Who’s responsible downtown?

Runs the city executive; appoints department directors (DSI, Public Works, Parks, Library) and sets the downtown agenda. Sworn in Jan 2, 2026 (first woman / first Hmong American Saint Paul mayor).

Contact: Mayor's Office via stpaul.gov/departments/mayors-office; City Information & Complaint line 651-266-8989

Currently: Kaohly Vang Her — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Downtown's directly elected vote on the Council; Ward 2 covers the Downtown business district plus Lowertown, West 7th, West Side, Summit Hill, Railroad Island.

Contact: 651-266-8620 · ward2@ci.stpaul.mn.us · 310-B City Hall, 15 Kellogg Blvd. W., Saint Paul, MN 55102

Currently: Rebecca Noecker — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Presides over the seven-member City Council; the Ward 2 (downtown) member also holds the President's gavel. VP is Nelsie Yang (Ward 6). Full council: W1 Anika Bowie, W2 Rebecca Noecker (Pres), W3 Saura Jost, W4 Molly Coleman, W5 HwaJeong Kim, W6 Nelsie Yang (VP), W7 Cheniqua Johnson.

Contact: City Council office 651-266-8560 · Contact-Council@ci.stpaul.mn.us · 15 Kellogg Blvd. W., 310 City Hall, Saint Paul, MN 55102

Currently: Rebecca Noecker — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Downtown's county-level vote; District 5 explicitly includes Downtown Saint Paul (plus Highland Park, Mac-Groveland, West Seventh, West Side, Dayton's Bluff). Also currently serves as Board Chair. ELECTION WATCH: Nov 3, 2026 general election upcoming for this seat (Noecker and Perez-Vega have announced runs); Ortega is the seated commissioner as of 2026-06-12.

Contact: District 5 office 651-266-8361 via ramseycountymn.gov · County Board contact via ramseycountymn.gov/your-government/contacts-locations

Currently: Rafael E. Ortega — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Commands the Central District, the SPPD patrol district covering all of downtown Saint Paul (district HQ at 367 Grove St is itself downtown).

Contact: 651-266-5683; Jake.Peterson@ci.stpaul.mn.us; Central District HQ 367 Grove St; non-emergency 651-291-1111; front desk 651-266-5628

Currently: Jake Peterson — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Directly oversees the downtown beat / Downtown Beat unit — the most relevant single contact for downtown street-level policing and engagement.

Contact: 651-266-5884; Eric.Kammerer@ci.stpaul.mn.us (also active: Eric.Kammerer@stpaul.gov); non-emergency 651-291-1111

Currently: Eric Kammerer — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Commands uniformed patrol operations across the Central District, including downtown patrol squads and sergeants. Verbatim from the live patrol-districts page; lacked independent third-party corroboration, treat with slightly lower certainty.

Contact: 651-502-7086; Patrick.Murphy@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Currently: Patrick Murphy — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Commands investigative functions for the Central District, including downtown follow-up investigations. Verbatim from the live page; lacked independent corroboration, treat with slightly lower certainty.

Contact: 651-266-5861; Chou.Jim.Yang@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Currently: Chou Jim Yang — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Day-to-day downtown beat sergeant and community-engagement liaison. SPPD does not publish individual sergeant/CEO names on the district page; route via the Central Commanders inbox or district info line. Department-wide Deputy Chief of Community Engagement is Shari Falkowski (chief's-office level).

Contact: Central District front desk 651-266-5628; District info 651-266-5563; SPPD-CentralCommanders@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Leads SPFD overall — fire suppression and EMS for downtown and citywide. INTERIM (appointed Dec 31, 2025; 30+ yr SPFD veteran); permanent-chief search underway. Outgoing Chief Butch Inks left Dec 30, 2025.

Contact: General/non-emergency: 651-224-7811 (911 for emergencies); 645 Randolph Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55102

Currently: Greg Duren — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Interim appointment (Dec 31, 2025); permanent-chief search underway. Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Fire prevention, code/inspection coordination, and public fire-safety education for downtown buildings and citywide. (612-801-0701 also listed as the PIO number — may be a shared/forwarding line.)

Contact: Fire Prevention Division: 612-801-0701; 645 Randolph Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55102

Currently: Jamie E. Smith, Sr. — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

EMS / paramedic operations downtown and citywide; role in transition — Greg Duren held it until his Dec 31, 2025 interim-chief appointment and no successor is named on the live page. Other SPFD numbers: Project Safe Haven smoke alarms 651-228-6273; Youth Fire Play Intervention 651-228-6203.

