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On December 3, after months of deliberation, the City Council adopted its 2026 budget. I’m proud of the transparent, inclusive budget process we ran - conducting community engagement sessions all over the city, holding a budget workshop where we discussed our proposed amendments publicly, sticking to our publicly advertised schedule, and working with the Mayor’s office early and often to iron out any controversies and avoid last-minute wrangling.
I’m also thrilled about the citywide investments we were able to make - preventing cuts to our Fire, Library and Parks and Rec departments, preserving library and rec center hours, continuing our hugely successful Commercial Corridor Organizational Assistance Program (CCOAP) for neighborhood main streets and more.
I’m especially proud of the Ward 2-specific investments I was able to secure.
Click here to read Rebecca's full note.
 Celebrating the City Council's approval of funding for Baker Park improvements in partnership with West Side Boosters, Saint Paul Parks Conservancy, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, and the Minnesota Vikings. - December 17, 2025
Downtown Action Series extended through 2026!
Mark your calendars, we are excited to share that we are extending the Downtown Action Series into 2026!
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.
- February 19
- April 23
- June 18
- August 27
- October 15
- December 10
RSVP Here: https://forms.office.com/g/BnTA0F52Bq
Thank you to everyone who has participated in the Downtown Action Series so far—we look forward to continuing these conversations and hope to see you at the 2026 meetings. Please feel free to share this invitation and encourage others who care about downtown’s future to join us.
Let’s keep shaping the future of downtown—together in the new year!
Saint Paul City Council Honors the 9th Annual Business Awards Winners and Runners-Up
The 9th Annual Business Awards winners and runners-up were recognized on November 25th for their work to demonstrate strong community engagement, essential services, investments in their employees, and a commitment to equity and diversity.
Ward 2 is proud to celebrate Lost Fox (213 E 4th Street, Suite 100) as winner of the New Kid on the Block aware, honoring a business that has opened up in the last five years. We also want to recognize runners-up from Ward 2, including Phe Coffee (Alice O'Brien Award), Tease Salon (People's Choice Award), and the 620 Club (Traditions Award).
This year, Saint Paul Business Awards Winners will once again receive a generous offer from Clear Channel Outdoor to feature the recipients at six digital ad spaces throughout the City of Saint Paul. We want to especially thank Clear Channel Outdoor for their continuing support to highlight and uplift Saint Paul businesses.
Read about past award winners and learn more about the categories and criteria for submitting a nomination at www.stpaul.gov/business-awards.
 Recognizing Lost Fox as recipient of the New Kids on the Block award at the 9th Annual Saint Paul Business Awards - November 25, 2025
Saint Paul City Council launches Commercial Corridor Organization Assistance Program
As a part of the 2025 budget, City Council reserved $1.4 million in Economic Development STAR funds for the development of this commercial corridor program.
The goal of the program is to provide dollars to organizations in a simple and streamlined way to advance economic development projects and programs on key corridors in the City of Saint Paul.
The Commercial Corridor Organization Advancement Program (C-COAP) is strengthening the local organizations that support our neighborhood businesses every day. From technical assistance to organizational development, this program is helping our commercial corridors thrive.
Learn more about C-COAP and the organizations involved here: Commercial Corridor Organization Assistance Program
Osborn Plaza construction continued on December 15th
The City of Saint Paul's Obsorn Plaza construction restarted on December 15th! This is an important milestone as we move one step closer to enhancing this beloved downtown park.
During this phase, the access route through the center of the plaza will be closed. Please follow posted signage for the temporary access route on the north side of the plaza. We know this means a slightly longer walk for nearby residents and businesses, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as this work is necessary for safety and efficiency.
Learn more & stay updated: www.stpaul.gov/OsbornPlazaImprovements
Thank you for your cooperation as we invest in a better downtown for everyone!
 Council President Noecker joining a Faith in Minnesota celebration to support Muslims heading to prayer. - December 11, 2025
Crypto Kiosk Ban in effect as of December 21, 2025
Led by our Ward 2 Office, the City of Saint Paul is taking action to protect residents from financial fraud and scams. Starting December 21, 2025, it will be illegal to operate, host, or allow virtual currency (cryptocurrency) kiosks anywhere in the city under Chapter 297 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
Why this matters:
- In 2024, the FBI reported nearly 150,000 cryptocurrency complaints nationwide, totaling $9.3 billion in losses.
- Over 11,000 complaints, totaling $246 million, involved kiosk transactions.
- In Minnesota alone, 1,852 victims lost more than $91 million.
Businesses that fail to comply may face misdemeanor charges or action against their city business license. The Saint Paul Police Department is committed to helping businesses comply and protect the community from scams.
Questions or need guidance? Contact the Saint Paul Police Department: 651-291-1111 or policeinfo@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
Protect your business. Protect your community. Make sure your business does not host or allow cryptocurrency kiosks.
Downtown Development Corporation purchases Empire Building and Endicott Arcade
The St. Paul Downtown Development Corporation — a nonprofit launched by the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance — has just purchased another key property in our core: the historic Empire Building and the adjacent Endicott Arcade!
This marks the third former Madison Equities property that SPDDC now controls — joining the Alliance Bank Center and the Capital City Parking Ramp — and represents a big leap toward transforming these long-vacant, boarded-up buildings into meaningful, vibrant spaces for our downtown.
Why this matters:
- These acquisitions give us true control over key sites that have long dragged down downtown’s momentum.
- They open the door to creative redevelopment — from new housing to retail and community-oriented uses — right in the center of our city.
- This work builds on the City’s commitment, including $5 million in the 2026 budget to support downtown progress.
There’s still more to do — and we’ll be engaging the public in imagining what comes next — but this is exactly the kind of bold, strategic action we need to breathe new life into downtown.
Together, we’re turning opportunity into progress — and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead for St. Paul!
Read more here: Star Tribune - "St. Paul nonprofit buys third former Madison Equities property in downtown."
 Cutting the ribbon on the newly renovated Fire Station 3 in West 7th. - December 9, 2025
Audit Committee survey and vacancy
The Saint Paul City Council Audit Committee is considering its next performance audit, and we want your input!
What City programs or services do you think should be reviewed to improve service delivery, transparency, and accountability?
Your feedback helps make our City government stronger and more responsive.
Take the survey here.
There is also a vacancy for an Audit Committee Advisor. If you’re interested in supporting strong oversight and community-centered governance, we encourage you to apply.
Apply here by January 23, 2026.
Council President Noecker joins D2 & U podcast
Last month, Council President Noecker joined the District 2 Greater East Side Community Council on their podcast D2 & U. Council President Noecker discussed her time on the Saint Paul City Council and her work on a stronger tree preservation ordinance.
Tune in to hear what’s at stake and how community voices can shape this important work.
Listen here.
 Council President Noecker joining the West Side Community Organization at the "All I Want for Christmas is Clean Air" event. - December 13, 2025
Construction Updates
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 until September 2026. For more information, visit the Osborn Plaza Improvements webpage.
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6th Place:
- Lane restrictions between Minnesota and Wabasha 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:
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Traffic signal pole installation began December 15. Northbound Robert Street will close between 5th and 11th streets until work is complete.
- Northbound traffic will be detoured onto Minnesota Street.
- All intersections crossing Robert Street will remain open with possible lane restrictions.
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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.
For more information on construction projects in Saint Paul, visit stpaul.gov/construction.
 The Ward 2 team stepping out for lunch at El Burrito Mercado to celebrate a year of strong teamwork, long days, and a whole lot of care for our community. - December 16, 2025
Events and Activities in Ward 2!
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