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September means budget season at City Hall - and this year’s proposed budget is an especially tough one.
During her budget address in August, the Mayor proposed a 6.8% levy increase, which will amount to a tax increase of $58 for the average home. At a time when every expense from groceries to gas is skyrocketing, that increase will be felt, especially when it’s added to tax hikes from the County and school district.
For low-income residents, seniors on fixed incomes and young families dealing with the costs of housing and childcare, tax increases have become unsustainable and they are threatening our growth as people consider moving out of St. Paul.
At the same time, the Mayor’s budget cuts services - closing the Dayton’s Bluff Library, reducing hours at rec centers and eliminating the popular Commercial Corridors Program we created two years ago to support local businesses, diverting the funds to pay for renovations at the Grand Casino Arena.
To be fair, the Mayor is staring down a $26 million gap and making the best choices she can under conditions she doesn’t control.
But the gap is nothing new. Every year, we have the same challenge because every year, it costs more to do exactly the same thing. Gas, insurance, salaries and benefits all rise, often far outpacing inflation. To fill the gap, we need to raise taxes, cut services, or find efficiencies and new revenue sources - and there are a limited number of the latter.
Click here to read Rebecca's full note.
 The Saint Paul City Council and staff attending Mayor Her's 2027 Budget Address. - August 13, 2026
Upcoming Community Conversation - Know Your Rights: Tenant Protections in Saint Paul
Join Council President Noecker for a Community Conversation focused on knowing your rights as a renter!
Saint Paul's Tenant Protections Ordinance, passed in 2025, helps ensure tenants have a fair chance at securing housing - without being burdened by excessive security deposits, prepaid rent, or unfair screening criteria. The ordinance applies to both affordable and market-rate housing citywide.
Join us for a community conversation in Ward 2 to learn what the TPO means for you, ask questions, and connect with resources. Whether you're a renter, a landlord, or just a curious neighbor, come learn more about how this ordinance is shaping housing in our community.
- Monday, September 28
- 4:00 - 5:00 PM
- Neighborhood House - 179 Robie St. E
We hope to see you there!
Downtown Action Series – Meeting #9 on October 15th!
Union Depot | 214 4th St E
Thursday, October 15 | 4:30–6:00 PM
Downtown Saint Paul is moving — and we want you in the room.
Join us for our ninth 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 us 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 meeting with members of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). - September 8, 2026
2026 Saint Paul Business Awards: Nominations and Applications are Open!
Nominations and applications for the 2026 Saint Paul Business Awards are now open. Community members can nominate eligible businesses, and businesses can submit applications for consideration. Nominations close on Friday, November 6th and applications close Monday, November 9th.
Review the award information and submit a nomination or application here.
If you have any questions on the Business Awards process, you can email businessawards@ci.stpaul.mn.us for further information!
Share Your Ideas for Saint Paul’s Future: Join Us for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan Kickoff Event in Rice Park! TODAY
Saint Paul is kicking off the two-year community engagement process for our 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update, and we want to hear from you! Join us for an opportunity to learn about the 2050 Comprehensive Plan and share your ideas for the future of our city!
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Location: Rice Park (109 W 4th St, St Paul, MN 55102)*
What to Expect:
- Learn about the 2050 Comprehensive Plan and the update process.
- Share your vision and priorities for the future of Saint Paul.
- A casual, conversational opportunity to connect with City staff to ask questions about the plan.
- Treats will be provided!
*In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled to a later date. Check StPaul.gov/2050Plan for any event updates.
Click here to learn more about the Comprehensive Plan.
Upcoming Public Works Snow Summit
Join us for the 2026 Snow Summit on Saturday, September 26, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Public Works Municipal Garage (891 Dale St.). This FREE, family-friendly event is your chance to:
- Check out City snowplows and equipment
- Learn how Saint Paul prepares for winter
- Discover winter preparedness resources
- Connect with City departments and community organizations
- Enjoy fun activities for the whole family
- Visit the Winter Gear Swap
Learn more about the event here!
Harriet Island Regional Park Long-Range Plan Survey
The City of Saint Paul is developing a new long-range plan for Harriet Island Regional Park to guide park investments over the next 20–30 years. The plan will celebrate the park’s history, diverse community, and unique location along the Mississippi River while identifying opportunities for future improvements.
Share your feedback by completing the community survey, which takes approximately 10 minutes. The survey will remain open until a draft plan is created. Learn more and provide your input here
Saint Paul Citywide Voter Education Night TONIGHT!
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.
Project Zawadi's 25th Anniversary Celebration at North Garden Theatre
Growing Together for a Quarter of a Century!
Join Project Zawadi for an evening of Tanzanian food, live Tanzanian and African music, inspiring stories, and a special student-created mural as we celebrate 25 years of partnership, education, and opportunity.
For more information, you can find event details here.
Aldi Grand Opening Announced!
Aldi has officially announced their grand opening in the former Lunds & Byerley's site (115 10th St E). They will be hosting some exciting opening events on September 23rd and 24th to celebrate!
For more information, you can visit the official webpage here.
 Council President Noecker and Mayor Kaohly Her taking part in a performance by the Theater of Public Policy - September 8, 2026
Construction Updates
Sign up for weekly Downtown Construction Updates at the Downtown Projects webpage here.
Road closures and restrictions as of September 14:
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5th Street:
- Lane restrictions between Wabasha and Cedar streets for Wabasha Park (formerly Osborn Plaza).
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West 7th Street:
- Lane Restrictions between Walnut Street and Kellogg Boulevard on West 7th for sewer work.
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East 7th Street:
- Lanes restrictions between Cedar and Minnesota streets and between Robert and Jackson streets September 14-18 for utility work.
- Lane restrictions between I-94 and Minnehaha Avenue on East 7th for MnDOT work. One lane in each direction.
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8th Street:
- Closed between Temperance and Sibley for roofing work starting September 8.
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9th Street:
- Eastbound closure between Temperance and Sibley.
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Chestnut Street:
- Closed at West 7th for sewer work.
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Eagle Parkway:
- Eagle Parkway from Shepard Road to Chestnut Street has one lane in each direction for Xcel Energy electric work.
- Access to northbound Eagle Parkway will only be from eastbound Shepard Road.
- Southbound vehicles on Eagle Parkway will be able to go both east and westbound on Shepard Road.
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Jackson Street:
- Jackson Street between Kellogg Boulevard and Shepard Road is open with one lane southbound to eastbound Shepard Road. 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 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.
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Lafayette Road:
- Road closed to all thru traffic at University Avenue.
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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 (no trucks due to bridge height).
- Westbound Shepard traffic can access downtown from Sibley Street, except no trucks due to bridge height.
- On August 23, the West 7th Street ramp will close again, and the Shepard Road ramp to southbound I-35E will reopen.
- The West 7th Street ramp will remain closed through this fall.
- For more information, visit MnDOT's I-35E and Shepard Road webpage.
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Temperance Street:
- Lane restrictions between 7th and 9th streets for roofing work.
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University Avenue:
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Wacouta Street:
- Lane restrictions between 6th and 7th streets for Xcel Energy work. Southbound traffic only.
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Washington Street:
- Road closed between 6th and 5th Streets.
For more information on construction projects in Saint Paul, visit stpaul.gov/construction.
 Downtown Construction Map as of September 14, 2026
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