Around (down)town: City budget passes, Winter Carnival, holiday events continue and more

News from the Downtown Alliance

December 9, 2021

A note from the president

Friends,

Yesterday afternoon the City Council unanimously passed the 2022 City Budget. We're happy to see the City's commitment to public safety reflected in funding for multiple police academy classes to bring our Police Department back up to full strength, as well as providing additional social service and mental health resources to first responders working with the most vulnerable among us. We'll continue to advocate for downtown small business support, parks and library programming, and needed maintenance and management that benefit our residents and workers alike. You can read more about the 2022 City Budget here.

I was also pleased to read this week that The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra would be ending the year in the black thanks to relief programs, strong organizational vision and leadership, and the ongoing support of their community and donors. I can't say it enough, but the strength of our downtown is inextricably linked to the strength of our cultural institutions. I want to extend my gratitude to SPCO president Jon Limbacher and all of you who streamed concerts or continued to show your support in other ways over the past 12 months. That is all especially important in light of ~~the~~ today’s story in the Star Tribune about our office market "healing." These amenities are what make downtown Saint Paul special and give us our competitive advantage.

With tomorrow's forecast predicting several inches of snow accumulation, I'll quickly remind everyone about downtown snow emergency and over night parking regulations, just in case. All of the details can be found here. Logistics aside, I hope you all find time to get downtown this weekend to enjoy the ongoing seasonal festivities. Keep reading for a roundup of events and more from this week's downtown news.

Take care,

Joe Spencer

President

Donors needed!

The Red Cross is currently facing the lowest blood inventory in more than a decade. With these historically low supply levels, please consider giving the gift of life this holiday season by donating blood.

The Red Cross is hosting a blood drive on Monday, Dec. 13, from 12-5 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Donors will receive world-famous DoubleTree cookies, a $10 Amazon gift card and more.

Learn more and sign up to donate here.

2022 Winter Carnival buttons unveiled

They're here! The 2022 Winter Carnival buttons, designed by local illustrator Kevin Cannon, have been revealed. Buttons can be purchased individually or as a collector set. By purchasing a button, you not only support the festival, but also get access to lots of festival perks including exclusive deals at local businesses, entry in the cash prize drawing and more.

Learn more about the 2022 Winter Carnival buttons here.

Images : Kevin Cannon via Star Tribune

Dozens of Saint Paul firefighters honored

This week, more than 40 Saint Paul firefighters were honored for their heroic response to the tragic shooting at the Seventh Street Truck Park. Fire Chief Butch Inks called out the crew's “quick action, dedication to duty and courage” in “running toward the sounds of chaos and danger.”