Advocacy News, October 22, 2026

12 DAYS OF GOTV

Hello, hello!

After a three-week international break from campaigns, yard signs, and political ads, my brain was not prepared for the onslaught upon reentry. Between watching my beloved Milwaukee Brewers sweep the NLCS and a couple of overnight pheasant-hunting trips, I’ve logged considerably more “network” TV time than usual. Apparently, I had forgotten what campaign season looks—and sounds—like.

In my little slice of Saint Paul, the campaign cacophony is usually muted. Mailers arrive, and yard signs are relatively sparse. Two recent drives to Balaton, however, served as a colorful reminder that the yard-sign game is alive and well across Minnesota. I’m still waiting for a candidate to eschew the traditional sign strategy altogether and finally put the old political maxim that “yard signs don’t vote” to the test. Political scientists, please advise.

Here’s some free advice in the meantime: keep your chin up. It’ll all be over in 12 days—pending recounts, litigation, or other electoral chicanery.

Since I’m apparently dispensing free advice now (I hadn’t planned on turning this into an Ann Landers column), here’s another bit: regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum, make a plan to vote. Election Day is November 3, and early voting is underway across the East Metro. Civic engagement matters. Ask Shannon Watson if you’d like a more erudite explanation as to why.

Do your homework. Learn about the candidates and issues on your ballot—preferably with the East Metro Voter Guide close at hand. Talk with your colleagues, neighbors, and friends. And, most importantly, vote. You can find election information, early-voting resources, and your polling place through the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State.

Of course, Election Day isn’t the end of the conversation. Once the votes are counted, attention will quickly turn from campaigning to governing—and to the 2027 legislative session. Conveniently, we’re assembling some smart people to help us sort through it all at our November Lunch with Leaders: Election Recap & Legislative Preview. We’re bringing together pundits, politics, and policy for a post-election conversation about what happened, what it means for Minnesota’s political landscape, and what businesses should be watching as lawmakers prepare to return to Saint Paul.

Instead of watching our panelists on television, reading their reporting, or hearing them during your morning commute, come experience the conversation live and in person. We’ll unpack Election Day, look ahead to the 2027 session, and explore how the results may shape budget negotiations, legislative priorities, and public policy in the year ahead.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll have plenty of questions by then. Join us. It should be timely, lively, and—if history is any guide—unlikely to suffer from a shortage of opinions.

-JP

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

After an extended work absence it was great to catch up with colleagues and friends for a "coffee" klatsch. Thanks for staying after work, Staci, and thanks for coming downtown, Amanda. These two people truly have made my Chamber journey a memorable one.

Mayor Her joined us for the October Board of Directors meeting. She shared about the city's work to make sure that "Saint Paul is open for business." While I don't have the authority, consider this a standing invite, Mayor Her.

IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS

Seeking St. Paul data? So are others, with data requests to city doubling since 2020.
St. Paul City Council considers $160k legal settlement with Summit Avenue bikeway opponents.
St. Paul school board delays vote on proposed cuts to teachers for English learners.
Stillwater incumbents skip teachers union endorsement after cheating scandal.
St. Paul City Council considers nearly $11 million, three-part homeless response.
Summit Brewing avoids foreclosure, finds new lender.
St. Paul City Council approves plan to study impact of robotaxis on workforce, public safety.
Law enforcement announces collaboration to combat group and gang violence.
St. Anthony Village to become second municipality in Minnesota to operate city-owned cannabis dispensary.
St. Paul seeks study of autonomous vehicles like Waymo.
St. Paul police chief amends and expands lawsuit against Mayor Kaohly Her.
Ramsey County elections: Maria Isa Perez-Vega, Rebecca Noecker vie for county board seat.
Minneapolis City Council wants to subpoena Frey and his staff.
St. Paul City Council considers seven bar licenses around University and Snelling.
St. Paul sues Maplewood over permit denial for gun range facility plans.
New tool kit helps Minnesota cities prepare for when big tech's data centers come to town.