Contact: General SPFD line: 651-224-7811

Heads the city department that licenses downtown businesses, inspects buildings, enforces property/fire code, and manages the downtown Skyway System. TRANSITION: current per live who-we-are page; on 2026-05-28 Mayor Her announced intent to appoint Ia Xiong as next DSI director (pending Council confirmation), with Wiese to move to an administrative leadership role. Re-check after Council action.

Contact: 651-266-8989; DSI, 375 Jackson Street, Suite 220, Saint Paul, MN 55101

Currently: Angie Wiese — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Directorship in transition in 2026 (a successor is pending City Council confirmation) — see the live page. Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Senior DSI leadership overseeing operational divisions (specific portfolio not published on the live page).

Contact: david.hoban@ci.stpaul.mn.us; 651-266-8989

Currently: David Hoban — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Senior DSI leadership overseeing operational divisions (specific portfolio not published on the live page).

Contact: dan.niziolek@ci.stpaul.mn.us; 651-266-8989

Currently: Dan Niziolek — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Oversees Animal Control field services and the animal shelter; responds to animal complaints and enforces city/state animal laws (covers downtown). Name confirmed via news/business records, not the live city page (which lists only the 651-266-1100 line).

Contact: 651-266-1100 (Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.); after-hours non-emergency 651-291-1111; 1285 Jessamine Ave. W., Saint Paul, MN 55108

Currently: Molly Lunaris — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Issues the 200+ business licenses required downtown and provides regulatory oversight of the Saint Paul Skyway System.

Contact: 651-266-8989; DSI Licensing, 375 Jackson Street, Suite 220, Saint Paul, MN 55101

Manages and regulates the downtown Skyway System (hours, use permits, governance via the Skyway Governance Advisory Committee). Live page lists the DSI Director as the named contact; no separate skyway coordinator named.

Contact: 651-266-8989; DSI, 375 Jackson Street, Suite 220, Saint Paul, MN 55101 (skyway concerns: report via stpaul.gov/report-incident)

Enforces property maintenance code; runs the Vacant Building and Truth-in-Sale-of-Housing programs that affect downtown buildings.

Contact: DSI Code Enforcement Help Desk: 651-266-8989; dsicomplaints@ci.stpaul.mn.us; 375 Jackson Street, Suite 220, Saint Paul, MN 55101

Manages fire-prevention and fire-safety inspections across 23,000+ buildings citywide, including downtown high-rises and commercial properties. A 'Fire Safety Manager' class spec exists confirming the role, but no current holder is named on a live page.

Contact: 651-266-8989; DSI, 375 Jackson Street, Suite 220, Saint Paul, MN 55101

Heads the department that designs, builds, and maintains downtown streets, sewers, signals, and the parking system. Former Met Council member tapped to lead Public Works in 2026 (longtime director Sean Kershaw moved to interim operations/special-projects).

Contact: deb.barber@ci.stpaul.mn.us; dept main 651-266-6100 / publicworksinfo@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Currently: Deb Barber — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Engineering authority over downtown street, sewer, and drainage infrastructure design and construction standards.

Contact: Nick.Peterson@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Currently: Nick Peterson — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Oversees day-to-day operations (incl. street maintenance and snow) during the operations-manager transition. Snow operations run out of Street Maintenance under this role.

Contact: Sean.Kershaw@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Currently: Sean Kershaw — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Interim role during operations-manager transition. Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Manages design and construction of downtown street/paving projects and right-of-way reconstruction.

Contact: steve.dodge@ci.stpaul.mn.us; 651-266-6020; 900 City Hall Annex, 25 W 4th St

Currently: Steve Dodge — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Administers downtown parking — meters/pay stations and off-street/contract parking for buildings and businesses. (Downtown meters enforced Mon-Sat 8a-10p; day rates 8a-6p, night 6-10p; Passport app zone 651 / pay-by-phone 651-571-4037.)

Contact: gary.grabko@ci.stpaul.mn.us; parking hub stpaul.gov/parking-saint-paul; Public Works 651-266-6100

Currently: Gary Grabko — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Department spokesperson for press inquiries (snow emergencies, projects, parking changes).

Contact: Lisa.Hiebert@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Currently: Lisa Hiebert — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Sanitary and storm sewer system serving downtown — backups, flooding, sewer records and permits. Live pages name only section-level coordinators, not the division head.

