July 9, 2026

Seeing the Forest... and the Trees

At a recent community event, political leader and former US Rep. Stacey Abrams delivered a line that really resonated with me.  “Patience is a virtue,” she said. “And it’s a virtue I do not possess.”

I couldn’t agree more.  As my city colleagues will tell you, I’m constantly pushing for things to move faster.  “What’s our deadline?” and “Are we on track?” are frequently asked questions in my office, and I struggle mightily against the wisdom of the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”  (Can’t we go fast and together, after all?)

So when I read a recent headline about the tree preservation ordinance I’m authoring, I had to smile.  “Everyone Wanted a Law to Protect St. Paul’s Trees. It Still Took Over a Year to Get a Vote,” it read.

True enough. Despite the fact that this is a massive piece of legislation governing tree preservation and replanting on all city roads, sidewalks, bike lanes and trails, and despite the fact that we’re adopting not only the broad ordinance but the detailed “standard operating procedures” that will actually dictate the work, I would normally want to get a project like this done in a matter of months, not years.

But when we held a public hearing on the ordinance last February, it became clear that this was a case where going together – a bit slower - was critical.  

Click here to read Rebecca's full note.

Ward 2 welcoming St. Olaf student, Solvej Graff, to shadow a day of work at City Hall! - June 23, 2026

Upcoming Community Conversation - July 13th

Join Council President Noecker for a Community Conversation at City House  on Monday, July 13th!

Join us for our next Community Conversations gathering this Monday. These informal meet-ups are a chance to share ideas, ask questions, and raise concerns in a relaxed, welcoming setting. All are welcome to stop by, connect with neighbors, and talk about what’s on your mind.

• Monday, July 13
• 4:00 - 5:00 PM
• City House - 258 Mill Street

We hope to see you there!

Downtown Action Series – Meeting #8 next month! 

Union Depot | 214 4th St E
Thursday, August 27 | 4:30–6:00 PM

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

Join us for our eighth 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

#BoostTheBus - Thank you for your advocacy! 

Last month, our office received many #BoostTheBus postcards from constituents encouraging continued investment in public transportation. Whether you took the time to write a postcard, send an email, or share your perspective in another way, thank you for making your voice heard.

The #BoostTheBus campaign encourages state leaders to prioritize reliable, accessible, and affordable bus service throughout Minnesota. Hearing directly from constituents helps us better understand the issues that matter most to our community.

Our office is continuing to follow transportation policy and funding discussions closely, and we appreciate everyone who took the time to engage in the process. Thank you for your advocacy and for staying involved in shaping the future of transportation in our region.

Council President Noecker holding #BoostTheBus postcards at 7th St W & Grand Ave bus stop. - June 15, 2026

News Briefs

Standing with Twin Cities Irish Fest (and how you can help!)

For 45 years, Twin Cities Irish Fest (formerly the Irish Fair of Minnesota) has brought our community together to celebrate Irish culture, music, and traditions. Like many nonprofit events, the festival has faced rising operating costs and unexpected financial challenges that have put additional strain on its budget.

Thanks to the incredible support of the community, the festival continues working toward a stronger financial foundation that will help ensure this beloved tradition thrives for years to come. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps support the festival and its future.

Here's how you can help:

• Donate: Every gift directly supports the future of Twin Cities Irish Fest. Visit twincitiesirishfest.com/love..
• Buy Tickets Early: Join us August 7–9 on Harriet Island by purchasing your tickets in advance at twincitiesirishfest.com/tickets.
• Purchase Raffle Tickets: Raffle tickets are $10 each, with prizes including a trip to Ireland, $2,500 cash, and other exciting experiences. Tickets are available through board members, at Moloney's on Grand Avenue, at Celtic Junction, or online at twincitiesirishfest.com/raffle.

Thank you for helping preserve this cherished Minnesota tradition for generations to come.

