The promise, since 1975
“Being a citizen is more than a once-every-two-years task… an ongoing, daily responsibility.”Making Democracy Work, Saint Paul Committee on Citizen Participation, 1973
That promise is still kept. Since 1975, Saint Paul has guaranteed every resident a standing voice through 17 district councils and the Early Notification System — a model other cities have studied and copied. Downtown is where it’s most alive: there’s room here to help shape parks, transit, housing, or all of it. The seat is already yours.
Voices — by what people came for
Why people chose downtown — in their own words.
Residents love it and push for it to be better. Both things are true.
Walkability & transit
“Live, work, play in a walkable area — a community that wants to live the same way. We went down to one car.”
Saint Paul Skyway Survey, May 2026
Arts & culture
“Music in the parks, the Ordway, the library, the Children's Museum — we have it all at our fingertips.”
Saint Paul Skyway Survey, May 2026
The skyway
“We wanted to walk 365 days a year — the skyway was an essential part of our decision.”
Saint Paul Skyway Survey, May 2026
Neighbors
“I feel safe because I know what to expect. It's our visitors I worry about.”
Saint Paul Skyway Survey, May 2026
The big picture
“It has so much potential, just needs some love.”
Saint Paul Skyway Survey, May 2026
“It can be a huge plus for St Paul.”
Saint Paul Skyway Survey, May 2026
A fully independent life
For some residents, the skyway is more than convenience — it’s year-round, temperature-controlled accessibility that makes a fully independent urban life possible. These residents chose downtown deliberately, and their experience is worth hearing on its own terms.
“100% for the Skyway. I live with quadriplegia and wanted an accessible environment — to shop, and so do my neighbors.”
Saint Paul Skyway Survey, May 2026
“I use a wheelchair and the skyways are always accessible, unlike sidewalks with bad curb cuts. Temperature controlled, too.”
Saint Paul Skyway Survey, May 2026
Housing & a diverse civil society
A community that’s dynamic, engaged, and welcomes everyone.
Affordable and progressive housing policy, combined with a deep civil society — block clubs, district councils, arts organizations, faith communities — creates a community that expects more of itself and its city, and welcomes new neighbors alongside longtime ones.
The conversions happening now — office towers becoming homes — are adding hundreds of new neighbors. The missing-middle upzoning we advocate for would add thousands more, and broaden who can afford to live here. See the housing numbers →