News from the Downtown Alliance
November 9, 2018
A note from the president
Greetings friends,

First let me start by offering a heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce for a successful and important inaugural Equity Summit yesterday. In a moment where messages about division dominate our headlines and disparities are all too prevalent, this event brought together key leaders (many of whom had never met before) in the spirit of celebrating our differences and leveraging our multiculturalism. Once again, Mayor Carter eloquently reminded us that our many languages, cultures, and diversity, are not challenges to be managed, but qualities that position Saint Paul for greatness.

Let me also congratulate all of the candidates and campaigns whose efforts culminated with elections this week. We look forward to working together with a range of new public leaders to drive more jobs and vitality into downtown Saint Paul.

And finally, please note the Smart Cities Social we are co-hosting on Tuesday, November 13, from 5-8 p.m. in the Wellworth space of the 428. If you have an interest in Smart Cities technologies and businesses, please join us for a conversation led by entrepreneurial leader Jason Barnett and join this growing network. 

See you all around (down)town,

Joe Spencer
President
The Saint Paul Downtown Alliance
Equity on Ice
If you've ever wanted to meet a Wild player, get a photo with Nordy, or skate where the the team practices this weekend is the perfect opportunity. Equity on Ice is a family-friendly event taking place at the TRIA Rink at Treasure Island Center from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm Saturday evening. Funds raised from ticket sales will go towards securing ice time for local nonprofits serving under represented populations in ice-related activities.

2040 Comprehensive Plan draft open for comment
The City of Saint Paul rolled out their draft of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan this week. The Comprehensive Plan is used as a guidebook of goals and policies for City staff as well as developers to inform decisions over the next 20 years. Input from thousands of voices in our community contributed the plan and the city is seeking additional engagement and feedback on this draft.

Welcome to Lowertown, Barrel House!
Barrel House, the new subterranean speakeasy-style piano bar at Birch's Lowertown, officially opened earlier this week. Open Thursday through Sunday evenings, Barrel House features live cabaret-style music, the full Birch's menu and a full bar serving specialty cocktails. We're excited to have a new live music venue to add to the ever growing list in downtown and we can't wait to check out this cozy spot.

Downtown Saint Paul in the news