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I called a friend the other day and greeted her as usual: “Hi, how are you?”
“I think we need to figure out a new way to greet each other,” she said, sighing.
As the owner of a childcare center in St. Paul, my friend has been dealing not only with the terror and confusion that so many of us have been experiencing as we confront an onslaught of federal agents in our region, but also with the administration’s on-again, off-again threats to cut the childcare funding on which she and other care providers depend. She is worried about how her families will afford care without the federal subsidies that make childcare (barely) work, about how she’ll continue to pay her employees and about what will happen to the children in her care.
She’s not alone. As this federal crackdown continues, I’m hearing from residents who are afraid to leave their homes, who need help from overwhelmed immigration attorneys or who want to help others but don’t know how. I’m hearing from small business owners whose employees are scared to come to work and who are fearful both for their workers and for their own economic survival.
The devastation that is being wrought on our community – and on our democracy – needs to be acknowledged for what it is. Reasonable people can disagree about the finer points of immigration policy but what we’re seeing now is a disregard for the rule of law, for civil rights and for the founding principles of our country. The turmoil that is being fomented in our streets has resulted in racial profiling, discrimination and violence, with dozens of people shot throughout the country, and last week, the killing of Renee Nicole Good, an unarmed constitutional observer.
Click here to read Rebecca's full note.
 Council President Noecker joining the Saint Paul Civic Pledge signing with Majority in the Middle, reaffirming a shared commitment to dialogue, democracy, and rejecting political violence. - January 6, 2026
January Community Conversation
Join Council President Noecker for a Community Conversation at Mississippi Market on Thursday, January 29th!
These gatherings are a chance to share your ideas, ask questions, or raise concerns in a relaxed setting. All are welcome!
We hope to see you there!
Downtown Action Series - February 19th!
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!
SPDDC acquires distressed mortgage on U.S. Bank Center
The Saint Paul Downtown Development Corporation (SPDDC) has acquired the distressed mortgage on the U.S. Bank Center at 101 E. 5th St., a key 25-story building in the heart of our downtown core. This step gives SPDDC the ability to help stabilize and shape the future of this important site—just as we did with the Alliance Bank Center.
Key facts about the U.S. Bank Center:
- 25 floors of office & commercial space (>500,000 sq. ft.)
- 348-stall parking ramp
- Located in the critical corridor bridging the entertainment district and Lowertown
This acquisition strengthens SPDDC’s role in revitalizing downtown Saint Paul and driving long-term vibrancy for our city. Read more about the acquisition from the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance here.
Learn more about our ongoing to reimagine Downtown Saint Paul and share your ideas here.
Harriet Island events survey
The Harriet Island event team is looking for community feedback regarding potential events, classes, workshops, and tours for adults and children of all ages! We want to hear from YOU--community members and visitors who love the park or who have yet to discover what a great place it is to visit--but would like to!
Please fill out the linked form to tell us what recreational and/or educational events appeal to you and would encourage you to visit Harriet Island. This survey relates to feedback for small to medium size events at Wigington Pavilion, Raspberry Island, Kelley's Landing picnic shelter, Target Stage, and outdoor space throughout the park. Many of these events would be FREE or low cost to the community. Thank you!
Click here to take the survey.
2026 Capital Improvement Budget Community Proposals now open
The City of Saint Paul is inviting community members to submit ideas for capital investments in our public places, spaces, and roads. Your input shapes how our city looks, functions, and supports public safety.
Key Dates:
- CPTED & Applications Workshop: Feb 9, 6:30 PM, Arlington Hills Community Center (virtual option available)
- Application Deadline: Feb 20
- Public Hearing: June 8, 5:30 PM, Arlington Hills Community Center
What can you propose?
- Infrastructure owned and maintained by the City
- Projects lasting 10+ years
- Projects feasible within available funding
- Projects that advance Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
Not eligible: staffing changes, improvements to private property, tree trimming/removal (planting may be eligible)
Your ideas can make a real difference in how our neighborhoods feel, look, and stay safe. Start your application today!
Click here for more information.
Investment for Baker Park and West Side Youth
We’re thrilled to share that a game-changing investment is coming to Baker Park — one that will open new doors for youth in the West Side community! Together with the Minnesota Vikings and local partners like the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy and West Side Boosters, we’re investing in upgrades that will create safe, high-quality places for kids to play, learn, and grow.
