 Dear Neighbors,
Today, I have written to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) urging greater transparency, accountability, and community engagement in the air permit modification process for Northern Iron. For years, East Side residents have reported soot, noise, and health issues caused by the foundry’s emissions, yet many have been left in the dark about regulatory actions. My letter demands that the MPCA provide full access to technical data from the start of the public comment period, conduct multilingual and culturally relevant outreach, and strengthen permit conditions to ensure Northern Iron reduces pollution and adheres to strict environmental standards.
Review the letter here.
This work is about ensuring environmental justice for our community, an area that has been identified as an Environmental Justice Area. I will continue advocating for a thorough, community-driven process that prioritizes the health and well-being of our residents. To stay engaged and make your voice heard, I encourage you to participate in the public comment period once it begins. Together, we can fight for clean air, stronger protections, and accountability from industries operating in our neighborhoods.
In solidarity,
Mai Chong Xiong
 District 6 attended the Eastside Environmental Justice Group's (ESEJ) community meeting, where important discussions took place about environmental justice, public health, and community-driven solutions. Neighbors gathered to share their experiences and concerns about Northern Iron.
Ramsey County was present to provide free lead blood testing, ensuring that families have access to critical health resources. District 6 also joined the conversation, listening to the voices of community organizers and residents who are advocating for a healthier, safer Eastside. I am grateful to witness and be part of this collective effort to address environmental concerns and uplift our community.
I had a great time attending the Teamsters Local 320 event! It is always uplifting to be surrounded by hardworking union members dedicated to fighting for fair wages, benefits, and workers' rights.
Governor Tim Walz emphasized the importance of strong unions in Minnesota, highlighting how our state's labor movement has set a national example—helping to influence federal policies on paid family leave, fair wages, and worker protections. Through relentless advocacy and collective action, Minnesota unions have played a key role in shaping policies that prioritize working families, ensuring that all Americans have the rights and benefits they deserve.  We attended MNDOT's public meeting regarding construction on Arcade & East 7th Street. I am in ongoing conversations regarding solutions for businesses that may be impacted, and I look forward to hearing your feedback from now until the end of construction.
In spring 2025, MNDOT will begin the two-year reconstruction project along E. 7th St., and Arcade St. between I-94 in St. Paul and Roselawn Ave. in Maplewood. Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2026.
Construction will occur on Arcade St. During the 2025 construction season and on East 7th St. during the 2026 construction season.
- Stage 1 (spring through summer 2025): Arcade St. from Maryland Ave. to Roselawn Ave.
- Stage 2 (summer through fall 2025): Arcade St. from E 7th St. to Maryland Ave.
- Stage 3 (spring through fall 2026): E. 7th St. from I-94 to Minnehaha Ave.
The Critical Corridors Planning and Commercial Corridor Initiative solicitations will open on Tuesday, March 4th, and close at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1st, 2025.
The Critical Corridors Planning program assists local communities in preparing for equitable redevelopment and public improvements along transit, economic, and cultural corridors. This program aims to facilitate pedestrian, bicycle, and transit access to connect residents to housing, jobs, and destinations while furthering environmental, public health, racial equity, and economic prosperity goals.
Cities, housing authorities, economic development authorities, port authorities, watershed districts, and community-based nonprofit organizations in Ramsey County may apply.
Applicants may request a grant of up to $50,000 in funding. Activities funded by this program must be completed by June 30, 2026.
Learn more at: https://www.ramseycounty.us/businesses/property-development/property-development-programs-incentives/critical-corridors-programs
Find out if your project is within a critical corridor zone: http://ramseygis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=d805105c828349f3aa2d466af5028963
View the online webinar: https://youtu.be/nI9VLZDcNGs
Ramsey County has opened Advisory Board and Committee applications and will start recruiting for applicants. Ramsey County offers residents the opportunity to engage in local governance through various advisory boards and committees. These groups provide guidance on policy decisions, program development, and community initiatives.
Community Health Services Advisory Board – 13 vacancies
Parks and Recreation Commission – 5 vacancies
Personnel Review Board – 1 vacancy
Ramsey County Charter Commission – 1 vacancy for reach of the following districts: District 2, District 4, District 6, and District 7.
Note that District 6 (East Side of Saint Paul) has a vacancy to serve on the Ramsey County Charter Commission!
Applications will close at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Apply here (or request a paper form).
Pig's Eye Dump: Community Survey
Share your input on the future of Pig’s Eye Dump!
The MPCA is leading a multi-agency Task Force to develop a plan for cleaning up the dump and surrounding area and wants to hear from you on how the site should be transformed in the future.
Funding provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
Climate Justice Committee's Community Meeting
 If you are unable to attend ESEJ's community meeting, consider attending the Climate Justice Committee's meeting on Saturday, March 15 at the Arlington Hills Community Center (1200 Payne Ave) from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. East Side leaders will be present with other climate activists to discuss the public's concern about Northern Iron.
Green Ramsey Expo and Career Fair
The Green Ramsey Expo and Career Fair gives residents a chance to learn about “green-collar” jobs and local sustainability resources. Green resources and community activities will also be featured. Ramsey County Environmental Health and Workforce Solutions are partnering to bring residents a FREE public event that will feature jobs available in green-collar careers in emerging industries as well as businesses and trades that have shifted to more sustainable practices. Residents will be able to meet organizations with missions that include recycling, creating green space, environmental clean-up and more!
Date: March 19, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: West Minnehaha Recreation Center (685 Minnehaha Ave W, Saint Paul, MN 55104)
https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/assistance-support/employment-assistance/green-ramsey-expo-and-career-fair
4th Annual CERT Connect Open House
The Central Certification Program (CERT) was created to promote market growth and increase the competitiveness of qualified small businesses. CERT makes it easier for participating businesses to access jobs and contracts available with participating counties and cities by providing a centralized certification process.
CERT is a collaboration of Hennepin County, Ramsey County, the city of Minneapolis and the city of Saint Paul.
A CERT Small Business Enterprise (SBE) is a for-profit, independently owned firm, corporation or establishment, with a small number of employees, small amount of assets, low sales volume and limited impact on the market, that has received SBE certification through an application process administered by the CERT lead agency.
Small businesses are invited to attend the 4th Annual CERT Connect Open House event on Thursday, April 10th.
Time: 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Ramsey County Public Works Building
1425 Paul Kirkwold Drive Arden Hills, MN 55112
Register today!
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