 Thanksgiving week has arrived! As grocery lists get made, travel plans spring into action, and we look forward to sharing stories around the table with family and friends, I want to say thank you for being a part of this community. I am grateful every day to have the opportunity to serve you as your county commissioner! Together, I know we can continue to work toward our Ramsey County vision of a vibrant community where all are valued and thrive.
This week, our board workshop was focused on food insecurity in our county. I know that many of you are volunteering and donating food items, time, and treasure so that all of our neighbors have a warm meal. Thank you - we are committed as a County Board to doing what we can to address the roots of this issue. No one should ever go hungry in our communities.
Ramsey County is holding both virtual and in-person meetings. Our board meetings are taking place in the County Board offices in the Ramsey County Courthouse. My office continues to serve constituent needs via phone (651-266-8359) or email (caitlyn.duin@ramseycounty.us).
Sincerely,
Mary Jo
Board Acknowledgements/Declarations
 Five Ramsey County-owned buildings were illuminated green during the week of Veteran's Day as part of Operation Green Light, a nationwide initiative to let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported in partnership with the National Association of Counties.
Operation Green Light's mission is to show support for veterans of all military conflicts, as well as raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans (and their families) and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families.
County Board Workshops
Most weeks, our County Board meets to discuss specific policy issues and receive updates from County Departments and Service Teams in our Board Workshops.
Workshops and discussions are held on Tuesdays and are open to the public. These take place at the Saint Paul City Hall and Ramsey County Courthouse in Suite 220 (2nd floor). You can find the schedule for all upcoming board meetings, workshops, and discussions sessions here.
Recent workshops include:
- Food Security Assessment Findings
- Open Space Project and Access Assessment
- Changing the Narrative on Juvenile Justice: Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative to Youth Justice Transformation
You can access video recordings of the meetings as well as the materials shared by clicking here.
You can watch upcoming workshops live by clicking here.
You're Invited! Nov 28 Hearing on Supplemental Budget and Property Tax Levy
You should have received your Proposed Property Tax Notice in the mail this November. The notice estimates the amount of property taxes owners will pay in 2023 if the county, cities, school districts and other taxing jurisdictions approve their respective budget proposals. Proposed Property Tax Notices are also available online using the property tax and value lookup tool.
A public hearing on Ramsey County's proposed 2023 supplemental budget and property tax levy is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend via and provide feedback by joining the meeting virtually via Zoom or in-person at Union Depot - Red Cap Room.
Comments made at the hearing will be shared with the appropriate city, school district and other taxing authorities. You may also submit comments to the board of commissioners online.
View proposed budget and levy information.
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Apply for the Ramsey County Library Board by December 7!
There are openings on the Ramsey County Library Board. You could be a part of moving forward the Ramsey County mission and vision, continuing work on integrated service delivery through our Residents First policy, and prioritizing equity in our Libraries. If you are interested in being a part of contributing to our library system, please consider applying by December 7.
For more information, click here.
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Apply for the Metropolitan Council by November 29
Governor Tim Walz is currently receiving applications for people interested in serving as members of the Metropolitan Council and as members of the Nominating Committee who will review applications and recommend candidates to the Governor.
Applications are due by 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29.
For more information on the Met Council and the application process, click here!
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Apply for a Watershed Board Position by December 11
Are you interested in water management in our communities? Please consider applying to be on the Capitol Region Watershed District Board or the Rice Creek Watershed District Board. Your leadership is needed!
The applications will close on Sunday, December 11 2022, at 11:59pm.
For more information, please click here!
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Union Depot Tree Lighting and Celebration of 10th Anniversary of Restoration
Join in on the fun at Union Depot on December 3 for the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and an anniversary celebration commemorating the restoration of the Depot.
The anniversary celebration will be from 3-5 p.m. in the Waiting Room. Stop by to get free commemorative giveaways (stickers, post cards, posters, ornaments and challenge coins), enjoy live music, a family craft and coloring stations, view the Land to Legacy Exhibit and watch the 10th Anniversary history video.
This celebration will be followed by remarks from Commissioner Ortega, the reveal of the 2023 Saint Paul Winter Carnival buttons, a holiday concert, the illumination of the 2022 Union Depot Holiday Tree, and finally, a screening of the holiday classic, “Elf.” It will be a fun-filled day that celebrates the holiday season as well as the history of the landmark building.
This is a free community event open to the public. Metro Transit is offering free rides to Union Depot during Hub for the Holidays. Go green and download your free pass at uniondepot.org/holiday.
Schedule of events:
- Anniversary Celebration: 3-5 p.m.
- Winter Carnival Button Unveiling: 5-5:30 p.m.
- Mistletones Concert: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
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Tree Lighting: 7 p.m.
- “Elf” Movie: 7:30 p.m.
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County Board Approves $2.3 Million in Grants for Local Redevelopment Projects
The housing crisis in our state and our county is one of the largest challenges we are facing together. This week, the Board approved grant recommendations for 14 local redevelopment projects to the tune of $2.3 million. The HRA decision activates the county's first distribution of Critical Corridors Grants, a new program funded by the Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) levy.
Project awards are almost evenly split between Saint Paul and suburban cities. Suburban Ramsey County cities such as Mounds View, New Brighton, Roseville, White Bear Lake, Maplewood, Arden Hills and Shoreview will receive a total of $1,211,940, which includes the reallocation of $500,000 of HRA levy funding from the Spring 2022 Inclusive Housing Development Solicitation. This reallocation is due to a previously awarded project not moving forward this year.
To see the projects that were awarded grant funding, click here!
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District Connections
 Meeting with Congresswoman Betty McCollum to discuss county issues with Government Relations staff Melissa Finnegan and Sia Xiong.
Upcoming Events in the District:
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