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I hope you’re enjoying this season as summer winds down and we return to school, resume our routines and dig through the closet, trying to remember what on earth we wore five months ago.
Here at the City Council, fall means the beginning of crafting our budget for 2026. This is one of our most important responsibilities, and it’s one that my Council colleagues and I take very seriously.
This year, our budget process will be more important than ever - because this is a particularly intense moment in our history. We are in deep community pain and mourning in the wake of the horrible violence at Annunciation School. We are at a moment when cities are under scrutiny, under threat and in some cases, under siege - by our own government. And we are at a moment when trust is at an all-time low - trust in our laws, our government, our educational institutions, our media, and our own ability as a society to solve our most wicked problems.
These are daunting challenges, but in St. Paul, we don’t get daunted - we get motivated. And our Council is motivated right now to use our budget to rebuild trust in our city and what we can achieve at the local level. We can rebuild trust by what our budget looks like and how we create it.
Click here to read Rebecca's full note.
 Minnesota lawmakers from every level of government, the Minnesota Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, other gun violence prevention advocates, and clergy, hosted a press conference to honor the victims of the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church School and call for action, including a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines. - August 28, 2025.
How does Saint Paul spend your tax dollars? What challenges and priorities are shaping next year's budget?
Join Council President Rebecca Noecker and City staff for the Ward 2 Budget Meeting:
- Thursday, September 25
- 6:30 - 7:30 PM
- Baker Community Center (209 Page St. W.)
Come learn about the City’s operating and capital budgets, ask questions, share feedback, and help shape the year ahead.
RSVP here: forms.office.com/g/6xa31Tqt7a?origin=lprLink
Downtown Action Series Meeting - October 16
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, 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!
Ward 2 Update!
We've recently refreshed our Priority Issues page to make it easier for you to see what we're focusing on in Ward 2. From community safety to neighborhood improvements, get the latest updates and see how you can stay engaged. Check out the updated page here: Ward 2 Priority Issues
Council President Noecker Discusses Proposed Ban on Cryptocurrency Machines
Council President Rebecca Noecker recently spoke with KSTP 5 Eyewitness News about a proposed ordinance to ban cryptocurrency kiosks in St. Paul. She highlighted concerns over scams where individuals are tricked into depositing large sums into Bitcoin machines under false pretenses. Noecker emphasized that these scams often target vulnerable residents and result in significant financial losses. The city is working on legislation to address this issue, with hopes to introduce the ordinance and potentially approve it by the end of the year. For more details, you can read the full article here: St. Paul to consider banning cryptocurrency machines.
The Great North Star Read Together this Saturday!
Read with us and Minnesotans across the state to show your support of the vital role libraries play in our communities!
Saint Paul Public Library, along with libraries across Minnesota, are hosting the one-day Great North Star Read Together.
Head to George Latimer Central Library on Saturday, September 20 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cozy up in reading nooks, enjoy live acoustic guitar as background music, pick up a custom bookmark, and/or bring little ones for a storytime.
All ages and reading interests are welcome at this “read-in”—bring your current read or audiobook, find a new title on our shelves, or ask library staff for a recommendation suited to your taste! More information at sppl.org
The Great North Star Read Together is a collaborative effort of library supporting organizations from across the state: Council of Regional Library Systems, Information & Technology Educators of Minnesota, Metropolitan Library Services Agency, Minitex, Minnesota Library Association, and Multicounty Multitype Library Systems.
9th Annual Saint Paul Business Awards!
It’s that time of year! The Saint Paul Business Awards are back up! This program serves to uplift Saint Paul businesses that provide rich, diverse, and inclusive experiences to the community. With five different categories, your business is sure to be recognized within their mission and goals!
Categories include:
- Alice O’Brien Award - Honoring a woman-owned business that is committed to equity and empowerment.
- Good Neighbor Award - Honoring a business that shows dedication to improving the community.
- Traditions Award - Honoring a business that has been active in Saint Paul for at least 20 years.
- People’s Choice Award - Honoring a business that is recognized for its excellence by Saint Paul residents.
- New Kid on the Block Award - Honoring a business that has opened in Saint Paul within the last five years.
Visit www.stpaul.gov/bizawards to learn more about award categories, previous winners, and how you can nominate your favorite spot!
Renaming the newly renovated Osborn Plaza!
As part of a major renovation of this downtown public space, the City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department is inviting community members to help choose a new name for the plaza.
Have a suggestion? Share it through this quick 2-minute survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WW5KDXW
Your ideas will help shape the future of this important public space—thank you for lending your thoughts and opinions!
 Celebrating the long-awaited Pedro Park Ribbon Cutting! - September 4, 2025
Staying up-to-date on the Digital Security Incident
Since July 25, the City of Saint Paul has been responding to a digital security incident that disrupted some online services, though critical services like 911, fire, police, water, and garbage have remained fully operational. With help from state, federal, and cybersecurity partners, the City is restoring systems in phases, enhancing security, and launching PAULIE—a new permitting, licensing, inspection, and utility platform—on September 17. Online payments for garbage and water are back, and no late fees will be charged while other systems remain offline. Residents are urged to be cautious of fraudulent invoices or suspicious emails and can find updates and contact options on the City’s Digital Security Incident Info Hub.
Construction Updates
7th Street Emergency Sewer Repair Update (9/15)
- Barring any unforeseen or unexpected issues, we are working towards a project completion date of Fri. 9/26, and possibly earlier dependent on how work progresses this week.
- One-lane of traffic is open in each direction on W. 7th St between Walnut Ave. and Chestnut Ave.
- The below ground emergency sewer tunnel repairs are substantially complete. The work environment is small and dangerous. Our focus throughout this emergency repair project has been worker safety and maintenance of sewer service.
Next steps/ remaining work:
- Sewer tunnel invert cleaning/mucking.
- Mortar tuck pointing of original sewer brick invert.
- Street restoration.
- Contractor demobilization.
Future sewer work W. 7th St.:
- Following the hockey season of 2025-2026, we will need to continue sewer tunnel repairs on W. 7th St between Chestnut Ave. and Kellogg Ave.
- Thru 2029, sewer repairs will continue on W. 7th St. between Munster Ave and Olive St. in advance and during MnDOT resurfacing of W. 7th St. /Hwy 5.
- See MnDOT project information: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/w7thst-stpaul/index.html
Area Closures and Restrictions in Downtown Saint Paul, as of September 12
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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.
- 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.
- 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.
- For more information about the Kellogg/3rd Street Bridge project, visit: stpaul.gov/Kellogg-3.
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Minnesota Street:
- Open to traffic.
- Some lane restrictions between 5th Street and 7th Place and between 11th and 7th streets.
- Robert Street:
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Closed between 11th Street and Kellogg Boulevard.
- Intersection closures at 9th, 6th, and 4th streets, and 7th Place.
- Intersection restrictions at 11th, 7th, and 5th streets.
- St Peter Street:
- Lane restrictions north of the 6th Street intersection.
- Wacouta Street:
- Lane restrictions between 5th and 4th streets and between 6th and 7th streets.
For more information on construction projects in Saint Paul, visit stpaul.gov/construction.
 Downtown Construction Map as of September 12, 2025
Get Out and about in Ward 2!
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Fall Scary Movie Series
- Friday, October 17 - I Know What You Did Last Summer at Mears Park
- Friday, October 24 - The Sixth Sense at Harriet Island Regional Park
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