Contact: Sewer Engineering 651-266-6234 / PW-SewerCounter@ci.stpaul.mn.us; Sewer Maintenance (clogs, backups, street flooding) 651-266-9850

Plowing, street sweeping, paving, pothole and alley repair on downtown streets; runs snow-emergency operations. No named lead on any live page; only functional contacts.

Contact: Street Maintenance 651-266-9700 (873 Dale St); potholes@ci.stpaul.mn.us; Snow Emergency hotline 651-266-PLOW (7569)

Permits for obstructions, construction, sidewalk cafes, and road closures in the downtown public right-of-way. Live ROW page names no current manager.

Contact: ROW Permit Desk 651-266-6151 / PW-ROWpermits@ci.stpaul.mn.us; 899 Dale St N, fax 651-266-9765

Appointed by and responsible to the Board of Water Commissioners; coordinates the entirety of SPRWS utility operations serving downtown and the regional service area. SPRWS is now its own department (no longer under Public Works).

Contact: Office: 1900 Rice St., Saint Paul, MN 55113; main customer line 651-266-6350

Currently: Racquel Vaske — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Oversees the business and distribution divisions (billing, customer service, and water main/distribution network serving downtown). Division managers: Graeme Chaple (Distribution).

Contact: 1900 Rice St., Saint Paul, MN 55113; 651-266-6350

Currently: Richard Rowland — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Oversees the engineering and production divisions, including water treatment and the water-quality laboratory. Division managers: Rich Hibbard (Engineering), Che Fei Chen (Production, oversees the lab).

Contact: 1900 Rice St., Saint Paul, MN 55113; 651-266-6350

Currently: Will Menkhaus — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Water bill payments, account questions, start/stop service, and billing assistance for downtown accounts.

Contact: 651-266-6350, Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; waterinquiries@ci.stpaul.mn.us; in person at 1900 Rice St., Saint Paul, MN 55113 (8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri)

Drinking-water quality questions, testing, and the annual water quality report (Production Division oversees the lab).

Contact: 651-266-1635, Mon-Thu 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. / Fri 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; waterlab@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Water main breaks, hydrant and street repair, and after-hours water service restoration downtown.

Contact: 651-266-6874, available 24 hours (older listing 651-266-6868 may be a secondary line)

City-run coordinated garbage collection for 1-4 unit households citywide (hauler zones, collection days, carts, extra bags, bulky/mattress, billing) — covers downtown residential properties. Buildings with 5+ units arrange collection through private haulers (typically FCC).

Contact: 651-266-6101; garbage@ci.stpaul.mn.us (recyclingprogram@ci.stpaul.mn.us); online request form https://saintpaul.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=33723561590669

Operates Saint Paul's weekly single-sort curbside recycling collection; handles recycling schedules, missed pickups, and cart size changes.

Contact: 651-222-7678; info@eurekarecycling.org

Organics: drop-off sites (incl. 24/7 District Council locations) plus the new free city/county curbside food scraps pickup added to regular garbage service.

Contact: 651-661-9393; FoodScrapsPickup.com; garbage@ci.stpaul.mn.us; 651-266-6101

County-wide recycling/waste resources: hazardous waste, electronics, yard waste & organics drop-off sites, fix-it clinics; page directs residents to 'contact your city' for collection.

Contact: Via county site contact form; Environmental Center, 1700 Kent St., Roseville (free drop-off of recyclables & food scraps for SP residents)

Heads the entire department; ultimate authority over all downtown parks, plazas, capital projects, and permits. Appointed May 2022 (start June 2022).

Contact: andy.rodriguez@ci.stpaul.mn.us | 651-266-6365

Currently: Andy Rodriguez — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Deputy oversight of department operations including downtown park system and field services.

Contact: tom.russell@ci.stpaul.mn.us | 651-266-6415

Currently: Tom Russell — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Deputy oversight plus leads Como Park Zoo & Conservatory (not downtown-specific). Department has TWO deputy directors (Russell and Prosser).

Contact: Erica.Prosser@ci.stpaul.mn.us | 651-266-6373

Currently: Erica Prosser — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Capital design and construction of parks including downtown plaza/park rebuilds (e.g. Pedro Park). The relevant division head for downtown plaza capital projects.

Contact: Alice.Messer@ci.stpaul.mn.us | 651-266-6412

Currently: Alice Messer — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Citywide recreation centers and programming, including downtown-adjacent rec services.

Contact: shaina.abraham@ci.stpaul.mn.us | 651-266-6547

Currently: Shaina Abraham — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Grounds/maintenance operations for parks including downtown plazas and green space upkeep.