This effort reflects a shared belief that every child deserves access to great park spaces and athletic opportunities right in their neighborhood — and it’s a huge win for families and young athletes across the West Side. Thanks to everyone who’s made this possible!
Check out this article from the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy for more information.
 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
I-94 Weekend Closure
I-94 will be fully closed in both directions from Friday evening, January 16, through early Sunday morning, January 18, for bridge construction at the Kellogg Blvd./3rd Street Bridge near downtown Saint Paul. Westbound lanes close at 10 PM. Friday between Hwy 61/Mounds Blvd. and Hwy 52/Lafayette Freeway, followed by eastbound lanes at 11 PM.
The weekend closure allows crews to set bridge beams, with I-94 reopening around 9 AM Sunday. Motorists should expect signed detours and plan extra travel time through the area.
For more details on the closure, click here.
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.
West 7th Street: Plan in hand. Partners aligned. Ready to get to work.
Back in late October, at a West 7th Town Hall, we committed to coming back within 60 days with a plan. We said we would — and here we are.
MnDOT — in partnership with Ramsey County, the City of Saint Paul, and Metro Transit — has announced a shared commitment to advance long-term repairs and improvements on Hwy 5 / West 7th Street, from downtown Saint Paul to the Mississippi River near Fort Snelling.
This is a generational investment focused on:
- Improving safety for everyone who uses the corridor
- Better sidewalks, accessibility, and transit
- Upgrading critical underground public and private utility infrastructure
- Long-term durability of the street itself
Our office is proud of the strength of this plan and the partnership behind it. Now, the next critical step is funding. Advancing these improvements will require legislative investment — and we’re ready to work with our partners to make that happen.
Community feedback already shared will continue to shape this project, and new public engagement opportunities are coming soon. We’ll keep sharing updates and timelines as they’re available.
🔗 Learn more and stay connected here:
https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/w7thst-stpaul/index.html
 Welcoming Saint Paul's first Hmong American mayor, Mayor Kaohly Her, at her Inauguration Ceremony. - January 2, 2026
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:
- January 13-24, westbound lanes closed between Wabasha Street and Washington Street for Xcel Energy work. Eastbound only between Wabasha Street and Washington Street.
- January 25, westbound lanes between Wabasha Street and Market Street are scheduled to reopen. Westbound lanes between Market and Washington streets will remain closed for Xcel Energy work.
- Westbound lanes between Market and Washington streets will continue to be closed.
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Kellogg Boulevard/3rd St. bridge remains closed through 2027. Kellogg Boulevard remains closed between Lafayette St. and Mounds Boulevard. For more information about the Kellogg/3rd St. Bridge project, visit: www.stpaul.gov/Kellogg-3.
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Market Street:
- January 13-20, Market closed between 4th Street and Kellogg Boulevard for Xcel Energy work.
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Osborn Plaza:
- Reconstruction underway and expected to last through fall 2026.
- Sidewalk, parking, and one travel lane on 5th Street closed.
- Sidewalk and parking lane on Wabasha to primarily remain open during construction.
- For full information and updates, click here.
For more information on construction projects in Saint Paul, visit stpaul.gov/construction.
 Council President Noecker meeting the creators of the World's Largest Hockey Puck in Rice Park during the IIHF World Juniors Championship. - December 29, 2025
Events and Activities in Ward 2!
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Hepcat Coffee's Grand Reopening
- Monday, January 26, 2 - 5 PM
- 370 Wabasha St N
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Snow Queen's Gambit
- Explore the beautiful Pioneer Endicott building with Saint Paul Parks and Recreation and Saint Paul Parks Conservancy!
- Friday, January 30, 5 - 8 PM; Saturday, January 31, 3 - 6 PM
- Pioneer Endicott Building, 141 E 4th St
- Ages 8+, $20
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Saint Paul Winter Carnival
- January 22 - February 1
- Ten days of festive events, ice sculptures, parades, and family-friendly activities all over Saint Paul!
- Click here for a full list of Winter Carnival events.
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Frosty Art Affair - indoor winter art fair
- Saturday, January 24, 10 AM - 5 PM
- Landmark Center, 75 5th St W
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Saint Paul Indoor Farmer's Market
- Saturdays, 9 AM - 1 PM
- 308 Prince St E
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