Our Work
District Five is fueled by the energies and visions of people who live and work in the neighborhood! The organization is a volunteer-governed grass-roots organization with the broad mission to improve the Payne-Phalen neighborhood. This is achieved through community outreach and engagement; and implementing strategies and activity to organize for safe, strong, welcoming and connected neighborhoods. District Five welcomes all ideas to improve, support and develop our community.
Our work centers around local development and planning, neighborhood safety, volunteer projects, and community building that engages, educates and empowers all residents. The Council is particularly interesting in issues related to organizing for equitable and sustainable community development.
MPCA/Northern Iron and Machine
Railroad Island Neighborhood Group
Community Building and Outreach
Community Planning and Development
The District Planning Council provides resident oversight of all area planning and plan implementation for the community. This includes a large 
area plan outlining the communities need for land, housing, crime prevention, and programming. We also work on small area plans and commercial corridor plans. Our goal is to help people create a vision for the community and see that vision into reality. Our work around community and land use is completed primarily thru the Board of Directors at the monthly community meeting. This is a participative process and all community members are welcomed to attend and participate in meetings.
Recycling, Composting, and Trash
We help provide information on recycling and trash collection.
Residential recycling is handled by Eureka Recycling. If you have service related issues, please contact Eureka Recycling at 651-222-7678 or email info@eurekarecycling.org. For more information you can also visit https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/public-works/recycling-and-waste-reduction
Make your next big party or community event a Zero-Waste event. We loan out free recycling and food scraps containers with information. District Five can provide you with composting bags and information.
Ramsey County Yard Waste sites accept food scraps for composting. They also offer Fix-it Clinics throughout the year at various locations. For information on either program, visit http://www.ramseyrecycles.com/ or call 651-633-EASY (3279), answered 24/7.
On October 1, 2018, the City launched citywide garbage service, a new coordinated garbage collection system where each street/alley has one designated residential garbage hauler and prices and services are consistent across Saint Paul. For general information call 651-266-6101 or email garbage@ci.stpaul.mn.us. Find information about the program, who your hauler is, day of pickup, and more by visiting the City webpage at https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/public-works/garbage.
Resident Involvement Opportunities
Residents become involved with Payne Phalen District Five Planning Council in a variety of ways:
- Participate or lead your block group
- Plant a garden or your boulevard
- Host a National Night Out party with your neighbors
- Run for seat on the District Five Board of Directors
- Get help to solve a neighborhood issue or work to create a resource
- Work on a special creative project or be our liaison to a collaborative project.
Call our staff to find out other current volunteer opportunities