Local news briefs:
September 2026

St. Paul
WSCO delays vote on renaming Cesar Chavez Street
The West Side Community Organization postponed the public vote to rename Cesar Chavez Street, originally scheduled for August 18 and 25. New voting dates will be released soon but were not available as of press time. In a social media post, WSCO acknowledged that some community members were disappointed that Concord Street, the street’s former name, wasn’t on the ballot. WSCO said that name wasn’t selected because it doesn’t meet a guideline of the Cesar Chavez Street Renaming Committee that states “the new name should honor the original intent behind renaming Concord Street to Cesar Chavez Street, reflecting and preserving the Mexican-American heritage and history of the West Side.” Name options originally slated to be on the ballot are Del Sol Street, El Barrio Street, El Rio Vista Street, La Raza Street and West Side Street. For more details, visit wsco.org/streetrenaming.

City budget feedback
The City of St. Paul is hosting a series of budget engagement events to give residents the chance to share feedback with city councilmembers and city staff about budget priorities for 2027. Meetings will take place at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 4, at Frogtown Community Center, 230 Como Ave.; 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, at North End Community Center, 145 Lawson Ave. W.; 6 p.m., Monday, Sept. 14, at Hancock Recreation Center, 1610 Hubbard Ave.; and 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Palace Community Center, 781 Palace Ave.

The City Council will vote to set the maximum property tax levy on September 23 – the proposed increase is 6.8%, or $58 on a median-priced home. That amount can be reduced before the budget is adopted on December 2.

Children’s Museum president to retire
A leadership change at the Minnesota Children’s Museum will take place next summer when its president retires after serving the organization for the past 16 years. A national search for her successor will begin soon.

Dianne Krizan joined the museum as president in April 2010 and is credited with transforming it into a stronger, more accessible and more resilient organization. She led the museum through a $30 million fundraising campaign, a major expansion in downtown St. Paul, and a rebound from a global pandemic. She also broadened the museum’s reach by opening a satellite location in Rochester and bringing literacy-based exhibits to libraries throughout Minnesota.

Additionally, Krizan expanded the museum’s Play for All access program, which eases financial barriers for thousands of families. Today, more than 25% of the museum’s visitors attend through free or reduced-price access programs. She also grew the museum’s traveling exhibits business into a major source of revenue, and in 2025 helped the museum secure a $2.5 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to create exhibits, programs and resources to foster positive character traits in children.

Union Depot seeks holiday tree
Union Depot is seeking an evergreen tree to use as a centerpiece for its holiday events. It will be illuminated with more than 20,000 energy-efficient LED lights and placed in the North Plaza of Union Depot. Those who would like to donate a tree should email their address and a photo of the tree to info@uniondepot.org or call 651-202-2700. The tree must be located in Ramsey County, 50- to 70-feet tall, and in good condition for viewing from all sides. The submission deadline is Friday, Sept. 11. Union Depot will pay to remove the tree and grind its stump, and the tree owner and their family will be invited to participate in the Holiday Tree Lighting celebration on December 5.

Skyway Walking Group
The group meets at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays at the US Bank skyway level, 101 5th St. E. The group travels a mile and a half through the skyways at a casual pace.

Sneak peek at new theater season in downtown St. Paul

Mississippi River on ‘Impaired Waters’ list; fish consumption cautioned

Survey to guide 30-year plan for Harriet Island Regional Park

South St. Paul
Clean-Up Day
The annual citywide fall clean-up day takes place 8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Public Works Maintenance Facility, 400 E. Richmond St. Residents with a valid driver’s license may bring mattresses, furniture, electronics, tires, bicycles, air conditioners, humidifiers, dishwashers, washer and dryers, freezers, microwave ovens, refrigerators, scanners, stoves, vacuum cleaners, water heaters and water softeners. Fees (check or cash only) are: mattress/box spring $15 each; chair $10; sofa $15; air conditioners and appliances $20 each; electronics $10-$30; tires $5; tractor tires $20; propane tank (valve removed) $5; miscellaneous junk is charged based on volume. There is no charge for scrap metal or bicycles. Brush, compost, hazardous waste, oil, paint, fluorescent bulbs and car batteries are not accepted. Those items may be taken to The Recycling Zone, 3365 Dodd Rd., Eagan. For more details, visit southstpaulmn.gov/1025/Clean-Up-Day.

Tree giveaway
The City of South St. Paul is working with Tree Trust to give free trees to residents living in certain neighborhoods in South St. Paul – a map is available at southstpaulmn.gov (search free trees). Homeowners in a qualifying zone can receive up to three free trees to plant on their property. Orders must be placed by Sept. 18 at tree-trust.myshopify.com. Trees will be available for pickup 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 17, at the West St. Paul Sports Complex, 1650 Oakdale Ave., West St. Paul. For more information, call the City at 651-554-3200.

Plans progress at Hardman Triangle redevelopment in South St. Paul

City of South St. Paul responds to cyberattack on water systems

Armour Gates stockyard memorial to be built in South St. Paul

Related news:

Early voting for general election opens Sept. 18

City of West St. Paul suspends use of Flock cameras

City of West St. Paul considers names for new park and Sports Complex

City of West St. Paul open house and diorama contest held Sept. 29