Molly Coleman, Ward 4 Councilmember, ward4@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Jenne Nelson, Legislative Aide, jenne.nelson@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Kristin Koziol, Executive Assistant, kristin.koziol@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Kaitlynn Fuller, Communications Intern, kaitlynn.fuller@ci.stpaul.mn.us
 CM Coleman speaking on ORD 26-31.
On Wednesday, August 12th, the City Council passed ORD 26-31, amending the legislative code to eliminate the City’s provisional 90-day minimum wage for workers between the ages of 14 and 17. This ordinance ensures that youth workers are paid fairly for their work. An informational slideshow about the topic can be found here: https://stpaul.legistar.com/View. You can also hear CM Coleman’s remarks about the ordinance at timestamp 7:15 using this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBHSpfd1DuI.
As many of you are aware, the City closed the Fish Hatchery encampment on August 5th. (You can view the Council’s nd to hear Assistant Mayor Cedrick Baker answer questions from Councilmembers.) Our office continues to monitor the evolving plans for the two remaining encampment closures and to get answers from the Mayor’s Office to constituent questions. We are also in touch with community and service provider partners to monitor developments in the camp communities. Please continue to reach out to our office with questions or concerns. You can also read CM Coleman’s statement on this matter here: https://medium.com/@molly_17258/unsheltered-homelessness-in-saint-paul-09087fc97143
 HOMELine staff members Michael Dahl and Myah Grimm presenting at the August 12th policy committee meeting.
The Policy Committee of the City Council is where the Council hears public presentations and has public conversations about policy ideas at all stages of development. The meeting on 8/12 featured a discussion on the City’s Sustainable Building Ordinance and a presentation from HOMELine about their Tenant Bill of Rights. Upcoming meetings include:
8/19 Presentation from MnDOT's Connected and Automated Vehicles Office
9/9 Presentations on tobacco price minimum increase and city asset report
9/16 Presentation on city council attorney analysis
10/21 Presentation on renter protections regarding repairs
If there is a topic you want to request to work with our office on for future policy committee presentations, reach out to us at ward4@ci.stpaul.mn.us
 Community leaders celebrate at the library grand opening. Pictured left to right: Former councilmembers Mitra Jalali, Russ Stark, Matt Privratsky, and councilmember Coleman.
The Hamline Midway Library is open! The space is incredible and is already being enjoyed by so many neighbors. So many people were involved in building this library and making it a place for all neighbors to thrive. We are so grateful for all the city and community leaders, past and present, for their role in making the library what it is today.
 Newell Park's current playground.
Newell Park, 900 Fairview Ave N, is getting a playground upgrade! The Hamline Midway Coalition and Saint Paul Parks Conservancy hosted a Community Design Day on August 12th where they heard feedback from the community regarding the new playground. The playground is expected to be complete in late October.
 As a part of the City Budget Process, CM Coleman will be hosting Ward 4’s Budget Engagement Meeting on September 14th from 6-7:30 pm. It will be hosted at Hancock Rec Center, 1610 Hubbard Ave. You can register for the event using this registration form. We hope to see you there!
 As the new school year approaches, AEDS is here to help families get ready. Stop by the AEDS office for free backpacks and school supplies, available for students from elementary through high school. Limit one per student. You can stop by the office, 678 Snelling Ave N, Monday through Friday,10 am to 4 pm, to receive supplies.
 Volunteer at the Library! Reading Together helps students in grades K – 5 advance their reading skills, reach their reading goals, and foster a love of reading. Volunteers must be 18 years or older, complete a training, and meet one-on-one with a participant for one hour/week at either Arlington Hills, Dayton’s Bluff, Hamline Midway, Highland Park, Merriam Park, Rice Street, Rondo Community, or Sun Ray libraries. This program runs from October – May. Apply at sppl.org/volunteer.
Election Protection at the Polls
If you or someone you know is interested in serving as a polling place monitor / observer (observe the polling place from 100 feet away and be there to record and report any issues), this is for you:
Share and Watch Candidate Forums
League of Women Voters volunteers across Minnesota are also hosting candidate forums this election season, giving voters the opportunity to hear directly from candidates in a fair, nonpartisan setting. These forums are one of the League's longest-standing traditions and remain one of the best ways to help voters make informed decisions.
Please take this short survey about the opportunity for public art on Como Avenue. This survey will help inform the public art to be installed in the project area. This section of Como Avenue was the final phase of a full street reconstruction between 33rd Avenue, Brompton Street and Hunting Valley Road. This work included street pavement, curb and gutter, upgraded street lighting, new sidewalks, storm sewer repairs, water main and sanitary sewer replacement. After a delay in programming, this project will receive funding for public art located on the project corridor as stated in Saint Paul's Public Art Ordinance. The survey will close on Monday, August 31st.
