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I hope this message finds you well. As your District 4 Commissioner, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the hard work of our city and county staff in managing the recent flooding of the Mississippi River. Their tireless efforts have helped to ensure the safety of our communities and minimize damage to homes and businesses.
However, we continue to face challenges in addressing important issues such as homelessness, mental health, and providing opportunities for our youth. I want to assure you that I am actively working to find solutions to these pressing problems, and I am committed to ensuring that all members of our community have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
As we approach the summer months, I also want to emphasize the importance of working together to keep our neighborhoods safe and peaceful. Let us all do our part to ensure that this summer is free from violence and that we can all enjoy the many wonderful activities and events that our community has to offer.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement in making Ramsey County District 4 a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Rena
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 below.
Recent workshops include: look up all of workshops and place here:
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.
 Tech Month focuses on the importance the tech industry plays as a key driver of growth in our state and local economy. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development projects have a high demand for IT professionals in Minnesota through 2028 and beyond.
The WIB is supporting several local events throughout the month to give students, job seekers and employers insight into the wide range of opportunities in this vital industry.
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Tech on Tap – May 4, 4–6 p.m. Join this monthly event consisting of casual networking and craft beer. Sponsored by Full Stack Saint Paul.
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Tech4All: Big Ideas, Virtual Reality and Community! – May 11, 2–6 p.m. A free event offering opportunities to explore technology, learn about obtaining a career in tech and discover more than 20 trade career paths through a virtual reality exploration program. Information on tech training scholarships and other learning opportunities for youth and adults will also be available. All are welcome. Sponsored by Ramsey County and the WIB.
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Open Source North – May 24, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
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Data and Dialogue: Reconsidering Tech Minimum Qualifications – May 24, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. A lunch and data-focused discussion on tech workforce to assist employers with hiring for the most challenging positions. Sponsored by Ramsey County and the WIB.
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Metro Region Online Technology Career Fair – May 31, 8–10:30 a.m. A virtual job fair featuring guest speaker Jeff Tollefson of MnTech, opportunities to connect directly with hiring professionals and more. Sponsored by Ramsey County, the WIB and other metro area workforce development divisions.
Roseville Job Fair – May 31, 3–6 p.m. Bring your resumé, best first impression and get hired at this in-person job fair. Connect with hiring employers, in tech and other industries, who are eager to meet candidates with a variety of work experience and backgrounds. All are welcome. Sponsored by Ramsey County and the WIB.
  The Workforce Innovation Board meeting agenda included; a panel that was comprised young people who shared their experiences of facing employment challenges and successes.
During the meeting, the panel shared their perspectives on the issues that youth face when looking for employment, such as a lack of experience, limited opportunities, and competition with more experienced candidates. They also discussed the importance of providing support and resources for young people to develop their skills and build confidence.
The panel also shared their successes, such as securing employment through mentorship programs, job fairs, and internships. They emphasized the importance of having access to resources that enable them to gain experience and build their networks, which can be critical in securing employment opportunities.
The Workforce Innovation Board members were receptive to the panel's input and expressed their commitment to working with the community to address the challenges faced by young job seekers. The board recognized the importance of supporting youth in gaining employment and developing their skills for a successful future.
The youth panel's visit to the Workforce Innovation Board meeting was a productive and informative experience. Their insights highlighted the challenges that young people face when looking for employment, but also underscored the importance of providing resources and support to help them succeed.
I look forward, as the lead Commissioner of WorkForce Development, to continue supporting our youth with jobs, training and opportunities.
  Toni Carter was honored for her great advocacy of and for the Black Excellence Resource Group. Also, I was welcomed as a new member and the current Commissioner of District 4.
During my visit, I expressed my gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Ramsey County and reaffirmed my commitment to making sure that all members of the community feel heard and represented. I emphasized the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of county governance and pledged to work tirelessly to ensure that these values are upheld.
I acknowledged the valuable contributions that Black employees make to the county and pledged to support their efforts to promote equity and inclusion within the workplace. I understand the importance of engaging with community members and employees at all levels of the organization and I am committed to building strong relationships with all stakeholders.
