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If you close your eyes and imagine your neighborhood, what do you see? I’m betting that among the parks and streets, the schools and homes, there are likely a number of local shops and businesses in your mental picture.
These small neighborhood establishments - the corner stores, cafes, ice cream stands, bars, book stores, restaurants, banks and laundromats - are what make up the fabric of our neighborhoods. They’re what make home feel like home.
As we all know, it’s harder than ever for these local businesses to survive. The COVID pandemic has had long after-effects on small enterprises, and the ongoing move to online retail makes it harder for local shops to turn a profit.
When businesses suffer, it’s not just a problem for the individual store. Businesses are often clustered along commercial corridors - from Grand Avenue to W. 7th, Wabasha to Cesar Chavez, St. Peter to Payne. When stores close or retail windows stay vacant, the entire corridor is diminished.
The good news is that all across the city, there are organizations that support individual businesses and the commercial corridors of which they’re a part. In some neighborhoods, there are long-standing or newly emerging business associations, and in others, the District Council fills this role.
Click here to read Rebecca's full note on the Commercial Corridor Organization Assistance Program.
 Celebrating the Music on Grand ribbon cutting - May 12, 2025
Upcoming Community Conversation
Join Council President Noecker for an informal conversation tomorrow, Thursday, August 21, from 9:00 - 10:00 AM at the Minnesota Boat Club (Raspberry Island - 1 Wabasha St S).
These gatherings are a chance to share your ideas, ask questions, or raise concerns in a relaxed setting. All are welcome!
- Thursday, August 21
- 9 - 10 AM
- Minnesota Boat Club - Raspberry Island
We hope to see you there!
Downtown Action Series Meeting Tomorrow
Join fellow neighbors for the launch of the Downtown Action Series, a new initiative led by Council President Rebecca Noecker to bring community members together around the future of downtown Saint Paul.
This series of public meetings is designed to keep you informed and engaged in the progress of Saint Paul’s Downtown Investment Strategy. Whether you're a downtown resident, business owner, employee, or simply care about downtown’s future—your engagement matters.
All meetings are held at Union Depot (214 4th Street East) from 4:30 - 6 PM.
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Thursday, August 21
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Thursday, October 16
- Thursday, December 11
RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/g/hpTbTkt92m?origin=lprLink
Together, we’ll share updates, collaborate across sectors, and build momentum toward a more vibrant, inclusive, and thriving downtown. Please feel free to share this invitation and bring others who care about downtown’s future. The more people at the table, the stronger our path forward.
Let’s shape the future of downtown—together, hope to see you there!
Saint Paul City Council approves expansion of pedicab operations
Thanks to an ordinance change led by Council President Rebecca Noecker—and shaped in partnership with local pedicab operators, downtown entertainment destinations, and city staff—Saint Paul’s pedicab industry is about to get a boost.
Here’s what’s changing:
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Bigger capacity – Pedicab operators can now add safe, well-lit trailers that carry up to 3 extra passengers, making group rides and family outings possible.
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No more rush hour restrictions – Operators can now serve riders during peak times, giving commuters, residents, and visitors a zero-emission travel option all day long.
These changes mean more sustainable transportation, more business for local operators, and more fun, people-powered ways to get around our city.
A big thank you to the stakeholders who came together to make this happen—it’s another step toward a vibrant, accessible, and green downtown.
Click here to read more.
Celebrating 50 Years of Community Engagement with District Councils
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Saint Paul District Council System. Since 1975, District Councils have served as a vital connection between neighborhoods and City government, ensuring residents have a voice in shaping their communities.
As we celebrate this 50-year partnership, we’re proud to continue working alongside District Councils to strengthen communication with residents and expand opportunities for engagement across Saint Paul. This milestone is a chance to honor the connections, projects, and partnerships that have made our neighborhoods stronger—and to reflect on the ways we can deepen our engagement efforts with the support of District Councils.
Check out our updated District Council website and watch our new video highlighting the important work District Councils do in their communities.
Get involved today!
