Ward 1 - April Newsletter

Updates from Councilmember Anika Bowie

Spring is in the air, and with it comes fresh energy, bold conversations, and community-centered progress. From public safety to housing to city services, Ward 1 is showing what it looks like to govern with heart and accountability. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve accomplished this April:

Ward 1 Community Vision Event – Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who joined our second annual Community Vision Board! Your input continues to shape real outcomes across housing, safety, climate, and development. We are proud to reflect on promises made—and promises kept.

Source: John Autey | Pioneer Press | https://www.twincities.com/2025/04/09/st-paul-city-council-public-safety-committee/

Community-Driven Policy Change: Public Safety Committee Resolution Passed

Councilmember Bowie led the successful vote to establish a new internal City Council Public Safety Committee, the first of its kind. This effort prioritizes transparency and oversight of our city’s largest public service—public safety—with direct council involvement.

Click here to read the language in RES 25-434!

Source: Pioneer Press | https://www.twincities.com/2025/04/07/st-paul-mayor-carter-appoints-matt-privratsky-council/

Welcome Interim Ward 4 Councilmember Matt Privatsky

Mayor Melvin Carter appointed Matt Privatsky as interim Councilmember for Ward 4. A former aide to Councilmember Mitra Jalali, Matt brings a collaborative spirit and deep policy experience to the council.

HEARD (Hearing Everyone Attentively Respectfully and Diligently) Discussion at Rondo Library

Councilmember Bowie participated in a powerful community forum led by the Neighborhood Safety Community Council. Alongside County Commissioner Rena Moran and city department leaders, the group explored community-rooted strategies for safety and healing.

Source: Frederick Melo | Pioneer Press | https://www.twincities.com/2025/03/31/to-keep-trash-collection-on-schedule-st-paul-mayor-declares-state-of-emergency/

Emergency Action to Protect Trash Services

The council voted unanimously to declare an emergency response ensuring no disruption to trash collection services. Public Works will now handle customer service and billing. We’re proud that 10% of haulers are city employees using city-owned trucks. Reach out to our office with any concerns.

Source: John Autey | Pioneer Press | https://www.twincities.com/2025/04/09/st-paul-city-council-rent-control-tenant-protections/

Tenant Protections & Rent Stabilization New Build Exemption: Public Hearing

This week, the council held a robust public hearing on tenant protections and rent stabilization exemptions, hearing from residents, experts, and housing advocates. The discussion will continue—the hearing is laid over to May 7th.

Legislative Advisory Committee on Administrative Citation

The application for the Legislative Advisory Committee on Administrative Citation is still open! We are looking for residents who are passionate about ensuring equitable enforcement across Saint Paul. Apply NOW to play a key role in shaping how our city implements this important initiative. Application deadline has been extended!

Apply here: Administrative Citations Legislative Advisory Committee Application

Grant & Loan Opportunities:

The Bush Prize program identifies and honors extraordinary organizations that consistently engage and lead their community toward creative solutions, provides them with flexible support to keep doing that work, and supports them to amplify their story to inspire others.

In 2025, two organizations will be selected as Bush Prize: Minnesota honorees. Honorees will receive an award of $250,000. The award is unrestricted and can be used for any charitable purposes in the state of Minnesota, including operating costs, program-related expenses, capital expenditures or whatever else would best support the organization's ongoing work.

The application period for the 2025 Bush Prize: Minnesota begins on Tuesday, April 1, and closes at 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 30. 

To Apply Click Here: https://spmf.iphiview.com/spmf/GranteeView/GranteeView/tabid/353/Default.aspx

For More Information Click Here!

Source: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/planning-and-economic-development/economic-development/cultural-star

The Cultural STAR Program provides grants and loans to Saint Paul cultural projects and organizations. Cultural STAR grows Saint Paul's economy by strengthening the arts and cultural sector and supporting downtown as a vital cultural center.

The four major goals of the Cultural STAR Program are:

• Build and diversify audiences
• Promote a broad range of cultural offerings
• Produce a long-term impact
• Leverage additional financial support

The Cultural STAR Program is funded by Saint Paul's half-cent sales tax.

