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The West Side Citizens Organization (WSCO) unites more than 16,000 residents, business people, and organizations in building a community where people want to live, work, and play. For more than a quarter century, WSCO has brought West Siders together to develop and preserve what makes our neighborhood great—safe and affordable housing; a healthy environment; accessible parks and recreational facilities; and high quality education. WSCO promotes a positive image of the West Side and nurtures pride and respect in our community.
WSCO isn't a social service agency or political organization that represents just a few. It isn't a government body or an exclusive club. WSCO is a volunteer-driven organization that encourages the involvement of everyone—people from all backgrounds who live and work on the West Side—in decisions and activities that affect our community. With a scope that ranges from land use issues and riverfront development to recycling, education, and community celebrations, WSCO informs, educates, and empowers people to advance our shared goals.
WSCO brings West Siders together to learn about and act on the issues that are important to them. With the support of WSCO, people and organizations on the West Side work toward:
A healthy environment
WSCO provides recycling information and resources (including the blue recycling bins) free to all West Siders. We also coordinate an annual neighborhood clean up. Most importantly, WSCO supports neighbors who act to prevent pollution and environmental destruction.
For example, we helped concerned citizens stop the construction of a metal-shredding plant on the Mississippi Riverfront.
Community pride
WSCO volunteers and staff coordinate a wide variety of projects and events that foster pride in our West Side community. Examples include the annual West Sider of the Year award and West Side Pride Day.
High quality education
WSCO brings neighbors, organizations, and educators together to create a shared vision for education – for West Siders of all ages. Through forums and community meetings, we build the support West Side schools need to be the best they can be.
Safe and well-maintained properties
WSCO's Building and Land Use Committee meets regularly to address issues like "urban blight" (problem properties) and to respond to requests for special land use permits and liquor licenses. Through our "Good Neighbor" program, WSCO trains local residents to observe and report code violations that impact the beauty and safety of the West Side.
Riverfront development that benefits the West Side
As plans move forward for the development of the West Side Flats, WSCO volunteers and staff are working with city officials and developers to ensure that new riverfront projects benefit our community. Our priorities are: creating housing (including affordable units) and access to the river from multiple places on the West Side; and ensuring the vitality of existing local businesses and the beauty and health of the Mississippi.
City funding for West Side projects
WSCO submits annual proposals through the City of St. Paul's Capital Improvements Budget (CIB) process to seek city funds for important West Side projects. Thanks to WSCO's past CIB proposals, West Siders enjoy facilities and resources like new street paving, and playground equipment at two local parks.
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