News from the Downtown Alliance
December 23, 2021
Thank you, and here's to 2022
Friends,

Before we head out for the holidays to enjoy some time hunkered down with family, I want to thank each and every one of you for remaining committed to downtown Saint Paul this year.

2021 did not go the way we planned, there's no way around that. But in the last year we were able to collectively rally around the goal of welcoming people back to downtown. We collaborated with dozens of partner organizations to put on hundreds of events and activations for thousands of workers, residents and visitors.

We're looking forward to continuing this work in the new year, and can promise lots of new and exciting projects are on the horizon in 2022. Until then, be safe over the holidays, have a happy new year and keep reading for more.

We'll be back in January with more news from around downtown.

Happy Festivus!
 
Joe Spencer
President
With Renate Sharp and Nadine Schaefer, the organizer's of the European Christmas Market, and super-volunteer Sonja.
Rice Park Powered by Xcel Energy recap
If you weren't able to make it to last month's switch-flipping ceremony in Rice Park (or even if you were!) check out the video below and enjoy the festivities and holiday spirit.
January federal trial info session
The Downtown Alliance and Saint Paul BOMA have invited the Saint Paul Police Department to present information and answer questions about the upcoming trial at the federal courthouse downtown for the four ex-Minneapolis police officers. We will hear updates from our regular public safety partners as well, including:
-       Mayor’s Office
-       Department of Safety and Inspections
-       City Attorney’s Office
-       County Attorney’s Office
-       Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office
-       Metro Transit Police
 
When: Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2-3 p.m.
Where: This call will happen virtually over Zoom. Click here to request call in details.
Who: Any downtown building owner or manager, business owner or worker, or resident is invited to listen in and ask questions.  
Holiday hours at Roy Wilkins testing site
It is more important than ever to be regularly tested for COVID-19, especially if you plan to get together with friends or family over the holidays. Rapid result tests can be purchased at the downtown Walgreens, and the Roy Wilkins free testing site will be open at the following times :

December 23: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
December 24-25: closed
December 26: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
December 27-30: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
December 31-January 1: closed
January 2: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
January 3: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Appointments are not required for testing, but are recommended if you are hoping to avoid additional wait time in line.

One more thing...Happy Festivus!
It's been a rough year for many, and you might find yourself with...let's just say, more grievances than usual as it wraps up. If so, make your way down to Lowertown today for the annual Festivus Airing of Grievances. You can submit your grievance at the Festivus Pole stationed at Broadway and Price streets or online through this form. All submissions will be read aloud (anonymously!) and streamed live on Facebook this evening.

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Saint Paul on social media
Downtown has a lot going on these days and we're not slowing down anytime soon.

Make sure you don't miss anything by following along on each of our channels:
Downtown restaurant and
retail options
Stumped for where to order dinner from these days? Or where to buy holiday gifts?
Have questions?