Dear neighbors,
Fall is in full swing and I have so many updates to share with you.
As the HRA Chair, we approved funding for housing developments across Ramsey County, and I presented to several of our cities about the accomplishments of the County/HRA along with our department leaders. Over the last year, we have awarded a collective $3 million to the Juniper development, which will bring in 65 units of affordable multifamily apartments to Maplewood. The former building, a former funeral home located to the right in the photo above, has been demolished. In its place will sit a 4-story building, one level of underground parking, and ground-level amenities. I am excited to share that the Juniper will have deeply affordable housing units available.
Additionally, the HRA has opened several funding opportunities for developers and organizations, like our Emerging and Diverse Developers program, the Critical Corridors program, and the Environmental Response Fund solicitation. Read below for more information about each program and the application timelines.
In August, the Board appointed Ling Becker as the new Ramsey County Manager. County Manager Becker has extensive experience at Ramsey County, previously serving as the county's Workforce Solutions director and the executive director of the Workforce Innovation Board. With her leadership, Ramsey County is well-positioned to remain committed to our strategic priorities and the needs of our community. Congratulations, County Manager Becker!
Earlier this month, I attended the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) policy conference and participated in the General Government committee. We discussed and identified common issues the 87 counties in Minnesota were facing as a result of changes in state and federal mandates and legislation. I advocated for more property tax relief through changes in the State's County Program Aid formula, payment-in-lieu of taxes for Counties with large quantities of tax-exempt and government-owned properties, and funding tied to state and federal mandates. AMC will finalize the policy platforms at the end of the year and I will work hard to make sure these issues take priority.
Lastly, the County Board just received presentations from our service teams and departments on their supplemental budget and performance measures. Ramsey County uses a two-year (biennial) operating budget to both monitor revenue and expenses and track departments' performance in meeting the County's overall strategic priorities. You may view the County's budget and performance measures on our Open Data Portal. I look forward to continuing to serve you by working hard to make sure that our communities are not left behind in the county's budget and services. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me or my assistant Winona at Winona.Yang@co.ramsey.mn.us.
Sincerely,
Mai Chong Xiong
Ramsey County Commissioner (District 6)
 Audio Transcriptions of Elections Information Now Available in Hmong / HMoob
In 2022, the State of Minnesota required Ramsey County to expand language services for the Hmong community under federal law. This designation followed the 2020 census, which showed that the Hmong population makes more than 5% of the residents old enough to vote. In Ramsey County, over 11% of residents speak an Asian and Pacific Islander language, with Hmong as one of the most commonly spoken languages.
Find election services in Hmong here. This year, Ramsey County Elections have been working to expand Hmong language services, including providing video and audio versions of election services. To listen, please launch the video. For example, visit Npaj Mus Pov Ntawv Xaiv Tsa Nom Tswv.
For general information in English, visit our Elections & Voting site.
 Board Action: Bruce Vento Regional Trail Project Federally Funded for Phase 1 and Phase 2
The Bruce Vento Regional Trail corridor is 13 miles long and extends from the east side of downtown Saint Paul to the north county line at County Road J. Although seven miles of the southern portion was completed in 2005, six miles of the trail north of Buerkle Road is still undeveloped. Once developed, our equity analysis outcomes show that the trail will provide a direct benefit to our diverse demographics and incomes between Maplewood and White Bear Lake, including our BIPOC, youth, elderly, and residents living with disabilities.
Phase 1 is a specific project area between Buerkle Road and the intersection of Hoffman Road and Highway 61. The project would complete about three miles of the six-mile gap in the trail system. In July, the Board voted to accept $5 million to fund construction costs of Phase 1 Bruce Vento Regional Trail Project, as granted by the Minnesota state legislature (see Phase 1: Bruce Vento Regional Trail Extension – Buerkle Road to Whitaker Street | Ramsey County).
Phase 2 is the last section of the regional trail from Whitaker Street to County Road J. In July, the Board also voted to accept $1.3 million in earmark funding that will become available after the county meets additional federal conditions.
