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Dear friends,
This is a heavy time for our community. The targeted political violence this past weekend was shocking and despicable, and I know many of us are still trying to process the horror of what occurred.
I am heartbroken and angry over the loss of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and at the violence perpetrated against Sen. John Hoffman and Yvette. The brave, principled leadership of Speaker Emerita Hortman and Sen. Hoffman is a model for all of us in public service, and the fact that someone would harm these two dedicated public servants and their families – in their own homes, under the guise of law enforcement - is sickening.
Over the last few days, as I’ve listened to public officials reacting to the news, I’ve been struck by the way a tragedy like this can strip away the veneer of partisanship and political soundbites, revealing our common humanity. This kind of public tragedy also reminds us of the many private tragedies those around us may be experiencing, and the need to show compassion and care for those we interact with every day.
I’m praying for strength and comfort for the Hortman family, and a speedy and complete recovery for Senator Hoffman and Yvette.
I’m grateful for the law enforcement officers and first responders who were on the scene and who worked tirelessly to apprehend the perpetrator of these heinous crimes.
And I’m inspired by the words of Sophie and Colin Hortman, the children of Melissa and Mark:
“Hope and resilience are the enemy of fear. Our parents lived their lives with immense dedication to their fellow humans. This tragedy must become a moment for us to come together. Hold your loved ones a little closer. Love your neighbors. Treat each other with kindness and respect. The best way to honor our parents’ memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.”
May their words be an inspiration to all of us and may their parents’ memory be for a blessing.
 Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, Senator John Hoffman
Upcoming Community Conversation Next Tuesday!
- June Community Conversation - Open Forum
- Tuesday, June 24th, 4 - 5pm
- Wabasha Brewing Company, 429 Wabasha Street S
Downtown Action Series
Council President Noecker is kicking off a Downtown Action Series—a set of intentional, solutions-focused public meetings designed to keep the community informed and engaged in the progress of Saint Paul’s Downtown Investment Strategy.
Aimed at downtown residents, business owners, employees, and others with a stake in downtown’s future, the series will offer a platform to share updates, collaborate across sectors, and foster community involvement in revitalization efforts.
The goal is to make clear that while change can sometimes be slow or invisible, we are making tangible progress—and that everyone has a role to play in shaping downtown’s future.
Meetings will take place every other month on Thursday evenings (4:30PM–6:00 PM) at downtown locations, with updates on both short- and long-term priorities to ensure transparency and sustained momentum.
Our first session is scheduled for next week:
Thursday, June 26 | 4:30pm – 6:00pm
9th Floor Conference Room | Osborn370
370 Wabasha St N, Saint Paul, MN 55102
You can RSVP here!
 With the talented students of Adams Spanish Immersion and their painted piano at the Flint Hills Family Festival - May 29th, 2025
Alebrijes: Keepers of the Island
The Minnesota Latino Museum, in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, brings Alebrijes: Keepers of the Island to Saint Paul!
This outdoor art exhibit features 16 Alebrije sculptures, bringing vibrant Mexican folk art to Raspberry Island through October 26th, 2025.
Click here to learn more about this stunning exhibit!
 Photo from "Alebrijes: Keepers of the Island" exhibit ribbon cutting - May 30th, 2025
Council President Noecker named SPAAR Champion of the Month!
The Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors has named Council President Noecker their Champion of the Month for May 2025! Here is what they had to say about this honor:
“Saint Paul City Council President Rebecca Noecker has been named Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS Champion of the Month for May 2025 for her leadership and her continued and active support for the Realtor community.
Council President Noecker serves Saint Paul's Ward 2, which includes the neighborhoods of West 7th Street, the West Side, Summit Hill, Railroad Island, Lowertown and the Downtown business district. She is an avid advocate for, and promoter of, the City of Saint Paul, and received SPAAR's endorsement in 2023.
Council President Noecker has worked to advance homeownership opportunities and recently sponsored, and passed, an amendment to St. Paul's Rent Control policy, which exempts all units built after December 31, 2004, from the ordinance in an effort to spur development of desperately needed housing inventory.
SPAAR thanks Council President Noecker for her steadfast leadership and partnership of the Realtor community.”
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.
 With Senator Erin Murphy and the Minnesota Nurses Association on the picket line demanding #SafeStaffingNow - June 4th, 2025
Construction Update
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6th Street:
- Lane restrictions between Wabasha Street and Jackson Street.
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7th Street:
- West 7th Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street in downtown Saint Paul is closed to all vehicle and bicycle traffic for emergency sewer repair work. Access to businesses and parking lots is from Chestnut Street only. Please use the posted detour route of Exchange Street. Pedestrian sidewalks are open.
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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:
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Robert Street:
- Closed between 11th Street and Kellogg Boulevard.
- Intersection restrictions at 11th, 10th, 7th, 6th, and 5th streets.
For more information on construction projects in Saint Paul, visit stpaul.gov/construction.
 Construction map as of June 13th, 2025
Get Out and about in Ward 2!
Click here for a list of even more summer activities offered in the Ward!
 Photo from Grand Old Day 2025 where CP Noecker and her son Fitz ran the 5K for the first time! - June 1st, 2025
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