 Ramsey County Snow Plow In Action Feb. 23
Greetings everyone,
I hope you are doing well and staying safe and warm after all of these snow-filled days!
Grateful to our public works staff and snow plow drivers who have been staying busy this season plowing our roads and keeping our streets navigable.
This last week, I had the privilege of representing Ramsey County at the White House for an event highlighting American Rescue Plan investments in our community, specifically related to our housing and workforce efforts.
I was also glad to testify last month at the state legislature on your and Ramsey County's behalf for additional resources to help enable the work we do.
Additionally as President of the Association of Minnesota Counties, I was honored to deliver the annual State of the Counties, where I highlighted the importance of listening to all voices and speaking out respectfully.
With a busy and active month ahead, I am excited to continue serving the needs of our community and building a brighter future together.
As a reminder, 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
On March 1st I had the privilege of speaking at the White House on behalf of Ramsey County. The event, which highlighted investments we have made from the American Rescue Plan across Minnesota, was a great opportunity to share updates on the work we have done because of the resources in areas of housing, family stability, and workforce development.
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 On Feb. 22, as the President of the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC), I was honored to follow Gov. Walz and provide the "State of the Counties" speech in conjunction with the annual AMC Legislative Conference.
Conducted virtually due to the weather, this conference was still a great opportunity for county officials across the state to connect with their legislators about priorities including housing funding and social services systems modernization.
Proclamations
- The Board of Commissioners proclaimed February as Black History Month in Ramsey County.
County Workshops
 Are you a Ramsey County resident who is 18 or older and looking for a job working with your hands? Get a union job now! The International Union of Painters & Allied Trades District Council 82 is hiring for trade show positions. You will work together to set up for large scale events such as the Minnesota Golf Show, Minneapolis Home & Garden show and more.
More information can be found here
 Ramsey County is leading an effort to develop a long-range plan that will guide future county transportation investment decisions that lead to projects that are accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
We need your voice! Please consider attending community engagement events to share your experiences and point of view on March 9 and 28.
The All-Abilities plan will influence the investment priorities for future Ramsey County transportation projects in collaboration with MnDOT, Metro Transit, Ramsey County municipalities and Ramsey County transportation users. Engagement opportunities will take place online, virtually and in person, and will be available in multiple languages.
For more information about the plan and to learn about how to get involved, visit the project website ramseycounty.us/2050Transportation.
 Businesses in Ramsey and Washington counties can get up to $50,000 (or 75% of project costs) to help reduce employee, community and environmental health risks.
Participating businesses work with Waste Wise to identify pollution prevention projects, chemical alternatives and equipment upgrades. Waste Wise also helps businesses apply for funding, identify matching fund sources, and submit pre- and post-project documentation.
More details are found here
 The Housing Development solicitation offers a wide range of funding sources for eligible development projects that need assistance to build or preserve affordable housing. New construction and preservation of multifamily rental housing projects are eligible for consideration. Projects may be located in either suburban Ramsey County or the city of Saint Paul.
This funding is one major way that Ramsey County is working on our strategic priority of intergenerational prosperity for racial and economic inclusion.
More details can be found here
 On Feb. 8th, I had the opportunity to testify on behalf of Ramsey County and the Association of Minnesota Counties for an increase to County Program Aid, which would provide direct relief to property taxes across the state.
 At the end of January, I had the pleasure of presenting at and participating with 100+ attendees at this year's County Government 101 Conference.
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On Feb. 13th, Minnesota's County Commissioners gathered at the 2023 NACo Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. While out in Washington D.C., we had the opportunity to meet with Senators Smith and Klobuchar to discuss issues impacting Ramsey County and Minnesota. |
One issue of particular focus was advocating for amending the Medicaid exclusion on people awaiting trial and verdict decisions. Currently, those on Medicaid lose their access to healthcare before their trial and verdict. This issue was one among many that we connected with our delegation on.
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Feb. 7th, we had the chance to discuss our park and recreation priorities at the Metro Area Parks Legislative Delegation meeting with our state legislators. |
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In my role on the AMC Futures Committee, we had the opportunity to hear an update on locally impacting issues from State Auditor Julie Blaha in early February |
 I was excited to participate in the ribbon cutting for the Ramsey County Winter Rec Area at Battle Creek! This will be a great recreational resource to our entire region.
Upcoming Events in the District:
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