Cheniqua Johnson - Saint Paul City Councilwoman, Ward 7

09/11/2026

On October 9, 2026, Sun Ray Library’s children’s area will close for Play & Learn renovations, which are part of Saint Paul Public Library’s Transforming Libraries initiative. The renovated space is slated to reopen by the end of 2026.

While Sun Ray Library’s children’s area is closed for renovations, many of the books and other items in the collection can be found in the library’s 3M Large Community Room beginning October 19. Families can also visit nearby library locations including Arlington and Dayton’s Bluff libraries for books, storytime, and more.

For more information, visit www.sppl.org/transform.

09/10/2026

I will be having office hours tomorrow, Friday September 11, 2026, from 12–1 PM at Dayton's Bluff Library (645 E 7th St)

Feel free to stop by tomorrow to connect with me and share your thoughts!

09/09/2026

Volunteer at the Library! Reading Together helps students in grades K – 5 advance their reading skills, reach their reading goals, and foster a love of reading. Volunteers must be 18 years or older, complete a training, and meet one-on-one with a participant for one hour/week at either Arlington Hills, Dayton’s Bluff, Hamline Midway, Highland Park, Merriam Park, Rice Street, Rondo Community, or Sun Ray libraries. This program runs from October – May. Apply at sppl.org/volunteer

09/09/2026

Hey Ward 7! Sunray Library is hosting a voter education night on Thursday September 17th from 5:30p - 7:30p. Learn everything you need to know about voting and elections during the citywide Voter Education Night. Experience the step-by-step walkthrough of the experience of voting through a mock-polling station – check in, mark a sample ballot, and cast it in a low-pressure, judgment-free environment. See all locations at sppl.org/vote.

09/08/2026

Join St. Paul Public Works for an open house on Wednesday, September 23 to view the proposed design for the second phase of the Earl Street Reconstruction Project (from Minnehaha Avenue to Burns Avenue). Stop by anytime between 6 and 8 p.m. to share your input, meet the project team, and learn about the design process.
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: Dayton’s Bluff Recreation Center 800 Conway St, St Paul, MN 55106

This project is a full reconstruction, meaning it will completely rebuild the road. It will include work on water and sewer, land grading, adding curbs and gutters, improving drainage, paving the street, installing signs and lights, landscaping, and improving the sidewalks and bikeway connections.
For more information, visit the project webpage at stpaul.gov/EarlStreet2

09/05/2026

Minnehaha Avenue Reconstruction Update: Join Saint Paul Public Works at an Open House on September 17, 2026. Thursday, September 17, 5pm - 7pm at Hope Community Academy - 720 Payne Avenue

Community feedback provided during Phase 1 engagement, along with city plans and technical feasibility, was used to help determine the preferred design for the street.
If you are unable to attend, there will be online opportunities to view the design and provide feedback following the event.

The City of Saint Paul is reconstructing Minnehaha Avenue from Payne Avenue to West 7th Street. Construction will begin in Spring 2027.

The signalized intersections of Payne Avenue and Arcade Street (US 61) are part of this work. The bridge over Swede Hollow is not part of the street project and will be addressed in a future project when funding is available.

This is a full reconstruction, meaning it will completely rebuild the road. It will include work on water main, sanitary and storm sewers, land grading, concrete curbs and gutters, improving drainage, paving the street, installing signs and lights, landscaping, and improving the sidewalks and bikeway connections.

09/04/2026

As one of the Councilmembers who led the development of the Fire Chief Examining/Selection Committee, I’m looking forward to seeing qualified and interested candidates apply. Deadline is September 30, 2026.

The City of Saint Paul is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the next Fire Chief of the Saint Paul Fire Department.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a highly respected urban fire department, shape the future of public safety, and serve one of Minnesota’s most vibrant and diverse communities.

We are looking for a strategic, collaborative, people-focused leader committed to operational excellence, innovation, accountability, and exceptional public service.

The position is open through September 30, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to learn more and apply today.

➡️ More information about the position and the selection process are available online: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/stpaul/jobs/5440207/fire-chief?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

09/04/2026

We’ve moved! My Office Hours will now be held at the Dayton’s Bluff Library. 📚

Stop by to connect with me and the Ward 7 team, ask questions, share concerns, or talk about what’s happening in your neighborhood.

📍 NEW LOCATION: Dayton’s Bluff Library - 645 East 7th Street, Saint Paul

We look forward to continuing to meet you right here in the community. Come see us at our new location!

09/02/2026

I’m Speaking Out on the Proposed 2027 East Side Budget Cuts & Closures

The proposed 2027 budget includes significant cuts and closures that would impact the East Side - including Dayton’s Bluff Library, Duluth & Case Recreation Center, and Highwood Hills Recreation Center.

These decisions cannot be looked at in isolation. The budget may be organized by department, but inequity happens by geography.

I hear East Side residents, and I am not prepared to accept that losing these neighborhood resources is inevitable. You cannot ask a community to pay more and continually give it less.

Read my full statement: https://www.stpaul.gov/news/councilmember-cheniqua-johnson-calls-proposed-east-side-service-closures-pattern-concentrated

09/01/2026

WANT TO HELP KEEP DAYTON’S BLUFF LIBRARY OPEN? HERE’S WHAT I NEED YOU TO DO.

The fight to keep a library in Dayton’s Bluff continues, and I need East Siders and library supporters alongside me.

The Mayor’s proposed 2027 budget is not the final budget. There is still time to advocate, and your voice matters. Here’s how you can help right now:

1) EMAIL CITY LEADERSHIP.
Contact the full Saint Paul City Council, Mayor Her, Library Director Maureen Hartman, and the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library.

Tell them clearly: You want Dayton’s Bluff Library put back into the 2027 budget. You want this library, which has served Ward 7 for more than 20 years, to remain open and on the East Side.

Ward 1 - [email protected]
Ward 2 - [email protected]
Ward 3 - [email protected]
Ward 4 - [email protected]
Ward 5 - [email protected]
Ward 6 - [email protected]
Ward 7 (me) - [email protected]
Mayor Her - [email protected]
Director Hartman - [email protected]
Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library - [email protected]

2) USE THE LIBRARY.
If you have a Saint Paul Public Library card, visit Dayton’s Bluff Library specifically. Check out a book. Use a computer. Bring your children. Attend a program.

Lower visitation and usage have been cited as reasons for the proposed closure. Let’s change those numbers and show that our community uses and values this library.

3) SHOW UP SEPTEMBER 24.
Join me for a conversation - Let’s Talk: Dayton’s Bluff Library on: Thursday, September 24 at 6:00 PM
📍 Metro State University - Ecolab Room 302

Come hear where things stand, share your thoughts, ask questions, and talk with us about what comes next.

4) TELL EVERYONE.
Share this post. Tell your neighbors. Call your East Side friends. Share your personal story about what this library has meant to you or your family.

Don’t assume everyone knows what’s happening. Help us spread the word.

I’m continuing to advocate at City Hall, but this fight needs the community behind it.

Dayton’s Bluff deserves a library. Let’s make sure everyone hears us.