As chair of the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, I want to share with you how deeply saddened we all are by the devastating injustices that occur too frequently within our midst. Like you, we’re appalled and angered when those to whom we’ve given authority to serve and protect us so thoroughly misuse and betray our trust. And when our justice system repetitively fails to swiftly provide justice after such violations, scars left unhealed deepen with each re-injury. That is the case now with the death of Mr. George Floyd while in custody of the Minneapolis Police. We offer our prayers for his family and friends, and also for our Twin Cities communities in the aftermath of this horrible occurrence.
Continue reading the message from Chair Toni Carter
Ramsey County announces Small Business Relief Fund
Ramsey County is providing emergency assistance to small local businesses adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are being accepted for the Small Business Relief Fund, providing grants of $7500 to small businesses most in need of support.
"We understand there is a cost to reopening businesses safely," said Kari Collins, Community & Economic Development Director. "This grant will help ensure that businesses can afford to operate while maintaining the social distancing guidelines for the safety of employees and customers."
In total, nearly $15 million will be awarded in 2020 through multiple grant periods to qualifying small businesses in Ramsey County. The first round of awards, open through June 12, includes 670 grants being awarded to help businesses with 20 or fewer employees pay for critical expenses such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities and costs associated with reopening. Subsequent grant periods will be announced in the weeks ahead.
Funding for the Small Business Relief Fund is provided through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Relief Fund will be administered by the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers’ Open to Business program, which provides technical assistance and access to capital for businesses throughout Ramsey County. Priority outreach will be conducted in partnership with 14 community-based organizations working in low-wealth communities, communities of color, and areas with barriers.
Small Business Relief Fund grant application
Beaches and playgrounds closed until further notice
Playgrounds and beaches remain closed until further notice. Parks and trails remain open and are perfect for walking, running, biking and other activities fit for social distancing.
Emergency assistance available for rent and utilities
Emergency assistance is available for those who are experiencing interruptions in their income and having trouble paying for rent, mortgage or utilities. Ramsey County has recently made updates to eligibility requirements and increased maximum dollar limits for those seeking relief during COVID-19.
Learn more about eligibility updates and how to apply
COVID-19 dashboard on Open Ramsey County
Find the latest Ramsey County data about COVID-19 through a digital dashboard on Open Ramsey County with detailed demographic information on a range of data. The dashboard uses data that Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health receives from the Minnesota Department of Health.
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Saint Paul requires face masks at all city facilities
Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter issued an executive order requiring face masks to be worn indoors in all city-controlled facilities and at all businesses licensed by the City of Saint Paul. Masks are to be worn at all times when social distancing of at least six feet is not possible.
Learn more about the executive order
New phases of Stay Safe MN take effect
The Stay Safe Order encourages Minnesotans to stay close to home but allows gatherings of friends and family of 10 people or less, if proper social distancing measures like staying six feet apart and wearing a mask are taken.
Learn more about Stay Safe MN
Find food and basic needs resources across Ramsey County
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are struggling with access to enough healthy food.
A list of food resources located in Ramsey County is available in the coronavirus/COVID-19 section. Information is available on:
- Programs to increase monthly food budgets.
- Programs and services open to everyone.
- Programs for children under the age of 18.
- Programs for seniors.
- Programs for people with transportation or mobility barriers.
Food resource map
An interactive map is available to help you find programs in your neighborhood, including food shelves, community gardens, farmers markets, grocery stores and delivery services.
View food resource map
Please call a site before visiting to be sure you have the most up to date information.
Food donations
Many food shelves in our community are in need of food and monetary donations. Please contact your local food shelf to learn about specific needs if you’re interested in donating.
Racial equity and community engagement town hall resources
Advancing racial and health equity and effective community engagement is an integral part of Ramsey County's COVID-19 response. A series of virtual community meetings were held May 11-19 to share an overview of COVID-19 services and answer questions.
View materials from virtual town halls
COVID-19 compliance and oversight
A Compliance & Oversight Team was formed in April 2020 to help inform the county's response and provide critical links between county operations and the residents we serve.
View weekly financial and program summaries
Book returns open at Ramsey County Library
Library materials may be returned at all locations. Returns are not required at this time. Due dates have been extended and no overdue charges will accrue.
View modified library services
Gibbs Farm closed through June 30
Gibbs Farm will be closed to the public and all scheduled programs including camps and field trips will be cancelled until June 30.
View COVID-19 updates from the Ramsey County Historical Society and Gibbs Farm
Interactive children's videos from Ramsey County librarians
Short storytime videos featuring songs and activities are available from Ramsey County librarians. They can be enjoyed in small doses and are an easy addition to snack time.
Guidance on safely reopening businesses
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development provides guidance on safely reopening businesses. Employers must develop and implement a COVID-19 preparedness plan prior to reopening. Preparedness information and checklists are available for specific industries including restaurants and bars, personal care services/salons, places of worship, retail, outdoor recreation, youth sports and auctions.
Read industry guidance on safely reopening
Recovery dashboard
A recovery dashboard has been launched at RamseyCountyMeansBusiness.com to help quickly navigate available federal, state and local resources.
Now hiring
While many businesses have been ordered to temporarily close to slow the spread of COVID-19, some Minnesota businesses are hiring large numbers of workers and even offering hiring incentives.
View the list of employers
Employment services
Has your job been impacted by COVID-19?
Free employment services are available to all Ramsey County residents through our Workforce Solutions department and our service partner, CareerForce.
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Unemployment assistance
State and local resources are available for people whose jobs have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Virtual activities from Tamarack Nature Center
Tamarack Nature Center offers family-friendly activities that can be enjoyed from home, at the nature center or at any of Ramsey County’s parks. Follow Tamarack’s Facebook page to find a new activities.
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