News from the Ward: On a Hopeful Note

City of St. Paul sent this bulletin at 03/19/2026 02:45 PM CDT

March 19, 2026

On a Hopeful Note

I’m feeling hopeful.

It’s almost a transgressive statement these days when things feel so shaky, both in our neighborhoods and across the globe. But hope matters more in a time of uncertainty, and in this season, there’s a lot to inspire it.

It’s March, and the buzz is palpable as events and festivals kick into high gear. St. Patrick’s Day is next week (see you at the parade?), Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, and soon we’ll be immersed in a full slate of Saint Paul celebrations: spring flower shows at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, the International Festival of Minnesota at the RiverCentre, West Side Cinco de Mayo festivities, the return of Grand Old Day on Grand Avenue, neighborhood arts events like the Art Crawl, and in June, the Twin Cities Jazz Festival—along with block parties and cultural celebrations across the city.

Community events like these bring our city to life, but they’ve become harder to organize as security costs have gone up. I’m proud that our Council took action this month to help bring down costs for community events. We allocated $155,000 for security credit and we’re exploring ways to reduce costs even more in the future.

Click here to read Rebecca's full note.

Saint Paul City Council members and staff braving the cold to celebrate Saint Paul's Irish heritage in the 60th Annual St. Patrick's Day parade. - March 17, 2026

April Community Conversation

Join Council President Noecker and special guest Ward 3 Councilmember Saura Jost for a Community Conversation at Highland Park Library on Tuesday, April 28th!

These gatherings are a chance to share your ideas, ask questions, or raise concerns in a relaxed setting. All are welcome!

Tuesday, April 28
4:00 - 5:00 PM
Location TBD

We hope to see you there!

Downtown Action Series – Meeting #6

Union Depot | 214 4th St E
Thursday, April 23 | 4:30–6:00 PM

Downtown Saint Paul is moving — and we want you in the room.

Join us for our sixth Downtown Action Series meeting as we share key updates, track progress, and create space for real community input on what’s working — and what’s not. This is a working session focused on action, urgency, and shared ownership of downtown’s future.

What to expect:
• Updates from city, county, state, and downtown partners
• Opportunities to connect with neighbors
• Small group Q&A on key revitalization priorities
• Clear ways to get involved

Whether you live, work, or care about downtown, your voice matters. Let’s keep the momentum going.

RSVP: https://forms.office.com/g/BnTA0F52Bq

News Briefs

2026 Temporary Property Tax Extension

Over the past few weeks, several small business owners reached out to the Ward 2 office to share how recent federal immigration enforcement activity disrupted work, staffing, and income in our community. Hearing directly from them, our office also reached out to Ramsey County to push for relief, advocating for a solution that provides flexibility and support during this challenging time.

As a result, Ramsey County is now offering a temporary property tax payment extension for residents and small businesses impacted by these disruptions. Eligible property owners can delay the first half of their 2026 property tax payment by up to two months without late penalties.

This option is available for:

Non-escrowed homestead properties
Small businesses with property tax bills under $50,000
1–3 unit rental properties with property tax bills under $20,000

Many families and local businesses have faced real uncertainty, and this extension is one way local government can provide a little breathing room while our community recovers.

Learn more and apply here.

Girl Scout Troop 2026 Care to Share Program

Local Girl Scouts on the West Side have been impacted by recent enforcement activity during what is typically a critical time for their annual cookie program. In response, Girl Scouts River Valleys has launched a Care to Share initiative to help girls stay engaged and continue building important leadership skills like goal-setting, teamwork, and gratitude.

Through this program, community members can:

Purchase cookies online
Contribute directly to support participating Girl Scouts

It’s a simple way to uplift young leaders in our community as they navigate challenging circumstances.

Learn more about this program here.

Public Works Common Cent Informational Meetings

Join Public Works staff to learn about the Common Cent Plan for upcoming street construction projects that are funded by Saint Paul's 1% Sales Tax initiative over the next 20 years.

These events will provide updates on the Common Cent Programming Plan and help inform residents of project areas in the next 5 years. There will be one in-person meeting and one virtual meeting that share the same information. Each event will include a presentation followed by an opportunity to ask staff questions regarding Common Cent projects.

In-Person Meeting Option:
- Wednesday, March 25
- 5:30 - 7 PM (Presentation starts at 5:45 p.m.)
- North End Community Center - 145 Lawson Ave W, St Paul, MN 55117
Virtual Meeting Option:
- Wednesday, April 8
- 5:30 - 6:30 PM
- Join online (via Teams). (No need to download Microsoft Teams. You can join via your web browser.)
- Call in only (no video): 612-315-7905, Conference ID 307 348 993#

Council President Noecker and Ward 3 Councilmember Saura Jost running in the first ever Skyway 5K! - February 28, 2026

International Festival of Minnesota coming to RiverCentre!

A beloved Saint Paul tradition is returning this spring with a new name — the International Festival of Minnesota (iFestMN). After several years away, the festival will take place April 10–11 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, bringing back a vibrant celebration of cultures from around the world.

Attendees can expect a lively, immersive experience featuring global food vendors, live music and dance performances, cultural exhibits, and artisan markets. With dozens of cultures represented, the festival offers a chance to explore and celebrate the diversity that makes our community strong.

For more information, check out this article from Kare11.

CORE Grant Program

The Saint Paul Port Authority has launched the CORE Grant Program (Capitol Outreach for Revitalization & Expansion), a new initiative supporting local businesses in the Capitol Area through targeted capital investments. Backed by $870,000 in state funding, the program offers grants of $50,000–$150,000 to help businesses grow, improve their spaces, and strengthen the local economy.

Funds can be used for facade improvements, energy upgrades, equipment, accessibility, and safety enhancements, with eligibility for new, existing, or relocating for-profit businesses in the area.

The program includes two application rounds, with deadlines on March 31 and August 31, 2026, offering a strong opportunity to invest in both individual businesses and the long-term vitality of the Capitol corridor.

For details, visit the Saint Paul Port Authority's webpage here.

Construction Updates

For more information on road closures in Saint Paul, visit www.stpaul.gov/roadclosures

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.
6th Street:
- Lane restrictions between Cedar and Wabasha Street.
9th Street:
- Closed between Robert and Jackson Streets for construction.
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.
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.