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Fair Housing for Saint Paul
I kicked off this month as the lead sponsor recognizing April as Fair Housing Month in Saint Paul. Thank you to Faith Dietz, Fair Housing Coordinator at the Office of Financial Empowerment for her important and impactful work and Paige Kahle, a Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS member, for speaking on the importance of fair housing. SPAAR, fair housing, tenant and rent control voted. This recognition was especially timely as the Council also voted on two huge housing initiatives this month: tenant protections and a rent stabilization new construction exception (more on these two votes below.) You can read about the history and importance of Fair Housing, in addition to the resolution here.
 Paige Kahle speaks in front of the Council
On April 17, I attended the Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors® (SPAAR) Voices of Rondo: A Community Conversation. We discussed "The Voices of Rondo: Oral Histories of Saint Paul’s Historic Black Community” and met author Kate Cavett and other special guests. It was an honor to share space and take part in the meaningful conversations reflecting on Rondo’s legacy.
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Last week, my colleagues and I voted 7-0 to establish Tenant Protections in the City of Saint Paul. Tenant protections are critical to help ensure that future generations of St. Paul residents can continue to call this city home. With the leadership of Former Council President Jalali and Council Member Cheniqua Johnson, this policy has been reassessed and strengthened to resolve rental housing discrimination and ensure access to housing for all. It encompasses stronger policies that reform tenant screening, support landlord-tenant communication, increase access to housing and protections for tenants facing displacement, in addition to easier access to landlord-tenant rights, responsibilities and resources.
I voted in support of the Rent Stabilization Amendment led by Council Member Saura Jost. It passed 4-3. This amendment would exempt new construction from 2004 and beyond from the rent stabilization policy. While this policy amendment raised concerns for some, I voted in support to incentivize more housing and development in our city, while understanding the nuances of affordability. Taking small steps like these to invest in what’s needed to meet the demand of housing in our city and ensuring tenant protections are in alignment are two incredible wins.
Other Council Business
This week, I worked closely with the Ward 4 office, DSI, community members, and event hosts of the Breakaway Festival to learn more about event details, reasonable and responsible decibel levels and limits, and discussed concerns. I appreciated the collaborative approach and I do believe better efforts were made this year to ensure we can bring large events to the capital city safely and responsibly. I approved their sound level variance for June 6-7. You can see the details here. If you have additional comments or concerns, or would like to report a complaint, please contact my office or call DSI directly at 651-266-8989.
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A Safer Saint Paul
Earlier this month, I was officially appointed as Chair to the Public Safety Committee. This new internal Council committee will prioritize transparency and overview public safety initiatives in our city. I am thrilled to ensure the council hears from public safety leaders and brings about critical policy decisions strengthened by government partnerships and key stakeholders. The first meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2025, which will include updates from the Saint Paul Police and Fire Department.
Saint Paul Roy Wilkins NAACP & Saint Paul Police Department amended and renewed their shared agreement. Council President Noecker and Councilmember Bowie attended and learned about the latest police arrest data and the historical background of the PCIARC. Saint Paul is leading in the nation with drastic declines in homicides and auto theft and stands committed to supported the strong community partnership. Learn more about the agreement here
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 Saint Paul Roy Wilkins NAACP & Saint Paul Police Department
On May 14, Council President Noecker, Council Member Johnson and I joined elected officials, community members, and families at the SPPD Memorial, acknowledging and offering our condolences to the families of Saint Paul officers who sadly lost their life in the line of duty.
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Supporting Ward 1 Businesses
Golden Thyme Cafe is back, bigger, and better! Golden thyme opening, now has a bar and restaurant. I was proud to play a role in approving the expansion of Golden Thyme Cafe and with its Grand Opening earlier this month, the restaurant has been packed with family and friends near and far. This venue is a community staple and hires over 30 community members. Let’s continue the legacy of Golden Thyme and come see the vision for a vibrant corridor of entertainment and hospitality in Rondo! Check out their menu, hours, and updates here.
Events in the Community
Early this month, I was excited to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the Westside community on Saturday, May 3. This festival and parade are organized by the Westside Boosters and celebrates the community’s Mexican heritage and Mexico’s victory over the French 163 years ago - this year they celebrated 40 years of this vibrant community-focused festival!
Cinco De Mayo parade with Council President Noecker and Council Member Jost
The grand opening of the Walker West Music Academy in Rondo was incredibly special! Rev. Carl Walker and Grant West started Walker|West Music Academy in1988 bringing the healing power of music to their neighbors. You can learn more about their history, enrollment and events here.
Representative Samakab, Mayor Carter, Rev. Walker & Mr. West, supporters
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- 2025 Street Improvements funded by the Common Cent Sales Tax have begun. You can visit the new and improved website here. The updated webpage outlines comp
- There are a few street construction projects in Ward 1 this summer. Keep up with updates on Public Works Construction Projects here.
- The City of Saint Paul is developing a community-led vision for street improvements within the Rondo Neighborhood! Learn more about the Rondo Streets Study and share your feedback here.
Carty Park Play Area Improvements are underway with the latest updates from Parks and Recreation Director Andy Rodriguez.
  Carty Park Play Area Improvements
- Are you having issues with your CenturyLink phone line? Please submit your complaint to the Attorney General using their Consumer Assistance Request Form here
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Free Trees for Frogtown! Interested in a free tree? Learn more about the program to plant 1,000 more trees by 2027 here
- Are you a business owner in need of direct technical assistance? Learn more about the Ramsey County Open to Business Program
- Stay in the Loop with Your District Council! The Summit-University Planning Council (District 8) is one of Saint Paul's 17 District Councils located right here in Ward 1! They publish a monthly newsletter full of details about community projects and upcoming events. Sign up today and get the latest from your District Council delivered straight to your inbox. It’s free, easy, and a great way to stay connected with what matters most in Summit-University.
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Interested in purchasing your first home? HomeStretch First time homebuyer workshops can help!
Ramsey County, in collaboration with the City of Saint Paul, Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, and Metro Transit to design and reconstruct Rice Street near the Minnesota State Capitol from John Ireland Boulevard to Pennsylvania Avenue.
Attend the Rice Street Capitol Area Reconstruction Open House to give your input on potential design options.
Project Contact: Nick Fischer
Nicklaus.Fischer@co.ramsey.mn.us
(651) 226-7119
View more project details at ramseycounty.us/CapitolRiceStreet
The Black Business Network Business Fair & Silent Auction is on June 12 from 12pm-4pm! Join the vibrant community celebration featuring 60+ Black-owned Businesses!
Kids 13-17 years of age interested in hip-hop dance classes can sign up now!
Help keep your neighborhood clean!
| On April 16, I joined the Rondo-Frogtown Loop Family Night event hosted by the amazing Youth Commissioners at the Frogtown Community Center. Council approved over $2 million dollars in state funding to ensure families have the ability to participate in all of our enriching after school programs at various locations across the neighborhood. Learn more about this great resource here. |
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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
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