Welcome! We're Glad You're Here!
Whether you’re an OG West Sider, a new neighbor, potential future resident, or simply curious about our work: this page offers a grounding in the West Side’s unique history and an introduction to our organization. We hope these documents and videos help build a shared understanding should you choose to join us in shaping the present and future of the West Side!
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The West Side Neighborhood
The West Side is the only St. Paul neighborhood south of the Mississippi River, with a history that stretches far back before the founding of the city itself. Its bluffs, terraces, and river flats have been home to Dakota peoples, to immigrant communities, and to families whose stories continue to shape the neighborhood today. Even through displacement, environmental challenges, and generations of change, the West Side has remained a place of strength and cultural richness. As one of St. Paul’s most diverse communities, the West Side carries both deep historical scars and deep collective strength.
At the heart of our community is pride — pride in our history, our people, our small businesses, and the resilient spirit that continues to make the West Side the best side.
↳ Read a brief history historical overview of the West Side
Flats
About
Our Local Government
City planning districts are geographically defined areas within a city used to manage land use, development, and urban design.
📍 The West Side neighborhood (55107) is mapped as District 3. District 3 is part of a larger ecosystem of St. Paul communities represented together as Ward 2 on the City Council.
Watch the video below to hear from our city council representative, CM Rebecca Noecker, and learn about our neighboring communities.
County districts elect members to the Board of Commissioners, who establish county policies and provide oversight of the county budget and operations. These operations include public health, social services, transit, libraries, parks, housing assistance, public safety, and major infrastructure.
📍The West Side neighborhood falls within Ramsey County, represented by Commissioner Rafael Ortega - District 5.
Legislative districts elect representatives to state and national government. These boundaries are redrawn after each U.S. Census to reflect population changes.
📍 The West Side is currently mapped within MN House District 65B. Rep. Maria Isa Perez-Vega and Sen. Sandra L Pappas currently represent the West Side in the House of Representatives and Senate.
Additional Local Government
Depending on our current projects and campaigns, WSCO often engages the following departments:
↳ MN Department of Transportation (MnDOT) – For Robert Street viaduct reconstruction and other state-owned roadway projects.
↳ St. Paul Department of Planning & Economic Development (PED) – Guides development in Saint Paul in partnership with residents, businesses, and developers. The department consists of three divisions: Planning, Economic Development, and Housing — particularly relevant for our Flats to the Future campaigns
↳ St. Paul Public Works Department – Responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of the street, sewer and drainage infrastructure systems in the city Also engineers and maintains the public right of way, traffic, signal and lighting infrastructure for the city—in addition to coordinating citywide recycling and garbage efforts
↳ St. Paul Port Authority – Oversees industrial redevelopment, land-use planning, and business investment projects, particularly relevant for our Southport and Flats to the Future campaigns
Saint Paul District Councils
In 1975, WSCO was recognized as the first official district council in the City of Saint Paul. WSCO has served as the District 3 Council ever since, functioning as the bridge between community and local government to ensure West Siders’ voices are heard.
Watch the video below to learn more about how district councils play an important role in advocating for residents' needs and materializing community visions.
WSCO's History
Growing out of a successful grassroots activist movement in the 1970's to resist the placement of a metal shredder along our riverfront and to save Humboldt High School—our only public school at the time—from permanently shutting it's doors, the West Side Community Organization emerged. Today, WSCO remains committed to its activist roots, centering equity and using organizing principles as a foundation for all of its work.
↳ Read a timeline of WSCO's organizing history here
For a thorough recounting of WSCO's organizational history, we recommend A Healthy Agitation: West Side Community Organization and the building of democracy in Saint Paul, Minnesota, co-written by WSCO founders Judy and Ralph Brown. This history is their gift to the West Side community.
↳ Read a free PDF of the book here
WSCO Today
↳ Read our mission and vision statement here
Active Campaigns
Our Community Agreements
The wide-encompassing work we do with community members is powered by our shared commitment to the West Side. Because we’re tackling big issues, our conversations can be complex and sometimes difficult. These guidelines help us stay grounded in our values. They’re here to ensure that every meeting is a space where people feel welcomed, respected, and truly heard.