- Find and connect with your District Council online
- Subscribe to their newsletter for updates
- Attend a meeting, join a community event, or volunteer to serve on the board
 Saint Paul District Councils 50th Anniversary Logo
Honoring Downtown Improvement District Ambassadors
On Wednesday, August 13th, the City Council adopted a resolution honoring the Saint Paul Downtown Improvement District Ambassadors for their tireless work keeping downtown safe, clean, and friendly.
From greeting visitors with warmth, to cleaning up our streets, to offering help in moments of crisis, these Ambassadors embody the spirit of service and civic pride that makes Saint Paul shine. This resolution stands as a public thank-you for all they do to foster a welcoming and thriving downtown for all.
All are invited to join us as we celebrate the team this Wednesday, Aug. 20, over lunch in Rice Park. We'll have a brief program beginning at 12:30 p.m. to thank the Ambassadors. This will be a great opportunity to meet the team and visit with the downtown community. There will also be food trucks and live music from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
 Honoring of Downtown Improvement District Ambassadors by Saint Paul City Council - August 13, 2025
Pedro Park Ribbon Cutting - September 4th
Mark your calendars! On September 4th, we will celebrate the grand opening of Pedro Park with a ribbon cutting ceremony, music, and light refreshments.
- Thursday, September 4th
- 4 - 6 PM
- 114 10th St E
For more information on the Pedro Park project, click here.
 Pedro Park Ribbon Cutting Flyer
Construction Update
With the reopening of 10th and Robert Street intersection, Minnesota Street between 11th and 10th streets will return to northbound traffic only
Beam Deliveries for Kellogg-3rd Street bridge start August 19
Starting Tuesday, August 19, beam deliveries for the Kellogg-3rd Street bridge will start. Beams will be delivered via I-94 and Kellogg Boulevard. There will be short-term traffic impacts, including ~5-minute closure of Kellogg Boulevard between 7th Street and Market Street in front of Xcel/RiverCentre. For more details and a map visit stpaul.gov/kellogg-3.
Share Your Thoughts: Downtown Streets and Sidewalks Plan
The City of Saint Paul is making progress on the Downtown Streets and Sidewalks Plan. We need your feedback to shape downtown streets. Answer a one-question survey, and identify your priority locations today. Survey closes on September 1 (Labor Day).
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4th Street:
- Intersection with Robert Street closed.
- Closed between Minnesota and Jackson streets.
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5th Street:
- Lane restrictions between Washington and Market streets and between Cedar and Robert streets.
- 6th Street:
- Intersection with Robert Street closed.
- Closed between Jackson and Minnesota streets.
- Lane restrictions between Minnesota and Wabasha streets.
- 7th Street:
- Lane restrictions between Cedar and Jackson streets.
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Closed between Walnut and Chestnut streets.
- Local business traffic only between Grand Avenue/Ramsey Street and Kellogg Boulevard.
- 7th Place:
- Intersection with Robert Street closed.
- Local access only from Minnesota and Jackson streets.
- 10th Street:
- Intersection with Robert Street closed. Scheduled to reopen end of the day on August 15.
- Kellogg Boulevard:
- Westbound lanes closed between Wabasha Street and Washington Street. Eastbound only between Wabasha Street and Washington Street
- Kellogg Boulevard/3rd Street bridge remains closed through 2027. Kellogg Boulevard remains closed between Lafayette Street and Mounds Boulevard.
- Access to parking lots and businesses is being maintained.
- For more information about the Kellogg/3rd Street Bridge project, visit: stpaul.gov/Kellogg-3.
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Minnesota Street:
- Between 11th and 10th streets has returned to northbound only.
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Closed between 10th and 7th streets.
- Robert Street:
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Closed between 11th Street and Kellogg Boulevard.
- Intersection closures at 6th, and 4th streets, and 7th Place.
- Intersection restrictions at 11th, 9th, 7th, and 5th streets.
- St Peter Street:
- Lane restrictions north of the 6th Street intersection.
- Wacouta Street:
- Lane restrictions between 5th and 4th streets.
For more information on construction projects in Saint Paul, visit stpaul.gov/construction.
 Downtown Construction Map as of August 15, 2025
Get Out and about in Ward 2!
Click here for a list of even more summer activities offered in the Ward!
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