Advocacy News, December 11, 2025

A FOND FAREWELL TO 2025

Hello hello resolute readers, and welcome to the final edition of Advocacy News for 2025.

It’s been a minute (as the kids say) since our last edition, and it’ll be another minute before the next one. As we exist in that strange space between Thanksgiving and Christmas—what I like to call the Holiday Twilight Zone—the entire Advocacy News crew (Kaleb and I) wishes you warmth, rest, and joy.

So—what do we say about 2025? It was a year of change. We’re preparing for a new mayor in 2026 as Saint Paul continues to shape new visions for our downtown corridor. At the same time, we’ve navigated the ongoing complications around the Madison Equities portfolio while pushing ahead on revitalization.

But it was also a year of progress. Segments of Robert and Grand were rebuilt. Pedro Park opened. The rent control ordinance was amended. Troubled downtown buildings saw new ownership. And the Downtown Alliance launched Reimagine Downtown Saint Paul: Transforming the Core—a community-driven vision for a more vibrant, welcoming, people-centered downtown. The City Council also completed its long-awaited update to the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area zoning—potentially unlocking new redevelopment in the urban core.

Now, those who know me know I am not a Pollyanna. So yes—2025 brought real challenges. Public safety concerns along Snelling–University and the Green Line persist, with fentanyl continuing to strain our system. Rising property taxes, a state-leading sales tax, and a reputation (earned or not) for being tough on business continue to weigh on our competitiveness. And, of course—even as we navigated a major cyberattack—the construction season never took a day off. There's serious work ahead for business, government, and community in 2026.

Looking forward, 2026 has to be a year of forward motion—continuing progress while directly addressing the obstacles in our way. This is not an exhaustive list, so please share the wins you’re celebrating and the pain points we need to move the needle on. That’s how we get better.

As I prepare to take a little time away and close out the year, I want to say how grateful I am—for our members, our partners, and my colleagues. I’m thankful every day to carry the mission of elevating the business voice, to work alongside remarkable people, and to add my part to making Saint Paul and the East Metro great places to live, work, invest, and play.

Thank you for the partnership, and happy holidays to all! I look forward to rolling up our sleeves again in 2026. And if I see you pre-gaming at World Juniors—first round’s on me.

Programming note: The St. Paul Area Chamber will be closed December 22–January 2, and Advocacy News will return after the New Year.

- JP

The Saint Paul City Council adopted its updated Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) ordinance yesterday. The St. Paul Area Chamber testified in support of exempting the Urban Core from height restrictions and removing the Conditional Use Permit requirement. The Council later adopted an amendment to make those changes, delivering a major win for riverfront development in Downtown Saint Paul.

The GA team had a great time sampling Saint Paul’s best at Taste of Saint Paul last week. Huge thanks to one of our favorite members, Troy Reding (Holman’s Table), whose seared tuna was among the standout dishes of the night. The new location (the Roy Wilkins Auditorium) was amazing. No matter what my colleagues might be saying, I emphatically deny any rumors of me enjoying the networking.

Thank you to everyone who braved the weather to join us for the Holiday Chamber Connect event. The vendors and food were amazing. I'm still raving about the bacon-wrapped dates from TST Catering. The surprise of the night: holiday ham from Vianah Reggae Bites. As you may surmise from the photo and Kristie's expression, I'm obviously still the funniest staff person at the Chamber.

Kaleb placed a "friendly" wager with Nicole Baker (Harrington Langer & Associates) and, much like his beloved Minnesota Vikings, lost in spectacular fashion. If there is one thing we can count on Kaleb to do, it’s to take an ill-advised bet and lose. Early reports are saying that there will not be a follow-up bet for the final Border Battle this season, but we're hoping that changes.

IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS

• St. Paul Mayor-elect Kaohly Her getting head start on work to turn around city.
• What the Twin Cities can learn from Denver and Detroit.
• What should St. Paul Mayor-elect Kaohly Her focus on in 2026?
• St. Paul City Council OKs 5.3% levy increase, $6.7M in budget changes.
• Key takeaways as the St. Paul City Council approves its 2026 budget.
• Questions raised over proposed Ramsey County levy.
• Lakeville reduces levy from September estimate.
• How Melvin Carter lost the St. Paul mayoral election.
• (Opinion) St. Paul has a chance to protect birds, promote downtown investment.
• St. Paul alleges contractor made off with nearly $1M meant for financial literacy lessons.
• Which Minnesota cities are facing the biggest property tax hikes?
• Met Council audit finds ‘high risk’ that nonprofit misused federal funds.
• St. Paul Mayor-elect Kaohly Her announces transition team.
• Ramsey County CFO Alex Kotze named deputy county manager.
• Washington County emergency alert system is victim of cyberattack.
• The rise and fall of the family real estate business that dominated downtown St. Paul.
• St. Paul City Council bans cryptocurrency kiosks.
• Olson: Ramsey County Attorney John Choi provides the blueprint for progressive prosecution.
• St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry, halfway through his term as ‘factory floor chief’.
• St. Paul fire chief retiring shortly after starting second term.
• How will Kaohly Her’s legislative career shape her leadership of St. Paul?
• Hamm’s Brewery site designated ‘local heritage preservation district’.
• Blaine, Minnesota embraces new cannabis industry with strict zoning and safety measures.
• St. Paul PD’s first AI policy: How is it being used and what’s next?
• Cottage Grove mayor tells neighboring cities to pay up or lose EMS.
• St. Paul City Council simplifies standards in mixed-use zoning areas.
• Hwy 61 reconstruction project draws big crowd to Hastings City Hall.
• St. Paul City Council President Rebecca Noecker to run for Ramsey County Board.
• Ramsey County Board Chair Rafael Ortega running for re-election.
• St. Paul asks for pause on $22 million suit over building permits.
• Grant hires former Scandia, Lake Elmo, Forest Lake city admin.
• St. Paul to allow trash cart sharing under conditions.
• Will the "Bronze Line" finally deliver on years of promises to east metro commuters?
• St. Paul recognizes five businesses with annual award.
• Burnsville council approves landfill redevelopment plan 3-2.
• Loosening signage rules would be a quick win for an evolving downtown Minneapolis.
• South St. Paul to tear down symbol of stockyard days.
• New Eagan Police Chief Salim Omari cut his teeth in St. Paul.
• It’s back to the drawing board for Lakeland in its search for new city hall.
• Costs, taxes unsustainable, some say at Burnsville annual tax hearing. 
• Investing in Eagan's future while keeping strong finances.

IN STATE GOVERNMENT NEWS

• Minnesota Democrats make a big bet on paid leave.
• Minnesota’s paid leave law: What you need to know about the 2026 launch.
• How fraud swamped Minnesota’s social services system on Tim Walz’s watch. 
• (Opinion) First step for Walz: Take responsibility.
• State budget forecast projects short-term surplus, looming deficit.
• Budget decisions loom as Minnesota eyes $3B deficit on horizon.
• MnDOT denies permit for Stillwater Lift Bridge tug-of-war before Vikings-Packers rivalry game.
• 7 candidates vie for vacant St. Paul House seat; DFL primary on Tuesday.
• Minnesota can release records on Medicaid providers accused of fraud — but won’t.
• House Speaker Demuth addresses fraud in Minnesota, run for governor.
• (Opinion) Minnesota small businesses bracing for paid leave mandate. 
• Washington state’s paid leave program struggles. Will MN be different?
• 6 special elections, 1 year: A look back at turnover at the Minnesota Legislature.
• Minnesota to audit autism programs, MNDOT contracts, nursing home care.
• MN Chamber of Commerce report says the state’s economy is ‘losing ground’.
• Lacking strong leadership ties – Minnesota’s progress will be stunted.
• Minnesota Advisory Committee on Capitol Security finalizing key safety recommendations.
• As huge data centers spread across country, developers are halting projects in Minnesota.
• Minnesota property tax levies could rise by nearly $1 billion for 2026, state figures show.
• Special elections called to fill vacant House seats.
• Can relationships across the political divide build more trust and better government?
• MN paid family medical leave will leverage data, selfies to fight fraud.
• Migration, tax and affordability issues plague Minnesota economy, business leaders say.
• The head of the Minnesota agency in charge of horse racing tracks stepped down in anger. Here’s why.
• New DFL co-chairs named for transportation, commerce committees.
• Transport bottleneck has budding Minnesota cannabis dispensaries stuck in first gear.
• Minnesota’s budget is headed for an imbalance, but who or what’s to blame? We asked economists to weigh in.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

MN DEED 2025 tariff impacts on Minnesota businesses survey.

