Collective Vision: Making Robert Street a Destination
In recent years, WSCO staff, board members and volunteers from the Land Use Action Circle advanced the Destination Robert Street Campaign to articulate a clear vision for a road that is:
- safe for people walking, biking, taking transit and driving
- visually reflective of the rich cultural diversity of our West Side community; and home to a thriving business community
- where locally owned businesses are increasing community connectivity and vitality and creating local employment opportunities
We worked with the U of M’s Design Center to host events across the Ward and facilitate community-centered discussions to use the transportation project as a place building opportunity.
We advocated for — and secured — $32 million in additional funding from regional and federal grants to upgrade the project from simply resurfacing the crumbling pavement to “reconstructing the road, upgrading pedestrian crossings, improving sidewalks and pathways, managing speed, expanding multimodal options, and improving transit access.”
In late 2024, MnDOT released a proposed final design for corridor that includes big changes, including wider sidewalks, safer bike infrastructure and a roundabout — and we took that proposed plan back to the people.
From January to May 2025, our Robert Street Survey engaged nearly 230 residents to ensure West Side community voices are meaningfully represented in the planning and feedback process. While there was general support for improvements, the data showed clear preferences for alternative approaches to certain key elements of the proposal, including bike lanes, roundabout and bus stops.
Municipal Consent
We welcome this critically needed investment in Robert Street and the West Side — but we also need clear accountability mechanisms and resources to prevent displacement of local businesses.
On June 23, 2025 MnDOT submitted a letter to the City of Saint Paul requesting municipal consent for the Robert Street project — essentially asking the city to give the state a green light to get started on construction. The first step in that process was a public hearing on August 13; now the city has until mid-November 2025 to pass a municipal consent resolution. If they do nothing, the plan with move forward as proposed by MnDOT.
We know that this project is so much bigger than one vote. We need a commitment from leaders to stay at the table with West Siders throughout the project so we can identify and solve problems together. That's why, at the public hearing, WSCO and community members urged the city to pass a municipal consent resolution that:
- Officially recognizes the Robert Street Accountability Taskforce, convened by WSCO, as a stakeholder group for project oversight, and includes regular engagement between MnDOT and the Taskforce.
- Requires the MnDOT Project Manager or designee to participate in Taskforce meetings, give advance notice of any changes affecting access, present workable solutions before disruptions, and serve as a primary contact with contractors.
- Commits to securing funding and assistance for small businesses affected before, during, and after construction, and keeps them visible and accessible throughout the project.
- Joins the WSCO in requesting that MnDOT revise the proposed design, so bike infrastructure does not limit the ability to build sidewalks wide enough for outdoor dining. Wide sidewalks are essential for creating an inviting promenade that supports thriving businesses, pedestrian safety, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Thanks to our collective action, multiple councilmembers went on the record with their support, including City Council President and Ward 2 Councilmember, Rebecca Noecker. Read more in our blog recap of the hearing.