Cheniqua Johnson - Saint Paul City Councilwoman, Ward 7

06/13/2026

Pathways to Wellness 2026

A Community Health Initiative starting on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Arlington Hills Community Center in Saint Paul!

This FREE, family-friendly community event will bring together health resources, wellness education, community partners, youth activities, school readiness support, giveaways, and opportunities to connect with services that support healthier communities.

This will be an exciting day of wellness, learning, and community connection.

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Arlington Hills Community Center, Saint Paul, MN

Stay tuned for registration details, volunteer opportunities, community partner information, and exciting event updates!

06/12/2026

Last Thursday I was able to attend the community and employer partner breakfast at . They welcomed community and employer partners to campus for a breakfast celebrating the power of collaboration and its impact on student success, workforce development, and economic mobility.

Several key themes emerged that will guide our collective efforts:
• Workforce pipelines and career pathways
• Expanded internships and apprenticeships
• Mentorship and leadership development
• Equity, access, and economic mobility
• Scholarships and tuition support
• Curriculum innovation and training pathways
• Career exposure and networking opportunities
• Student support and work–life balance
• Advocacy and community impact
Together, these priorities reflect a deep commitment to expanding opportunity, strengthening partnerships, and supporting student success.

Thank you for having me. I look forward to continuing this work together.

06/12/2026

Attention East Siders!

Starting this Sunday, June 14th from 1pm - 4pm, you can visit the East Side Farmers Market held at the East Side Sculpture Park (corner of East 7th Street and Bates Avenue).

East Side Sculpture Park - 705 East 7th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106

The Farmers Market will take place every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 1-4pm from June through September, in which you will find a variety of fresh produce, community artists, local vendors, and more!

More information at https://urbanrootsmn.org/events/

06/12/2026

Hey Eastsiders, .art is throwing a Juneteenth event next Friday June 19th from 4p - 8p. Next Friday, families, youth, community leaders, and neighbors from across Saint Paul and the Twin Cities will come together for an evening of celebration, connection, and empowerment.

What to expect:
🎉 Youth Talent Show with Cash Prizes
🎶 Live DJ & Entertainment
🍔 Community Cookout & Black-Owned Food Vendors
🥊 Interactive Activities & Family Fun
🕶️ Virtual Reality Experience
🤝 Community Resources & Local Organizations

Date: Friday, June 19
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: 30,000 Feet (1351 Arcade St, Saint Paul, MN 55106)

RSVP here: https://forms.gle/j9ZYymrBDXoZ5LSx7

06/11/2026

This year, the Mayor’s Office is launching a series of budget engagement meetings in the community. City Council members will be joining throughout the series. Ward 7 - there’s an event right at Sun Ray! I’ll be attending on both 06/22 and 06/26. Each event is open to everyone to attend. These engagement meetings are not the simulations. These engagement meetings will focus on informing the general public about the city’s overall budget and Mayor’s priorities. In addition, we look forward to creating a space where people can share budget priority ideas and concerns to strengthen and build trust between the city and community.

All meetings will be held from 4-5:30pm.

Meeting #1: 6/15 @ Frogtown Community Center
Topic: Ensure it is easier to do business in Saint Paul

Meeting #2: 6/22 @ Sun Ray Library
Topic: Strengthen the city's responsiveness to constituents needs

Meeting #3: 6/26 @ Arlington Hills Community Center
Topic: Enhance safety and justice in our community

Meeting #4: 7/1 @ Neighborhood House
Topic: Strengthen the fiscal sustainability of the city

RSVP is highly encouraged: https://forms.office.com/g/5TVtE2s6Jt

For more information about the city budget engagement, visit https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/mayors-office/city-budget-engagement If there are any questions, please reach out to Mary Xiong, Director for Public Engagement and Constituent Services at [email protected].

The City of Saint Paul has a budget of almost $1 billion a year. How we raise and spend that money shows what our community values. By coming to a public budget meeting, you and your neighbors can help create the City’s next budget.

06/10/2026

The Southeast Community Organization is having a community Tech Recycling Day at the SECO Office Parking Lot on June 20 from 9:30 AM to 1 PM.

Bring your old electronics, cables, desktops, phones, keyboards and more for responsible recycling with Free Geek Twin Cities

They will also be doing an area clean up and are looking for volunteers to help out.

Volunteer registration: https://forms.gle/6arqfqFe6kAWXJ9q7
Accepted items include:
• Computers + parts
• Phones + tablets
• Video game consoles
• Networking equipment
• Cables + chargers
• Alkaline batteries
…and more.

Please note: lithium batteries, lightbulbs and appliances will not be accepted.
📍 SECO Office Parking Lot
2105 ½ Old Hudson Road

06/05/2026

Ward 7 Office Hours were not held today as scheduled. If you stopped by and missed us, we sincerely apologize and appreciate your understanding.

We look forward to connecting with you at our next Office Hours on Friday, June 12, from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM at Swede Hollow Cafe.

Office Hours are a great opportunity to share your questions, concerns, ideas, and feedback directly with our office. We hope you'll stop by and connect or say hello!

Date: Friday, June 12
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Swede Hollow Cafe 757 7th St E, St Paul, MN 55106

We look forward to seeing you there!

05/29/2026

Today, I had the honor of joining community members, leaders, and partners to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Wakáŋ Tipi Center on the East Side of Saint Paul.

This incredible space represents years of vision, partnership, and dedication to preserving Dakota history, culture, and storytelling while creating opportunities for education, connection, and environmental stewardship for future generations.

Wakáŋ Tipi is a sacred place with deep cultural significance, and the opening of this center is an important milestone for our city. It was inspiring to see so many community members come together to celebrate this achievement and the work of everyone who helped bring this vision to life.

Congratulations to Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi, community partners, supporters, and all those who played a role in making this day possible. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this center will have on Saint Paul for years to come.

05/26/2026

Upcoming Community Listening Session on Reparations — a space for reflection, dialogue, and community voice.

This conversation is an opportunity for residents to share perspectives, experiences, and ideas around reparative justice, equity, and building a stronger future for our communities. Your voice matters, and we encourage all community members to attend, listen, learn, and engage in meaningful conversation.

Together, we can continue moving toward healing, accountability, and equitable change.

📍 Arlington Hills Community Center - 1200 Payne Ave, St. Paul
📅 Saturday, June 13, 2026
⏰ 1:30p - 3:00p

05/22/2026

A New Plaza for the Summer!!

What was once a parking lot 926 Payne Avenue will be transformed into a welcoming plaza from June 1 - August 30th - a free, accessible public space that supports the rich social fabric of the East Side. From lawn games and storytimes to World Cup watch parties pulsing with energy from the neighborhood's global community, the Summer Plaza on Payne is designed for everyone.

The goal of the plaza and programming is to provide more reasons for area residents and visitors alike to come, stay, shop, dine, and play along Payne Avenue.

Plaza Details
• 926 Payne Avenue (Payne Ave and Sims Ave)
• Wednesdays – Sundays
• 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• June 1 through August 30, 2026