Saint Paul leaders: Over $1 billion is being invested in improving downtown
Saint Paul leaders: Over $1 billion is being invested in improving downtown
New milestone announced at Saint Paul Downtown Alliance Annual Meeting May 6
SAINT PAUL, Minn., May 7, 2026 – At its first-ever annual meeting on May 6, the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance brought together community members, downtown residents, local business leaders and elected officials to share a major announcement about the collective investment happening in downtown Saint Paul: over $1 billion is currently being invested in or is committed to downtown Saint Paul through public and private initiatives.
This milestone reflects two years of progress made on the Downtown Investment Strategy which served as a roadmap for how public and private interests can align to serve the larger picture of a vibrant downtown. The strategy – launched in March 2024 – has a multifaceted focus on increasing density, vitality and desirability in downtown Saint Paul, including advancing the most strategic redevelopment opportunities.
“A tremendous amount of work has been happening – deliberately, strategically and often out of view – and it’s setting the stage for something much bigger. The Downtown Investment Strategy has brought together public, private and community partners around a shared vision, guiding decisions, shaping policy and aligning investments so we can move forward with purpose,” said Saint Paul Downtown Alliance President Joe Spencer. “Together, these efforts are driving a record-breaking $1 billion in downtown investment and powering downtown Saint Paul’s next chapter.”
Representing a collective total of $1.293 billion, some of these projects include:
- The City of Saint Paul and Minnesota Wild’s Capital City Live: $400 million (another $200 million being sought from the state)
- Ramsey County’s Revitalization Commitment: $230 million (another $20 million being sought from the state)
- Public sector roads, parks and other infrastructure projects: $278 million
- Corporate campus investments: $99 million
- Housing and private development: over $250 million
- Downtown Investment Fund: $30 million
- Saint Paul Port Authority’s St. Joseph’s Hospital site preparation: $6 million
“The City of Saint Paul is investing over $225 million in downtown in road improvements, parks and a downtown vitality fund. And we have committed $200 million to the city-owned Grand Casino Arena Complex, which the Minnesota Wild is matching. That’s over $425 million flowing into downtown Saint Paul from the City,” said Saint Paul Mayor Kaohly Her. “We are not on the sidelines. The City is all in.”
Held at the Palace Theatre, the annual meeting also celebrated key milestones from the past year, including the launch of the Saint Paul Downtown Development Corporation, a real estate nonprofit focused on investing in, developing and redeveloping catalyst properties downtown, and the first full year of the expanded, 90-block Downtown Improvement District (DID), which provides a safer, cleaner downtown for all.
The event also launched a new DID Ambassador of the Year award, recognizing outstanding service and dedication, with the inaugural honor presented to Jerry Agnew. Since joining the DID a year and a half ago, Agnew has made a remarkable impact, clearing 290 snow-covered corners, collecting 73,781 pieces of litter, contributing to 188 graffiti removal projects and relocating 93 scooters – demonstrating a level of consistency and commitment that goes far beyond expectations.
“Jerry is known for stepping up without hesitation, often volunteering for challenging shifts while maintaining a positive attitude and genuine pride in his work,” said DID Director of Safety Strategies John Bandemer. “His reliability, leadership and dedication make a visible difference downtown every single day he’s on the job, and we are proud to recognize him as our first Ambassador of the Year.”
The Alliance also launched a brand-new website that includes downtown-specific events, residential resources, visitor guides, and a comprehensive directory of parks, businesses and entertainment venues. The new website also houses data, reports and resources for doing business in downtown. Visit downtownstpaul.com.
A media kit with photos and additional background materials is available here.
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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, working to build a strong, vibrant downtown and create a positive experience for all who live, work, visit and invest in downtown. The Alliance also serves as the umbrella organization for the Saint Paul Downtown Improvement District, which provides enhanced safety, cleanliness, and public realm services and programming in downtown’s core cultural and business areas, and the Saint Paul Downtown Development Corporation, a nonprofit focused on advancing real estate development and accelerating redevelopment downtown through public- and private-sector partnerships. For more information, visit downtownstpaul.com.