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One of my favorite events of the year is coming up this week. On May 14th, we’ll gather at Neighborhood House for the fourth Ward 2 Annual Meeting.
The Annual Meeting brings our whole ward together to do a few important things. First, we come together to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. I often say that in St. Paul, our social capital is our superpower and I like to use every possible opportunity to forge new connections among neighbors.
We also reflect on what we’ve achieved together over the past year. It’s easy to stay fixated on what still needs to be done–the old problems that still need to be solved and the new challenges that are confronting us. Staying focused on the future is important, but so is recognizing, celebrating and giving ourselves a collective pat on the back for the progress we’ve made. This isn’t just about congratulating ourselves (though that’s fun too). It’s about taking stock of how far we’ve come and reminding ourselves that progress is possible.
Finally, the Annual Meeting is a chance to hear about the work ahead, to meet directly with the city, county and nonprofit staff who are leading various initiatives, and to learn how you can get involved. We invite civic leaders from a wide range of sectors to give you the most up-to-date and detailed information on everything from road construction to parks activities, new transit lines and housing coming to your neighborhood, opportunities to plant flowers, prevent gun violence and more. The meeting is structured so you’ll get to hear highlights from each sector, and then have plenty of time to rotate to whichever areas interest you most to ask questions and give feedback.
And did I mention we’ll have cookies? :)
You can find more details about the event below. I hope you’ll plan to join us and, while you’re at it, consider inviting a friend or two. See you there!
Ward 2 Annual Meeting this Thursday!
Join us this Thursday, May 14 at Neighborhood House (179 Robie Street East, Room 272) for this year’s Ward 2 Annual Meeting!
This annual gathering is a chance to:
- Hear updates at the 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
Downtown Action Series - Meeting #7!
Union Depot | 214 4th St E
Thursday, June 18 | 4:30–6:00 PM
Downtown Saint Paul is moving — and we want you in the room.
Join us for our seventh 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
 Council President Noecker speaking with Senate interns as a part of the Minnesota Senate Speaker Series. - April 27, 2026
Summit Hill Association Board Openings
The Summit Hill Association is currently seeking applicants to serve on the SHA board! Board members help guide neighborhood priorities, support community projects, and shape conversations around issues affecting Summit Hill. The organization welcomes residents, business owners, and community members interested in making a local impact.
As a Board Member, the main obligation is attendance at the monthly board meeting (2nd Thursday of the month, 7:00 PM, Linwood Recreation Center). This is where the board will discuss and vote on various issues and plan work for the month. Members are able to choose which board projects or committees they are interested in and often will be asked to help lead projects.
If you are interested in applying, check out the Summit Hill Association webpage here.
2026 PCIARC Annual Summit - May 20th
The Saint Paul Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission's 2026 Annual Summit is taking place on Wednesday, May 20th at the North End Community Center. This summit will include discussing 2025 complaint data, the PCIARC process, and time for a Q&A.
Click here for more information.
Introducing the Our Saint Paul Newsletter
Sign up to get at-a-glance updates delivered directly to your email inbox so you can stay informed and get involved.
The City of Saint Paul is introducing a new, biweekly newsletter to help community members stay informed of the work happening across our city. The Our Saint Paul Newsletter provides a biweekly digest of important updates on projects, programs, resources, engagement opportunities, and upcoming events.
The Our Saint Paul Newsletter is delivered via email every other Friday.
 Ward 2 and other city staff attending a walking tour of City Hall and the Ramsey County Courthouse. - April 23, 2026.
Saint Paul Summer Kickoff on May 17
Families are invited to the Summer Kickoff, your one-stop-shop to learn about exciting summer programs offered by organizations all across Saint Paul.
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Where: Harriet Island Wigington Pavilion 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd, Saint Paul, MN 55107
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When: Sunday, May 17th, 2026, 12:00 PM to 2 PM
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Cost: Free
With representatives from various programs all in one place, families can explore their options, choose programs they’re interested in, and sign-up right on site, with many of the confirmed vendors offering free programs or scholarships.
