March 28th, 2025

Contact

Tara Jebens-Singh
Commissioner, District 1
651-266-8362

Email

Alexis Varner
Principal Aide                            651-266-9990

Email

Nancy Larson
Administrative Assistant

Email

RAMSEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Meetings of the Ramsey County Board, Regional Railroad Authority, Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Committees are held on Tuesdays in the Chambers of Saint Paul City Hall - Ramsey County Courthouse. Meeting proceedings are video recorded and archived. Minutes, agendas and related documents are available online.

• Board of Commissioners
• Board Workshops
• Budget Committee of the Whole
• Housing and Redevelopment Authority
• Legislative Committee of the Whole
• Regional Railroad Authority

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Ramsey County Warming Houses

Know someone unsheltered and struggling in the cold? Share this information with them: Winter Warming Spaces are available overnight from 9 p.m.-7 a.m.

Call 651-266-1035 for help and transportation to a warming space.

Metro HRA Housing Choice Voucher

FOOD RESOURCES

Ralph Reeder Food Shelf

The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf and Community Resource Center provides food, basic needs and connections to other services, as well as financial assistance requests. The primary service area includes the cities of New Brighton, Mounds View, Shoreview, Arden Hills, North Oaks, Roseville and Ramsey County St. Anthony. 

Vadnais Heights Food Shelf

The Vadnais Heights Lions Club distributes food products on the third Saturday of every month between the hours of 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. at the Vadnais Heights Commons.

The Food Shelf is open for extended holiday hours in the months of November and December from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Distribution of food is allowed to any family in need who are considered lower income. 

EMPLOYEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Ramsey County Lake Owasso Residence - Administrator 

Ramsey County is seeking an Administrator for the Lake Owasso Residence. 

The Administrator is responsible for overseeing the largest Intermediate Care Facility in the state of Minnesota. LOR services 64 residents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities that have had challenges stabilizing and finding long term residential placement. 

Ramsey County Environmental Naturalist (Summer Seasonal)

Ramsey County is hiring multiple Naturalists to work at the Tamarack Nature Center for the summer! 

The summer naturalist role focuses on educational programs centered around natural history and outdoor recreation for campers ages 3 years old to 13 years old.

Ramsey County Naturalist Aide (Summer Seasonal)

Ramsey County is hiring multiple Naturalist Aides to work at the Tamarack Nature Center for the summer!

This naturalist aide role involves leading before or after camp care for a small group of campers, assisting in activities led by summer naturalists, and working alongside children by creating a positive environment for them, some of whom may have special needs or need additional assistance during camp.

Ramsey County Senior Assistant Naturalist (Park Aide-Summer Seasonal)

Ramsey County is hiring multiple Senior Assistant Naturalists to work at the Tamarack Nature Center for the summer!

This role will assist with Tamarack Nature Center’s summer day camp program by working as a youth leader, demonstrating leadership skills while assisting campers, summer naturalists, and youth volunteers.

The Disability:IN Minnesota Inclusive Career Fair

Join Disabibility:IN Minnesota as they offer their virtual career fair for job seekers to explore a wide variety of positions and connect with employers who are committed to disability-inclusion. They will be offering employer presentations, career fair networking, 1:1 informational interviews, and resume reviews.

Date: Friday, April 25

Time: 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Location: Virtual

People of Color Career Fair

This is your opportunity to get in the room and build relationships with people who can help you move your career and life forward. Meet with 50+ top employers here in Minnesota, including: U.S. Bank, Andersen, Midco, Ameriprise, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Thrivent, 3M, Children’s Minnesota, RBC Wealth Management and many more. Some will be hiring and interviewing on the spot!

Date: Tuesday, April 15

Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm

Location: Saint Paul RiverCentre

EVENTS

Be The Voice of Change - Ramsey County Financial Aid Services 

Recipients of Ramsey County benefits (SNAP, Cash, Medical Assistance, Group Residential Housing, Childcare Assistance, Emergency Assistance) are invited to an in-person event to share their feedback on current Financial Assistance Services' processes and changes.

