 Dear Neighbors,
Public transit is more than just a way to get from point A to point B—it’s an investment in our region’s future. Reliable and accessible transportation connects people to jobs, education, healthcare, and opportunities that strengthen our communities.
That’s why I’m excited to share that the METRO Gold Line, Minnesota’s first bus rapid transit line with dedicated lanes, is officially opening this month!
To celebrate, Ramsey and Washington Counties have partnered to sponsor free rides from March 22 to March 28. This is a great opportunity to experience the Gold Line firsthand, whether you’re commuting, running errands, or simply exploring the route. I encourage you all to take advantage of these free rides and join us in supporting transit as a vital foundation for our region’s growth.
As the vice-chair of the Regional Rail Authority, I also invite you to join me for the Gold Line Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Saturday, May 22, at 10AM at the Woodlane Park & Ride. After the ceremony, we’ll continue the celebration right in the heart of District 6 at the Sun Ray Park & Ride at 11AM. The community will come together to mark this milestone with activities, entertainment, and a shared vision for a more connected future.
By investing in transit, we’re investing in a more connected, sustainable, and thriving community. I look forward to seeing you on board!
Sincerely,
Mai Chong Xiong
We’re making huge strides in ensuring faster, more efficient services for our community! The Board voted unanimously to bring on 80 new staff members in the Social Services Department in effort to reduce wait times for essential programs like MnCHOICES assessments, case management, and home & community-based services.
- No increase in property taxes! This expansion is funded through existing countywide funding and reimbursements, meaning no additional levy is needed.
- More staff means shorter wait times for seniors and people with disabilities who need assessments and support to live independently.
- A more equitable system that ensures all residents get the care they need without delays.
The positions will include 61 assessors, 5 case managers, 1 social worker, 9 support staff, and 4 supervisors. The positions will be posted on our job board soon.
This investment is a game-changer for our community, and we are proud to be taking action. Learn more about this board item.
 As you may recall, Northern Iron is seeking amendments to its air permit, which the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is responsible for issuing and enforcing to ensure emissions remain within federal and state health standards. Given the longstanding concerns of East Side residents about air pollution, health impacts, and lack of transparency, it is critical that this process is accessible and accountable to the community.
In alignment with the advocacy of local district councils, Eastside Environmental Justice (ESEJ), and community members, my office submitted a letter to the MPCA urging the agency to ensure that full test data, including stack testing results, be made available at the start of the 60-day public comment period. Stack testing results and other data were originally scheduled for release midway through the comment period. Having access to this information from the beginning is essential for residents to make informed comments and participate meaningfully in the process.
I am proud to share that our collective advocacy has made an impact. The MPCA has committed to releasing the stack testing data and modeling at the start of the 60-day comment period. This is a step forward for transparency and community engagement. I will continue working in hand with community to ensure that the voices of East Side residents are heard and that public health remains a priority in this decision-making process.
 My visit to the M Health Fairview Community Health and Wellness Hub was an experience that reinforced the importance of accessible, community-centered healthcare. Thank you to the Community Advancement team for sharing insights into their work addressing health disparities and strengthening partnerships across St. Paul and Ramsey County. The mural behind us was painted by Aratti, a visual artist from the East Side.
The Hub is a first-of-its-kind space, bringing essential services, including primary care, mental health and addiction support, senior programs, and food access, directly into the community. The Hub continues to invest in underserved neighborhoods (including directly within the East Side), expand access to health care, and address social determinants of health through education and outreach.
We were assured that patients will have their health information protected, including those who are undocumented, with strict confidentiality measures in place to prevent unauthorized access and misuse. Please continue to seek medical care in the event of illness, injury, or any health concerns, knowing that your information will remain confidential.
Visit them at 45 W. 10th Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55102 or learn more at https://www.fairview.org/east-metro/wellness-hub
 The Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (MICAH) is an interfaith-based coalition committed to ensuring that everyone has access to safe, decent, and affordable housing. Through advocacy, education, and grassroots organizing, MICAH works to influence policies, secure funding, and hold government leaders accountable in addressing homelessness and expanding affordable housing options.
As the Chair of the Ramsey County HRA, I again urge you to continue pushing your federal and state lawmakers to continue investing in housing and critical support programs that ensure safe, stable, and affordable homes for all.
Amid potential federal funding cuts, MICAH’s role is more critical than ever. These cuts could significantly impact affordable housing efforts by reducing financial support for community development initiatives. By uniting people across faiths and backgrounds, MICAH mobilizes communities to advocate for policies that protect and expand affordable housing, ensuring that housing remains a fundamental right, not a privilege.
Their policy agenda items include legislation for the Minnesota Financial Opportunity Program to provide guaranteed monthly income, expanding the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Funds, a constitutional amendment for housing to create a dedicated source of funding for housing, and limiting rent increases and late fees.
Ramsey County launched the Support and Stabilization Solicitation to address the urgent need for affordable housing, particularly for households earning less than 30% and 50% of the area median income (AMI). With a 15,000-unit deficit for those at 30% AMI or below in the county, many affordable housing providers have also struggled post-pandemic due to rising costs, lower revenue, and operational deficits.
I am pleased to announce that ten projects have been selected to receive awards, with a total of $5 million in funding provided through Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA). One of the ten projects selected includes Crestview, Project for Pride in Living, which is located in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood.
This competitive solicitation provided funding for developers with occupancy rates below 93% and at least five supportive housing units in operation since January 2020. Applications were scored in four categories: demonstration of financial need, capacity to stabilize operations, affordability, and occupancy rate.
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).
Metro HRA Housing Choice Voucher waitlist opening in April 2025
Metro HRA is hosting a lottery to join the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) waitlist. Applications will be available online from 9 a.m., Wednesday, April 9 through noon Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
Applicants can use any computer, tablet, or smartphone to apply, including free computers at public libraries and community sites throughout the metro area.
Metro HRA will also host an information session for service providers and community partners on Wednesday, March 26 at 1:00pm on Zoom. Register here for the Zoom information session.
More information on the waitlist application & lottery process is available on Metro HRA’s website. You can also reach us at WaitList@metc.state.mn.us or 651-602-1428 for any questions related to the process or accommodations an applicant may need, including language translation services.
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.
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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