In addition to providing information about summer activities, the Summer Kickoff will also feature fun activities for children and families. This event is free to attend, and attendees can stop by the Harriet Island Pavilion anytime between noon – 2 p.m. All are welcome.
Click here for more information.
Metro Transit Proposed Fare Changes - Share Your Thoughts
Express bus fares would become $3 all the time and $1 youth fares would be extended to riders up to 18 years old under proposed updates now out for public comment.
Comments on the proposed fare updates can be submitted through Tuesday, May 26. After comments are evaluated and addressed, the Metropolitan Council will be asked to consider the proposed updates in late August.
If approved by the Met Council, updates to fares for fixed route service would apply to all regional transit providers, including Metro Transit, Maple Grove Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), SouthWest Transit, and Plymouth Metrolink. There are additional proposed changes to fares for the Metro micro service.
Date: Thursday, May 14 Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 11:10 a.m.: Metro Transit presentation 11:30 a.m.: Public comments and questions begin Join the event via this link
Join May 16 Litter Cleanup hosted by Public Works!
Join Public Works for a litter cleanup along University Avenue on May 16. All ages are welcome to participate. Public Works will supply gloves, plastic bags, and litter grabbers.
When: Saturday, May 16, 9 - 11 AM.
Where: University Avenue and surrounding neighborhood (meet at the Rondo Community Library at 461 Dale Street)
Sign up to volunteer here.
Construction Updates
Sign up for weekly Downtown Construction Updates at the Downtown Projects webpage here.
Additional event and construction closures:
- During the week of May 11, overnight lane closures will occur on I-94 for Kellogg-3rd Street bridge construction between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- During the week of May 11, expect lane restrictions and changes on Shepard Road from Lexington Parkway to Gannon Road for skim paving work. Shepard Road will remain open to traffic.
Road closures and restrictions as of May 11:
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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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West 7th Street:
- Lane Restrictions between Walnut Street and Kellogg Boulevard on West 7th for Xcel Energy work.
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East 7th Street:
- Lane restrictions between Mounds Boulevard and Arcade Street for MnDOT work.
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9th Street:
- Closed between Minnesota and Robert Streets.
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Chestnut Street:
- Closed at West 7th for Xcel Energy work.
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Jackson Street:
- Jackson Street closed to thru traffic from Kellogg Boulevard to Shepard Road for sewer pump station and floodwall work.
- Jackson Street is open to parking and properties between Kellogg Boulevard and 2nd Street. 2nd Street is open between Jackson and Sibley streets.
- For more information, visit the city’s Lowertown Floodwall webpage.
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John Ireland Bridge:
- Closed for MnDOT reconstruction.
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Kellogg Boulevard:
- Westbound lanes closed between Wabasha Street and Washington Street. Eastbound only between Wabasha Street and Washington Street
- 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:
- Closed between 12th and 14th streets for District Energy work.
- Lane restrictions between Kellogg Boulevard and 9th Street as needed for sidewalk work and final reconstruction work.
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Shepard Road:
- Westbound Shepard closed between Eagle Parkway and Sibley Street.
- Shepard Road closed to thru traffic at I-35E for MnDOT bridge reconstruction.
- Eastbound will remain open from I-35E to Highway 61.
- Eastbound Shepard traffic can access downtown from Eagle Parkway and Sibley Street, except no trucks on Sibley Street due to bridge height.
- Westbound Shepard traffic can access downtown from Sibley Street, except no trucks due to bridge height.
- No access from Shepard Road to I-35E southbound.
- I-35E northbound can exit to eastbound Shepard Road.
- Shepard Road detour: Lexington Parkway to West 7th Street to Otto Avenue.
- For more information, visit MnDOT's I-35E and Shepard Road webpage.
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University Avenue:
- Lane restrictions between I-35E and Lafeyette Road.
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Wacouta Street:
- Lane restrictions between 5th and 6th streets for Xcel Energy Work.
For more information on construction projects in Saint Paul, visit stpaul.gov/construction.
 Council President Noecker kicking off our 6th meeting of the Downtown Action Series. - April 23, 2026
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