Date: Thursday, April 3

Time: 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Location: Rondo Library, Multipurpose Room 

Vadnais Heights Lions Belgian Waffle Breakfast

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The Vadnais Heights Lions Club are back with their delicious hot belgian waffles! Join for a morning of great food, fun, and community spirit!

Date: Sunday, April 6th

Time: 8:00am to 1:00pm

Location: Vadnais Heights Commons

Partnering for Education Breakfast

The Mounds View Schools Education Foundation is pleased to share our annual Partnering for Education Breakfast. This event offers the community an opportunity to learn more about the unique partnership between the district and the foundation.

Date: Thursday, April 10 

Time: 7:30am to 9:00am

Location: New Brighton Community Center

Northeast You & Family Srvices: Youth Pathways Open House

Northeast Youth and Family Services is hosting an open house to provide information to residents on their Youth Pathways program.

The Youth Pathways Program is an alternative to the traditional juvenile justice system that increases focus on the youth’s needs and addresses underlying issues that contributed to negative behaviors that adversely affect the youth, their family, and their community.

Date: Thursday, April 10

Time: 4:30pm to 6:00pm

Location: 1280 North Birch Lake Blvd

Arden Hills Spring Egg Hunt

Come hunt for candy-filled, colored eggs.  Keep an eye out for special gold eggs- plus surprise gifts. Come join the Spring Bunny for hopping good time!  

All participants must pre-register by March 26, please indicate age category.  Each age category will participate in a different part of the park. 

Date: Saturday, April 12

Time: Varies on Age

Location: Cummings Park

North Oaks Home Owners Association Spring Egg Hunt

North Oaks Residents! Join NOHOA for an unforgettable series of egg hunt that promises fun, friends and community engagement

Date: Saturday, April 19

Time: 10:00am to 11:30am

Location:

Ramsey County Environmental Center Open House

Ramsey County is excited to announce that the new Environmental Center is opening on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. As part of celebrating this occasion, they will be hosting a community open house later in April.

The center will offer:

• A drive-through drop-off for household hazardous waste, electronics, food scraps, and recycling.
• A free product reuse room for salvaged items.
• Community education space and a permanent home for Fix-It Clinics.

Date: Thursday, April 24

Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Location: 1700 Kent Street, Roseville

Shoreview Senior Housing Fair

The Visit representatives from a variety of local senior living facilities, services that help you age-in-place, and other 55+ housing related companies

Date: Tuesday, April 29

Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Location: Shoreview Community Center

Every Family Needs a Home Breakfast

The 20th annual Every Family Needs A Home Breakfast is right around the corner. The morning will include a time for community conversation, personal testimonies from Solid Ground participants, the opportunity to connect with Solid Ground staff, and learn more about their growing impact and footprint in our community.

Date: Wednesday, May 7

Time: 7:30am

Location: Vadnais Heights Commons

AED & CPR Training

The Arden Hills | Shoreview Rotary Club is hosting a free community event to offer AED & CPR Training. Join them as they help save lives!

Date: Wednesday, May 14

Time: 7:00pm to 8:15pm

Location: Incarnation Lutheran Church, Shoreview

County Road J & I-35E Interchange Open House

Join Ramsey County Public Works for an open-house to learn more about the County Rd J and I-35E Interchange Construction Project.

Date: Thursday, May 15

Time: 4pm to 6pm

Location: 1425 Paul Kirkwold Drive, Arden Hills

Dont See Your Event Here?

Please reach out to Alexis Varner (alexis.varner@co.ramsey.mn.us), to make sure future activities are included in the District One newsletter.

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Ramsey County Redevelopment Planning Grant

Ramsey County is offering funding for initiatives that prepare communities for redevelopment and support connectivity and economic prosperity along transit, economic and cultural corridors. 

To Learn More and Apply Click Here

Next Generation Public Health Pathways Grant

The Minnesota Department of Health is allocating $276,457 to support creative initiatives that introduce and connect Minnesotans to public health careers, with a special emphasis on governmental public health opportunities. Grants will range from $20,000 to $75,000 per project to fund innovative approaches that create sustainable entry points into the field.

