 Dear Neighbors,
This week at the County Board, we received a sobering update: Ramsey County is facing unprecedented federal disruptions that threaten more than $146 million in critical services that could impact housing, workforce development, public health, and more. From reduced federal staffing to data loss and the ripple effects of community trauma, the challenges we are experiencing are real and immediate.
In response, we have launched a Federal Response Action Team to ensure proactive coordination, clear communication, and swift action. Our top priority remains protecting our residents, supporting our staff, and leading with the values that define Ramsey County.
At the board meeting, I emphasized what I know many of you are feeling: real and rightful concern about how these disruptions could affect our county’s budget and, ultimately, your property taxes. I am committed to working closely with our staff and departments to find thoughtful, balanced solutions — solutions that protect essential services without placing additional strain on our residents. Watch the April 22, 2025 meeting here.
I will be honest with you. The outlook is grim. Now, more than ever, your voices are urgently needed at the state and federal level. We must make it clear that when federal funding is cut, it is local communities meaning local taxpayers, who bear the burden. Please reach out to your state and federal representatives and share your story. Let them know how important stable funding is for our neighborhoods, our families, and our future.
As always, thank you for your engagement, your advocacy, and your commitment to our community.
In solidarity,
Mai Chong Xiong
 I’m honored to share that I have been elected Chair of the Gold Line Joint Powers Board. Alongside Vice Chair Washington County Commissioner Michelle Clasen, and the full Board, we are committed to moving the METRO Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project forward, ensuring it continues to reflect the needs, priorities, and voices of our local communities.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our previous leaders, Commissioner Stan Karwoski and Commissioner Rafael Ortega, for their dedicated service and steady leadership in guiding this project to where it is today.
As a Ramsey County Commissioner, I deeply understand the importance of collaboration in building equitable and accessible transit solutions. I’m proud to join the growing number of women in leadership, championing infrastructure that connects and uplifts all of our communities.
 This week, CED Director Josh Olson and I had the opportunity to present Ramsey County HRA’s proposal to establish an Economic Development Authority (EDA) to the Saint Paul HRA. Our proposed legislation would not raise the HRA levy; instead, it would expand its flexibility, allowing Ramsey County and participating cities to invest in a broader range of economic development projects and programs.
I want to sincerely thank the Saint Paul HRA for their time, thoughtful questions, and strong engagement. Their partnership and insights are invaluable. Together, we recognize that housing does not exist in isolation. It is part of a broader ecosystem that requires us to also invest in job creation, small business growth, and the economic vitality that supports stable, thriving neighborhoods.
As Chair of the Ramsey County HRA, I remain committed to a more flexible, forward-looking approach that empowers our cities with the tools they need to meet their residents' evolving needs.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued a final notice to Northern Iron to send all required information by May 8 in order to evaluate compliance and to write a permit. If Nothern Iron fails to provide all necessary information by the deadline, the MPCA will begin the process to revoke the permit issued to the foundry.
Find out the latest updates here.
We are excited to announce that the 2025 Housing Development Solicitation is now OPEN!
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. Applications are due May 29. Learn more at www.ramseycounty.us/housinginvestments.
Please email askCED@co.ramsey.mn.us with any questions!
Ramsey County’s Community & Economic Development (CED) team has released its annual report, highlighting the impact of its work over the past year, and the ways it helped residents and communities grow stronger.
From small business support to housing development to homeownershiip, the CED team’s efforts are rooted in community and equity. This year, hundreds of residents benefited from programs that helped launch or expand businesses and access stable and housing.
In partnership with local organizations and developers, the department helped transform vacant properties, brought new investment to neighborhoods and worked to ensure that the voices of residents shaped the future of their communities.
Whether supporting entrepreneurship in historically underserved areas or helping families find a place to call home, the CED team is committed to making Ramsey County a place where all residents can thrive.
Read the full 2024 Community & Economic Development Annual Report to learn more about the work and what’s ahead.
Funding Alert: Up to $34K Available! Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health is offering grants up to $34,000 for local organizations through the Trusted Messenger Initiative.
Trusted Messengers are local organizations who partner with public health to give residents better access to accurate, culturally specific, and linguistically appropriate public health information and healthcare services that align with the community’s needs.
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:
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Enhancing Technical Capabilities – Supporting the development of new and existing technical skills within BCOs.
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Expanding Training & Mentorship – Strengthening training and mentorship programs for entrepreneurs and business owners.
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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!
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