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I am filled with a renewed sense of hope and energy. The blossoms of spring remind us of the possibilities for growth and transformation—in our communities, our families, and ourselves. This season encourages us to step outside, reconnect with one another, and continue building the kind of community where everyone feels valued, seen, and supported.
Thank you for staying engaged, for your resilience, and for the many ways you contribute to the strength of our district. Together, we are growing stronger, staying connected and committed to the wellbeing of District 4.
May is a time of blossoming—when the days grow warmer, the trees greener, and our spirits lift with the energy of spring. It’s a season that reminds us of the power of renewal and the importance of staying rooted in community as we continue to grow together.
Wishing you peace, progress, and connection throughout this beautiful month.
~Rena
County Board Workshops
Most weeks, our County Board meets to discuss specific policy issues and receive updates from County Departments and Service Teams in our Board Workshops.
Workshops and discussions are held on Tuesdays and are open to the public. These take place at the Saint Paul City Hall and Ramsey County Courthouse in Suite 220 (2nd floor). You can find the schedule for all upcoming board meetings, workshops, and discussions sessions below.
Look up all workshops and place here:
You can access video recordings of the meetings as well as the materials shared by clicking here.
You can watch upcoming workshops live by clicking here.
 I appreciated the intimate discussion with the Intertribal Youth Action Council (Ain Dah Yung) to discuss how their lived experienced as young people can benefit our community. I was inspired and I shared my vision with the group in these concerning times.
I encouraged them to always make their voices heard and be the change that provides hope for the generations to come.
 As Commissioner, I represent neighborhoods in the City of St Paul. I had the pleasure of attending Mayor Carter’s State of Our City Address, where he shared a powerful vision for the future of Saint Paul. His remarks highlighted the progress we’ve made together and the important work still ahead to ensure our city is safe, inclusive, and thriving for all. It was inspiring to hear about investments in youth, housing, and public safety—issues that deeply impact our community. I look forward to continuing our partnership with the Mayor and City leadership as we work to build a stronger Saint Paul for everyone.
Also, I toured the new North End Community Center, and I was incredibly impressed. The space is vibrant, welcoming, and clearly designed to meet the needs of a wide range of community members. From the steady flow of visitors to the variety of amenities, it’s clear this center will be a vital hub for connection and activity in the neighborhood.
The North End Community Center offers educational programs, after school activities, family events, gym activities, youth and adult athletics, field rentals, rental space for parties, meetings, and events, and so much more.
 I was honored to be one of the speakers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Walker West Academy, a true milestone that marks a new era of growth and opportunity. I’ve long been a supporter of Walker West because of its deep commitment to nurturing talent, culture, and community. I felt proud standing alongside leaders, students, and families who understand the power of music and education. I shared in the joy and excitement as we opened doors to a space that will uplift and inspire generations to come. I believe this new chapter will only strengthen Walker West’s legacy in our community. I look forward to continuing to champion their work and the lives they touch every day.
Executive Director, Braxton Huxley’s leadership at Walker West has been nothing short of transformative. His vision and commitment have elevated Walker West’s presence in the community and strengthened its connections with key legislators. By building strong relationships and expanding programs, he has played a vital role in the rapid growth of Walker West Academy. His efforts continue to make Walker West a cornerstone for music, culture, and youth development in our community.
Walker West Music Academy was founded by the Reverend Carl Walker and Grant West.
 A longtime neighborhood staple, Golden Time is back — and it’s bringing a fresh new energy to Selby Avenue. With the grand reopening of its restaurant and bar, alongside the brand-new Golden Time Café offering coffee and light bites, the space is reimagining what it means to gather, connect, and enjoy community.
Golden Time helped pave the way for Selby’s vibrant culture and reputation, and this next chapter honors that legacy with an upscale yet welcoming approach. Whether you’re stopping by for a morning cup of coffee or an evening meal, Golden Time is ready to serve — and celebrate — the neighborhood it has long called home.
Check out the new sign, swing by during the posted hours, and support this exciting new chapter in local Black business excellence.
“Come see what’s new at Golden Time!”
