 Dear Neighbors,
This week was a powerful reminder of the strength and leadership within our Asian American communities. I had the honor of attending two significant events at the Minnesota State Capitol: the Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) Day at the Capitol and the Hmong American Leadership Council annual conference. Both brought together advocates, elected officials, and community leaders committed to equity and justice.
At the CAAL event, we were joined by Governor Tim Walz, who recognized the contributions of Asian Minnesotans across sectors. At the Hmong American Leadership Council conference, I was proud to stand alongside State Representative Fue Lee and State Representative Liz Lee as we spoke to the challenges and opportunities ahead for our community.
There, I raised a pressing concern that continues to demand our collective attention: the urgency of federal funding disruptions, particularly their impact on public health. As we face potential shortfalls in critical services, it’s essential that our local, state, and federal partners remain aligned and proactive in addressing the needs of our residents.
Ramsey County continues to lead with values, but we cannot do this alone. I’m grateful to the many community leaders and public servants who are joining forces to advocate for the resources our families deserve. Please continue to contact your state and federal lawmakers and share how these funding uncertainties impact your family, your work, and your community.
Sincerely,
Mai Chong Xiong
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We’ve officially launched our monthly in-person and virtual office hours! |
Whether you prefer to connect face-to-face or from the comfort of your home, we’re here to meet you where you are. If our scheduled times don’t work for you, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to find a time that does.
 As I continue my service to District 6, I remain committed to deepening relationships with the organizations, churches, and community members that make our neighborhoods strong. This week, I had the joy of reconnecting with the community at Grace Lutheran Church, where I met with Reverend Karen Williams and the Church Council President to talk about shared hopes and opportunities.
Grace Lutheran, located at 1730 Old Hudson Road along the new Gold Line route, has long been a gathering place for generations of East Siders. Our conversation reflected the deep roots of faith, service, and care that this church extends far beyond its walls, supporting families and creating space for healing, connection, and community resilience. The church also offers its space for public use and welcomes community engagement.
I’m grateful for the steady leadership and compassion of this congregation and look forward to strengthening our partnership as we continue building a more connected, caring, and vibrant East Side.
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!

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.
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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