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When I tuck my kids in bed at night, we have a little ritual. We say a quick prayer together and then I ask each of them,“What are you particularly grateful for today?” We’ve been doing this since they were tiny and their responses have, naturally, changed over time. (These days, in spring and summer, their gratitude tends to focus on baseball - e.g., a Twins victory or a Guardians defeat).
It’s a sweet way to end the day, but it’s also an important reminder that I try to take to heart. Like many of us, I tend to focus on what’s not yet done, rather than what’s already been achieved, the many changes we desperately need to make in our world, rather than the things we should be, well, grateful for.
I think sometimes we’re cautious about being grateful because it feels too close to being satisfied. If we become more thankful, do we risk becoming content? If we focus on what’s been done, do we lose sight of the many problems left to address?
I believe we can do both. We can appreciate the good and keep our fire in the belly for all that needs to change. The truth is, we need to recognize our achievements, large and small, in order to keep the faith that change is possible and to stay motivated to keep working on the hardest problems.
In that spirit, here are a few recent collective wins that I think are worth celebrating:
- Aldi - Ever since we lost Lunds a year and a half ago, we knew we needed our downtown grocery store back. As I talked to people who had lined up for the official store opening a few weeks ago, I was floored by the enthusiasm and the diversity of the crowd. People of all ages, races, incomes and abilities were lined up around the block, excited for a new affordable grocery store within walking and rolling distance. The momentum was palpable.
Click here to read Rebecca's full note.
 Celebrating the Proclamation of September 25th as Dolly Parton Day in Saint Paul! - September 23, 2026
Downtown Action Series – Meeting #9 TONIGHT!
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
2026 Saint Paul Business Awards: Nominations and Applications are Open!
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Saint Paul Business Awards. For a decade, the program has recognized businesses for the many ways they contribute to our neighborhoods and strengthen our community. This milestone is an opportunity to celebrate the businesses, entrepreneurs, and community members who have helped make the program part of Saint Paul’s business community.
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.
Nominate a local business by November 16 or apply on behalf of your business by November 23. Learn more and participate at stpaul.gov/bizawards.
If you have any questions on the Business Awards process, you can email businessawards@ci.stpaul.mn.us for further information!
St. Paul Seeks Residents to Serve on Boards and Commissions
Saint Paul is seeking residents to fill vacancies on more than 30 city boards, commissions, and advisory groups. These opportunities allow community members to help shape recommendations on issues like housing, transportation, public safety, and city investments. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a variety of experience and perspectives encouraged.
Learn more about current openings and how to apply at stpaul.gov/boards.
Downtown 2050 Plan Community Workshops
The City of Saint Paul is hosting community workshops to gather feedback for the Downtown 2050 Plan. Join City staff for a project overview and small-group activities focused on ideas for long-term street and skyway activation.
Upcoming workshop dates:
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Monday, October 19 | 5 - 6:30 PM — Minnesota Museum of American Art
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Wednesday, November 4 | 5 - 6:30 PM — George Latimer Central Library, Andy Boss Community Room (4th Floor)
Space is limited to approximately 40 attendees per workshop. Please RSVP for your preferred date to reserve your spot!
 City of Saint Paul staff (including W2's Megan Jekot!), commemorating their participation in the Twin Cities Marathon Weekend! - October 10, 2026
Voting Now Available for the General Election
Early voting is underway for Minnesota’s November 3 General Election! Ramsey County voters can vote early in person beginning October 16th, request an absentee ballot by mail, or vote on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. All eligible Minnesota voters can vote early without providing a reason.
Find early voting locations and hours, register or check your registration, and find your Election Day polling place.
Costume & Party Supply Swap!
Get ready for Halloween sustainably at Saint Paul’s Costume & Party Supply Swap! Drop off gently used costumes, decorations, accessories, and other party supplies, then browse for new-to-you spooky treasures. All items are free, and unclaimed items will be donated.
When: October 21st, 24th, and 28th, from 11 AM to 2 PM (Donations on October 24 must be dropped off by 1 p.m.)
Where: Solid Waste and Recycling Facility, 60 W. Sycamore St., Saint Paul.
Costumes, accessories, unopened makeup and face paint, props, and party supplies are welcome. No electronics, broken items, food or candy, or real pumpkins. The last day to donate is October 24!
For more information, click here.
Join us next Friday for a movie on the Capitol Mall and free hayrides!
As part of the Capitol Area Vitality Program, the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office and the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board will be hosting a fall festival event next Friday, October 23. There will be activities for the whole family - hayrides, yard games, face painting, free food and apple cider, and free pumpkins for the first 200 kids. We'll be playing Toy Story 5 on our big screen, so please bring a chair and blanket to watch.
The pickup location for the hayrides will be 546 Rice St., Saint Paul, MN 55103. Hayrides will go to and from the Capitol every 15 minutes, starting at 5:45 pm.
We're so excited to spend time with our neighbors this fall! We hope to see you there!
Date: Friday, October 23
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm (hayrides start at 5:45 pm from 546 Rice St.)
Location: Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55155
 Celebrating the opening of the Baker Fields, made possible through the city's partnership with the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy, West Side Boosters, and the Minnesota Vikings. - September 25, 2026
Construction Updates
Sign up for weekly Downtown Construction Updates at the Downtown Projects webpage here.
Additional construction closures that may impact access to downtown Saint Paul:
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Highway 52/Lafayette Freeway closed this week October 9-12 for work on new pedestrian/bicycle bridge in South Saint Paul.
- Highway 52 will be closed in both directions between Thompson Avenue and Concord/Cesar Chavez Street from 9 p.m. on Friday, October 9 until 5 a.m. on Monday, October 12.
- The ramps from I-94 to southbound Highway 52, from I-494 to northbound Highway 52, and from Plato Boulevard/Fillmore Avenue to southbound Highway 52 will be closed.
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University Avenue Ramp (Exit 107C) from Southbound I-35E closed until the end of October.
- Vehicles will be detoured using Exit 108 from southbound I-35E to L’Orient Street. Please follow posed detour signage.
- This closure is for the University Avenue Reconstruction project: www.stpaul.gov/UniversityAvenue.
Road closures and restrictions as of October 12:
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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:
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8th Street:
- Closed between Temperance and Sibley for roofing work.
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9th Street:
- Eastbound closure between Temperance and Sibley.
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10th Street:
- Eastbound closure between Dorothy Day Place and St Peter Street for Xcel Energy work.
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Cedar Street:
- Road closed between 7th Street and Exchange Street for utility work.
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Chestnut Street:
- Lane restrictions between West 7th Street and Exchange Street 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 at stpaul.gov/LowertownFloodwall.
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Kellogg Boulevard:
- Lane restrictions between Broadway Street and Lafayette Street for milling and paving related to the Kellogg-3rd Street Bridge project.
- 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 early 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:
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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.
- 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:
- Lane restrictions between 6th and 5th Streets for private construction.
For more information on construction projects in Saint Paul, visit stpaul.gov/construction.
 Downtown Construction Map as of October 12, 2026
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