June 2026

Thank you for joining at Community in Bloom!

On May 16, the Rice & Larpenteur Alliance celebrated Community In Bloom, our annual Spring event at Lake McCarrons County Park. 

Thanks to support from Ramsey County Parks and Public Health, we enjoyed special activities to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, including Guerilla Pastures Petting Zoo, Breathe Deep from Within, and Art Expressions. 

Other highlights included a cookout from Big Bill's Belt Bustin' BBQ and Cub Foods Maplewood West, and fruit from H20 Waterworks. Huge thanks to The Fishing Library and our amazing volunteers for teaching kids to fish, and to the City of Roseville for providing the bounce house! 

Special thanks to everyone who joined us, including our partners who help make it happen: American National Bank, Saint Paul Regional Water Services, Xcel Energy, Fairview Health Services, Hamernick's Flooring Solutions, JO Companies, Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, Bolton and Menk, Cub Foods Maplewood West, Capitol Region Watershed District, Roseville Mayor Dan Roe, Ramsey County, and the Cities of Maplewood, Roseville, and Saint Paul.

Re-live the day with amazing event photos (credit Noelle Bakken and Kim O'Brien) and video by NineNorth, linked below. 

Save the Date for our Summer Block Party

Saturday, August 15 • 11am - 3pm

We are currently seeking event sponsors, activity partners, and vendors that represent our Rice & Larpenteur community. Every contribution helps bring this wonderful annual tradition to our community. If you'd like to get involved, please email Kim@stpaulchamber.com.

The Rice Street Construction Projects

Ramsey County, in collaboration with the cities of Saint Paul, Roseville, Maplewood and Metro Transit are creating a new design for Rice Street between Wheelock Parkway and County Road B. We want to hear your feedback on the proposed design for the roadway. 

Join us for an open house on Wednesday, June 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Ramsey County Environmental Center (1700 Kent Street, Roseville) to learn more about the proposed design, connect with project staff and share your input. There will be free activities for kids.

Learn more about the project at www.RamseyCountyMN.gov/RiceStMcCarrons

Construction is in full swing with Phase 2 of the Rice Street Road project underway from Maryland to Pennsylvania. Community members and businesses should plan accordingly for ongoing changes to traffic and access. Please continue to shop locally and support your local Rice Street businesses through construction. View Updates of Phase 2 Rice Street Road Construction.

Planning is underway for the Rice Street McCarrons Area Reconstruction, a future project that will impact Rice Street from Wheelock Parkway to County Road B beginning in 2028. This effort will be coordinated with Metro Transit’s METRO G Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, bringing long-term improvements to transportation, accessibility, and infrastructure in the corridor. Project leaders are actively seeking input from local residents, businesses, and community stakeholders to help shape the vision. Be sure to share your feedback and stay informed.

Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, in partnership with the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County, the City of Saint Paul, CareerForce and Minnesota United, is hosting the 6th Annual Midway Area Job Fair.

What: 6th Annual Midway Area Job Fair

When: Tuesday, June 30, 10 am-2 pm (alternate rain date is July 22)

Where: Allianz Field, Parking Lot B - 400 Snelling Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55104

Highlights include:

• Over 40 local employers from a wide range of industries will be on hand and ready to hire! A complete list of exhibitors can be found on the Midway Area Job Fair event page. 
• Visit the Resource Corner to connect with community organizations and training providers offering a variety of supports for job seekers.

Become a Member or Supporter

Why Become a Supporter?

Be a part of ensuring the Rice & Larpenteur area is a thriving, safe, and welcoming neighborhood center. As a member or sponsor, you will play a vital role in:​

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✔ Building a stronger community through innovative partnerships

✔ Hosting impactful events that bring residents together

✔ Supporting safety and beautification initiatives

✔ Advocating for transportation and infrastructure improvements

✔ Strengthening local businesses with grants and connections

✔ Expanding housing and job opportunities

✔ Enhancing the neighborhood’s reputation​Your support makes a difference!

Join us in shaping a vibrant future for Rice & Larpenteur. Become a member or sponsor today!

Supporting Our Local Businesses

Thanks to funding from the City of Saint Paul's Commercial Corridor Organization Assistance Program, the RLA was proud to award Construction Impact Grants to the below businesses, who were severely impacted by 2025 Rice Street construction, located between Maryland and Wheelock Party.  

• Asian Market
• Assafo African Market
• Kathy's Live Bait
• Mini súper la Chiquis 
• Nancy's Beauty Salon
• South China Island Inn 2
• Sunlight Market
• Tromperia el Zac
• Taste of Nepal 
• The Perfect Coffee 

Please support your favorite Rice Street businesses located South of Maryland as they endure the challenges of reconstruction. Thanks to North End Neighborhood Organization and the City of Saint Paul for making funding available and providing support to these struggling small businesses. 

Note: Through our partnership with Ramsey County Critical Corridors Program, there are still grant opportunities available for businesses located north of Larpenteur Ave (in Roseville and Maplewood) who want to make exterior improvements to their property (signage, landscape, siding, art/murals, outdoor seating, etc.). Apply Here.

BizRecycling Grants

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