First off, St. Paul’s election results now are final: we are poised to have our first all-female city council, making history on a national scale.  Sincere congratulations to all; we look forward to new partnerships as we move forward. Top of mind, of course, is the newly approved sales tax. We will continue to advocate for transparency and accountability as the City moves forward with much-needed infrastructure investments.
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Today I also wanted to share the key takeaways from the 2nd of a 3-year public safety survey, wrapped up in Q3. The survey measures public perception of crime and public safety in St. Paul. Again, we conducted a residential phone survey and asked our members with physical locations in St. Paul to share an email survey with their employees.
 
Results this year show both improving and evolving perceptions. It is good news that most respondents no longer think that crime is the top issue facing St. Paul. There was also a significant drop in residents who think crime is an increasing problem in St. Paul (from 65% in 2022 to 30% in 2023).
 
While these are positive trends, the data also shows that the decisions residents most concerned about crime make on where to visit, shop, or dine out are impacted by public safety perceptions. Respondents most frequently cited the lack of police, panhandling and harassment, encampments, trash and graffiti and news about crime as the factors that make them feel unsafe.
 
Right now, we have the opportunity to learn from this data and improve the public's confidence in the safety of St. Paul by paying attention to the impact our surroundings have on our perceptions of safety. The Chamber will advocate for action in three key areas:
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• Improving the safety and cleanliness of the skyway system.
• Intensify efforts to assist people in crisis, remove encampments, and curb threatening behavior.
• Support the City's efforts in police officer recruitment and retention.

 
Read more and dive into the survey methodology, data, and results HERE.

See you in the trenches!

Last week I talked about the importance of taking the time to vote. It is, indeed, democracy at work.  I’m hoping you’ll take the time today, if you haven’t already, to show up in this way! Last week, several media reached out to the Chamber asking for our comments on the City of St. Paul’s sales tax proposal. I reiterated our member’s concern, the negative economic outcomes to be considered, and other ways to address this long-standing disinvestment of city infrastructure.
 
As we look ahead through to the end of the year, we see so much to engage in and celebrate!
 
Last week we also received extraordinary news from the GroundBreak Coalition: they have announced investments of nearly $1 billion to expand wealth building opportunities in the Greater MSP region. This is a significant step toward the coalition’s goal of mobilizing $5.3 billion over the decade to expand equitable wealth-building through an innovative approach shaped by community members. 
 
Also: the St. Paul Downtown Alliance and Visit Saint Paul have partnered on a really fun video campaign, Your Place. If you haven’t seen the series yet, check it out, and share, here on LinkedIn!
 
Great events are ahead as well:
First, our regular Lunch With Leaders – Economic Development update is this Wednesday, Nov 8, at the University of St. Thomas.  Great projects are underway! We will hear from Dr. Bill McGuire on United Village and Chris Sherman, Sherman Associates, on Landmark Towers and The Heights.   
 
Second, from our friends at Visit Saint Paul and the St. Paul Downtown Alliance: this Friday is the official kickoff and return of the “Saint Paulidays” in downtown! Please join us all on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. in Rice Park as we throw the giant switch on hundreds of thousands of twinkle lights in downtown. Partners at the Salvation Army are back again this year with the 40-foot-tall tree, and for this year's event they're bringing Vikings legend Cris Carter with them. There will be music, treats and more, and we hope to see you and all your families there. The park lighting marks the start of the festivities and holiday season which is shaping up to be another absolutely magical one in downtown Saint Paul. The GLOW Holiday lights show is back and better than ever at CHS Field and opening its gates a week earlier this year. Beginning Nov. 16 you'll be able to spend an evening completely immersed in the incredible interactive displays in Lowertown.
 
Third, our 6th Annual Equity Summit VI: Transformation, presented by Wells Fargo, is fast approaching on Nov. 14. Please join us, as we explore what it takes to truly transform ourselves, our organizations, and our communities.
 
Finally, mark your calendars for our annual Holiday Chamber Connect, presented by the MN Timberwolves and SPIRE Credit Union, on Tuesday, Dec 5, at Landmark Center.  This event is a partnership between the St. Paul Area Chamber, MN Black Chamber of Commerce, and MN Hmong Chamber of Commerce. Come experience fun food, beverages from local restaurants, caterers, breweries and more, and fabulous people!  Feel free to come dressed for the season!
 
See you in the trenches!