St. Paul City Council reflects on a historic year: ‘Ten toes down, shoulder to shoulder’

MPR News with Angela Davis

One year ago, St. Paul made history when it became the first major city in the U.S. to install an all-female city council.

Just as remarkable: This group also makes up the youngest and most racially diverse council since St. Paul incorporated in 1854. Six of its seven members are women of color. All are 40 or younger.

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On Jan. 9, 2025 — exactly one year to the day that the council was inducted — MPR News host Angela Davis hosted a North Star Journey Live conversation with all seven St. Paul council members. They reflected on their groundbreaking first year in office and what it’s like to be a woman in politics today. They also talked about how they work together, despite differences, and how they are facing the upcoming political headwinds.

North Star Journey Live with the St. Paul City Council

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St. Paul City Council:

• Council member Anika Bowie, Ward 1




• Council member Rebecca Noecker, Ward 2




• Council member Saura Jost, Ward 3




• Council president Mitra Jalali, Ward 4




• Council vice president Hwa Jeong Kim, Ward 5




• Council member Nelsie Yang, Ward 6




• Council member Cheniqua Johnson, Ward 7

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