Saint Paul City Council Announces Committee Leadership Appointments for 2026

Additionally, the Council announced a change in leadership, adding Councilmember Nelsie Yang as the new Council Vice President for this year as Councilmember Hwa Jeong Kim steps down. Council President Rebecca Noecker will continue to serve as Council President for 2026. 

Each of the committees serves a critical role in helping councilmembers align around shared goals and priorities while providing a forum for discussion and collaboration. In this work, councilmembers help guide thoughtful decision-making on legislative issues vital for a flourishing and thriving Saint Paul. 

Comments from Councilmembers

Council President Rebecca Noecker, Ward 2: “I’m grateful to my colleagues for the honor of continuing to serve as Council President. This year’s committee appointments reflect our commitment to sharing leadership more broadly than ever before — building a strong pipeline of leaders and strengthening the Council as an institution. By creating meaningful opportunities to serve, we’re ensuring more voices help shape our work for the people of Saint Paul.”  

Council Vice President Nelsie Yang, Ward 6: “Today, I am proud to share that I was elected Vice President of the Saint Paul City Council. I am deeply honored to be the first Hmong American woman to serve in this role. I am excited to continue my work on the Finance & Budget Committee as the newly elected Vice Chair. Thank you to my colleagues for their trust and confidence in my leadership. I look forward to working with Council President Rebecca Noecker and each of my Council colleagues in their new leadership roles, Mayor Kaohly Her, and city staff to continue championing our residents.” 

HRA Chair, Budget Chair, and Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson, Ward 7: “I am honored to continue serving as Chair of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, step into the role of Budget Chair, serve as Vice Chair of the Policy Committee, and join the Audit Committee. Together, these roles reflect my commitment to ensuring our policies are thoughtful, our investments are responsible, and our decisions are transparent and rooted in the real needs of our residents. As Budget Chair, I am committed to leading a transparent, accountable process that residents can see and trust. Every dollar represents our neighbors’ hard-earned taxpaying dollars, and this budget must reflect the full needs of our entire city.” 

Library Board Chair and Councilmember Saura Jost, Ward 3: “Our library system is critical to our city’s day to day life. It’s part of our heartbeat. I’m honored to continue serving as Library Chair.” 

Public Safety Vice Chair and Councilmember Molly Coleman, Ward 4: "I'm thrilled to step into the Vice Chair positions on the Public Safety Committee and the Audit Committee. Offering leadership support to my council and committee colleagues is something I take seriously, and I look forward to continuing the important work of both of these committees this year.” 

Council Committee Leadership 

Policy Committee 

• Rebecca Noecker, Chair 

• Cheniqua Johnson, Vice Chair 

  Budget Committee  

• Cheniqua Johnson, Chair 

• Nelsie Yang, Vice Chair 

Public Safety Committee  

• Anika Bowie, Chair 

• Molly Coleman, Vice Chair 

City Council Operations Committee  

• Rebecca Noecker, Chair 

• Nelsie Yang, Vice Chair 

Library Board Committee 

• Saura Jost, Chair 

• Anika Bowie, Vice Chair 

Audit Committee  

• Rebecca Noecker, Chair 

• Molly Coleman, Vice Chair 

• Cheniqua Johnson 

About the Saint Paul City Council: 
The Saint Paul City Council is the city’s legislative body, setting policy, adopting budgets, and providing direct constituent services across the city’s wards. Learn more at https://www.stpaul.gov/department/city-council