 Dear Neighbors,
As Chair of the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), I’m proud to share an exciting step forward in our work to build a stronger, more inclusive economy. Ramsey County Deputy County Manager Kari Collins and I were able to testify in the Senate State and Local Government Committee along with Senator Hawj as the sponsor of the County's Economic Development Authority bill (SF 2521).
This legislation will expand the use of our existing HRA levy to include small business support without adding another tax on property taxpayers. Cities will have the option to “opt-in” to this expanded programming, just as they do with the HRA levy. The new flexibility will allow the county to better serve diverse communities and emerging industries across the county.
Since this effort began, I’ve personally presented to several city councils and met with local elected officials throughout the county to answer questions, ensure transparency, and build collaboration. Thanks to this outreach, we’ve received support from several cities across Ramsey County that recognize the value of this flexible, community-driven approach. We hope to see the bill move forward through the Legislature's omnibus process.
I remain as committed as ever to ensuring that we have equitable growth and a shared prosperity. We will be able to meet the community needs by investing in entrepreneurship and economic development, while continuing to prioritize affordable housing.
In partnership,
Mai Chong Xiong
Have questions or want to connect? We’re hosting monthly in-person public meetings and weekly virtual office hours with Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong. Whether you have ideas, concerns, or just want to chat, this is your space to be heard.
- For in-person public meetings, please join us at the Sun Ray Library (2105 Wilson Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55119) in the 3M Community Room on the following dates:
- Thursday, May 1 from 5:30PM to 6:30PM
- Thursday, June 5 from 5:30PM to 6:30PM
- For virtual office hours, please join us every Friday beginning on May 2, 2025 from 12PM to 1PM. Sign up required: 👉 https://forms.gle/gMdFohhK3LHcYZNi7
Commissioner Xiong will be sharing more information about the county's budget process, HRA levy, and support for small businesses and affordable housing across Ramsey County.
 I’m thrilled to announce the opening of the brand-new Ramsey County Environmental Center, a major step forward in making sustainability more convenient for our residents. Located in Roseville, the center offers easy drop-off for hazardous household waste, electronics, recyclables, and food scraps, along with a reuse room where you can pick up free products like paint, cleaners, and more. It will also host Fix-It Clinics and community workshops.
The building itself is a model for green design, featuring solar energy, geothermal heating, EV charging stations, and even landscaping with native plants and compost made right here in Ramsey County. Every part of this project reflects our values: sustainability, accessibility, and smart investment.
Thanks to careful planning, hard work from staff, and strong community collaboration, we completed this project ahead of schedule and under budget—a win for residents and the environment.
We’re celebrating with a week of open house events April 22–26, starting with an Earth Day giveaway and wrapping up with a Fix-It Clinic. I hope you’ll stop by, check it out, and see how this new center makes it easier to live greener every day.
See hours and location here.
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners is currently seeking individuals 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.
Community Health Services Advisory Committee (CHSAC)
Community Health Services Advisory Committee advises the Ramsey County Board and the Saint Paul City Council on public health programs and services, actively participates in policy development, determining community health needs and engages in public health advocacy.
For questions regarding CHSAC, please contact Cathy St.Michel.
Parks and Recreation Commission
The Ramsey County Parks & Recreation Commission advises the Parks & Recreation department and Ramsey County Board of Commissioners on matters relating to the planning, development and operation of the county's parks, trails, open space and recreation facilities.
For questions regarding Parks and Recreation Commission, please contact Angie Marlette or Mark McCabe.
Personnel Review Board
Board members' duties include: to hear disciplinary appeals by veterans relating to discharge or suspension to review other disciplinary appeals after an Administrative Law Judge has heard them to hear non-disciplinary appeals and to review the Human Resources department as directed by the county board.
For questions about the Personnel Review Board, please contact Molly Hoffman.
Ramsey County Charter Commission
- 1 vacancy for each of the following districts: District 2, District 4, District 6, and District 7.
The Charter Commission is a 17-member body responsible for maintaining Ramsey County's Home Rule Charter.
The charter is like the constitution for county government, spelling out its duties and responsibilities. Ramsey County is the only one of Minnesota's 87 counties to be governed by home rule - all others are governed by state laws.
The commission's duty is to periodically review the charter and propose necessary amendments and recommends proposals from the public. The commission has the authority to submit proposed amendments to an election.
For questions about the Ramsey County Charter Commission, please contact Chief Clerk.
Click here to apply today!
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.
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!
Commissioner Xiong to Join SECO Housing Forum with Councilmember Johnson
 Councilmember Johnson and I will meet with the public to discuss County and City HRA funding and initiatives. I will share more information on the use of Local Affordable Housing Aid that we are using to greatly expand the creation and maintenance of more deeply affordable housing, and Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson will discuss tenant protections.
- Date: Monday, April 14th
- Time: 6PM to 7:30PM
- Location: 2105 1/2 Old Hudson Road, Saint Paul, MN 55119
This event is for both homeowners and renters. Light dinner will be provided and SECO will have a drawing for three $50 gift cards! Check SECO's Housing Committee for more info.
Sunray Shopping Center Open House
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