IN STATE GOVERNMENT NEWS

Lisa Demuth and Amy Klobuchar pledge no new taxes in first Minnesota gubernatorial debate.
During gubernatorial debate, Klobuchar quickly distances herself from Gov. Tim Walz.
2 rematches in the suburbs could decide balance of power in Minnesota Senate.
Conservative legal organization sues over constitutionality of DFL's 2024 omnibus.
How is Minnesota's paid leave program working?
Minnesota governor hopefuls align against tax increases, split over who has best future vision.
3M PFAS pollution has made drinking water a campaign issue in this east metro legislative district.
Minnesota data center construction becomes a midterm issue.
Tafoya tries to distance herself from Trump ahead of midterms.
202,252 ballots accepted in first four weeks of voting for November 3 election.
Election 2026: Absentee voting surpasses 2022 pace in Minnesota.
4 candidates running for Minnesota’s top election office.
These races could decide who will control Minnesota’s Legislature.
Minnesota law enforcement leaders announce plan to curb gang violence.
How Minnesota could spend its $200 million Meta settlement.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

Schedule a free premise survey with SPPD Crime Prevention team.

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

Saint Paul seeks residents to serve Boards and Commissions.

Dakota County is seeking members for 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. 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.

Saint Paul’s Capital Improvement Budget Committee seeks applicants.

Join the Ramsey County District 3 Small Business Collaborative.

Saint Paul seeking names for new park at The Heights.

Take the Saint Paul Audit Committee topic suggestions survey.

Roseville is seeking applicants for four citizen advisory commissions.

Apply to join the Lake Elmo Planning Commission.

Take the Harriet Island Planning Survey.

Saint Paul 2050 Comprehensive Plan Survey and Mapping Activity, available in English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong and Karen.

Rondo Streets Study- Phase 3 Draft Concepts Survey.

2027 City of Forest Lake Budget Survey

Harriet Island Regional Park Long Range Plan Survey.

Spring Lake Park 2050 Comprehensive Plan Resident Visioning Survey.

Dakota County Commissioner Joe Atkin's 2027 Budget & Tax Survey.

Share your feedback about the future of Woodbury.

TOWN HALLS/PUBLIC MEETINGS

Office Hours w/ Ramsey County Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong

October 23, 12:00pm, RSVP for Virtual Meeting
October 30, 12:00pm, RSVP for Virtual Meeting

Office Hours w/ Farmington Mayor Nick Lien

October 23, 9-11:00am, Farmington City Hall – 430 Third Street, Farmington, MN 55024
October 26, 3-4:30pm, Farmington City Hall – 430 Third Street, Farmington, MN 55024
October 30, 9-11:00am, Farmington City Hall – 430 Third Street, Farmington, MN 55024
November 2, 3-4:30pm, Farmington City Hall – 430 Third Street, Farmington, MN 55024

Office Hours w/ Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson

October 23, 12-1:00pm, Dayton’s Bluff Library – 645 East 7th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106
October 30, 12-1:00pm, Dayton’s Bluff Library – 645 East 7th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106

Community Coffee Hour w/ Representative Robert Bierman

October 24, 9-10:00am, Curiouser Coffee – 14889 Florence Trail, Apple Valley, MN 55124

Breakfast w/ Vadnais Heights Mayor Mike Krachmer

October 26, 7:00am, Perkins – 1045 County Road E, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110

Office Hours w/ Vadnais Heights Mayor Mike Krachmer

October 28, 4:30pm, Vadnais Heights City Hall – 800 County Road E, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127

Office Hours w/ Commissioner Kelly Miller

October 29, 1:00-2:30pm, North St. Paul Library - 2300 N. St. Paul Drive, North St. Paul, MN 55109

Downtown 2050 Plan Community Workshops

November 4, 5-6:30pm, George Latimer Central Library, Andy Boss Community Room (4^th floor) – 90 W 4^th St., St. Paul, MN 55102

St. Paul Police Department Western District Monthly Community Meeting

November 17, 9:00am and 6:00pm, SPPD Western District - 389 Hamline Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104

St. Paul Police Department Eastern District Monthly Community Meeting

November 17, 9:00am and 6:00pm, SPPD Eastern District – 722 Payne Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55130

Office Hours w/ Vadnais Heights Council Member Jerry Moynagh

November 19, 3:30-4:30pm, Vadnais Heights City Hall – 800 County Road E, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127

Saint Paul Truth-in-Taxation Public Hearing on the 2027 Budget

November 30, 6:00pm, City Council Chambers, City Hall – 15 Kellogg Blvd. West, Saint Paul, MN 55102 (details)

Ramsey County Truth in Taxation Final Public Hearing on the Proposed 2027 Supplemental Budget and Tax Levy

December 3, 6:00pm, Council Chambers (3rd floor), Saint Paul City Hall-Ramsey County Courthouse – 15 W. Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55102

Downtown Action Series w/ Council President Rebecca Noecker

December 10, 4:30-6:00pm, Union Depot – 214 Fourth Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55101

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!