The development of Phase 1 and Phase 2 will connect the East Side to other areas within Ramsey County and beyond, greatly increasing the multimodality of our regional trails and reducing barriers that exist within our industrial areas and major vehicular transportation routes.
 Board Action: Renovations to the Battle Creek Waterworks Park
Although the Waterworks area is just outside of District 6, I want to share some updates to the project, as many spend time at Battle Creek and enjoy the water park. In 2023, the Minnesota legislature invested millions of dollars to support infrastructure projects within the regional parks and trails system. Through that funding, Ramsey County will be able to renovate the Waterworks Park!
Many families on the East Side, and residents across Ramsey County and the state, have enjoyed this historic water park. Since its construction nearly 25 years ago, Ramsey County is excited to invest over $5 million to repair the mechanical systems, add American Disability Act accessibility upgrades, energy upgrades, pool improvements, and brand new amenities to the park!
Construction will take place during non-operating months.
Additionally, the Parks & Recreation department will be working with the Minnesota Pollution Contral Agency (MPCA) to redevelop stormwater infrastructure. The repairs will address stormwater storage and reduce local flooding in surrounding neighborhoods.
 2024 Emerging and Diverse Developers Housing Development Solicitation is Open
The Emerging and Diverse Developers (EDD) Program offers one-on-one technical assistance and cohort group learning to emerging and diverse developers interested in affordable housing development, in partnership with NEOO Partners and Baker Tilly.
We will be hosting an emerging developer-focused housing development solicitation. Applications will open on Sept. 5 and responses are due by Oct. 31 at 5 p.m.
Ramsey County will host an online informational webinar for interested applicants on September 12 from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Find out more and sign up on our website.
Emerging developers are defined as individuals or entities interested in affordable housing development or who have owned and/or developed no more than 25 housing units or 15,000 sq. ft. of commercial space in Minnesota in the last 10 years.
Critical Corridors Solicitation – Now Accepting Applications
Ramsey County has opened its Critical Corridors Development & Infrastructure solicitation on Sept. 3. The county is seeking proposals for redevelopment and public infrastructure within transit, economic, and cultural corridors in alignment with the Economic Competitiveness & Inclusion Plan and Equitable Development Framework. Applicants may request grants up to $500,000 for activities planned to be completed before Dec. 31, 2026.
Visit the Critical Corridors webpage for details on eligibility requirements and evaluation priorities, and attend a virtual information session on Thursday. Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. No pre-registration required.
Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
Environmental Response Fund Application
On Sept.15 the Fall 2024 Environmental Response Fund (ERF) solicitation will open for applications. This program helps offset the costs of environmental cleanup of contaminated sites to prepare them for redevelopment.
An upcoming in-person information session on local brownfield funding resources will be hosted by the Met Council, in partnership with Ramsey County, Hennepin County, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED):
A recording of a previous virtual information session is available.
Please email Ella Mitchell with any questions. Applications are due Nov. 1.
 Ramsey County's Productive Properties Office will be selling tax-forfeited properties to the highest bidder, but not for less than the appraised value, the following parcels of land.
These properties have been forfeited to the State of Minnesota for the non-payment of property taxes.
The public sale will be held via online auction and conducted by the Minnesota Department of Administration, Fleet & Surplus Division using the MNBid site. The auction will open for bids on October 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. and will close at 10:00 a.m. on November 22, 2024.
This sale will be governed as to the Terms and Conditions of Sale as approved by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners. Some key terms are as follows:
- the sale will be for no less than its appraised value and sold to the highest bidder;
- the sale will be for cash only and not on contract-for-deed terms; and
- If the property is a residential property with four or fewer residential units or a property that is unimproved with a structure, a person purchasing the property must intend to own and occupy the property as a residence or intend to use the property for a noncommercial personal use.
The full appraisal list, complete terms of sale, and link to the online auction can be found at ramseycounty.us/productiveproperties.
Tax-Forfeited Land Online Auction
October 21, 2024 – November 22, 2024
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-374
Any parcels for which no bid is received during the public sale can be rebid for purchase beginning the next business day, November 23, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at the office of the Tax-Forfeit Land Section for not less than the Minimum Bid price set forth on the AUGUST 12, 2024 Auction List.