Golden Thyme Coffee & Cafe
Address: 856 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55104
Hours:
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Wednesday
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6:30 AM–4 PM
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Thursday
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6:30 AM–4 PM
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Friday
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6:30 AM–4 PM
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Saturday
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6:30 AM–4 PM
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Sunday
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6:30 AM–4 PM
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Monday
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6:30 AM–4 PM
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Tuesday
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6:30 AM–4 PM
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Golden Thyme Restaurant & Bar
Address: 934 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55104
Hours:
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Wednesday
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11 AM–9 PM
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Thursday
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11 AM–9 PM
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Friday
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11 AM–9 PM
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Saturday
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11 AM–9 PM
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Sunday
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11 AM–9 PM
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Monday
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11 AM–9 PM
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Tuesday
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11 AM–9 PM
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MMCD Commissioner News Bite – April/May 2025
MMCD Expands Drone Program to All Seven Counties
Spring is here and the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District is out in neighborhoods and parks on a mission to protect residents from mosquitoes and make the outdoors better. MMCD’s control program focuses on mosquitoes in their larval stage in stagnant water with materials applied via the ground, helicopter, or backpack. In 2025 MMCD will be using drones to control mosquitoes in all seven metro counties.
Check out KARE 11’s Story on How Drones will Control Mosquitoes This Year
Spring Mosquito Forecast and Midsummer Surge Expected
Crews are already hard at work targeting spring mosquito species that are in the water and getting ready to emerge. The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District is projecting that spring of 2025 might have a slower start than previous years because of less rain and snowmelt than 2023 and 2024. However, the model that projects cattail mosquitoes, a unique species that overwinters as larvae in the water and emerges around the 4th of July, will be more abundant than any of the past 4 years.
Read MMCD’s Spring Mosquito Update and Forecast for 2025
Entomologist Diann Crane Retires after 40 Years with MMCD
District Entomologist Diann Crane will be retiring from the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District after 40 years of service. At the April meeting, County Commissioners that serve on the Board for MMCD issued a proclamation to recognize Diann for her dedicated service and wish her the best in retirement.
Learn more about Diann and see pictures at the MMCD Facebook page
 Entomologist Diann Crane
 County Manager Ling Becker
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County Manager Ling Becker was selected as the recipient of the 2025 Saint Paul College Community Partner of the Year Award.
This recognition acknowledges her exemplary service and commitment to Saint Paul College. As a distinguished member of the President's Advisory Council, she consistently exemplified her dedication to the college's mission and its influence within the community. Her leadership and dedication to connecting education with meaningful employment opportunities makes her an exceptional recipient for this honor.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Ling. It was a pleasure to celebrate your contributions!
County Manager Ling Becker….
“I am humbled to receive this honor from Saint Paul College!
For many years, I have worked to ensure that the county has engaged and supported our residents by a deep commitment to this higher education institution. Saint Paul College is the most racially diverse institution within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and offers so many degrees in family sustaining wages in key employment sectors. This recognition is for Ramsey County because of our organization’s dedication to investing in our residents.”
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Ramsey County Housing Stability, Lead Agency for Heading Home Ramsey’s Collaborative, is hiring for a Continuum of Care (CoC) Coordinator (Planning Specialist)! In this role, the CoC Coordinator will be the special projects and data visualization lead in support for the Heading Home Ramsey Continuum of Care (CoC). The Planning Specialist primarily supports day to day coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating activities related to the HUD required CoC Heading Home Ramsey (HHR). The primary goal of the CoC is to coordinate and facilitate access to services and benefits as individuals and families move through the shelter process to permanent housing and self-sufficiency. The work includes meeting facilitation, stakeholder engagement and communication, asset mapping, strategic prioritization, legislative leadership, and grant and contracts management and compliance oversight.
The CoC Coordinator position has been posted and is set to close on 5/28/2025. The job post can be accessed here.
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  Join a Learn and Earn program
Many of Ramsey County’s Learn & Earn partners are beginning recruitment for their spring 2025 cohorts:
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Merrick Community Services Food Entrepreneur Program: Learn how to start and grow your own food business.
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Center for Energy & Environment Construction Program: Gain hands-on training in construction and energy efficiency.
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MN Training Partnership Clinical Assistant Program: Prepare for a career in healthcare as a certified Clinical Assistant.
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Twin Cities Rise - Diesel Technician Training: Train for a high-demand career in diesel mechanics.
