 Dear Neighbors,
As we mark 50 years since the first Hmong families arrived in the United States, it was a profound honor to join County Manager Ling Becker in presenting the Ramsey County Board’s official Proclamation recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Hmong National Development Conference (HNDC).
I extend my heartfelt thanks to County Manager Becker for reading the proclamation and to HNDC for creating a space where our shared history, resilience, and future leadership are celebrated. This moment was a tribute to the legacy our elders began and a recommitment to the generations still rising.
This year’s sold-out conference brought together over 1,500 leaders, elders, youth, and community members from across the nation in a powerful display of unity and shared purpose. We were also joined by Governor Tim Walz and Congresswoman Betty McCollum, who stood with us to uplift the significance of this milestone and the continued contributions of the Hmong American community.
Ramsey County is proud to be home to the largest Hmong population in Minnesota and in the United States. The proclamation reaffirms our commitment to honoring the past, supporting the present, and investing in a future where all communities can thrive.
Watch the presentation here.
In solidarity,
Mai Chong Xiong
 As HRA Chair, I was proud to give remarks to celebrate JB Vang's newest groundbreaking of Gladstone Village Phase II, now named The Waldo, a 56-unit affordable housing development supported by a $2.75 million investment from Ramsey County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
This project includes deeply affordable homes for families earning as little as 30% of the area median income, with thoughtful features like large units for multigenerational households and shared community spaces. Shaped by input from immigrant and refugee communities, the Waldo reflects the values of inclusion, sustainability, and smart growth.
Joined by Minnesota State Senator Xiong, Minnesota Housing Assistant Commissioner Lehnoff, Commissioner Miller, Maplewood Mayor Abrams and Council Member Lee, and Grow America’s Director of Acquisitions and Underwriting Mr. Poznik, I was happy to share that The Waldo is located near transit, schools, and jobs. This development meets Green Communities standards and brings us closer to our vision of a more livable, connected Ramsey County.
Thereafter, we also enjoyed a tour of its sister property, The Juniper. It was incredible to see how far the project has come since its July 2024 Groundbreaking Ceremony. Nearing completion, all units are income-restricted at or below 60% of the area median income!
 We are excited to announce that the 2025 Housing Development Solicitation will open to applicants on Friday, April 25!
Eligible projects in the 2025 Solicitation will include:
- The new construction of affordable rental housing
- The acquisition and rehabilitation of rental housing
- The preservation and rehabilitation of existing affordable housing
- The acquisition/rehabilitation or construction of affordable owner-occupied housing.
An online information webinar will be held on May 1, 2025. More information will be released through the Ramsey County CED Newsletter prior to April 25. Please also look out for updates on www.ramseycounty.us/housinginvestments.
Please email askCED@co.ramsey.mn.us with any questions!
Request for Information: Re-Imagination Resource Center
Ramsey County is launching the Re-Imagination Resource Center, a new initiative aimed at strengthening local Business Community Organizations (BCOs) by enhancing their capacity and expanding their services to better support small businesses and entrepreneurs.
This resource center will focus on three key areas:
-
Enhancing Technical Capabilities – Supporting the development of new and existing technical skills within BCOs.
-
Expanding Training & Mentorship – Strengthening training and mentorship programs for entrepreneurs and business owners.
-
Providing Financial Assistance – Offering additional financial support to participants who successfully complete their training.
To ensure the program effectively addresses the needs of BCOs, the solicitation process will begin with a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights on current challenges and priorities. The findings from the RFI will help shape the program's design. A more formal Request for Proposal (RFP) will follow, inviting BCOs to participate in the initiative.
We encourage you to contribute to this effort by completing the attached RFI. Please follow the provided instructions and adhere to the submission timeline. Your input is essential in shaping a program that truly meets the needs of our business community. Responses are due back April 29th.
Requesting Feedback on All-Abilities 2050 Transportation Plan
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.
Seeking Volunteers for Ramsey County Advisory Boards and Committees
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!
|
