Title
Honoring Catherine Plessner and Recognizing July 9th, 2026 as Catherine Plessner Day.
Body
WHEREAS, The City Council of Saint Paul recognizes, cherishes, and uplifts those who give themselves freely to their neighbors; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Plessner has given her time, resources, and energy freely to the Macalester Groveland neighborhood and the City writ large for decades; and
WHEREAS, Catherine is a world class greeter at any community event and the first to raise her hand to volunteer. Her warmth in welcoming has been noted by countless neighbors at countless gatherings; and
WHEREAS, Catherine is genuinely interested in her neighbors. Her questions and comments bring people in and make people feel more at home, even in a neighborhood they’ve lived in their entire lives; and
WHEREAS, Catherine is ferociously protective of neighbors who aren’t present in community conversations. Her civic engagement always asks “Who should be at this table but isn’t?” and in so doing, has elevated our civic conversation hundreds of times; and
WHEREAS, Catherine cherishes all neighbors in every context, notably in disagreements. She has never cast any neighbor as a villain. Those who disagree with her most frequently would still describe Catherine as “The Nicest Person you’ve ever met.”; and
WHEREAS, Catherine’s volunteerism has supported a wide range of community institutions, first and foremost the Macalester Groveland Community Council, where her work has made it one of the best District Councils in the City. And West Summit Neighborhood Advisory Council, where she offered fresh perspectives. And the University of Saint Thomas, where she has been an advocate for students and a bridge between the City, the University, and Neighbors for years; and
WHEREAS, Catherine is tough, often times a lone voice of disagreement and thoughtful in challenging rooms charged with emotion. She comports herself with grace even when grace feels impossible to find; and
WHEREAS, Catherine is joyful, making even the most staid and technical community conversations a place where neighbors smile and laugh. Catherine has frequently received scolding looks for making her neighbors laugh during presentations at community meetings, she is a friend to every child who’s been bored while their parents participate in their community, and she always makes sure that staff and board members don’t forget to eat in a long annual meeting; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the Saint Paul City Council honors Catherine Plessner and recognizes Thursday July 9th, 2026 as Catherine Plessner Day in Saint Paul to commemorate years well spent in service to her neighbors.