August 2021 newsletter: Information on COVID-19 vaccine, new rental assistance program and Parks & Recreation updates

Ramsey County, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 08/02/2021 12:20 PM CDT

August 2021 Newsletter

- Coronavirus/COVID-19 updates.
- New rental assistance program.
- Parks & Recreation updates.
- 2022-23 budget presentation.
- Inclusive workplace cohorts.
- Upcoming events.
- In the news.

Child playing in steam at Discovery Hollow

COVID-19 updates

How to get your COVID-19 shot

Vaccine is available at locations throughout the community. The vaccine is safe and free, no insurance or ID are required.

The state of Minnesota is now offering a $100 Visa gift card for everyone age 12 and up who receives their first dose between Friday, July 30 and Sunday, Aug. 15.

Learn how to claim your $100 Visa gift card

Ramsey County Care Center resident receiving COVID-19 vaccine

Community Connectors provide accurate, timely and free information and assistance in multiple languages to help individuals and families with vaccinations.

Get your free COVID-19 vaccine

Rental assistance relief available for tenants

The Ramsey County Rent Assistance Program helps qualifying Ramsey County residents who are struggling to pay rent due to the financial burdens of COVID-19.

Eligible renters include households that earned 80% or less of area median income in 2020, or in the most recent month.

Learn more or apply for the rental assistance program

Waterworks and guarded beach service ending in August

boy and woman playing in water at Waterworks

There are only a few weeks left to splish and splash at Battle Creek Waterworks before it closes for the season on Aug. 22.

Lifeguards will be on duty at the swim beach at Lake McCarrons through Aug.15. Buoys designating the swim areas will be out until Sept. 7 at Lake McCarrons and the other unguarded beaches.

View hours and beach locations

Park rules being updated; public input sought

Parks & Recreation is gathering community input and feedback on the county’s park ordinance which has been in effect since 2007 to update it and make it more equitable, fair and current.

Areas of special focus include getting input on park hours, tobacco use in parks and alternatives to the current fines and penalties for ordinance violations.

Take the ordinance survey

Proposed 2022-23 budget presentation on Aug. 24

County Manager Ryan O'Connor will present the proposed 2022-23 budget to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners for their consideration on Aug. 24. The presentation will be live-streamed and also available via video archive. Additional budget hearings will take place on several dates throughout September.

View the 2022-23 budget hearing schedule

Read Ramsey County’s most recent Popular Annual Financial Report

Employers: Apply to be part of an inclusive workplace cohort

Up to 20 organizations in Ramsey County will be selected to join the Inclusive Workplaces Cohort to learn how to advance racial equity and inclusion in their workplace. Participation is free. Priority will be given to businesses with 100 employees or fewer.

Applications are due Aug. 6.

Learn more and apply