Contact: tom.hagel@ci.stpaul.mn.us | 651-632-2456

Currently: Tom Hagel — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Coordinates large events and festivals on park land, including downtown plazas (Rice Park, Mears Park, etc.). Key contact for festivals/large events on downtown park land.

Contact: kate.frye@ci.stpaul.mn.us | 651-325-9384

Currently: Kate Frye — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Department finance, budget, and capital budget planning incl. downtown park projects.

Contact: brad.meyer@ci.stpaul.mn.us | 651-266-6377

Currently: Brad Meyer — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Department-wide communications and press contact, including downtown park news.

Contact: clare.cloyd@ci.stpaul.mn.us | 651-266-6369

Currently: Clare Cloyd — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Reservations/permits for downtown parks & plazas: Osborn Plaza, Hamm Memorial Plaza, Irvine Park, Kellogg Mall Park, Landmark Plaza, Mears Park, Pedro Park, Rice Park, Summit Overlook Park, Wacouta Commons. No individual staffer named publicly.

Contact: ParksPermits@ci.stpaul.mn.us | 651-266-6400 | 25 W 4th St, Suite 400, St Paul MN 55102; Mon-Fri 7:30a-4:30p

Top staff leader of the 501c3 (ED-equivalent; hired 2020); sets strategy, fundraising, and oversees the parks portfolio including downtown friends groups the Conservancy fiscally sponsors.

Contact: 651-265-2786 / contact form at saintpaulparksconservancy.org/contact/ ; main office 401 Robert St N, Ste 150, Saint Paul, MN 55101

Currently: Michael-jon Pease, CFRE — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Leads the Great River Passage initiative (17 miles of downtown-adjacent Mississippi River parks/access) folded into SPPC after the Jan 1, 2026 merger (GRP merged INTO SPPC; surviving name stays Saint Paul Parks Conservancy).

Contact: 651-265-2786 / contact form at saintpaulparksconservancy.org/contact/

Currently: Jodi Massey — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Runs park improvement and play/programming projects across the Saint Paul park system, including downtown parks.

Contact: 651-265-2786 / contact form at saintpaulparksconservancy.org/contact/

Currently: Shari Blindt — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Coordinates community engagement and operations; staff point of contact tied to volunteer and steward engagement (closest confirmed staff owner of the Park & Garden Steward program).

Contact: 651-265-2786 / contact form at saintpaulparksconservancy.org/contact/

Currently: Karen Caldwell — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Chairs the volunteer board of directors that governs the Conservancy; joined board 2021 representing Ward 3. NOTE the title quirk: 'President' here is the BOARD chair (distinct from Michael-jon Pease's STAFF 'President, Chief Parks Champion' ED title). The Nov-2025 merger announcement listed Peter Myers as combined-entity board chair, but the live page lists Dana Bruce — went with the live page.

Contact: 651-265-2786 / contact form at saintpaulparksconservancy.org/contact/

Currently: Dana Bruce — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Board officer (Vice President).

Contact: 651-265-2786 / contact form at saintpaulparksconservancy.org/contact/

Currently: Tanya Bell — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Board officer (Secretary).

Contact: 651-265-2786 / contact form at saintpaulparksconservancy.org/contact/

Currently: Anna Eleria — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Board officer (Treasurer).

Contact: 651-265-2786 / contact form at saintpaulparksconservancy.org/contact/

Currently: Brandon Collins — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Runs the Park & Garden Steward program — recruits/supports individuals, companies and groups who adopt and maintain Saint Paul parks and gardens (incl. downtown sites). No individually named staff lead on the live page (Engagement & Operations Coordinator Karen Caldwell is the closest confirmed staff owner).

Contact: Volunteer program page: https://saintpaulparksconservancy.org/ways-to-help/volunteer/ ; 651-265-2786

Chairs the all-volunteer 501(c)(3) (founded 1992) that tends Mears Park's gardens, holiday lighting and stream in Lowertown; ~50 volunteer gardeners. Also listed: John Manillo (Advisor), Larry Wick (Co-Coordinator). The standalone friendsofmearspark.org domain now 301-redirects to the Conservancy page.

Contact: info@saintpaulparksconservancy.org | 651-265-2786 | contact form: https://saintpaulparksconservancy.org/park-friends-groups/friends-of-mears-park/contact/ | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofmearspark/

Currently: Susan Larson — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Chairs the volunteer group supporting downtown's new Pedro Park (10th & Robert); get involved via seasonal planting/weeding days, events, or membership. Title from City of Saint Paul release, Aug 2023 (~3 yrs old; no newer named chair found).

