ABOUT US
In 2016, leaders from three different cities met at Friends Cafe to discuss ways to partner and draw attention and resources to the border community of Rice & Larpenteur. Over spring rolls and curry, the group discussed the promise of the neighborhood and the concerns they were hearing from area residents and businesses. Ever since, city and county leaders have been meeting together and working with the community to support the Rice & Larpenteur neighborhood.
Adopted in 2018, the Rice-Larpenteur Vision Plan (PDF) is a collaborative effort of the cities of Maplewood, Roseville and Saint Paul, and Ramsey County. After a year of community meetings and public input, the Vision Plan includes a strategy to manage future growth of the Rice-Larpenteur Gateway Area in a manner that improves connectivity and accessibility within the corridor, and creates an attractive destination with strong businesses, vibrant neighborhoods and beautiful places.
INTERIM ALLIANCE & STAFF
In March 2019, the Cities and County hired the St. Paul Area Chamber to staff the Rice-Larpenteur Gateway Alliance and manage the implementation of the Rice-Larpenteur Vision Plan. As staff to the Alliance, SPAC is charged with convening the Interim Alliance, building and supporting a Long-Term Alliance, actively seeking economic development opportunities, leading the development of a multi-year funding strategy, and supporting vibrant community events and placemaking initiatives.
The Rice & Larpenteur Alliance launched a Community-Based Advisory Board in early 2020, including neighborhood residents, business owners, nonprofit leaders, development partners, philanthropic partners and government representatives. This body is responsible for stewardship of the Rice & Larpenteur Vision Plan and oversight of staffing and contracts. The Alliance works to realize the neighborhood vision guided by the values of Representation and Inclusion, Non-displacement, and Strengths-Based Approaches. The Board is divided into three committees; Executive, Economic Development & Transportation, and Neighborhood Livability & Events.
COMMUNITY-BASED ALLIANCE & STAFF
Rice & Larpenteur Community Based Advisory Board & Business Advisory Committee
Amy O'Neil, American National Bank
Andrea Caldwell, Resident*
Antonio Montez, City of Roseville
Blake Downing, Hamernick's Interior Solutions*
Brian Welke, North End Laundry
Corey Wethern, AE Signs Systems
Dan Roe, City of Roseville - Mayor*
Dana Nelson, Galilee Lutheran Church
Danette Parr, City of Maplewood - Community and Economic Development
Daniel J Edgerton, Stantec*
Dave Higgins, Oliver Street Cap
Ella Mitchell, Ramsey County
Emma De Vera, Resident*
Esther Brown, Resident
Francisco Ramirez, M Health Fairview
Golden DeAngelo, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity St Paul Minneapolis Alumni Chapter
Greg Simbeck, Resident*
HwaJeong Kim, Saint Paul City Council*
Jane Forliti, Resident
Janice Gundlach, City of Roseville - Community and Economic Development
Jason Etten, Roseville City Council
Jeena Gurung Vomhof, Namaste Brows and Boutique
Jim Freeman, TSE, Inc.
Johnny Opara, J.O. Companies
Juan Vazquez, Cancun Mexican Grill and Cantina
Julia McCarthy, Keystone Community Services
Kaziah Josiah, Saint Paul Police Department
Kazoua Kong-Thao, Community School of Excellence*
Luis Mendoza, MCCD
Mariah Quick, Ramsey County Environmental Health*
Mary Jo McGuire, Ramsey County Board of Commissioners
Marylee Abrams, City of Maplewood - Mayor*
Nidhi joshi, McCarron View
Noah Blaiser, Halverson and Blaiser Group, LTD.
Noelle Bakken, City of Roseville Sustainability
Rachel Weiker, City of Saint Paul - Economic Development
Richard Inyang, Roseville Church of Christ
Ronna Woolery, Lamplighter Village Apartments
Shann Finwall, City of Maplewood Sustainability
Shawn Wiski, Kraus-Anderson Realty*
Sherry Sanders, Rice Street Gardens
Stephanie Harris, Washington Technology Magnet School
Tom Pitzi, City of Roseville Police Department
Tong Khang, JB Vang
Tony Gabriel, City of Maplewood Police Department
Trista Martinson, Ramsey County Board of Commissioners*
Name, Organization
Staff
Kim O'Brien, Executive Director
Maichee Xiong, Administrative Manager