I hope this newsletter finds you all well and healthy. I am thrilled to share with you my optimism about the upcoming legislative agendas for our county. I have some exciting initiatives planned that I believe will have a positive impact on our community.

One of the most significant developments we are working on is increasing funding for homelessness, affordable housing and home ownership. In Ramsey County shelter and unsheltered homelessness continues to increase. Access to safe and affordable housing is critical to stabilizing individuals and families. Research says home ownership creates a pathway to generational wealth.  I am working closely with our state representatives to secure the funding needed to support the continuum of care in stabilizing individuals and families. House File 1686 (Hollins) and Senate File 2033 (Marty) are the cornerstones of Heading Home - Ramsey. A regional initiative to end homelessness in St Paul and Ramsey County. Heading Home Ramsey includes more than 100 partners who work together to end homelessness

In addition to affordable housing, we are also in the early stages of RiversEdge an innovative public-private project that creates jobs, revitalizes our capital city’s historic riverfront and expands direct public access to one of Minnesota’s greatest natural resources – the Mississippi River. The interwoven pieces of public park, office space and housing can position the region as a place where Minnesotans want to stay and where professionals from around the country want to move. The access to quality outdoor spaces is essential for the health and well-being of our community. RiversEdge will increase our tax base and there will be funds to invest in other needs and services. 

I am committed to supporting our small businesses and entrepreneurs. I recognize that our local businesses are the backbone of our economy, and I want to ensure that they have the resources they need to succeed. I am exploring ways to provide additional funding, training, and resources to our small business community.

Finally, I am also committed to addressing racial and social justice issues in our county. I recognize that systemic racism and discrimination continue to impact the lives of many members of our community. Therefore, the County Board is working to develop policies and programs that will promote diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of our county.

As always, I welcome your feedback and encourage you to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Rena

I recently had the pleasure of being a guest speaker for the Capital Pathways Cohort program sponsored by the Citizens League in St. Paul, MN. This program provides young people with paid internships and an opportunity to learn about the state government. Along with, how government interacts with community.

I am always excited to see young people getting involved in their community and taking an active interest in the political process. It was inspiring to see the dedication and enthusiasm that these students had for learning about the government and how it affects their daily lives.

During my speech, I encouraged these students to stay engaged and informed about the decisions that affect their community. I reminded them that their voices matter and that they have the power to make a difference in their respective fields.

I believe that programs like Capital Pathways are essential in shaping the future leaders of our community. It is crucial that we provide young people with opportunities to learn, grow, and make a positive impact on society.

I am proud to be a part of a community that values civic engagement and invests in its youth. I look forward to seeing the incredible contributions that these students will make to our community in the years to come.

The program was in partnership with Hack the Gap, a black woman-run organization, and consisted of certification in UX design, mentorship connections, coaching by others in the tech industry, experience in digital communication within a hybrid setting and skill development for time and project management. The average wages for individuals who complete this program is $58K+.

I am proud of the work that is being done to support and empower women on public assistance in our community. This program is an excellent example of how we can provide training and resources to help individuals gain the skills they need to pursue meaningful careers and improve their lives.

The next step for these women is a work experience where they can apply their newly acquired skills. I am confident that they will continue to excel and contribute to our community in meaningful ways.

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Humphrey Job Corps of Ramsey County Quarterly Relations Luncheon. This luncheon provided an opportunity for me to connect with the Job Corps community and learn about the incredible work they are doing to prepare young people for careers and life beyond the program.

The luncheon was made even more special as it was served by culinary art students from the program. It was amazing to see the skills and talent of these young people on full display, and I was impressed by the quality of the food they prepared.

During the luncheon, I had the opportunity to speak with several students and staff members and learn about their experiences in the program. It was inspiring to hear about the progress they have made in their careers and the positive impact that Job Corps has had on their lives.

I am proud of the work that the Humphrey Job Corps of Ramsey County is doing to provide education, training, and support to young people in our community. The program has helped countless young people achieve their goals and reach their full potential. 

I encourage all residents to learn more about the Humphrey Job Corps of Ramsey County and support their efforts to provide quality education and training to young people in our community.

I am excited to share with you my recent attendance at the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. This meeting provides an opportunity for businesses and organizations to come together and celebrate the achievements of the Black community in Minnesota.

It was inspiring to see so many successful Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in attendance, and I am proud to support their efforts to create a thriving economy in our community.

During the meeting, I had the opportunity to hear from several speakers, including local business leaders. They spoke about the challenges facing the Black community in Minnesota and the steps they can take to create a more equitable and just society.

I was impressed by the innovative ideas and strategies presented at the meeting and I believe that by working together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of Black Minnesotan.

I am committed to supporting the Black community in Ramsey County and beyond. I believe that it is essential that we work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

I encourage all residents to support Black-owned businesses and organizations in our community and work towards building a better future for all.