Schedule a free premise survey with SPPD Crime Prevention team.

Saint Paul is currently seeking applicants for the Labor Standards Advisory Committee.

Dakota County is seeking members for three advisory committees.

Ramsey County is seeking members for Advisory Boards and Committees.

Apply to a Washington County Advisory Board or Committee.

Minnesota Boards and Commissions Seeking Applications, The Office of the Secretary of State opened all seats on Governor appointed Boards and Commissions to begin accepting applications for appointments in 2025. People interested in serving on a state board or commission can view open board and commission positions as well as submit their application on the Office of the Secretary of State’s website. 

Join a Vadnais Heights Advisory Commission.

Forest Lake is accepting applications for appointments to the Airport Commission, EDA, Parks Commission, and Planning Commission.

Saint Paul HREEO Commission Openings.

Falcon Heights has openings on the Community Engagement Commission.

Rondo streets study- Phase 1 engagement visioning survey.

Arden Hills seeking applicants for Advisory Commissions and Committees.

Saint Paul’s Capital Improvement Budget Committee seeks applicants.

Join the Ramsey County District 3 Small Business Collaborative.

Apply to join the Saint Paul Board of Zoning Appeals.

U.S. Small Business Administration accepting nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards.

Take the 2026 Roseville Resident Budget Priorities Survey.

Ramsey County Commissioner McMurtrey offers 2026 Budget Priorities - District 3 Survey.

Ramsey County Commissioner McGuire offers District 2 Resident Survey.

Forest Lake is seeking input with 2026 Budget Survey.

Ramsey County Commissioner Jebens-Singh offers 2026-2027 District One Resident Survey.

Ramsey County Commissioner Miller offers 2026 Ramsey County Budget Priorities Survey - District 7.

Saint Paul seeking names for new park at The Heights.

Washington County Name a Snowplow Contest

Dakota County Commissioner Joe Atkins December 2025 Survey

TOWN HALLS/PUBLIC MEETINGS



Downtown Action Series w/ Council President Noecker

• December 11, 4:30-6:00pm, Union Depot – 214 4^th Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55101

Ramsey County Truth in Taxation Public Hearing

• December 11, 6:00pm, Ramsey County Chambers – 15 West Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55102

Community Coffee Hour w/ Rep. Robert Bierman

• December 13, 9:00-10:00am, Curiouser Coffee - 14889 Florence Trail, Apple Valley, MN 55124

Office Hours w/ Shoreview Mayor Sue Denkinger

• December 16, 9-10:00am, Winkin’ Rooster – 3600 Lexington Ave N, Shoreview, MN 55126

St. Paul Police Department Western District Monthly Community Meeting

• December 16, 9:00am and 6:00pm, SPPD Western District - 389 Hamline Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104 

St. Paul Police Department Eastern District Monthly Community Meeting

• December 16, 9:00am and 6:00pm, SPPD Eastern District – 722 Payne Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55130 

 Office Hours with Ramsey County District One Commissioner Tara Jebens-Singh

• December 17, 1-4:30pm, Register for Virtual Meeting

Office Hours with Ramsey County District Seven Commissioner Kelly Miller

• December 17, 10-11:30am, North Saint Paul Library – 2300 N. St. Paul Drive, North St. Paul, MN 55109
• December 18, 12-1:30pm, White Bear Lake Library – 2150 2^nd Street, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
•  December 18, 5-6:30pm, Maplewood Library – 3025 Southlawn Drive, MN 55109 

Open House w/ Eagan’s New Police Chief Salim Omari

• January 14, 5:30pm, Eagan City Hall – 3830 Pilot Know Road, Eagan, MN 55122

ELECTED OFFICIALS, LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANTS, AND COMMS STAFF:

Help us help you spread the word about engagement opportunities, town halls, listening sessions, etc. in the East Metro. If you have news to share, please be sure to send it to JP for inclusion in the newsletter!

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