Ramsey County is fortunate to have a group like Black Excellence who are committed to promoting equity and inclusion, and who understand the importance of providing great services to Ramsey County residents with excellence.
  I am proud to support the important work of the Bail Reform Working Group. This group is committed to eliminating the practice of holding individuals in custody simply because they cannot afford bail. I believe that this practice is unjust and disproportionately affects low-income individuals and communities of color.
In many cases, individuals who are held in custody due to inability to afford bail are there for minor infractions. This can result in significant negative consequences for them, such as losing their jobs, homes, and even custody of their children. This is unacceptable, and we are committed to addressing this issue.
The Bail Reform Working Group has been working to develop solutions that will ensure that individuals are not held in custody simply because they cannot afford bail. They are exploring alternative approaches, such as risk assessment tools, that will provide a fair and objective evaluation of an individual's risk of reoffending. By using these tools, we can ensure that people are released from custody based on their level of risk, rather than their ability to pay bail. They also are working to connect released individuals to community resources, assisting them in stabilizing themselves. These reforms will also contribute to assist those who have follow up court dates scheduled with their court appearances.
I believe that this approach will not only be more just but will also reduce the burden on our criminal justice system. Holding individuals in custody simply because they cannot afford bail is not an effective use of resources and can have a significant impact on the lives of those affected.
I am committed to working with the Bail Reform Working Group to develop policies that are fair and just for all members of our community. I recognize the importance of addressing this issue and look forward to seeing the positive impact of these efforts.
 
The Links, Inc. is an international non-profit organization that focuses on enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. Founded in 1946, the organization is dedicated to providing leadership, education, and service in communities around the world. The Links, Inc. is made up of women from a variety of professions and backgrounds who work together to promote the betterment of their communities through volunteerism, civic engagement, and philanthropic giving. Their programming areas include educational enrichment, health and wellness, civic engagement and advocacy, and arts and culture. The organization has over 16,000 members in 292 chapters throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean.
I am thrilled to share with you the news that I was recently honored by the Minneapolis-St. Paul (MN) Chapter of the Links, Inc. for my work with and for communities I represent. The Links, Inc. is a great international organization that focuses on leadership, education, and service in communities around the world.
This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone who has supported me in this mission, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue making a positive impact in the lives of those around me.
The Links, Inc. has a long history of promoting excellence and service, and I am honored to be recognized by this esteemed organization. I am committed to continuing to work tirelessly to improve the lives of those in my community and beyond, and I hope to inspire others to join me in this important mission.
Thank you to the Minneapolis-St. Paul (MN) Chapter of the Links, Inc. for this incredible honor, and thank you to everyone who has supported me in my community work. Together, we can make a difference and build a brighter future for all.
  The Youth Justice Transformation Community Event: A Fun-Filled Gathering for Building Community Connections
A group of enthusiastic young people gathered together to host a community event aimed at building stronger connections between youth and community members on the East side of St. Paul. The event, held as part of the Youth Justice Transformation initiative, brought together young people and community members for an afternoon of fun-filled activities, ice breakers and working groups.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from the youth organizers, who explained the importance of community engagement in creating a more just and equitable society. The organizers then led the group in a series of ice breakers and team-building exercises designed to encourage everyone to get to know each other and build relationships. Sometimes it is just that simple but powerful.
Also, there were discussions on issues of social justice. Throughout the afternoon, participants engaged in lively conversations and activities, sharing ideas and perspectives on how to create a more just and inclusive society.
The conversations were thought-provoking about the challenges and opportunities facing young people in our communities. Many expressed gratitude for the chance to connect with others, and to learn more about the issues facing young people today.
The event demonstrated the power of community engagement in promoting social justice and creating positive change in our communities with the youth leading the way.
  I had the pleasure of attending the African American Leadership Council meeting recently and was impressed by the level of commitment and dedication to their community. The AALC is comprised of esteemed leaders who are respected and have solid reputations in their respective fields.
