Serving residents of the following city of Saint Paul communities: Union Park, Hamline-Midway, Frogtown, Summit-University, North End, Downtown, Summit Hill, Macalester-Groveland and Highland Park.
September 2023
Contact
Rena Moran Commissioner, District 4 651-266-8364 Email
Stevenson Morgan Principal Assistant 651-266-8366 Email
Safety and Justice Service Team Committee of the Whole
Strategic Team Committee of the Whole
Ramsey Co. Housing & Redevelopment Authority
Ramsey Co. Regional Rail Authority
Outside Committees
Heading Home Ramsey - Continuum of Care
County-Court Joint Committee
Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee
ITASCA Project
Joint Property Tax Advisory Committee
Metro Mosquito Control District Board
Minnesota Workforce Council Association
Re-thinking I-94 Committee
Saint Paul Children's Collaborative
Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood
Workforce Innovation Board
Youth Justice Transformation
County Associations Board-Appointed
AMC District 10 Committee
County Associations
AMC Health & Human Services Policy Committee
NACo Justice & Public Safety Committee
NACo Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC)
NACo Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Steering Committee
Dear Residents of District 4,
I hope this newsletter finds you well as we transition into the beautiful month of September. As the leaves begin to change their colors and a gentle breeze fills the air, we welcome the arrival of autumn and all that this vibrant season represents.
September marks the end of summer and the start of a season filled with fresh opportunities, renewed energy, and a chance for growth. It's a time when students head back to school, families embrace routines, and communities come together to celebrate and support one another.
In Ramsey County District 4, September brings a variety of exciting events and initiatives. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the importance of community engagement and invite you to participate in the activities planned for the month. From neighborhood clean-ups and local farmers' markets to cultural festivals and educational workshops, there is something for everyone to enjoy and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our district.
Additionally, September is a time to reflect on the significance of labor and recognize the contributions of workers across various industries. Labor Day, observed on the first Monday of the month, honors the dedication, resilience, and achievements of the American workforce. It serves as a reminder to appreciate the hard work that drives our communities forward and to foster an environment that values and supports our labor force. As your Commissioner, I remain committed to serving your needs and addressing the issues that matter most to our district. I encourage you to stay engaged, voice your opinions, and share your ideas as we work towards building a stronger, more inclusive community.
I look forward to the opportunities that September brings. Together, let us make this month one of progress, unity, and meaningful engagement.
Warm regards,
Rena
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 below.
Recent workshops include: look up all of workshops and place here:
United Village (formerly Allianz/Snelling-Midway Superblock) Community Info Session
I would like to share my recent visit to a community gathering hosted by Union Park District Council, Hamline Midway Coalition and St Paul Wards 1 & 4 Council Offices.
Dr. McGuire provided a presentation on his vision regarding the project. Also, he fielded questions from community and I had the opportunity to listen to questions and concerns.
The vision shared by Dr. McGuire included a Sculpture Park and playground. There was information provided that a hotel would be built in the area, also. He was hopeful that investors would see the project as a solid opportunity.
Community was concerned about who was and would be responsible for the trash in the area. The responsibility for keeping the Snelling and University area clean needs to be identified and held accountable.
It is clear that staying at the table with City Council will be very important as the project moves forward.
Workforce Development CareerForce Tour
I attended a recent tour of the CareerForce Centers in Dakota and Ramsey counties with Ramsey County staff, MN Department Employment and Economic Development (DEED) staff and Workforce Innovative Board (WIB) members. This tour was an opportunity to gain insights into the vital resources available to our community. During my tour, I had the opportunity to conversate with staff from both of the CareerForce Centers.
Visit the location nearest you, if assistance or resources needed in career/employment pursuits.
Exploring St. Paul's Future: My Padelford Riverboat Tour
I joined other commissioners, Mayor Carter, other Saint Paul leaders and state Senators for a river-focused bonding tour on the Paddleford Boat. The county had a chance to update the committee on the Park at RiversEdge project, which has been one of the asks at the legislature the last few sessions. In the 2023 session, I worked with Senator Sandy Pappas, who chairs the Senate Bonding committee, to secure a down payment of $6.22 million for the Park at RiversEdge. This is going to allow us to provide public access to the river like we have never fully taken advantage of the Mississippi River, in Saint Paul and increase the tax base for the county, the city and school district. We will be back at the Legislature this coming 2024 session asking for the remaining $20 million to complete the public side of this public realm project.
As we traveled along the Mississippi River, there were presentations from Ramsey County and Mayor Carter on the following projects:
1. River Balcony: The River Balcony project aims to create a continuous public pathway along the downtown St. Paul riverfront. This will be a place for residents and visitors to enjoy stunning river views, green spaces, and cultural attractions.
2. Park at River's Edge: By extending the developable area of the site bluff level, descending over the railroad and Shepard Road and to the Mississippi River’s edge, the Park at RiversEdge becomes both the bridge and the critical component of the proposed $788 million private development. The development would include four towers with residential, hotel, retail, and Class A office space, adding critical jobs and additional tax base to our region’s economy.
The Park at RiversEdge is part of a deliberate strategy to ensure that everyone has access to the benefits that parks provide. Combined with Ramsey County’s extensive bike trails, public transit corridors, beautiful parks and walkable, vibrant neighborhoods. RiversEdge can dramatically bolster the region’s quality of life index for all cultural and ethnic groups, along with business opportunities for all as well.
