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“I think I broke the copy machine again,” my legislative aide Jekot said to me, as I passed by the copy room on my way to a community event. She was knee-deep in printer paper, preparing agendas and notes for our next Downtown Action Series meeting. “This is why I always make these copies two weeks in advance.”
A lot of our work in the Ward 2 office looks like this. Councilmembers may be most visible when we’re taking formal votes or attending official events, but the real work of serving our constituents takes place behind the scenes, and it’s much more mundane. It’s about responding to emails and phone calls on time, sending out Doodle polls to schedule meetings, typing up agendas and notes, following up promptly on the next steps we committed to, and yes–lots and lots of copies.
This type of elbow-deep administrative work is critical because our best work is done in collaboration - with other government agencies, with city staff and, most importantly, with neighbors.
For me, the work is most enjoyable and productive when it’s led by neighbors and our office plays a supporting role. Sometimes, groups of residents have already come together to improve things in their neighborhood and they call us in for help. For example, residents living near the Southport industrial area of the West Side have united to demand a better quality of life - less noise, dust and pollution from the industries next door, less truck and railway congestion along Highway 52 and Barge Channel Road, better pedestrian access and safer evacuation routes in case of an emergency. My office is there to help make connections with other government officials or agencies, to draft legislation, and to make sure residents are at the table when decisions are being made or ideas are being discussed.
Click here to read Rebecca's full note.
 Council President Noecker joining Senator Sandy Pappas to testify in support of SF 2320, allowing Saint Paul to restrict firearms in public spaces and local government buildings. - March 26, 2026
Downtown Action Series – Meeting #6 this Thursday!
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
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
- Gloria Dei Lutheran Church - Fellowship Hall, 700 Snelling Ave S
We hope to see you there!
Save the Date: Ward 2 Annual Meeting
Join us on Thursday, May 14 from 5:30–7:00 PM at the Neighborhood House at the Wellstone Center (Room 272) for this year’s Ward 2 Annual Meeting!
This annual gathering is a chance to:
- Hear updates on upcoming projects and priorities in Ward
- Learn about volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved
- Celebrate progress from the past year
- Connect directly with neighbors, City staff, and community partners
This year’s meeting will feature a Downtown Action Series–style table format, where attendees can rotate through topic-based conversations with City staff and community partners in a more interactive, small-group setting.
We hope you’ll join us for an evening of conversation, connection, and community!
RSVP via: https://forms.office.com/g/8yB2320Lx3
West 7th Street Selected as Corridor for new METRO J Bus Line
The Metropolitan Council officially selected West 7th Street as the corridor for the new METRO J Line bus rapid transit—and that’s a big win for this community.
This project isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about investing directly in West 7th—making it a safer, more welcoming, and more vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
The J Line will bring faster, more reliable service along the corridor, connecting the neighborhood to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, the Mall of America, and everything in between. But just as importantly, it’s part of a broader effort to reimagine West 7th itself.
Following the abrupt end of the Riverview Corridor, the city and state aligned on a new path forward—including a full reconstruction of the corridor. That means real, tangible improvements for the neighborhood:
- Safer crossings and better pedestrian access
- Wider sidewalks, more trees, and an improved streetscape
- Long-overdue upgrades to roads, utilities, and infrastructure
As planning and engagement get underway later this year, we’ll be making sure neighbors, businesses, and community voices are at the center of what comes next.
Click here for more information from Metro Transit.
Saint Paul City Council Approves Sign Study
On April 15th, the City Council unanimously approved Resolution 26-534, launching a zoning code study to update and clarify our business sign regulations. This is a direct follow-up to the previous week’s Policy Committee discussion and reflects a shared recognition that our current sign code is often confusing, hard to navigate, and creates unnecessary barriers for businesses trying to operate and grow in Saint Paul.
At its core, this work is about making it easier for businesses — downtown and across the city — to “hang out a shingle,” be visible, and communicate clearly with customers. Signage matters for neighborhood vitality, small business success, and the everyday experience of our commercial corridors.
This effort is being led by our office in partnership with the City’s Department of Safety and Inspections and Planning & Economic Development, and in close collaboration with the Saint Paul Area Chamber, the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance, and the City’s Business Review Council.
Staff will bring recommendations back later this year, and we’ll continue moving this work forward together.
Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) Community Poll Open Now
The City’s Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) Community Poll is now open, and it’s one of the key ways residents can weigh in on long-term projects—things like parks, streets, public facilities, and other major capital investments.
The poll is open through May 4, and you can review and vote on community-submitted proposals here:
https://stpaul.abalancingact.com/2026CIB
A few upcoming milestones in the process:
- Community Poll: now through May 4
- Public Hearing: June 8, 5:30 p.m. at Arlington Hills Community Center
- Committee Recommendation to Mayor: by June 30
- Mayor’s Proposed Budget: August
- Final City Budget adopted by City Council: December
This is a great way to make sure community priorities are reflected in how we invest in Saint Paul’s future.
 Ward 2 Staff joining Congresswoman Betty McCollum and Mayor Kaohly Her for a tour of the Rivoli Drive Project during National Community Development Week. - April 8, 2026.
Saint Paul Parent Solidarity Network
Due to ongoing immigration enforcement activity, some families are feeling unsafe getting their children to and from school. In order to help, we are asking for volunteers who can help by spending 30 minutes during drop-off or pick-up times helping observe the area around the school. Even one or two shifts a week can help families feel more secure and supported.
Right now, several Ward 2 school are especially in need of volunteers.
- Humboldt High School
- Focus Beyond
- Journeys
- Creative Arts Secondary School
If you have availability, we encourage you to consider signing up:
https://form.jotform.com/260104997848065
This is a small, tangible way to show up for our neighbors and support students and families across our community.
I-35E Bridge Construction Underway
Shepard Road between Lexington Parkway and Otto Avenue has closed beginning on Monday, April 13th as work on the I-35E bridge begins. The closure will remain in place through fall 2026 while crews replace the bridge and complete related roadway improvements. During this time, drivers should follow posted detours using Lexington Pkwy., West 7th St., and Otto Ave. The northbound I-35E to Shepard Rd. ramp will remain open.
This is a major infrastructure project that will improve safety, traffic flow, and long-term roadway conditions once complete. I know closures like this can be disruptive, and I encourage folks to plan ahead and allow extra travel time during construction.
If you have questions or run into issues, you can contact the project team directly at 612-424-8032 or info@35Eshepard.com.
More information is also available here.
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 Street:
- Lane restrictions between Cedar and Wabasha Street.
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9th Street:
- Closed between Robert and Jackson Streets for construction.
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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 joined up with Ward 3 and Ward 4 to attend the Northland Cup at Tria Rink supporting the important work of the Saint Paul & Ramsey County Domestic Abuse Intervention Project. - April 12, 2026
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