Input from residents, workers, visitors and businesses to help inform future planning of projects and initiatives for improved downtown core; survey open now through Jan. 31
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Dec. 3, 2025 – The Saint Paul Downtown Alliance today announced the launch of Reimagine Downtown Saint Paul: Transforming the Core – a comprehensive, community-driven initiative designed to inform the future of downtown’s economic vitality and urban experience. With the Downtown Investment Strategy in place, the Downtown Alliance and its subsidiary Saint Paul Downtown Development Corporation (SPDDC) are moving from vision to implementation, engaging the community in shaping a future-ready downtown.
The Downtown Alliance and SPDDC engaged the consultant team of Creative Catalysts and Mend Collaborative to help design and lead the engagement process, which will include multiple in-person and virtual opportunities from now thorough spring 2026 for the public to help reimagine the future of Saint Paul’s downtown core. This process will engage a cross-section of people connected to downtown in meaningful ways, including current and future residents, office workers and other downtown employees; visitors who come for dining, entertainment, sports and cultural events; and institutional partners, such as property owners, businesses and government entities, as well as development and architecture experts.
“As downtown Saint Paul continues to evolve, it’s essential that the people who live, work and visit here have a voice in shaping its future,” said Saint Paul Downtown Alliance President Joe Spencer. “This is a chance to build a downtown that reflects our community’s aspirations, strengthens our economic foundation and reimagines the heart of our city for generations to come.”
Engagement activities will focus on:
- Understanding what residents, workers, visitors and businesses want the downtown core to become
- Developing strategies to activate and reimagine the core of downtown with a particular focus on design and the pedestrian experience
- Aligning with future City of Saint Paul initiatives, including skyway system improvements, redevelopments, conversions, Central Station development and ongoing street redesign projects
- Reinforcing a unified vision for downtown’s future
Stakeholders will be invited to participate through community meetings, pop-up events, focus groups and an online survey, which is available now through Jan. 31. More details, event locations and engagement updates will be available at downtownstpaul.com/reimagine and through the Downtown Alliance’s communication channels.
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About the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance
The Saint Paul Downtown Alliance is a nonprofit organization that represents downtown businesses, nonprofits, government entities, residents and entrepreneurs. Together, we work to build a strong and vibrant downtown, creating a positive downtown experience for all. For more information, visit downtownstpaul.com.
About the Saint Paul Downtown Development Corporation
The Saint Paul Downtown Development Corporation is a nonprofit real estate development and finance organization focused on advancing redevelopment initiatives in downtown Saint Paul. A subsidiary of the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance, the organization partners with local public and private stakeholders, developers, and investors that prioritize urban development and revitalization with a commitment to accelerating the next chapter and long-term success of Minnesota’s capital city. For more information, visit downtownstpaul.com/ddc.