The Equitable Development Scorecard is a tool developed by West Siders, for West Siders to decide whether we, the community, support development projects and other investments proposed for our neighborhood. That way, building by building, block by block, we can ensure that development fits our vision and values. These values include affordable housing; local jobs; and a healthy, safe, and equitable neighborhood.

While any West Sider can use the Scorecard, the Scorecard Team leads efforts to score development proposals and ensure that they align with values identified by West Siders. The Team also leads efforts to open conversation with developers and engage with West Side neighbors for feedback and discussion.

The Team consists of two representatives from each of the Ward’s precincts. (See a map of the West Side's Ward and precinct boundaries.) The members of the Scorecard Team serve two-year terms and are provided stipends for their time and expertise to score proposed projects on the West Side.

Meet the Members of the Scorecard Team:

Dan Conlan

Proud West Side resident since the early 70's. I enjoy the diversity and close knit feeling of my neighborhood and marvel at the transitions I have witnessed in my time. Although not raised on the West Side---I am a West Sider by choice.

Hil Simsonson:

I’ve been living on the West Side for nearly three years. I chose this part of St. Paul because I love the diversity and celebration of culture here. The West Side feels like the city neighborhood that I dreamed about living in when I was a little girl stuck in the suburbs. The art, history and culture of this area are unlike anywhere else in the metro and that’s why I joined the Scorecard team. I want to help sustain those qualities that drew me here with the kind of citizen’s voice that few neighborhoods get to benefit from. This is a truly unique area and we have an opportunity to protect it by guiding new development to make sure that no one is driven away by high rents and cookie cutter high rises. I’m excited to be a part of helping to welcome new neighbors without losing neighborhood heritage. 

Jesus E. Ramirez

Kareem Smith

Kareem Smith is a native of Flint, Michigan. Moving to Minnesota in 2002, West Saint Paul in 2005, Kareem finally got it right, moving to the West Side in 2016. Over the years, Kareem quickly learned key elements about the history of displacement in the community and joined the board of WSCO in 2017. Serving a two-year term, Kareem also co-chaired the Residential Development and Land Use committee. Kareem’s passion for equitable community development and lifting the voices of the entire community drive is work today.

Krysten Ryba-Tures (she/her). 

I'm excited to be part of the WSCO Scorecard Team because I believe that neighborhood development has the potential to remedy past injustices and create a stronger future that benefits all. I work in community development research at the Metropolitan Council, and otherwise can be found gardening on George Street or enjoying a Paloma at La Costa. I was a WSCO board member from 2015-2018 and could not be more proud of the organization's groundbreaking work in equitable development and housing justice. 

Leticia Silva

Graduate of Humboldt High School and the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, B.S. Finance. Life long, multi-generational West Side resident. I joined the scorecard team because I care deeply about my community and want to make sure our community has a voice in shaping the future of the West Side.

Luis E. Ortega

I have been working / living in the West Side for over forty years. Being a member of the Scorecard committee has been a new challenge that is proving to be a huge learning curve for myself.  I am committed to continue learning and advocating in the best interest of the West Side and its residents.

Mackenzie T. Dolo-Tolstoy

I moved to this neighborhood two years ago because I loved its diversity. I think it’s important to be involved with building community and bringing change about through action. These values were instilled in me growing up in African and working overseas as an educator in Asia, the Middle East, and back in Africa. I hope some of what I am able to do will leave a lasting impact on the Westside.

Why I decided to be on the Scorecard Council: Not only do I love my community, I love architecture and looking at how systems work together. I also wanted to learn more about what goes into zoning and have a voice in what comes into our neighborhood. It has been a fantastic experience so far.

Mario Paez:

My grandparents settled on the West Side over 70 years ago and faced discriminatory housing and zoning practices on the West Side flats creating negative implications for many immigrant communities.  Improvement has occurred since those times, but I believe we need continued intentional and community conscious development addressing the needs of the marginalized in our community.  The work of WSCO’s Equity Scorecard intends to elevate this discussion and requires development to be conscientious of all of our community members, to promote more thoughtful and sustainable development for generations to come.  I look forward to working with our team, community and developers to create a more balanced approach of development for our diverse and evolutionary West Side.