FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2025
Contact:
Jay Willms
Director of Operations
Office of the City Council
jay.willms@ci.stpaul.mn.us
(651) 266–8564
Saint Paul City Council Remains Accessible, Prepares for Ward 4 Councilmember Transition and Swearing-in Ceremony
SAINT PAUL, MN – Despite a recent digital security incident affecting certain city systems, the Saint Paul City Council has remained fully operational and is now preparing for a Councilmember transition.
Following the August 12 special election to fill the vacancy created by the March 8 resignation of former Council President Jalali, Councilmember-elect Molly Coleman will be sworn in at on Wednesday, August 27 at a morning ceremony in City Council Chambers. A reception will follow shortly after. Interim Councilmember Privratsky, who has served since early April, will participate in his final Council meeting on August 20.
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of city staff across multiple departments in responding to the emergency, City Council services have remained accessible, ensuring residents remain connected to their elected representatives and City Council services. Ward offices are receiving constituent calls and emails, and Wi-Fi hotspots have been deployed to maintain connectivity.
The Council has continued its work uninterrupted, including:
- Holding its regularly scheduled Wednesday Council meetings,
- Convening an emergency meeting to declare a local emergency, and
- Receiving a closed-door security briefing pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, subd. 3(d).
“Our city’s strength has always been in its people—both those who work tirelessly to get the job done and those who rely on their efforts. That’s why our top priority has remained keeping the City Council accessible and responsive to constituents, even amidst this cybersecurity incident. I’m proud of how our city staff and Council have maintained services, and I’m excited to welcome our new Ward 4 Councilmember as we continue serving the residents of Saint Paul together, no matter the circumstances.” - Council President Rebecca Noecker, Ward 2
Residents can continue to contact their ward offices by phone and email as usual. The City’s efforts are being led by the Administration and IT security partners; updates for citywide services will continue to be posted on: Important Information on City Services During Digital Security Incident.
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 www.stpaul.gov/department/city-council.
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