To Learn More and Apply Click Here

Communities That Care (CTC) Minnesota – Youth Substance Use Prevention Grant

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking proposals to prevent cannabis and other substance use among Minnesota youth using the Communities That Care (CTC) prevention program within local communities.

To Learn More and Apply Click Here

Substance Use Prevention, Education, and Recovery (SUPER) Grant

The Minnesota Department of Health, herein after MDH, is soliciting proposals for substance misuse prevention, education, recovery, and treatment programming for prioritized communities of focus.

Approximately 65% of funds are reserved for American Indians living in urban settings, individuals impacted by the justice system, and Black/African Americans. Remaining funds will be used for other communities of focus based on age, disability, gender identity, geographic location, mental health conditions, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation. 25% of selected applicants will have a youth under age 25 focused proposals.

To Learn More and Apply Click Here

IMPORTANT NOTICES

2025 Final Property Tax Statement and Overview

2025 Certified Tax Statements were mailed March 20, 2025 and were expected to reach mailboxes by the middle of this week. If you have questions or disagree with your property classification or current year’s estimated market value, please contact the Assessor's Office first at 651-266-2131 to discuss your concerns.

Statements and additional property tax details will also be available online at Property & Home | Ramsey County

Update to State Special Needs Basic Care Plans

Effective April 1, 2025, there will be a change with the enrollments into the Special Needs Basic Care (SNBC) plans. HealthPartners will no longer be providing their 2024 Special Needs BasicCare (SNBC) for 2025. Members currently enrolled in HealthPartners SNBC will continue to receive their SNBC services from HealthPartners through March 31, 2025.

Starting May 1, 2025, Medica will be an option for the SNBC plan. Ramsey County has been working to support residents and our staff during this transition time. To ask questions and enroll into Medica please reach out to the county at 651-266-4444 starting March 29, 2025.

GET INVOLVED

Ramsey County Advisory Boards & Committees

Advisory Board and Committee applications and will start recruiting for applicants.  This communication is to notify you that we are recruiting for the following advisory boards:

• Board of Equalization, District 1
• 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.

OFFICIAL DUTIES

Rice Creek Commons Joint Development Authority

At the March 17th JDA meeting Commissioner Jebens-Singh and her colleagues reviewed and approved the land use application submitted from Ryan Companies for a Preliminary Plat, Final Plat, and Site Plan Review to allow for an approximately 157,800 square foot commercial building for office and manufacturing use on Outlot A. In addition, the Developer requested permitted adjustments as allowed under the TCAAP Redevelopment Code.

To view the full meeting, agenda, and minutes click here.

White Bear Township Annual Meeting

Commissioner Jebens-Singh attended the White Bear Lake Township Annual Board Meeting. This meeting was a great opportunity to stay informed and engaged in local governance that brings together community members, board members, and local officials to discuss important issues, and shape the future of the township. Commissioner Jebens-Singh enjoyed informing, collaborating, and connecting with residents.

Age Friendly Day at the Capitol 

Commissioner Jebens-Singh had the opportunity to join advocates at Age Friendly Day at the Capitol, to promote policies that support older adults. This event was an opportunity to engage with legislators, such as Sen. Gustafson, to highlight the importance of age-inclusive policies for the well-being and independence of older Minnesotans.

Water's Off Event 2025

The Waters Off 2025 event, was a wonderful gathering that brings together dedicated members of the Minneapolis Plumbers Local #15 and Saint Paul Plumbers Local #34 to volunteer their time to help homeowners, referred by CAPRW, conserve water and lower their utility bills.

The morning was not just about repairing pipes or fixing leaks. It was about coming together as a community, supporting those who need it most, and ensuring that the value of water conservation is communicated in meaningful ways. 

Tour of Ramsey County Mental Health Center

Attending a tour and discussion of the Ramsey County Mental Health Center offered Commissioner Jebens-Singh a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the vital services being provided to the community.

It was a chance to deepen her knowledge of mental health resources in the area, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations about the challenges and solutions within the system. 

