Project Update

Community engagement for Reimagine Downtown Saint Paul concluded earlier this year, with input from more than 1,000 participants through surveys, conversations, and the interactive map. Thank you to everyone who shared their ideas. The project team is now reviewing what we heard and developing next steps for the future of downtown’s core. Additional information will be shared as the work progresses.

Public Engagement Highlights

We are actively analyzing and synthesizing survey results alongside input gathered through in-person engagement. This work is focused on identifying shared priorities, emerging opportunities, and areas where thoughtful design and investment can make the greatest difference.

What’s Next

More than 1,000 residents, workers, visitors, and downtown partners participated in the engagement phase of Reimagine Downtown Saint Paul through surveys, conversations, and the interactive map. Participants shared thoughtful perspectives on what is working well downtown and where opportunities exist to strengthen the city’s core.

Several themes emerged from community input:

  • Downtown’s arts, culture, and events are valued assets that bring energy and identity to the district.
  • People expressed interest in more everyday amenities that support daily life for workers, residents, and visitors.
  • Safety, cleanliness, and comfort in public spaces were identified as important priorities.
  • Many participants shared a desire for a more vibrant, welcoming, and connected downtown experience.

Additional details from the engagement phase can be found in the Public Engagement Summary (one-pager) and Public Engagement Presentation, available for download in the Resource Library located on this site.

Who’s leading the work

Reimagine Downtown Saint Paul: Transforming the Core is led by the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance (SPDA), in collaboration with:

  • Creative Catalysts - guiding strategy, facilitation, and the overall story of the project.
  • Mend Collaborative - leading public engagement and downtown design, with experience on similar downtown projects in cities including Houston, Denton, and Rochester.

SPDA will work closely with residents, businesses, institutional partners, and community organizations throughout the process to ensure that the future of the core is informed by those who know and care about downtown most.