ST. PAUL, MN— Today, Samakab Hussein (DFL-St. Paul) joined Representative Maria Perez-Vega (DFL-St.Paul), Erik Cedarleaf Dahl, Executive Secretary of the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAPB), Inspector Darin McDonald of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, to celebrate the opening of the Capitol Commons resource hub (546 Rice St.).
In the 2025 legislative session, Rep. Hussein secured $3 million appropriation for the Capitol Area Community Vitality Task Force in partnership with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. This initiative supports:
Highlights of the Capitol Area Community Vitality legislation include:
- an eleven-member appointed task force met in the fall/winter 2023/2024
- planning funds ($150K) were provided to facilitate the taskforce work in 2023/2024
- process guided by the task force, supported/supervised by CAAPB staff
- task force issued recommendations in a report to CAAPB for approval in early 2024
- $4M account established by the State of Minnesota to fund community vitality projects and initiatives within the Capitol Area in 2025
“As a proud author of the legislation that secured this funding, seeing Capitol Commons come to life is a profound honor,” celebrated Rep. Samakab Hussein. “I am grateful to Executive Secretary Erik Dahl and his team at the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, as well as my colleagues on the Task Force, for their unwavering dedication to launching the new community hub space in the Capitol Commons. Together, we are committed to ensuring thriving neighborhoods for every resident in my district and a welcoming environment for all who visit our Capitol.”
“I am pleased to have played a role in this initiative, engaging community voices and state and local government partners in securing CAAPB Vitality funding,” said Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega, an appointed Task Force member by Governor Tim Walz. “This bill was a key priority for my office, aimed at promoting inclusive engagement among all stakeholders who live, work, and contribute to the daily functioning and environment of our Capitol grounds. This funding will help mitigate the impact on our neighborhoods surrounding the people's house, and I look forward to supporting the ongoing efforts of all involved in making our Capitol community welcoming and safe for everyone.”
“Capitol Commons represents what’s possible when public investment, community voice, and committed partners come together,” said Erik Cedarleaf Dahl, Executive Secretary of the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board. “This new resource hub reflects years of listening, collaboration, and shared commitment to safety, vitality, and opportunity in the Capitol Area. I’m deeply grateful to our legislative partners, the Community Vitality Task Force, and the many residents and organizations who helped shape this work.”
The Capitol Area Community Vitality Project is led by the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, and in partnership local community partners. It is a place-based initiative focused on strengthening public safety, youth and family programming, neighborhood cleanup, and economic vitality through visible, community-centered investments. The work is supported by a state grant and emphasizes co-creation, trust-building, and long-term impact.
A public open house will be hosted on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 3:00 PM–8:00 PM at 546 Rice St, Saint Paul, MN 55103.
###