Please send any questions regarding this notice or inquiries for further information to the Property Tax, Records and Election Services - Tax Forfeited Land email at TFL@CO.RAMSEY.MN.US
In response to the community's concerns around Northern Iron, there are new initiatives happening on the grounds, including the emergence of a new East Side environmental justice group. If you are interested in taking part in that group or in the Payne Phalen district council, please reach out to Winona Yang (winona.yang@co.ramsey.mn.us).
The legal battle between the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Northern Iron is ongoing. At the latest hearing that took place on September 16, Northern Iron provided Ramsey County District Court Judge Leonardo Castro a compliance check. However, the MPCA maintains that Northern Iron is still out of compliance with state and national air quality standards for particulate matter pollution. The parties will likely move into trial in 2025.
At the August hearing, Ramsey County District Court Judge Leonardo Castro ordered Northern Iron to submit a new permit application to the MPCA. The new equipment must be installed by November 18. In July, the judge struck down the MPCA's administrative order against Northern Iron that required it to limit its hours and reduce production. Since then, Northern Iron has began transitioning back into normal production.
 In August, we celebrated Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity's Construction Kickoff of The Heights! With Congresswoman Betty McCollum, State Senator Foung Hawj, State Representative Liz Lee, Mayor Melvin Carter, Former Mayor Chris Coleman, Met Councilmember Chai Lee, and Greater East Side Council Executive Director Lisa Theis, we each shared our community’s story about why housing matters, especially here on the East Side. I am so excited to be a part of this transformative project.
Regarding the latest updates on construction, the final paving work for the McKnight Rd N roadway work begins on September 11 and is anticipated to finish on September 12, depending on weather.
During this time, McKnight Rd N will remain open to traffic. However, please be aware that the road will not yet have its final layer of pavement. As a result, we strongly encourage all commuters to follow the posted signage and exercise extra caution while
navigating the area.
See the latest videos of development here: Drone Footage - Saint Paul Port Authority (sppa.com)
Last Monday evening (9/9), a majority of the Maplewood City Council directed city staff to prepare resolutions withdrawing its support for both the Bruce Vento Regional Trail Collocation Route Alternative and the White Bear Avenue Corridor Route Alternative. Resolutions are anticipated to be taken up by the Maplewood City Council at their next regular meeting next Monday (9/23 7pm).
The county's response is as follows:
Ramsey County is dedicated to ensuring the voices of our residents, especially those with limited transit options, are central to advancing transformative transit projects. These projects aim to create strong transit corridors that connect residents and businesses to essential goods, services, healthcare, and employment, while also enhancing safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, addressing aging infrastructure, and fostering thoughtful economic development and revitalization.
The Purple Line is a forward-thinking project designed to meet the evolving mobility needs of the community, positioning Ramsey County and the region for long-term success. In a post-COVID world, the Purple Line offers fast, convenient, and reliable transit service all day, every day. Importantly, 70% of trips along this corridor are focused outside of downtown St. Paul.
We remain committed to ensuring the voices of Ramsey County residents are heard, and their transportation needs are not overlooked. As a transformative transit initiative, the Purple Line would bring significant investments to the east metro—an area that has not benefited from transit infrastructure at the same level as other parts of our region. We will continue advocating for more equitable transit options that support the future success of our communities.
My office looks forward to continuing engagement with all stakeholders.
Road construction continues to be underway across Ramsey County and District 6. Minnehaha Ave is closed in both directions to thru traffic between Johnson Pkwy and White Bear Ave. Construction will now begin between Johnson Parkway and White Bear Ave. Work between Johnson Parkway and White Bear Ave will last through early fall, and then crews will move to the final stage of construction between White Bear Ave and McKnight Road.
2024 construction timeline
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Phase one (spring through late July 2024): Crews will work between N. Mendota St. and Johnson Pkwy.
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Phase two (summer/fall 2024): Crews will work between Johnson Pkwy. and White Bear Ave.
