 Dear Neighbors,
As shared in my last newsletter, I have been investing time into sharing with our state lawmakers why the County’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) bill matters. This week, I had the opportunity to speak with the House State Government Finance and Policy Committee Co-Chair Ginny Klevorn about how this bill would allow Ramsey County to support small businesses and strengthen our local economy through expanded and flexible funding without increasing property taxes.
Additionally, as 2025 marks fifty years since the first few Hmong families migrated to the United States, I am proud to share that I will be speaking at the upcoming 20th Hmong National Development Conference, "We Rise United," in Minneapolis. This gathering is a powerful reminder of the strength, unity and progress that the Hmong American community has attained over the last five decades. As a first-generation American and the first Ramsey County Commissioner of Asian and Hmong descent, I look forward to connecting with leaders and residents alike to continue building a thriving, inclusive environment for future generations.
Lastly, I invite you to join my virtual office hours every Friday from 12 PM to 1 PM (sign up here: https://forms.gle/gMdFohhK3LHcYZNi7), or attend my monthly in-person meetings held at the Sun Ray Library's 3M Community Room. Your input helps guide my work and keeps our community moving forward.
I look forward to connecting with you soon.
Warm regards,
Mai Chong Xiong
Metro HRA Housing Choice Voucher Now Open
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.
More information on the waitlist application & lottery process is available on Metro HRA’s website. You can also reach the team 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.
Ride the Gold Line with the Purple People
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
Ramsey County has released its final draft of the All-Abilities 2050 Transportation Plan. The Public Works department is requesting the public’s feedback by April 30th prior to presenting the Plan to the Board for approval. Staff will respond with answers to questions and are open to implementing suggestions to the plan.
You may submit feedback by emailing it directly to askpw@ramseycounty.us or calling Public Works at 651-266-7100.
 As we welcome warmer weather, I am pleased to share that Ramsey County's Housing Stability team has successfully concluded our Winter Warming Spaces season. This critical effort provided refuge to thousands of individuals during harsh winter conditions, with over 11,600 visits to warming centers and more than 19,300 uses of transportation services.
Our dedicated partners, including the City of St. Paul, Holy Christian Church, Reformation Lutheran Church, and the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, were integral to this compassionate response. We remain hopeful for continued legislative support to sustain and enhance these vital services in the future.
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!
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