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On November 4, St. Paul residents went to the polls in droves and elected our first Hmong and first woman Mayor. The robust turnout and the outcome were inspiring - and the simple act of voting has never been more important. At a moment when so many of the basic elements of our democracy seem more tenuous than we’d have ever believed, the fact that each and every one of us can alter power dynamics overnight and change the course of history with a humble ballpoint pen is nothing short of miraculous.
I’m thrilled to be welcoming Mayor-elect Her into office. The Mayor-elect campaigned on a promise to be more collaborative - with the private and philanthropic sectors and with partners at all levels of government - and she’s already living up to that pledge, reaching out within days of her election to schedule time to meet one-on-one with me and each of my colleagues. That sort of across-the-hallway outreach is critical to a healthy local democracy. Even when we disagree - and we will - being able to communicate before, during and after conflict means better decision-making and better outcomes for St. Paul.
Click here to read Rebecca's full note.
 City Council adopting a resolution honoring all Saint Paul veterans and military personnel ahead of Veterans Day. - November 5, 2025
Join Council President Noecker for an informal conversation tomorrow, Thursday, November 20, from 9:00 - 10:00 AM at Caydence Records & Coffee!
These gatherings are a chance to share your ideas, ask questions, or raise concerns in a relaxed setting. All are welcome!
- Thursday, November 20
- 9 - 10 AM
- Caydence Records & Coffee - 900 Payne Avenue
We hope to see you there!
December Downtown Action Series Meeting
Join fellow neighbors for our next Downtown Action Series Meeting, 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.
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 passes comprehensive Gun Violence Prevention Ordinance
On November 12th, City Council voted to make our city first in a coalition of 17 Minnesota cities to adopt a comprehensive Gun Violence Prevention Ordinance. This ordinance was developed in partnership with the Office of Mayor Carter, Moms Demand Action, and cities across the state.
The ordinance is a commitment to ban assault-style weapons, high capacity magazines, and untraceable "ghost guns" within city limits, and to prohibit firearms in public spaces such as parks, libraries, rec centers, and city buildings.
Thank you to the advocates, residents, and partners who made this possible — especially Moms Demand Action, Mayor Carter’s administration, and the coalition of cities standing with us to end gun violence.
 Saint Paul City Council with members of Moms Demand Action following Council's vote approving the Gun Violence Prevention Ordinance - November 12, 2025
Saving Lives Through Prevention: Minnesota’s New ERPO Law in Action
Recent research from Protect Minnesota highlights that gun violence continues to impact communities across Minnesota, and deaths by firearms are increasing. In 2024, 564 Minnesotans lost their lives to gun violence—a rise from 530 deaths in 2023. Most of these deaths were suicides, accounting for 72%, while 26% were homicides.
Research has shown that access to a gun in the home increases the odds of suicide more than threefold. In 2024, Minnesota implemented an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law to create a critical window of time and space between a person in crisis and their access to firearms. Commonly known as “red flag laws,” ERPOs are civil court orders that temporarily prohibit individuals who pose a significant danger to themselves or others from possessing or purchasing firearms.
In its first year, Minnesota’s ERPO law has shown promising results with 135 ERPO petitions filed statewide. Courts approved 95% of the emergency ERPOs and 78% of the long-term orders. While Minnesota’s numbers increased this year, research shows that ERPOs are a successful intervention strategy over the long-term. A recent multi-state study found that one life was saved for every 17 to 23 ERPOs issued.
It is important to keep in mind that these orders are not criminal charges, they are preventative measures designed to protect lives, reduce harm, and connect individuals to the help they may need. To learn more about obtaining an ERPO in Ramsey County, visit ramseycounty.us/ERPO.
Hear Maggiy Emery, Executive Director of Protect Minnesota, discuss their 2024 report on gun deaths in Minnesota
Emergency Rental Assistance Program applications open
The Emergency Rental Assistance / Eviction Prevention Program (ERA) is now open for applications. This program helps low-income households facing eviction due to missed rent.
- Eligible households may receive up to $2,500 to cover late rent & fees.
- Applies to those with a 14-day Notice to Quit or housing court summons.