Visit Saint Paul, in collaboration with the City of Saint Paul, is embarking on a civic identity project to help market our city in a unified voice and capture what makes Saint Paul a great place to live, work, and visit. But we can't do it without you. Your insights will help shape how we present Saint Paul to the world — and ensure it reflects the spirit of the people here. We’d love to gather your input with this quick 5-min survey:
Hello Saint Paul neighbors! Did you know our local carshare network, HOURCAR, includes a heavy-duty pickup truck ready for your next big adventure or DIY project?
Strategically stationed at the Creative Enterprise Zone (near University Ave and Vandalia St), this vehicle is perfectly positioned for hauling furniture, garden supplies, or making a trip to the compost heap.
It’s convenient--planning your move is seamless with the HOURCAR app. As part of the "hub-based" part of the service, you can book the truck in advance to guarantee it's ready exactly when you need it. Simply pick up and return the vehicle to the same dedicated spot—no stress, no hassle.
It's affordable--why deal with the high costs of insurance and maintenance? For just a $7 monthly membership, you can access the truck (plus all our vehicles) for approximately $10.50 per hour. It’s the freedom of a car without the burden of ownership.
Ready to get moving? If you have a valid driver’s license, you can apply today and be cleared to drive by the weekend. Join HOURCAR & Evie, the Twin Cities own nonprofit carshare network, at hourcar.org and experience a better way to drive.
Housing Rental/Emergency Assistance Resources
If you need help paying help for rent, mortgage, utilities or car repairs, contact Ramsey County Emergency Assistance at (651) 266-4884.
Renters’ Rights in Eviction if you were Detained or Afraid to Leave your Home
City of Saint Paul Emergency Rent Assistance: The Emergency Rental Assistance Program offers support to renter households in Saint Paul facing a pending eviction due to unforeseen circumstances when other assistance options are unavailable. Eligible households may receive a one-time payment of up to $3,500 for late rent and associated fees, paid directly to the landlord. Residents are only eligible for funding once a year.
To learn more, visit our website or contact staff by phone or via email:
The following resources may also be able to offer additional help with rental assistance:
-
United Way’s 211 Line (2-1-1), this line will get you started with Ramsey County services.
Other Community Resources
Keystone Community Food Center: Visit the food center at 1800 University Ave W. No appointment or advanced registration is required. Food shelf participants are served on a first come, first served basis during the hours listed below. Please call 651-917-3792 if you have any questions.
-
Monday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
-
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
-
Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
-
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
-
Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
MN Department of Children, Youth, and Families is tracking federal actions that may affect programs serving Minnesota children and families. Visit the DCYF site to see updates.
 |
|
On Saturday, August 15th from 10 - 11:30 am, join Union Park District Council and the Hamline Midway Coalition for a community trash cleanup! The event will commence at the Spruce Tree Center, 1600 University Ave W. Bags, trash grabbers, and volunteer T-shirts will be provided for all attendees. You can RSVP with this link: https://docs.google.com/forms |
On Sunday, August 16th from 3-9 pm, you can visit the annual Como Park Japanese Obon Festival. There will be music, martial arts, singing, dancing, drumming, delicious food, vendors, games, and other aspects of Japanese culture. The event will take place on the grounds of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr. You can buy tickets here: https://comozooconservatory.org/obon2026/. There will be no gate admission--- prepaid tickets only. |
|
 |
 |
|
On Saturday, August 22nd from 3-5 pm, join neighbors for a casual meet-up to do some shopping at Kim’s Asian Market and Mamas Market & Deli. Show up to share the love with these great local small businesses, and chat with some neighbors while you're there.
Want to take transit to the event? Join Move Minnesota for a Transit Tour! Meet at Lexington and University at 3pm to take the Green Line to the A Line and experience the fun of grocery shopping via transit!
|
|
On Tuesday, August 25th, from 6-8 pm, join Como Park Lutheran Church for their Pre-Fair Neighborhood Block Party. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy free ice cream for kids, snacks, beverages, lawn games, and a State Fair ticket drawing. Free entry, everyone is welcome! The event will be located outside the church, 1376 Hoyt Ave.
|
|
 |
 |
|
On Saturday, August 29th, from 10-1 pm, the Ramsey County Environmental Center is hosting a free fix-it clinic. Bring household goods and clothing in need of repair (three item limit). Please bring any tools and supplies you think might help. Events are first come, first serve. Last items accepted at 12:30 pm. The evnt is located at the Ramsey County Environmental Center, 1700 Kent St., Roseville. To learn more about fix-it clinics, visit https://www.ramseycountymn.gov/residents/recycling-waste/reuse/fix-it-clinics |
 |
|
Get these September events on your calendar! More info to come in our social media posts and July newsletter.
Saturday, September 12th, from 10 am-2 pm - Urban Roots Rivoli Bluff Bash
Thursday, September 17th, from 5:30-7:30 pm - Saint Paul Citywide Elections and Voter Education
|
|
