November 26, 2025

Join us for the Winter Warm-Up

Saturday, December 13th from 1:00pm - 3:00 pm

Rice & Larpenteur Intersection

(1698 Rice St, St Paul, MN 55113)

RSVP Now

We are thrilled to share our upcoming annual Winter Warm-Up at Rice & Larpenteur, proudly presented by Xcel Energy! All are invited and FREE to join!

Some highlights will include:

• Winter Clothing Exchange & Donation

- (Please consider bringing gently used outer-wear donations to the event. If not, drop off at Rice Street Xcel Energy Office or The Perfect Coffee - and take what you need too!)

• Live Choir performance by North Senior High School Choir
• Cozy warm bonfires
• Festive Dressed-up Llamas sponsored by Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
• Free wontons and fried bananas from Asia Fusion Kitchen
• Warm drinks and pastries sponsored by The Perfect Coffee
• Sweet Desserts sponsored by Maplewood West Cub Foods
• Fun children's activities partnered with Maplewood Parks & Rec
• Fire Truck Fun & Police Engagement from the City of Maplewood Public Safety
• Food Truck and Free Sample by Nanny's Jamaican Kitchen
• Free Chai Tea and Soup from Grocerys & Nepali Kitchen
• Vendor and resource tables and more!

Thank you to our sponsors including the Cities of Maplewood, Roseville, Saint Paul, Ramsey County, AE Sign Systems, American National Bank, Asia Fusion Kitchen, C.A. Ellis and Associates, Capitol Region Watershed District, Cub Foods, Hamernick's Flooring Solutions, JO Companies, M Health Fairview, Nanny's Jamaican Kitchen, Grocerys & Nepali Kitchen, Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, Saint Paul Regional Water Services, The Perfect Coffee, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, and Xcel Energy

We're still in need of volunteers! Please sign-up for a shift to help support this event here.

RLA Fall Recap

The Rice Street Phase 1 Ribbon Cutting was a fantastic success! This completed reconstruction will help the neighborhood flourish and create safer streets for everyone.



Nanny’s Jamaican Kitchen, NEO and partners put on a free Thanksgiving meal, “Be the Change MN,” at the North End Community Center. We were truly honored to be part of this meaningful event and to lend a hand in the kitchen. Thank you to the local businesses who step up to support those who need it most.

The signs and flags are now officially up on the south end, ready to welcome everyone driving into the neighborhood.



Meet the co-owner of Cancun Mexican Grill & Cantina! Juan's story is inspiring and we are grateful for his investment in the RLA neighborhood as an entrepreneur and board member.

Read Juan's story here!

In late October, we gathered for a high-level board meeting to prepare for the coming year. Huge thanks to La Delicious Bread for welcoming us into their lovely space and for their generous support!

In mid-November, we hosted an RLA Member Lunch & Learn with support from Ramsey County Workforce Solutions. The conversation with our local business community was inspiring, especially as we explored how to better support them. Big thanks to McCarron’s Pub and Grill for welcoming us and serving a wonderful lunch.

Statement on Federal Enforcement Actions in Saint Paul

Rice & Larpenteur is proud to be home to families from all around the world. We honor the dignity and contributions of all of our neighbors. We stand with the law-abiding, peaceful and hard-working immigrant and refugee families that make our neighborhood unique and enrich all of our lives.

Over the past couple weeks, we are shaken to have seen increased federal law enforcement actions in St. Paul. We understand the fear and anxiety that so many people in our community feel when these incidents happen so close to home. 

Families are encouraged to use the resources from the City of St. Paul at stpaul.gov/immigration-resources to help loved ones and neighbors stay safe and access legal services. Please be safe, make a plan, and know your rights. 

Become a Member of the RLA!

Stay cozy this winter with a brand-new 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 Winter Warm-Up event on Saturday, December 13th. 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!

RLA's Newly Updated Interactive Map

Have you seen it yet? We’ve just finished redeveloping our Updated Vision Interactive Map! Available on our website, this interactive map showcases our accomplishments, explores the history of the RLA area, and highlights sites that may interest developers and businesses.

Explore the new interactive map here!

Business Grant Opportunities

Grants and Resources to Support Local Businesses

The Rice & Larpenteur Alliance is pleased to announce a new round of Business Improvement Grants! We’re currently seeking businesses that may qualify for the Ramsey County Critical Corridors Program. Click below to learn whether your project is eligible and to access additional resources designed to support businesses along Rice Street.

Click Here to Apply Today!

BizRecycling

Even small steps can make a big impact. Get up to $2,500 in free bins and equipment to help your business manage trash, recycling, and organics. 

Learn more at BizRecycling.com/Bin-Only.

Ramsey County Workforce Solutions - Grow Your Businesses!

DEED’s business financing programs help companies and communities retain existing jobs and create new high-quality jobs. 

Not all businesses are eligible. Qualifying companies must meet specific job creation and wage goals.

Trying to grow your business? Minnesota’s tax credits programs can help. Businesses must meet certain criteria to be eligible for tax credits.

Requirements are set by each program.

https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/tax-credits/

Supporting Small Businesses and MN Paid Leave

Paid Leave applies to most Minnesota workers, including those employed by small or seasonal businesses and those working part-time. While self-employed individuals and independent contractors aren’t automatically covered, they do have the option to opt in to the Paid Leave program.

To learn more, please follow the link provided.