- Landlords must agree not to evict to receive funds.
Applications are processed first-come, first-served.
Apply online or request a paper application: www.stpaul.gov/era
Questions? Call 651-266-6671
Skyway Blood Drive tomorrow, Nov. 20
The Red Cross is seeing a significant drop in blood donations nationally and locally — and you can make a real difference right here at home.
Join the Skyway Blood Drive at Union Depot on Thursday, November 20!
- Thursday, Nov. 20
- Union Depot, Downtown Saint Paul
Sign up to donate: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results...
As a thank you, donors will receive (while supplies last):
- Two tickets to the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
- Two tickets to the Minnesota Children’s Museum
- 10% off at Story Line Books at Union Depot
- Free drip coffee at Lost Fox (just show your Red Cross name tag, 9am–3pm)
- PAC-MAN Red Cross socks
Questions? Contact Bill Hanley or Kerry Cipra at SkywayBloodDrive@gmail.com
Ward 2 Welcome Video!
Saint Paul’s Ward 2 is a reflection of our city’s best qualities — diversity, creativity, and community spirit.
Our new Ward 2 Welcome Video showcases each of our neighborhoods — from the West Side’s heritage to Downtown’s transformation, West Seventh’s local businesses, Summit Hill’s historic character, and Railroad Island’s grassroots strength.
I’m proud to represent this dynamic ward and to keep working toward a safe, thriving, and connected Saint Paul.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGUM01IWllo
Minnesota Frost begin the hunt for the three-peat!
As the Professional Women's Hockey League begins its third season, the Minnesota Frost seek to continue their reign as the only champions in league history. They begin the season right here at home this Friday, November 21st at 6 PM against the rival Toronto Sceptres.
How to watch the Minnesota Frost:
- Click here to buy tickets.
- All games are available on FanDuel Sports Network, Fox 9+ Minneapolis, and for free on the PWHL YouTube channel and website!
 Frost pose with Walter Cup after defeating Ottawa Charge in the 2024-25 playoffs. - May 26, 2025 (PWHL)
 Celebrating beloved City Clerk, Shari Moore, as she retired after nearly four decades of public service. - November 5, 2025, AKA "Shari Moore Day"
Construction Updates
Area Closures and Restrictions in Downtown Saint Paul, as of November 14, 2025
For more information on road closures in Saint Paul, visit www.stpaul.gov/roadclosures
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5th Street:
- Lane restrictions between Wabasha and Cedar streets for Osborn Plaza construction from November 10, 2025 to September 2026. For more information visit the Osborn Plaza Improvements webpage.
- Lane restrictions between Cedar and Robert streets.
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6th Street:
- Intersection with Robert Street closed.
- Closed between Jackson and Minnesota streets.
- Lane restrictions between Minnesota and Wabasha streets.
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7th Street:
- Lane restrictions between Cedar and Jackson streets.
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7th Place:
- Intersection with Robert Street is restricted.
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Broadway Street:
- Lane restrictions between Kellogg Boulevard and 4th Street.
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Kellogg Boulevard:
- Westbound lanes closed between Wabasha Street and Washington Street. Eastbound only between Wabasha Street and Washington Street.
- One eastbound lane closed between Wabasha and Washington streets for Xcel Energy work.
- One eastbound lane remains open between Wabasha and Washington streets.
- 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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Robert Street:
- 11th to 9th streets open. 4th Street to Kellogg Boulevard open.
- Closed between 9th Street and 4th Street.
- Intersection closure at 6th Street.
- Intersection restrictions at 7th Street, 7th Place, and 5th Street.
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St Peter Street:
- Lane restrictions between 7th Place and 6th Street.
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Wacouta Street:
- Lane restrictions between 5th and 4th streets.
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Wall Street:
- Closed between 4th Street and Kellogg Boulevard from November 10 to December 13 for private building roof project.
For more information on construction projects in Saint Paul, visit stpaul.gov/construction.
 Construction map as of November 14, 2025
 Outside of the West 7th Town Hall at North Garden Theatre. - October 27, 2025
Events and Activities in Ward 2!
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