Progress for Minnesota

Hello neighbors! As the summer begins to wrap up, I hope that you (like me) are looking forward to the State Fair and the autumn, our state’s most beautiful season.

Another “season” that is coming to a close is the 2023-2024 legislative term. And what a term it was – one of the most productive in Minnesota history. After many years of divided government and gridlock, the DFL-controlled state House and Senate and Governor Walz came together to pass budgets and policies that will have a positive impact for generations.

To provide just a few examples…

Neighborhood News Public Interest

June 27, 2024 Rafael Ortega

Come ride the Amtrak Borealis train to Chicago and points between

On Tuesday, May 21, I was proud to welcome the Borealis Train to the Union Depot. Elected leaders, Amtrak staff and advocates spoke enthusiastically about how this new train will answer critical needs for our region.

Neighborhood News Public Interest

May 30, 2024 Saura Jost

Thank you for being a good neighbor

Hello Community Reporter Readers,

My name is Saura Jost, I am your Ward 3 St. Paul City Councilmember. I am a mom and an engineer and I live in the MacGrove Neighborhood. I am grateful to have been chosen to serve in this role for the community I love. To further the work of making our community a better place I would ask two things of you.

Neighborhood News Public Interest

May 4, 2024 María Isa Pérez-Vega

Cultivating Creativity: How Minnesota’s 2023 Legislature is Investing in the Arts

Minnesota’s vibrant arts scene is a cornerstone of our St. Paul identity. From the Ordway Center for the Arts to Teatro del Pueblo, and Penumbra Theater, our state fosters artistic expression across all disciplines. However, ensuring this creativity thrives requires ongoing support. The 2023 Minnesota Legislature took significant steps to prioritize programs and legislation that cultivate sustainability in the arts for Minnesotans of all ages.

Neighborhood News Family & Education Public Interest

March 27, 2024 Sandy Pappas

Expanding CHIPS to protect our youth

District Perspectives Senate District 65 Think of a 12-year-old child: A sixth or seventh grade student, taking their first steps

Neighborhood News Business Public Interest

February 27, 2024 Rebecca Noecker

Housing, Economic Growth and More – The Year Ahead for the St. Paul HRA

I’m honored to have been chosen by my colleagues to chair the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA). The HRA is responsible for much of the work I believe is critical to building a fair and just community – creating more affordable housing and keeping our small businesses strong. To make sure people at all income levels can afford to live in St. Paul, we need many more affordable homes of many more types and sizes in all of our neighborhoods. To keep our neighborhoods strong, we need to support the small businesses that are at the heart of them.

Neighborhood News Business Feature Green Space & The River Public Interest

January 24, 2024 Dave Pinto

The 2024 Legislative Session Begins

Hello neighbors! The 2024 legislative session will begin on February 12. My second column in the Community Reporter is a good chance to check in in advance, especially in light of last year’s historic session.

Neighborhood News Family & Education Feature Lifestyle & Wellness

November 30, 2023 Sandy Pappas

Playgrounds are for everyone

Play is a central part of childhood, and a trip to the neighborhood playground is often the highlight of a child’s day. A game of “the ground is lava” can turn a slide into a volcano, a stranger into a friend. Playing together helps children learn how to collaborate, problem-solve and stretch their imaginations. In fact, the United Nations names play as one of the rights of every child, and organizations from the American Academy of Pediatrics to the Centers for Disease Control recommend active play for children every day, citing countless socio-emotional and health benefits.