Nwazue, an albino Nigerian-American teen, who is struggling to find her place between her Nigerian roots and her American upbringing. But when she discovers she belongs to a secret world of magic where your worst fault becomes your biggest strength, everything changes.
Residents can get their own copy of “Akata Witch” to keep by stopping by any SPPL location during open hours while supplies last. Print copies, e-books and audiobooks are also available for check-out. A limited supply of book club kits are also available at all library locations. Participating book clubs can sign up for a chance to host Mayor Carter at their book club discussion of “Akata Witch.”
SPPL will also drop books around town at grocery stores, barber shops, parks and other community gathering places. Okorafor will also visit select classrooms in Saint Paul schools.
Expanding on the books, SPPL will host free events that are open to the public March 22-26 throughout libraries in Saint Paul. Events include:
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“Read Brave: The African Art of Healing” on March 22, 2-4 p.m. at George Latimer Central Library: Attendees can step into the world of Akata Witch at this immersive event inspired by the magical city of Leopard Knocks, an alternative world in the book.
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“Read Brave Talk Brave” on March 26 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Rondo Community Library: A panel discussion Nnedi Okorafor and young people from the community, facilitated by Mayor Carter. The event also includes an art exhibit by artists Leeya Rose Jackson and Philipo Dyauli and an opening performance by Kashimana.
Learn more at www.readbrave.org
Immigration Resources: The City of Saint Paul does not enforce federal immigration laws. Our employees do not work for the federal government. More resources can be found on the City Attorney's website or the one-page document here.
Spring Activities with Parks and Rec: Sign up for yoga, cribbage, kickball, arts & crafts, martial arts, cooking classes, book clubs, sports clinics, video game tournaments, dancing, movie nights, and more! Browse and register for spring activities.
Naloxone Training: Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health is offering free naloxone training for Ramsey County community organizations and partners. Public Health staff will come to your location for the training session. Each person that attends training will receive a naloxone kit. Register here.
Upcoming Changes to Citywide Garbage Services: Starting April 1, 2025 the City will switch to a new garbage hauler as well as a new billing process. Learn more here and reach out to garbage@stpaul.gov with questions.
Housing Rental/Emergency Assistance: If you need help paying help for rent, mortgage, utilities or car repairs, contact Ramsey County Emergency Assistance at (651) 266-4884.
Small Business Owners: Make sure you’re signed up for the Small Business Newsletter to get the latest updates and available resources right to your inbox.
SPPD Western District hosts monthly community meetings on the third Thursdays of the month at 9 AM and 6 PM at 389 Hamline Ave N.
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