METRO Gold Line

Ribbon-Cutting & Policy Maker Tour

Commissioner Jebens-Singh attended the Gold Line ribbon-cutting this Saturday, as it marks a significant milestone in our area's public transportation development. 

The Commissioner enjoyed celebrating the hard work that has gone into bringing this project to life, from the planning and design to the construction and community involvement.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA COUNTIES

Legislative Conference

At the beginning of March Commissioner Jebens-Singh was in Washington D.C., attending the NACo Legislative Conference.

In addition, Commissioner Jebens-Singh had the opportunity to meet with Senator Tina Smith, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and Representative Betty McCollum to discuss the critical issue of Medicaid funding and its connection to the broader system of supports in Ramsey County. The meetings were a productive opportunity to amplify the voices of our communities and highlight the essential role that Medicaid plays in sustaining these critical services.

OFFICE VISITS

Pat Lund w/ Age Well at Home

Commissioner Jebens-Singh was excited to welcome Pat Lund to her office for an insightful discussion on Age Well at Home, a program dedicated to helping older adults live independently and comfortably in their own homes.

Pat Lund discussed valuable information about the resources, services, and support systems available to seniors, focusing on ways to promote healthy aging and enhance quality of life while aging in place. It was a joy to have him visit the District One Office!

OUT & ABOUT

Northeast Metro Climate Action

Commissioner Jebens-Singh joined Northeast Metro Climate Action group (NEMCA) to discuss their priorities and learn more about the impactful work being done within Ramsey County.

It was a wonderful chance to connect, ask questions, and stay informed about the work being done to strengthen our community.

Tour of Fairview Community Health and Wellness Hub

In the middle of March, Commissioner Jebens-Singh toured the Fairview Community Health and Wellness Hub. The tour offered a firsthand look at the holistic wrap-around health and wellness services being provided to the community.

This helped the Commissioner gain valuable insights into how these programs support residents' well-being while exploring potential collaborations that could benefit our county and the broader community.

State of Maplewood Breakfast

Last week, Commissioner Jebens-Singh and Commissioner Miller attended the State of Maplewood Breakfast! The event was a great chance to not only network but also stay informed about the exciting developments happening in the Maplewood community.

Tour of Union Gospel Mission

Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities, welcomed Commissioner Jebens-Singh for a tour. It provided a meaningful opportunity to see the incredible work being done to support those experiencing homelessness and hardship in our community. 

2025 Minnesota Iftar Dinner

Commissioner Jebens-Singh joined Minnesota leaders at the 2025 Minnesota Iftar Dinner, hosted by Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies.

Held during the Holy Month of Ramadan, the event was a time of reflection, community, and connection, celebrating the values of compassion and togetherness.

Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing Breakfast

Commissioner Jebens-Singh had the privilege of attending the Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (MICAH) Breakfast. MICAH continues to do incredible work advocating for affordable housing, economic justice, and racial equity.

It was great to learn more about their ongoing efforts, legislative priorities, and the significant impact they’re making in our community. The Commissioner enjoyed meeting local MICAH member to see how they can work together to shape a more equitable future for all.

Many Faces Native Cultural Showcase

This past weekend, Commissioner Jebens-Singh attended the Many Faces Native Cultural Showcase.

The event was a beautiful celebration of Native culture that offered a unique experience to connect with the richness and diversity of Native traditions through cultural dances and theatric performances.

Tour of the Justin Center

Commissioner Jebens-Singh met with Briana Colton for a tour and discussion of the Justin Center to learn about the incredible work they’re doing to support mental health in our community. Through their private practice, they offer a community approach to mental wellness, combining traditional therapeutic methods with alternative practices to meet the unique needs of each individual.

1MN History Makers: Women’s History Month

Commissioner Jebens-Singh attended the 1MN History Makers: Women’s History Month panel, and it was an incredibly inspiring event!

The panelists were awarded a proclamation from the Governor's Office, shared powerful stories, and provided insights on the impact they have had as women as they continue to make history today.

Overall, It was a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women from all walks of life, reflect on the progress made, and discuss the work still ahead to achieve gender equity.