One of the main topics of discussion during the meeting was developing homes that provide alternatives to incarceration for troubled youth in the community. The AALC emphasized the importance of providing wrap-around services to these youth to ensure their successful reintegration into society.
The AALC recognized that the current system often perpetuates the cycle of incarceration for young people who are struggling with poverty, mental health issues, and lack of access to resources. Therefore, they embraced developing homes that provide a nurturing and supportive environment for youth who need guidance and support.
These homes would offer wrap-around services such as counseling, job training, educational programs, and access to mental health professionals. By offering comprehensive support, I along with AALC believe that this will help troubled youth develop the skills and resilience necessary to overcome their challenges and thrive in society.
The African American Leadership Council is committed to making a difference in their community and working towards social justice. Their efforts to support troubled youth through partnering with Ramsey County in support of these homes with wrap-around services are an inspiring example of their commitment to improving the lives of those who are most vulnerable.
The meeting the African American Leadership Council lead was an eye-opening experience, and I look forward to following the progress of this initiative and continue my support of the AALC efforts.
 
A tour of St. Paul Historical Site: Landmark Center Offers Rich History and Community Engagement
I had the opportunity to visit the historic Landmark Center, a beautifully restored building that dates back to the early 1900s. The Landmark Center, which served as the federal courthouse for the region for nearly 70 years, is now a bustling hub of community activity, offering a range of programs and events for people of all ages.
During my visit, I was struck by the rich history of the Landmark Center, which has been beautifully preserved and is now a living museum, providing a window into the past. The building's stunning architecture and intricate details provide a glimpse into the past, while exhibits and displays showcase people and events that have shaped the region's history.
But the Landmark Center is more than just a museum. It is a vibrant community center, offering a range of activities and events that bring people together and celebrate the city's rich cultural heritage. From concerts and art shows to dance performances and craft fairs, there is always something going on at the Landmark Center.
I learned that the Landmark Center partners with local schools and organizations to offer educational programs and workshops, helping to ensure that young people have access to the region's rich history and cultural resources. And with its ballroom and other event spaces, the center is a popular venue for weddings, corporate events, and other gatherings, bringing people from all walks of life together under one roof.
The Landmark Center is a true gem, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and community engagement. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a great place to spend an afternoon, the Landmark Center is a must-visit destination in St. Paul.
 
I am excited to share with you an inspiring event that took place at Creator's Space, sponsored by Chamber Connect. The event showed "Art from the Inside," and it focused on the power of art as therapy for the incarcerated. The event was well and showed tremendous support for second chances and rehabilitation through art.
The event brought together artists, advocates, community members and employers to discuss the importance of providing incarcerated individuals with access to art, creative expression and job opportunities. The speakers shared their personal stories and experiences with the criminal justice system, and how art helped them find healing and purpose.
I spoke about the need for more programs like this, which aim to provide rehabilitation and second chances to those who have made mistakes in their lives. I emphasized that it's never too late for someone to turn their life around, and that art can play a critical role in this process.
One of the most moving moments of the event was when a formerly incarcerated individual shared her artwork and spoke about what it meant to her. Her story was a testament to the power of art to transform lives and provide hope for the future.
“Art from the Inside" was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of art, and the need for more programs that promote rehabilitation and second chances for those who have been incarcerated. We are grateful to Creator's Space and Chamber Connect for sponsoring this event. I hope that this event will inspire others to get involved in this important work and help make a difference in the lives of those who were formally incarcerated.
 As we go through the legislative process focusing on priorities that impact Ramsey County. I ask you to take some time to write your House and Senate delegations asking them to support and advocate for our county's priorities bills as listed below;
- Heading Home Ramsey
- HF 1686 Hollins, SF 2033 Marty
- Park at RiversEdge
- HF 964 Perez-Vega, SF 1647 Pappas
- HF 670, the Cash Bonding Bill
- Tax Forfeiture
- HF 2495 Lee, SF 2504 Hawj
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Roseville Job Fair
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May 31
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3-6 pm
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Ramsey County Library in Roseville
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| Midway Area Job Fair |
June 29 |
10 am - 2 pm |
Allianz Field - Lots B & C |
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