Contact: info@saintpaulparksconservancy.org | 651-265-2786 | contact form: https://saintpaulparksconservancy.org/pedro-friends/ | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofPedroPark/

Currently: Julie Printz — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Title from City of Saint Paul release, Aug 2023 — may be out of date. Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

HIPA President; led fundraising ($120k+ in under a year) to restore Irvine Park's historic fountain/green space. Title from 2021 GoFundMe byline; subject of an Aug-2025 Conservancy volunteer spotlight as the restoration leader.

Contact: info@saintpaulparksconservancy.org | 651-265-2786 | contact form: https://saintpaulparksconservancy.org/park-friends-groups/historic-irvine-park/contact/ | Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/161120147259127

Currently: William White — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Coordinator (she prefers 'Coordinator' over 'president'/'leader') of the ~25-30-volunteer 501(c)(3) tending Mississippi riverfront gardens from High Bridge to Wabasha Bridge; named 2024 Stewardship Group of the Year. Confirmed via live July-2024 Conservancy volunteer spotlight.

Contact: Friends of Upper Landing Park & Trail (via Upstream): hello@mnupstream.org | Conservancy volunteer page: https://saintpaulparksconservancy.org/ways-to-help/volunteer/ | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ULandingPark/

Currently: Mary Hilfiker — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Driving volunteer for the pocket park between Sibley Park Apartments and St. Mary's (named 2022 Volunteer of the Year for reclaiming gardens, planting 14 overstory trees, clearing trash). Kay Clover also helps recruit/coordinate volunteers. The formal 'Board President' title appeared only in a search-engine summary and could NOT be verified on a live page, so name is unconfirmed.

Contact: info@saintpaulparksconservancy.org | 651-265-2786 | https://saintpaulparksconservancy.org/wacouta-commons-park/ | volunteer: https://saintpaulparksconservancy.org/ways-to-help/volunteer/

Runs Metro Transit day-to-day — buses, light rail (Green/Blue lines through downtown St. Paul), and Metro Transit Police that serve downtown riders and stops. GM since July 2023. No published direct line for the GM; use the Transit Information Center / contact form.

Contact: Metro Transit Customer Relations / Transit Information: 612-373-3333; https://www.metrotransit.org/contact-us; Text for Safety 612-900-0411

Currently: Lesley Kandaras — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Leads the 17-member regional body that governs Metro Transit and sets transit, wastewater, parks, and housing policy across the seven-county metro, including downtown St. Paul. Effective Dec 1, 2025 (term expires Jan 4, 2027); succeeded Charlie Zelle after interim chair Deb Barber.

Contact: Metropolitan Council Public Information: 651-602-1000 (TTY 651-291-0904), public.info@metc.state.mn.us; 390 Robert St N, Saint Paul; https://metrocouncil.org/About-Us/Contact-Us.aspx

Currently: Robin Hutcheson — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Appointed effective Dec 1, 2025. Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Chairs the Council committee that oversees Metro Transit operations and regional transit/transportation policy affecting downtown St. Paul service. CONFLICT: Met Council docs through April 2026 list Deb Barber as chair (vice chair Reva Chamblis), but Barber was reportedly tapped to run Saint Paul Public Works — which would mean she left the Council. Holder may be in transition; verify on the Transportation-Committee.aspx page before publishing a name.

Contact: Metropolitan Council Public Information: 651-602-1000, public.info@metc.state.mn.us; https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Committee.aspx

Leads the entire Saint Paul Public Library system, whose flagship is the downtown George Latimer Central Library. Director since 2023.

Contact: Library Administration: 651-266-7073; George Latimer Central Library, 90 W 4th St., Saint Paul, MN 55102

Currently: Maureen Hartman — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Oversees library operations, including facilities and back-of-house functions across the system and downtown Central Library.

Contact: Library Administration: 651-266-7073

Currently: Joshua Schaffer — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Oversees public-facing services and programming, including those at the downtown George Latimer Central Library.

Contact: Library Administration: 651-266-7073

Currently: Rebecca Ryan — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Handles media and press inquiries for the library system, including downtown Central Library news.

Contact: stacy.opitz@ci.stpaul.mn.us; 651-266-7006

Currently: Stacy Opitz — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Downtown SPPL flagship branch. SPPL does not publish a single branch/site manager name; use the branch phone/email or system leadership above.

