Every day, decisions are made—block by block, building by building—about what gets built and where investments go. These choices shape our neighborhood and our future. You have a say.
The Land Use Action Circle is a group organized by the West Side Community Organization that meets to learn, plan, and organize around the built environment of our community. Together, we weigh in on existing projects and issues, and also address long-term, proactive planning. WSCO serves as St. Paul's District Council 3, and organizes community engagement and decision making on zoning, development and city planning activities.
Click Here to view a PDF about our Land Use Action Circle
New to Land Use Circle Meetings? Click Here for an Overview and Process Summary
Click Here for the Land Use Circle Meeting Minutes Archive
Current Projects
Destination Robert Street
Robert Street runs through the heart of the West Side, connecting us to downtown. As ongoing construction reshapes Robert Street, we’re making sure West Siders are included in decision making. We urgently need investment to support the economic vitality of our local businesses, reflect the rich culture of our neighborhood, and make streets safer for all. Click Here for MnDOT's Robert Street Design Announcement.
SouthPort Safe Exit and the Southport Industrial District
West Siders are calling for more ways to safely exit the Southport neighborhood in case of an emergency. This area, near Our Lady of Guadalupe and GAP school, is surrounded by highways and railroads, and there is currently only one road to get out. The Southport Industrial District at Barge Channel Road is the source of air pollution impacting the health of West Siders.
The West Side Community Organization is working with Council Member Noecker to address the demands made in the WSCO Board Resolution Regarding the Southport Industrial District - click here to view the Resolution.
Progress on these efforts are updated at the Land Use Circle Meetings, held the 4th Wednesday of every month at 6pm at 209 Page Street.
The West Side Cultural Corridor
Saint Paul’s West Side is known for being one of the most racially and economically diverse neighborhoods in the City. We are one of the city’s vibrant Cultural Destination Areas. Generations of Latino, Jewish, Hmong, Black, Lebanese, and East African immigrants have built a mosaic of small businesses that serve our community and draw in visitors. WSCO celebrates and supports this cultural richness through projects that bring investment, public art, and community connection to the West Side. Click here to read about our past work with the Office of Cultural Work and read about Building Community through Public Art.
Get Involved!
We are looking for West Siders to join the Land Use Committee! We meet regularly (check out WSCO's calendar for dates and times), and make decisions collectively. Sign up below or contact us for more information!
"I hope to see West Siders lead powerfully in decisions that shape the future of our community. If you live, work, play, or learn on the West Side, you are already an expert on Land Use and your voice is needed to cultivate a strong, vibrant West Side built for West Siders."
– Joshua Toor, former WSCO Land Use Organizer