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For those of us in public office, the ongoing federal incursion into our communities has forced a difficult reckoning. We ran for office because we wanted to help our community. But with the full force of the federal government suddenly turned against us, many of us found ourselves asking: What can we do?
The answer is: Everything we can. Even in a crisis like this, when our basic understanding of our country, our rights and our laws is being turned upside down, there’s a lot we can do. And standing up for our community, showing that we have our people’s backs and that our values will not be shaken by a federal shakedown, means more than ever.
I’m proud to be leading a City Council that is taking bold, swift and lawful actions to fight back against federal aggression and keep our community safe. On February 5th, we adopted Ordinance 26-5 which prohibits law enforcement staging or operating on city-owned property, restricts access to non-public city spaces, and codifies the City’s December 19, 2025 cease-and-desist directive to federal law enforcement to leave City property.
Last week, we took a final vote on Ord 26-6 which requires law enforcement to clearly identify themselves, including their agency, name and/or badge number, on the outermost layer of their uniforms. People have a right to know who is interacting with them and identification is a basic measure of transparency and accountability.
And this week, we anticipate a final vote on Ord 26-7 that prohibits law enforcement from wearing masks - another key factor in holding federal agents accountable.
Click here to read Rebecca's full note.
 Council President Noecker joining Mayor Kaohly Her, Saint Paul Police Chief Henry, State Representative Samakab Hussein, and leaders from the Somali Community Action Coalition for an important conversation focused on ICE-related concerns, resource navigation, and strengthening long-term partnership between city institutions and community leadership. - February 9, 2026
February Community Conversation
Join Council President Noecker for a Community Conversation at Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center on Tuesday, February 24th!
These gatherings are a chance to share your ideas, ask questions, or raise concerns in a relaxed setting. All are welcome!
- Tuesday, February 24
- 5:30 - 6:30 PM
- Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center - 800 Conway St.
We hope to see you there!
Downtown Action Series – Meeting #5
- Union Depot | 214 4th St E
- Thursday, February 19
- 4:30–6:00 PM
Downtown Saint Paul is moving — and we want you in the room.
Join us for the fifth meeting of our Downtown Action Series, where we’ll share real updates, hold ourselves accountable for progress, and create space for meaningful public input on what’s working (and what’s not).
This isn’t just a presentation — it’s a working session focused on action, urgency, and shared ownership of downtown’s future.
What to expect:
- Major updates from the Mayor’s Office, City departments, Ramsey County, State leaders, public safety partners, and key downtown organizations
- A chance to meet your neighbors and build connections
- Small group Q&A organized around our strategic pillars of downtown revitalization
- Clear ways to plug in and get involved
We’ll hear brief, focused updates from leaders across city, county, and state government — along with downtown partners and resident groups — all centered on revitalization progress and next steps.
Our goals for the series:
- Keep the community informed
- Hold ourselves accountable for action
- Get honest public input
- Foster participation and shared ownership
- Strengthen the network of people who care about downtown
If you live, work, own a business, or simply care about downtown Saint Paul — this meeting is for you.
Let’s keep the momentum going. See you at Union Depot on February 19.
RSVP Here: https://forms.office.com/g/BnTA0F52Bq
City's Response to Federal 'Operation Metro Surge'
The City of Saint Paul has created an official webpage compiling updates on advancing legal action, community responses, and resources to help those in need.
This webpage can be found here. We encourage you to share this page within your community to ensure everyone has access to these valuable resources.
Skyway 5K - February 28th!
Experience Saint Paul in a whole new way at the Skyway 5K, a one-of-a-kind indoor race through the city’s iconic skyway system. Participants wind through climate-controlled corridors above downtown streets, passing familiar landmarks from a unique vantage point. Whether you are an experienced runner or just looking for a fun and memorable activity, this historic race offers a chance to explore the skyways like never before.
- Saturday, February 28
- Union Depot, 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul
- Registration required; fees vary by registration date starting at $45.99
Visit the Skyway 5K website here for more information.
Share your experience with federal actions in Minnesota
Attorney General Keith Ellison has launched a new Federal Action Reporting Form for Minnesotans to share firsthand accounts of how federal government actions have impacted them or their communities. Submissions may help document potential civil rights violations, impacts on public safety, funding changes, or other community effects.
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Who should report: Individuals with direct, firsthand experiences or observations
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Purpose: To help the Attorney General’s Office track impacts and support potential legal or enforcement action
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Submit a report: ag.state.mn.us/Federal-Action
The Attorney General’s Office is requesting factual, firsthand information and may follow up for additional details if needed.
Ward 2 Budget Win: Stronger Budget Enforcement
St. Paul is cracking down on parking meter violations, and this is a direct result of investments we secured in the 2026 budget. After years of light enforcement and staffing shortages, the city is finally stepping up — issuing nearly 3× more meter citations in 2025 than the year before
This uptick in enforcement wouldn’t be possible without the Ward 2 budget wins we fought for: Keeping two Parking Enforcement Officers (PEOs) from being cut & Adding an additional PEO to strengthen our team
More PEOs means better enforcement of meters and permit parking areas, which keeps streets safer, more accessible, and ensures turnover for on-street parking. It also supports our goal of diversifying the police department, as the PEO team is a key entry point for young, diverse candidates.
Read this article from Axios Twin Cities for more details on this win!
New Downtown Investment Fund Launched
The Saint Paul Downtown Development Corporation has launched the Saint Paul Downtown Investment Fund, a new initiative to support commercial, residential, and mixed-use redevelopment in downtown. The fund begins with $30 million in commitments from initial investors, including Securian Financial and the Bush Foundation.
The fund will support projects that strengthen downtown districts, expand housing through office-to-residential conversions, improve public spaces, preserve historic buildings, and foster job growth. This effort complements ongoing community engagement through Reimagine Downtown Saint Paul and aims to support a more vibrant and inclusive downtown.
Check out this article from Twin Cities Business for more on this new fund.
 Attendees of the January Community Conversation gathered at Mississippi Market. - January 29, 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 Minnesota and Wabasha 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 between Market and Washington streets will continue to be closed.
- 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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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 more information on this project, click here.
For more information on construction projects in Saint Paul, visit stpaul.gov/construction.
 Ward 2 staff and family attending the Minnesota Frost Black History Celebration at Grand Casino Arena. - January 21, 2026
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