Full Breakdown
St. Paul Moves to Clear Pig’s Eye Park Homeless Encampment
8/6/2026, 12:30:28 AM
Core Event
City crews began clearing the encampment at Pig’s Eye Park on Wednesday, the first of three sites slated for closure under St. Paul’s “Coordinated Transition Plan.” The operation is expected to run through the day and could extend into the early evening.
Background & Context
City officials say rising drug use, assaults and fires have increased 911 calls, prompting the decision to clear the roughly 140 people currently living at the park. The city’s “Four Es” strategy—engagement, education, encouragement and enforcement as a last resort—will guide the process. Officials added emergency shelter capacity through Ramsey County and pledged outreach teams to connect residents with shelter, housing and health services. The plan has been controversial; advocates worry about where displaced residents will go and criticize the lack of a detailed timeline for the two remaining encampments.
Official Statements & Responses
Council President Rebecca Noecker said she backs Mayor Kaohly Her’s plan to close the camp only if indoor options are secured for all residents. Assistant Mayor Cedric Baker is scheduled to give an operations update on Wednesday afternoon. The city reiterated that its focus remains on linking people to shelter and services.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My understanding is that that is a case-by-case basis situation,” — Rebecca Noecker, city council president
- “There are some folks who are going to accept shelter beds. I know that the mayor’s office has been working on coordinating other spaces beyond shelter, potentially, you know, faith institutions and other settings for people, and again, hotel beds and vouchers. But what I have been clear about is, we need to make sure everyone can have a space inside,” — Rebecca Noecker, city council president
- “I believe that that is the commitment, and I think progress has been made over the last week.” — Rebecca Noecker, city council president
- “I’m hoping that this moment can be a rallying cry for that kind of partnership,” — Rebecca Noecker, city council president