Apply to the Cultural STAR Program

Applications to the Cultural STAR Program happen on a yearly basis. Projects must be completed within the following year (or following two years for capital improvement projects). 

Applications are now open for the 2025 Cultural STAR program. Completed applications must be submitted no later than Friday, May 2, 2025 at 4 p.m.

For More Information Visit: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/planning-and-economic-development/economic-development/cultural-star

Source: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/planning-and-economic-development/economic-development/neighborhood-star

The Neighborhood STAR Program provides grants for physical (capital) improvement projects in Saint Paul neighborhoods.

Projects must be neighborhood-based, designed in partnership with community stakeholders, and clearly address problems, needs and opportunities in Saint Paul. Proposals can be for either a project or program that results in capital improvements in Saint Paul. Innovative proposals are encouraged. 

Eligible applicants include any public, private, nonprofit, or for-profit organization located in or doing business in Saint Paul.

Neighborhood STAR is funded by Saint Paul's half-cent sales tax.

Apply to the Neighborhood STAR Program

Applications to the Neighborhood STAR Program happen on a yearly basis. Projects must be completed within the following two years.

Applications are now open for the 2025 Neighborhood STAR program. Completed applications must be submitted no later than Friday, May 2, 2025 at 4 p.m.

For More Information Visit: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/planning-and-economic-development/economic-development/neighborhood-star

Community Resources, Opportunities & Events:

Downtown Streets & Sidewalks Plan Survey

We want to hear from you! The City of Saint Paul is looking to improve to downtown streets and sidewalks. Take our brief survey before April 22 and tell us your priorities for downtown streets.

Link to Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DowntownStreetsPlan

For More Information Visit: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/public-works/transportation-and-transit/downtown-streets-and-sidewalks-plan

Saint Paul Get Down

The St. Paul Get Down is a Hip-Hop Music Showcase for young people ages 14 to 24 years old that will take place at different venues in St. Paul over the summer of 2025. All artists that fill out this application will have an opportunity to write, record, and produce their own music with local artist Terrell X. Free studio time and mentorship will be provided every Wednesday from 3pm-6pm at "The Best Buy Teen Tech Center" on Selby Ave. Artists that are chosen to perform will get a chance to play a set at a selected venue as well as earn a chance to open for a headlining act at the Target Stage on St. Paul's Harriet Island. All artists are encouraged to apply. All applications due by June 1st!  Thanks for your application and let's GET DOWN!

To Apply Use the QR code Above or Apply Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnC67BtSFRQSTRL_zqXRkAyspizhGQe_QyDS35zXmLEzDLGw/viewform

The Rondo-Frogtown Loop

The Loop provides kids and teens ages 10-18 access a wide variety of free, afterschool activities in their community. Kids and teens can ride the Loop Van between community centers and libraries in the Rondo and Frogtown neighborhoods.

It's never been easier to take advantage of everything the City of Saint Paul has to offer kids and teens. Here’s what makes The Loop awesome:

• Safe Rides: We’ve got transportation covered. Trusted City employees who work with young people will drive kids and teens between libraries and community centers.
• Programs You’ll Love: From tutoring and teen hangouts to cultural programs, we have activities that matter to you.
• Community Connections: We partner with community organizations to offer activities that celebrate diverse backgrounds.
• Family Events: Our family nights include everyone, so the whole family feels part of the community.

The Loop is a program from Saint Paul Parks and Recreation and Saint Paul Public Library (SPPL.org). 

For More Information Visit: https://www.stpaul.gov/residents/the-loop

825 ARTS Community Cleanup: April 22, 12-3pm
We're cleaning up the neighborhood! On April 22, from 12-3pm, come hang out and be your own neighborhood superhero with a league of extraordinary volunteers.

310-A City Hall 15 Kellogg Blvd. W. Saint Paul, MN 55102 Phone: 651-266-8610 Fax: 651-266-8574 Email: ward1@ci.stpaul.mn.us

If you have questions or need support navigating any city services, reach out or sign up for office hours at Constituent Meeting with Councilmember Bowie.