February 17, 2026

You're Invited to the Annual Community Gathering

Join us for Rice & Larpenteur’s Annual Community Gathering on March 5th from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Community School of Excellence! This special evening brings neighbors, partners, and local leaders together to celebrate the strength and spirit of our community. Enjoy delicious food supporting local businesses, bid on exciting silent auction items, connect through meaningful community engagement opportunities, and help us recognize outstanding leaders during our Community Awards presentation.

We hope you’ll be part of this inspiring night of connection and celebration.

If your organization would like to donate to our Silent Auction, please contact Maichee Xiong at maichee@stpaulchamber.com.

RLA Janurary Recap

A recent article written by the Roseville Reader, interviews RLA staff and discusses about the negative impacts that enforcement activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has had on local residents and small businesses.

Read the Article Here!

Neighbors gathered for a peaceful candlelight healing event in response to the recent ICE reinforcements impacting our community. The evening offered space for reflection, unity, and mutual support during a challenging time. Community members came together to share words of hope, light candles in solidarity, and reaffirm their commitment to caring for one another.

We hosted a successful Business “Know Your Rights” session, helping local business owners understand what to do if approached by ICE agents. The event provided clear guidance, legal resources, and practical steps to help businesses feel informed and prepared.

Thank you to Attorney Daniel Calderon for presenting and providing answers to our community.

Looking for RLA 2026 Membership / Renewal

Now seeking new memberships and 2026 renewals

As the organization faces a year of limited funding, the urgency for community members and partners to come together has never been greater. Member and donor contributions play a critical role in sustaining programs, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the neighborhood. Every renewal and new membership directly helps advance the Alliance’s mission and ensures continued impact in the year ahead.

Become a Member/Renew Here

Stay cozy this winter with an RLA Beanie!

Available in grey, red, or dark blue, these limited-edition hats are yours with a gift contribution. Pick up your beanie at our Annual Community Gathering on March 5 - or arrange pick-up beforehand. Get it while supplies last! Make your contribution of $20 or more here!

Don’t miss out on this warm and stylish way to support RLA!

Apply For The Economic Response Grant

In response to ongoing economic pressures and uncertainty, new grant funding has been awarded to support small businesses navigating today’s challenging landscape. These grants are designed to provide critical financial relief, helping local entrepreneurs stabilize operations, retain employees, and continue serving their communities. This grant is made possible by the Minneapolis Foundation and other partners to help support our small businesses.

Click Here to Apply!

Business Grant Opportunities

Looking to make sustainability a priority for your business this year? BizRecycling can help you improve your waste and recycling practices while offering access to grant funding to support sustainable upgrades.

Click Here to Apply here!

The Rice & Larpenteur Alliance is excited to announce a new round of Business Improvement Grants. We are now inviting businesses that may be eligible for the Ramsey County Critical Corridors Program (businesses located in Maplewood or Roseville) to apply. Click below to determine if your project qualifies and to explore additional resources available to support businesses along Rice Street.

Link to Apply Here!

The Rice Street Banner Sign Votes Are In!

The RLA was proud to partner with the North End Neighborhood Organization (NENO) to engage our community in selecting the new banner design for Rice Street. Thanks to the incredible participation and thoughtful input from residents, the votes are in!

We’re excited to share that Design F, featuring a vibrant, multi-language theme that reflects the diversity of our neighborhood, received the most community support and will soon be displayed along Rice Street.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and help shape a streetscape that celebrates our community’s voice and culture!

MN Skills-Based Hiring Accelerator

The Twin Cities Metro Workforce Development Boards established a partnership with Goodwill Easter Seals, the Urban League, the St. Paul Area Chamber and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber for the MN Skills-Based Hiring Accelerator program. Employers can participate in a half-day in-person workshop to receive in-depth learning on:

• Rebuilding an employer's hiring process with a skills and competency-based approach by focusing on candidates’ capabilities rather than credentials.

• Improving retention by rebuilding job descriptions, interview processes, onboarding and more.

• Increasing diversity among your workforce using data-driven

tools that lead to more equitable hiring processes.

• Providing networking with talent-sourcing organizations.

Following participation in a workshop, employers have access to

monthly Community of Practice calls where they can dive into

questions about the skills-based hiring process and receive one-on-one coaching from facilitators.

Learn more about MN Skills-Based Hiring Accelerator

Support Our Local Businesses!

Small businesses are facing tough economic times — and they need us. When you shop, dine, and hire locally, you help keep neighbors employed and our community strong.

Every purchase makes a difference. Shop small. Support local.

Here is a website link that provides a list of local businesses to support

Follow us on our Socials!