Around (down)town: Federal EDA grant for St. Joe's Hospital finalist, the week in photos and more

News from the Downtown Alliance

December 17, 2021

A note from the president

Friends,

This week we learned the very exciting news that the Twin Cities was one of 60 regional proposals, from a pool of 529, chosen to advance to Phase 2 of the U.S. Economic Development Administration's Build Back Better Regional Challenge. The proposal seeks to bring to life the vision of a Bold North Bio-Innovation Cluster across the Metro. Eight total projects, including the former St. Joseph’s Hospital campus in downtown, will focus on accelerating inclusive job growth in the bio-innovation sector. This is an incredible opportunity for downtown, for our city and for the region. Many thanks to GreaterMSP for their tireless work collaborating with the economic development organizations, bio-tech businesses, start-ups, entrepreneurs and countless others to develop this vision and proposal. We are also grateful to M Health Fairview for their vision to reenergize the St. Joseph’s campus as a hub for jobs and innovation for generations to come. We look forward to continuing our work together to drive jobs, vitality and innovation into downtown Saint Paul.

The City and County also announced that they will work together to invest $74 million of Federal relief dollars into deeply affordable housing units. It's no secret that Saint Paul is in the midst of a housing crisis and working to close the 11,000-unit gap that exists for the Saint Paulites at or below 30% AMI is critically important. You can read more about their announcement here.

Keep reading to get caught up on the week that was in downtown, and check out ways to get out and about and have some fun this weekend.

Take care,

Joe Spencer

President

This week in photos

Last weekend's big snowfall combined with festive holiday lighting made Mears Park even more magical than usual. Be sure to take a stroll through the park to admire the flowing snowflakes if you haven't done so yet.

Photo credit: Leah Droubie

An exciting win streak, a spot at the top of the league, and Wednesday's announcement that Minnesota Wild general manager Phil Guerin has been named the General Manager for the U.S. Olympic Hockey team -- it's been one heck of a week for the home team! Go Wild!

Photo credit: MN Wild Instagram

SPDID Street Team ambassadors seen here Tuesday evening with some of our downtown public safety officers and members of 21 Days of Peace, a local nonprofit led by Reverend Runney Patterson of New Hope Baptist on the East Side and Jim Mitchell, formerly with the Community Ambassador program. 21 Days of Peace offers hospitality to all those passing by, and provides outreach to those in need of service. They can be found weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. near the Central Station skyway. Say hello next time you see them.

Photo credit: 21 Days of Peace

Sponsorship opportunity

Today marks three months until St. Patrick's Day! We're so excited to welcome the annual parade back into downtown in 2022 after a two-year (!) hiatus.

The St. Patrick's Association is currently seeking downtown businesses who may be interested in sponsoring the 2022 parade. Financial sponsorship levels begin at $250, but there are also ways to participate by hosting events, donating prizes and more. If you or your business is interested in learning more, please respond to this email or reach out directly to Peter Kenefick.