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Revitalizing Downtown St. Paul: A New Vision for Community and Growth

In this podcast episode, Melissa Furlack, the Director of Communications for the St. Paul Downtown Alliance, discusses the organization's growth and initiatives aimed at revitalizing downtown St. Paul. She highlights the importance of community engagement, safety, and support for local entrepreneurs, particularly during the Twin Cities Startup Week. Furlack shares her personal inspiration and the vision behind creating a vibrant urban environment that encourages families and businesses to thrive. Takeaways The St. Paul Downtown Alliance has significantly expanded in the last year. Community safety and engagement are key focuses of the Alliance. The Downtown Improvement District provides essential services to enhance the urban experience. There is a push for converting office spaces into residential buildings. The Alliance aims to create a modern vision of urban density. Twin Cities Startup Week uplifts local entrepreneurs and fosters community support. Furlack finds inspiration in witnessing others achieve their goals. The importance of passion in the workplace is emphasized. Public safety initiatives are crucial for community confidence. The Alliance is committed to making downtown a vibrant place for all. In the heart of St. Paul, a transformation is underway, led by the St. Paul Downtown Alliance. With a commitment to revitalization and community engagement, the Alliance is reshaping the downtown area to foster a vibrant, safe, and inviting environment for residents and visitors alike. Join us as we explore the exciting initiatives and the inspiring vision driving this change. Main Content: The Role of the St. Paul Downtown Alliance: The St. Paul Downtown Alliance has experienced significant growth in the past year, expanding its team and initiatives under the leadership of Joe Spencer and Emma Burns. Their mission focuses on downtown revitalization, acting as a catalyst for collaboration among businesses, residents, and city officials to breathe new life into the downtown area. Key Programs and Initiatives: One of the first programs launched was the Downtown Improvement District, which introduced friendly ambassadors to the streets of downtown. These ambassadors provide assistance to pedestrians, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere while also maintaining cleanliness by removing graffiti and keeping sidewalks tidy. Their presence extends to safety patrols on public transportation, enhancing the overall sense of security in the area. Creating Vibrant Spaces: The Alliance is not just about safety and cleanliness; it also focuses on creating engaging public spaces. This includes hosting performances by local artists in plazas, encouraging residents to enjoy the outdoors, and fostering a sense of community. The goal is to attract people to stay in downtown St. Paul for entertainment, food, and leisure, rather than just commuting to work. The Downtown Investment Strategy: In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alliance developed the Downtown Investment Strategy, a comprehensive plan aimed at reimagining the urban landscape. This strategy emphasizes the importance of creating a mixed-use environment that integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, allowing for a more vibrant community. Transforming Office Spaces into Homes: St. Paul is uniquely positioned with its small floor plate buildings, which are ideal for conversion into residential spaces. The Downtown Development Corps is actively exploring these opportunities to increase housing availability and enhance the urban experience for families and individuals looking to thrive in the downtown area. Supporting Local Entrepreneurs: During our discussion, the importance of supporting local startups was highlighted, especially during events like Twin Cities Startup Week. The Alliance is dedicated to uplifting entrepreneurs by providing resources and co-working spaces, allowing for collaboration and innovation. The energy within shared spaces like Wellworth is palpable, fostering a community of creative thinkers and doers. #stpaulmn #DowntownRevitalization #communityengagement #localbusiness #urbanliving #entrepreneurship #publicsafety #artsandculture #twincitiesstartupweek