August 13, 2026

Encampment Response

Last week, the City closed the Fish Hatchery Trail encampment, the first stage in a multi-phased approach to clearing large encampments citywide.

The decision to close the encampment was met with understandable concern and tension from many in our community. Those living in encampments are the people who have been failed by our regular services and interventions, unique individuals with their own stories, strengths and needs. Knowing how to best serve each resident - and finding the resources to do so - is a challenge and reasonable, empathetic people can disagree about the right approach. 

Over the weeks leading up to the closure, I had the opportunity to meet with residents of the Fish Hatchery and Shepard Road encampments and hear their stories.  They shared with me their disenchantment with the traditional shelter system, their difficulty finding long-term housing, the sense of community and freedom they’ve found in the encampments.  I heard from service providers who have been working with those living outside about the lack of shelter and housing options.  And I talked to nearby residents and business owners who are concerned about those living outside and who also want to reclaim the public parks and amenities at Fish Hatchery that should be everyone’s to enjoy.

Click here to read Rebecca's full note.

Upcoming Community Conversation on Litter & Community Cleanliness - August 24th

Join Council President Noecker and city staff for a Community Conversation at Highland Park Library on Monday, August 24th!

Join us for our next Community Conversation with city staff about litter collection, cleanup programs, community partnerships, and ways residents can get involved in keeping our neighborhoods clean. All are welcome to stop by, connect with neighbors, and talk about what’s on your mind.

• Monday, August 24
• 4:00 - 5:00 PM
• Saint Paul Public Library - Highland Park - 1974 Ford Pkwy

We hope to see you there!

Downtown Action Series – Meeting #8 on August 27th! 

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

Saint Paul Ward 2 Budget Event - October 6th

Our city budget is a reflection of our community’s priorities, and that conversation starts with you.

Please join me for Ward 2’s Budget Engagement Event on Tuesday, October 6, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at Palace Community Center.

As we begin the FY27 budget process, we want to hear directly from residents about what’s working, what needs attention, and where we should focus our resources.

We hope you’ll join us!

• Tuesday, October 6
• 5:30–6:30 p.m.
• Palace Community Center - 781 Palace Ave

Council President Noecker and Councilmember Johnson joining Right Track's Career Panels to speak with young people about public service and local government. - July 23, 2026

News Briefs

Southport Railroad Crossing Feasibility Study Design Alternatives Survey

The Saint Paul Port Authority, with support from the Federal Railroad Administration, is studying options to improve safety and mobility at the Barge Channel Road railroad crossing. The project is exploring the possibility of replacing the existing at-grade crossing with a grade-separated crossing, where the road and railroad would pass at different levels.

Several design options, including road-over and road-under concepts, are being considered and will be evaluated based on safety, traffic flow, environmental impacts, cost, and effects on nearby properties and communities. Residents are encouraged to review the proposed options and share their feedback through the project survey.

You can find details as well as the survey here.

City Council Seeks Consultant for Housing Study

The Saint Paul City Council is seeking qualified consultants to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the city’s housing market, rent stabilization policy, and renter conditions. The study will evaluate the implementation and enforcement of the City’s rent stabilization ordinance, including recent changes establishing a rent stabilization exemption, and provide recommendations to strengthen housing stability and inform future policy decisions.

The professional services contract is not to exceed $100,000. Proposals are due electronically through the City’s Supplier Portal by 3 p.m. CST on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Questions regarding the RFP must be submitted through the portal by 3 p.m. CST on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

RFP Event #1737: Saint Paul Supplier Portal

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? 

Saint Paul Citywide Voter Education Night

Join the Saint Paul City Council, Saint Paul Public Library, League of Women Voters of St. Paul, and Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office for a citywide voter education night on Thursday, September 17, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at libraries across Saint Paul. Learn how to register to vote, navigate your ballot, find information about candidates, request and return an absentee ballot, and make a plan to vote. Attendees can also take a sample polling place tour and get answers to their voting and election questions.

Join the Neighborhood Safety Community Council

The Neighborhood Safety Community Council (NSCC) is recruiting new members from Wards 2, 5, 6, and 7. The council advises the Office of Neighborhood Safety and helps ensure community voices and lived experiences are at the center of Saint Paul’s community safety work.

The NSCC is seeking residents who are passionate about community-centered public safety, have been impacted by community instability, demonstrate leadership in their communities, and reflect the diversity of Saint Paul. Learn more and apply: Neighborhood Safety Community Council

Bike Trail Closure Under I-35E Bridge

The bike trail under the I-35E bridge over the Mississippi River is closed through fall 2026 while MnDOT completes concrete pavement repairs on I-35E and Metropolitan Council Environmental Services prepares for the replacement of deteriorating sanitary sewer pipes beneath the Mississippi River. The trail connects the Big Rivers Regional Trail in Lilydale to the Sam Morgan Regional Trail in Saint Paul. Bicyclists should use the High Bridge detour. The Sam Morgan Regional Trail remains open through the tunnel on the west side of the Mississippi River.

Ward 2 and Ward 3 staff and family participating in the Double Play 5K hosted by Twin Cities in Motion. - July 1, 2026

Construction Updates

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

Road closures and restrictions as of August 10:

• 5th Street:
  • Lane restrictions between Wabasha and Cedar streets for Wabasha Park (formerly Osborn Plaza).
• 6th Street:
  • Lane restrictions between West 7th Street and St Peter Street for roofing work.
• West 7th Street:
  • Lane Restrictions between Walnut Street and Kellogg Boulevard on West 7th for sewer work.
• East 7th Street:
  • Lane restrictions between I-94 and Minnehaha Avenue on East 7th for MnDOT work. One lane in each direction.
• 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.
• Robert Street:
  
  • Northbound Robert Street closed between 14th Street and University Avenue.
• 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 (no trucks due to bridge height).
  • Westbound Shepard traffic can access downtown from Sibley Street, except no trucks due to bridge height.
  • Eastbound Shepard Road to I-35E southbound is open. No thru traffic under I-35E.
    • With the bypass active, the West 7th St. ramp to southbound I-35E is closed through fall as the bridge is demolished and reconstructed. Traffic is directed to follow West 7th St. to Lexington Pkwy. to the Shepard Rd. ramp to southbound I-35E, which is now open. See detour and road closed map.
    • 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.
• Temperance Street:
  • Lane restrictions between 7th and 9th streets for roofing work. 
• University Avenue: 
  • Road closed between Lafayette Road and L’Orient Street. Access to businesses is being maintained. See access map at www.stpaul.gov/UniversityAvenue
  • Lane restrictions between Jackson Street and L’Orient Street for District Energy work.
  • Lane restrictions at the intersection of University Avenue and Robert Street.
• Wacouta Street: 
  • Lane restrictions between 6th and 7th streets and 4th and 5th streets for Xcel Energy work. Southbound traffic only.

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

Downtown Construction Map as of July 6, 2026

Council President Noecker and Councilmember Jost joining fellow City of Saint Paul staff members for a Downtown Litter Cleanup. - July 15, 2026