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Phase three (fall 2024): Crews will work between White Bear Ave. and McKnight Rd.
Starting in 2025, MnDOT will replant 390 trees along the corridor. These trees will be better selected for the area and will include native species, salt and drought-tolerant species, and trees that are the right size for boulevards and nearby power poles.
In 2023, 246 trees were removed before construction because they were diseased, in poor health or would otherwise not survive construction.
Summary of work
- Road resurfacing
- Sidewalk repairs
- Updating sidewalk curb ramps
- Adding curb extensions or “bump-outs”
- Replacing traffic signals and adding pedestrian lighting
- Trail and driveway updates
- Bus stop improvements
 The Ramsey County U of MN Extension board recognized the Glasoes as the "Farm Family of the Year." Congratulations!
"The Glasoes started Frisk Fra Boksen (Norwegian for fresh from the box) in 2019 as an idea/dream. The couple’s first hydroponic shipping container farm was delivered on a bright, sunny, minus-10-degree day in January 2020. The first crops were harvested in early March.
The Glasoes’ initial target market was small farm-to-table restaurants that wanted hyper-fresh, clean-grown, green leafy vegetables. The day Chris and Barb were going out with samples, Minnesota closed in-person dining for restaurants because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They pivoted to an online farmers market, donated produce and worked with restaurants that started curbside pickup or delivery."
Read more here.
 The Learn and Earn programs are now recruiting for paid career training. This initiative provides young adults ages 18-30 with paid occupational and entrepreneurial training in high demand careers that show promise for future growth, pay livable wages and are accessible to workers with diverse employment and education backgrounds. Several programs are currently recruiting for their next cohorts starting later in the summer.
For more information on programs and current opportunities visit us.
Seeking Volunteers for Ramsey County Advisory Boards and Committees
Click here to apply!
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners is currently seeking residents to serve on various advisory boards and committees.
Details about these opportunities are listed below. Interested applicants may apply online. View more information and access online application.
Current Vacancies:
- Capital Improvement Program Advisory Committee (CIPAC)
- Corrections Advisory Board (CAB)
- Ramsey County Charter Commission
- Ramsey County Library Advisory Board
- Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District
- Personnel Review Board
- Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County (WIB)
Ramsey County provides a large range of services.
Service Centers
Ramsey County has several Service Center locations and five community partner sites that provide Navigator services. A Navigator is a county staff member that helps residents access a wide range of services and programs including financial assistance services, social services, employment assistance, and voter registration.
For more information about the service centers, click here: Service Centers | Ramsey County
To submit a Service Center Navigator Referral Form for yourself or for another person, click here: Service Center Navigators Referral Form | Ramsey County
Did you know that we have a site solely dedicated to helping Ramsey County residents in business? Ramsey County Community & Economic Development has a useful Incentives Dashboard that serves as a one-stop spot for grants and funding opportunities across Saint Paul and other Ramsey County cities.
My office has directed several constituents to our Open to Business program, which provides technical assistance and other forms of support to small business owners and entrepreneurs for FREE. At no cost, you can receive help in business plan development, financing projections, city and state licenses, loan packaging, and more! These services are provided in partnership with the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers, which also offers capital loan services for qualifying businesses.
Sign up to contract with Ramsey County!
The county acquires goods and services through a cost-effective, competitive and fair process accessible to all businesses. The county seeks vendors who share its commitment to equal opportunity, diversity and inclusiveness. Vendors interested in providing goods and/or services to the county and its residents must first register to use DemandStar, an internet purchasing network. DemandStar offers immediate and automatic notification of purchasing opportunities with the county, solicitation documents and results, and prior solicitation information. Subscribing to DemandStar is free.
Bids and RFPs are provided online via DemandStar. View what procurement opportunities are available by visiting our Ramsey County Procurement site.
Questions or comments about doing business with Ramsey County? Contractors, business owners and community members can email or call the Purchasing and Contracting Service Desk and connect directly with our staff.
Phone: 651-266-PACT (7228) from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Email: pachelp@co.ramsey.mn.us |