Contact: 651-266-7000; centrallibrary@ci.stpaul.mn.us; 90 West 4th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102

Top appointed administrator running all county departments; the county seat is downtown Saint Paul (Ramsey County Government Center, 121 7th Place E). Began Sept 2024.

Contact: 651-266-8000 (County Manager's Office); fax 651-266-8039

Currently: Ling Becker — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Oversees economic growth / community investment portfolio relevant to downtown development and county property.

Contact: Via County Manager's Office, 651-266-8000

Currently: Kari Collins — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Department that administers city and county elections (including downtown St Paul precincts), property tax and records.

Contact: Elections office: 90 W. Plato Blvd, Ste 160, St Paul, MN 55107; 651-266-2171; elections@co.ramsey.mn.us

Currently: Tracy West — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Day-to-day administration of Ramsey County elections and voting (listed as the county election official in the MN Secretary of State county election office directory).

Contact: 90 W. Plato Blvd, Ste 160, St Paul, MN 55107; 651-266-2171; elections@co.ramsey.mn.us

Currently: David Triplett — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

Reopened June 16, 2025; one-stop downtown counter for navigator services, financial services, child support, resource center workstations; Career Force/Community Career Lab in Suite 2300. No individual manager named on the live page.

Contact: 121 7th Place E, skyway level, Suite 2500, St Paul, MN 55101; 651-266-8500; Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Determines eligibility for cash assistance, SNAP/food support, medical assistance, child care and emergency assistance for downtown and countywide residents. Live department page names no director; left unconfirmed.

Contact: Financial Assistance Services general line 651-266-4444 (toll-free 1-833-956-0693); EZ Info automated line 651-266-3800; Emergency Assistance 651-266-4884; in person at 121 7th Place E, Suite 2500, St Paul, MN 55101

Founding president; leads the Alliance, drives the unified Downtown Investment Strategy, and activates downtown streets with free events and public art. The Investment Strategy is led by the Alliance under Spencer (no separate dedicated staff 'strategy lead'; steering committee co-chaired by Chris Hilger of Securian and Christophe Beck of Ecolab, consultant JLP+D).

Contact: joe.spencer@downtownstpaul.com; Alliance 401 Robert St N, Suite 150, St. Paul, MN 55101

Currently: Joe Spencer — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

dtstpaul is an independent resident guide — not the Downtown Alliance, not affiliated. We list this so you know who runs the BID; we amplify their work and they do a lot of good downtown.

Leads downtown communications strategy, media relations, marketing, and storytelling for the Alliance.

Contact: melissa.ferlaak@downtownstpaul.com

Currently: Melissa Ferlaak — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

dtstpaul is an independent resident guide — not the Downtown Alliance, not affiliated. We list this so you know who runs the BID; we amplify their work and they do a lot of good downtown.

Runs day-to-day operations, downtown public-space activations and events, supports the DID, and leads special projects.

Contact: emma.burns@downtownstpaul.com

Currently: Emma Burns — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

dtstpaul is an independent resident guide — not the Downtown Alliance, not affiliated. We list this so you know who runs the BID; we amplify their work and they do a lot of good downtown.

Oversees DID street ambassadors and directs the Safety Communications Center (SCC); coordinates outreach, social services, and law enforcement downtown. 30+ years public-safety experience (former SPPD senior commander). A private BID service, not police.

Contact: john.bandemer@downtownstpaul.com; DID public line call or text 651-236-0284; safety@spdid.org

Currently: John Bandemer — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

dtstpaul is an independent resident guide — not the Downtown Alliance, not affiliated. We list this so you know who runs the BID; we amplify their work and they do a lot of good downtown.

Manages the yellow-shirt DID Ambassador street team operation (outreach, cleaning, business services, 7 days/wk 7am-11pm). Block by Block is the contracted operator (hence the @blockbyblock.com email).

Contact: kzagyva@blockbyblock.com; DID public line 651-236-0284

Currently: Kris Zagyva — as of 2026-06-12. We link the live roster so this stays current.

Point-in-time — we link the live roster so this stays current.

dtstpaul is an independent resident guide — not the Downtown Alliance, not affiliated. We list this so you know who runs the BID; we amplify their work and they do a lot of good downtown.

Public-facing DID line to report troubling behavior, request a safety walk, report graffiti, ask directions, or get non-emergency help downtown. The genuinely useful resident-facing resource.

Contact: Call or text 651-236-0284; safety@spdid.org

dtstpaul is an independent resident guide — not the Downtown Alliance, not affiliated. We list this so you know who runs the BID; we amplify their work and they do a lot of good downtown.