A Conversation on Saint Paul's Budget Outlook

With a projected $26 million shortfall ahead, Council President Noecker spoke with KSTP-TV 5 Eyewitness News about the choices in front of us as we work to close the gap for 2027. That includes looking at long term strategies like strengthening partnerships, growing our local tax base, and exploring programs such as Payment in Lieu of Taxes, which other cities have used to support core services.

Take a listen to the full interview here. 

Upcoming Harriet Island Events 

Two exciting music festivals are coming to Harriet Island this July! Whether you're planning to attend or just passing through the area, expect increased traffic, temporary road closures, and bike detours during both events. Additionally, to safely accommodate festival setup and operations, Harriet Island Regional Park will be closed to the public July 6–24. 

Minnesota Country Club

• Date: Friday, July 10 – Saturday, July 11
• Time: 12:30 PM - 10:30 PM both days
• What to Expect: A new country music festival featuring country, folk, and Americana artists on multiple stages, with scenic riverfront views and family-friendly festival experiences.
• Information on road closures and detours, including a detailed map, can be found here. 

Minnesota Yacht Club Festival

• Date: Friday, July 17 – Sunday, July 19
• Time:  12:30 PM - 10:30 PM both days
• What to Expect: Three days of live music featuring more than 30 artists, local food vendors, and waterfront experiences, making it one of the Twin Cities' premier summer festivals.
• Information on road closures and detours, including a detailed map, can be found here. 

Free Fitness in the Parks classes this summer! 

Enjoy Summer Downtown with Lunch on the Lawn

Council President Noecker joining Saint Paul Fire Department's Station 1 crew for a ride along! - June 29, 2026

Construction Updates

Sign up for weekly Downtown Construction Updates at the Downtown Projects webpage here. 

Additional event and construction closures:

• July 10-11 Minnesota Country Club at Harriet Island
• July 17-19 Minnesota Yacht Club at Harriet Island

Road closures and restrictions as of July 6:

• 4th Street:
  • Lane restrictions between St Peter and Wabasha streets for skyway painting.
• 5th Street:
  • Lane restrictions between Washington and Market streets.
  • Lane restrictions between Wabasha and Cedar streets for Osborn Plaza.
• 6th Street:
  • Lane restrictions between Jackson and Minnesota streets for Robert Street construction.
• West 7th Street:
  • Lane Restrictions between Walnut Street and Kellogg Boulevard on West 7th for sewer work.
• East 7th Street:
  • Beginning 7 a.m. Monday, July 6, construction work will extend on East 7th St. between Mounds Boulevard and I-94.
  • Construction activity between Minnehaha Avenue and Mounds Boulevard will switch from the south (eastbound) side of East 7th Street to the north (westbound) side of East 7th Street starting July 6.
    • Lane restrictions between I-94 and Minnehaha Avenue on East 7th for MnDOT work. One lane in each direction.
• 10th Street:
  • Lane restrictions between Dorothy Day Place and St Peter Street and between Jackson Street and Sibley Street for District Energy work.
• Chestnut Street:
  • Closed at West 7th for sewer work. 
• 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.
• John Ireland Bridge:
  
  • Closed for MnDOT reconstruction.
• Kellogg Boulevard: 
  • Westbound lanes closed between West 7th Street and Wabasha Street. Eastbound open with two lanes between West 7th Street and Wabasha Street. For more information about the CCB Kellogg Phase 2 project, visit stpaul.gov/ccbkellogg2.
  • 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.
• Lafayette Road:
  • Road closed to all thru traffic at University Avenue.
• Minnesota Street:
  • Lane restrictions between Kellogg Boulevard and 4th Street.
• Robert Street:
  
  • Lane restrictions between Kellogg Boulevard and 9th Street as needed for sidewalk work and final reconstruction work.
• 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.
  • For more information, visit MnDOT's I-35E and Shepard Road webpage

For more information on construction projects in Saint Paul, visit stpaul.gov/construction.

Downtown Construction Map as of July 6, 2026

Attending the Saint Paul Firefighters Carnival at Gillette Children's Hospital! - June 23, 2026