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Seeing so many neighbors and friends from all across the ward at our Ward 2 Annual Meeting was the highlight of my year so far. Thank you to everyone who took time to come out!
We kicked off the evening by celebrating our successes from the past year and reflecting on the opportunities ahead of us. I shared my thoughts on five highlights from the past year and outlined five key opportunities ahead of us.
Here’s a quick recap in case you missed it:
The Highlights
In 2025, the Council focused on several key initiatives: adopting a thoughtful budget that resulted in $4 million in savings and a lower tax increase, launching a new $1.4 million Commercial Corridors Fund to support small businesses, and advancing the city’s first public conversation on childcare and early learning to support working families. We also defended the city’s values in a lawsuit against the federal government to protect the separation of local law enforcement and immigration enforcement. Lastly, we celebrated the outstanding efforts of District Councils and neighborhood organizations for their dedication to local issues and community engagement.
The Opportunities
In 2025, major initiatives are shaping the city's future: extensive construction projects, including street maintenance and new pedestrian safety features, will improve neighborhoods and parks. Downtown revitalization is underway with over 300 new housing units and key redevelopment projects at Central Station, the Xcel Energy Center, and RiversEdge. The new West 7th Transit plan promises enhanced transportation options for all, and recent housing policies—such as tenant protections and rent stabilization amendments—aim to address housing needs while protecting renters. Combined with investments in affordable housing, these efforts are building a stronger, more inclusive St. Paul.
There’s a lot to do and I’m excited and energized about getting it done together, click here to read more!
 Four images recapping the Ward 2 Annual Meeting held at El Rio Vista Recreation Center on Thursday, May 1, 2025
If you missed the Ward 2 Annual Meeting, we have put together a resource packet that includes materials handed out by city staff and community organizations. You can access this document here.
Additionally, click here to view our Ward 2 Year in Review slideshow recapping our favorite moments from around the ward.
 Council President Noecker speaking at the Ward 2 Annual Meeting - May 1, 2025
Save the Date - June Community Conversation
June Community Conversation
Tuesday, June 24th, 4pm - 5pm
Wabasha Brewing Company, 429 Wabasha Street S
 AAPI Heritage Month Celebration at the State Capitol - April 30, 2025
Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) Committee Seeks Community Feedback
The Capital Improvement Budget Committee is seeking your feedback to see which capital projects the community would like to see prioritized. Take the short survey here.
Additionally, the CIB Committee is recruiting new members! Saint Paul residents are encouraged to apply to serve on the CIB Committee to help shape our city's infrastructure investments. For more information on the committee, and to apply, click here.
Arboreous Tree Keepers
West Side artist Craig David has launched a new community tree art project - Arboreous Tree Keepers. This project documents photographic treestories from around the West Side neighborhood to honor the West Side's great trees and the people who love them.
Learn more about the project and submit your treestory here.
Register Now for Youth Summer Programs
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation offer a variety of summer youth programs in Ward 2 and throughout the city.
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Summer camps and activities: Full and half-day camps for youth of all ages. Costs range from free up to $230.
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Summer Rec Check: Free program for those entering grades 1-6 in the fall on Monday-Thursday from 1pm - 4pm at twenty-three sites.
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Summer S'more Fun: $42/day for those entering grades 1-6 this fall on Monday-Friday from 7am - 6pm at three sites. Limited spots available.
The Saint Paul Police Department in partnership with Parks and Recreation is excited to offer a Junior Police Academy where participants can learn the ins-and-outs of the Police Department. These are free, two-day camps offered at three recreation center locations, including El Rio Vista in Ward 2!
Flint Hills Family Festival
For over 20 years, the Flint Hills Family Festival has brought people together in Saint Paul through the power of the arts. On May 30th and 31st, the festival will be kicking off with live performances, student matinees, and more!
For more information, click here.
Explore Minnesota State Parks for Free with your Library Card
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is teaming up with Saint Paul Public Library to make it easier to enjoy the beauty of our state parks - completely free! Now through June 30, 2025, you can check out a free seven-day Minnesota State Parks pass at any of the following libraries: Arlington Hills, Rice Street, Riverview, Rondo, and Sun Ray.
Pleasant Avenue Reconstruction: Public Art Survey
Public Art Saint Paul and Public Works are seeking your thoughts and feedback on the incorporation of art on Pleasant Avenue's reconstruction.
The 1% art budget for Pleasant Avenue is $36,000, see the map below of three possible locations for public art along Pleasant Avenue.
To see examples of public art and learn about Public Art Saint Paul's mission, visit publicartstpaul.org.
You can find the Pleasant Avenue Public Art Survey here, the survey will close on May 31st, 2025.
 2025 Pleasant Avenue Reconstruction Opportunity for Public Art map
Minnesota Frost to the Finals
The reigning Walter Cup champions, the Minnesota Frost, took down the Toronto Sceptres on Wednesday night at Xcel Energy Center, securing their spot in the PWHL Finals once again! The Frost will face either the Montréal Victoire or the Ottawa Charge in the finals, with Ottawa having a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.
The Finals schedule and ticket information will be announced as soon as their matchup is finalized. All PWHL games are streamed for free on their Youtube Channel, which can be found here.
Minnesota Frost news and ticketing information can be found here.
 Attending the Minnesota Frost playoff game at Xcel Energy Center - May 14, 2025
Construction Update
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5th Street:
- Lane restrictions between Cedar Street and Robert Street.
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6th Street:
- Lane restrictions between Wabasha Street and Cedar Street.
- Lane restrictions between Minnesota Street and Jackson Street.
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7th Street:
- Lane restrictions between Cedar Street and Jackson Street.
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Kellogg Boulevard:
- Kellogg Boulevard/3rd Street bridge remains closed through 2027.
- Kellogg Boulevard remains closed between Lafayette Street and Mounds Boulevard.
- www.stpaul.gov/Kellogg-3
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Minnesota Street:
- Closed between 10th Street and 7th Street.
- Lane restrictions between 11th Street and 10th Street.
- Lane restrictions between 7th Place and 6th Street.
- stpaul.gov/MinnesotaStreet2
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Robert Street:
- Closed between 11th Street and 7th Street.
- Open to northbound only between 7th Street and 7th Place.
- Intersection restrictions at 11th, 10th, 7th, and 6th.
For more information on construction projects in Saint Paul, visit stpaul.gov/construction.
 Construction Map as of May 9th
 Building and planting a Project Learning Garden at Quantum STEAM Academy - May 8, 2025
Upcoming Events Around the Ward
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Bird Bike Safari
- May 29, 6:30pm - 8pm
- Harriet Island Regional Park, 49 Harriet Island Road
- Registration Required
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Lowertown Sounds
- Mears Park, 6pm - 10pm
- June 12 - Flamin' Oh's with Faith Boblett and Lonesome Dan Kase
- June 19 - The New Standards & Friends with Tina Schlieske
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