We must continue to make investments in affordable housing and other development to support the near and long-term economic vitality of the region. The public park space and the private development are intrinsically linked in this project. Once complete, the nine-acre urban park will create a new, vibrant front door to downtown Saint Paul and the Mississippi riverfront.
3. Mississippi River Learning Center: The Learning Center is an exciting educational initiative that will offer interactive exhibits and programs focused on the Mississippi River's ecology, history, and cultural significance. It's a place where learning and exploration come together.
This riverboat tour allowed me to envision the future of our city. St. Paul is poised for remarkable growth and transformation, and it's wonderful to know that we are actively shaping that future together.
Nurturing the "Power Within Us": A Day of Youth Empowerment and Community Engagement
I was delighted to see a room with community partners, Judges representing the judicial system and Ramsey County Workforce Development Staff; all under one roof to provide youth the support they need, collectively. I applaud these efforts and collaborations. Our youth deserve our best!!
The incredible potential within our youth was showcased and the unwavering support of our community organizations. The "Power Within Us" program, focusing on youth development and community engagement, was an inspiring event that left me filled with hope and pride in our youth to succeed.
Power Within Us helps support young adults ages 16-24 who are currently on probation in Ramsey County connect to paid job training and education programs.
Join us for a Power Within Us Resource Session!
Earn $75 for participating, $25 for signing up and additional $25 for enrolling in the program of your choice.
To receive incentives, participant agrees to:
Be on time.
Come with questions.
Bring a caring adult (optional).
Eligibility
Youth and young adults ages 16-24.
Currently on probation in Ramsey County that are experiencing barriers related to employment.
Participants willing to engage and be open to new opportunities.
Benefits
Receive help and support to remove barriers to employment.
Individualized career exploration.
Life skills.
Professional development.
Paid internships and job search.
Hands-on experience.
IT career training.
Trades and construction training.
Mentorship.
In-person resource sessions
Every Second Tuesday 4-5:30 p.m. for ages 16-24 Arlington Hills Community Center View event details
...our youth need EVERYONEto succeed. ~ Commissioner Rena Moran
A Glimpse Inside Ramsey County Public Health: A Tour with Government Officials
I went behind the scenes on my recent tour of the Ramsey County Public Health facility, located at 555 Cedar, downtown St Paul. This visit provided a unique perspective on the incredible work being done there, despite some limitations. A new location is being considered to better serve our community.
I had the opportunity to visit the Ramsey County Public Health facility with Chair Senator Sandy Pappas and her Capital Investment Committee members, along with Ramsey County Leadership. This Healthcare facility plays a vital role in our community, offering essential services and support to our residents. The purpose of the tour was to see up-close the need for a new location. During our tour, several key aspects stood out:
1. The staff at Ramsey County Public Health have demonstrated remarkable dedication and resourcefulness. They have successfully operated within the constraints of their current location.
2. It was evident during our visit that the current facility, though managed efficiently, has limitations. The space constraints hinder the clinic's ability to expand and provide the level of service that our growing community needs.
3. Despite the challenges, Ramsey County Public Health has had a significant impact on our community's health and well-being. From vaccination clinics to preventive programs, they have consistently delivered crucial services.
The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) will be making several humanities grant opportunities available in the next two weeks. We are grateful to the Legislature for entrusting to provide this level of grant funding.
The following grant opportunities will be available:
$8,000,000 in Cultural Heritage grants for humanities organizations & individuals,
$750,000 to support capacity building for small non-profit humanities organizations,
$100,000 to non-profit humanities organizations responding to crisis and emergencies,
$3,200,000 to Children’s museums, and
$300,000 to organizations and programs providing civics programming.
Rethinking I-94 Upcoming Public and Stakeholder Meetings
In the coming days, we’ll begin hosting a series of public meetings to present the alternatives and answer questions directly from members of the public. In doing so, we’re aiming to make these events as convenient as possible for the community to attend. We’ll be hosting the following events:
In person in St. Paul at the Rondo Community Library Thursday 9/14 from 7:30 to 9:30 am, 11 am to 2:30 pm and 6 to 7:30 pm.
Are you interested in helping people prepare for work and become employed? Attend this job fair and learn about careers in Workforce Development and the range of careers that help individuals achieve their potential.
Nonprofit agencies are looking to fill a variety of positions including accounting, administrative, career coaching, IT, maintenance, training and more. Career Navigators will be available to review your resume, practice interview questions and provide guidance during the event.
This job fair is being hosted by Ramsey County, the City of Minneapolis and Goodwill Easter Seals MN.
Back to School - Back to Work Job Fair Sept. 13 2–5 p.m.
All are welcome to attend an in-person job fair at CareerForce in Saint Paul. Bring your resume and your best first impression! Visit with local employers that have current job openings and are ready to hire. Information on workforce and community resources will also be available.
Looking for a new job? Every Tuesday and Thursday, employers will visit the Ramsey County Library in Roseville and Maplewood Service Center and to talk about job opportunities in their organization. Bring your resumé and your best first impression to get hired.
Meet community based, no-cost skill training programs that are recruiting participants for upcoming classes. Participating in a community based training program is a way to build an up- to-date skill set. When training is complete, get introduced to employers looking for certified trainees and start a new and rewarding career. Courses range from Automotive to IT to Healthcare and much more. See list of possible training courses here.