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Youth Lens 360: Develop creative and entrepreneurial skills in multimedia production.
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Tree Trust Branches Program: Explore careers in environmental restoration and green industries.
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Goodwill Easter Seals Green Construction: Build skills in sustainable construction practices.
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Bridgemakers: A youth-led program focused on leadership development and social impact.
Learn & Earn programs are for residents ages 18-30 years old. Please visit the website to learn more about these different programs and email Learn&Earn@ramseycounty.us with questions!
Advisory Board Vacancies/Openings
We have opened Advisory Board and Committee applications and will start recruiting for applicants. This communication is to notify you that we are recruiting for the following advisory boards:
Community Health Services Advisory Board – 13 vacancies
Parks and Recreation Commission – 5 vacancies
Personnel Review Board – 1 vacancy
Ramsey County Charter Commission – 1 vacancy for reach of the following districts: District 2, District 4, District 6, and District 7.
Current advisory board members who are eligible to reapply have been notified.
We encourage you to join us in recruiting to fill the vacancies listed above. Use the following link: https://ramseycountymn.granicus.com/boards/w/abdc5506d23de199 to redirect candidates to the Advisory Board page.
- Candidates click on “Apply” at the top right to access applications for the available vacancies.
- Paper applications are available upon request.
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Minnesota HIV cases are on the rise. PrEP can help reduce the risk of HIV. Many appointments available. Call Clinic 555 to learn more today: ramseycounty.us/PrEP |
 Build Your Own Future provides construction related employment and training information to job seekers, workforce professionals and construction employers in the metro area. The resources found there assist the construction industry by increasing the diversity of the workforce through its community, business and government networks.
Learn more about Build Your Own Future.
 Saint Paul Children’s Collaborative Request for Proposals: 2026-2027 Grant Period
In 2012, the Saint Paul Children’s Collaborative launched a citywide Youth Outcomes Plan. Our vision for this work is to ensure that Saint Paul is a place where all young people learn, grow and thrive. To measure citywide progress toward this vision, we are tracking progress on these eight goals:
- Young people are connected to one or more caring adult
- Young people ready for kindergarten
- Young people reading by third grade
- Young people have health care coverage
- Young people are safe and free from abuse and neglect
- Young people graduate from high school
- Young people are socially competent (new)
- Young people have a positive identity (new)
On June 11, we are hosting a Community of Care meeting to share some highlights of our Youth Outcomes Plan data and information on our new Request for Proposals for two-year grants to help accelerate progress toward our Youth Outcomes Plan goals.
It is NOT required that you attend this event in order to submit a proposal, but we do ask applicants to use the Youth Outcomes Plan data to put their proposed projects in context of how they'll support children and youth in Saint Paul. Note that the SPCC board seeks to fund community organizations working directly on and measuring progress toward at least one of the Youth Outcomes Plan goals (not including Connection to Caring Adults, which we expect from all grantees). We are looking for programs with data showing their impact on that goal(s).
The Youth Outcomes Plan data update may be found here, and the RFP is posted on our website here. And whether you attend or not, if you plan to apply, you must email spcc@advance-consulting.com by June 27, 2025 at 5pm to notify the Saint Paul Children’s Collaborative that your organization intends to apply for funding, and include the information requested (shown in the RFP). Proposals are due no later than July 11th, 2025 at 5pm.
The information session will be held:
June 11, 2025
9:00 - 10:00 am via zoom
To register, please click here.
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The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is launching a new round of the Dual Training Grant and Legal Cannabis Dual Training Grant. Grant writing workshops are scheduled to help prepare employers and organizations of employers to apply for the Dual Training Grant. Workshop registration information is below.
Dual Training Grant recipients can use the funds to help cover costs related to instruction toward attaining an industry-recognized degree, certificate or credential for their employees through a dual-training program.
Learn more about this grant opportunity.
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 Ramsey County Plant Sale
The Ramsey County Gardener Plant Sale is happening at Aldrich Arena. Ramsey County Gardeners host a plant sale featuring a diverse selection of plants, with proceeds supporting community service projects that promote locally grown food and eco-friendly gardening. Learn more: https://www.ramseymastergardeners.org/plantsale
 Ramsey County
Developers, nonprofits and housing partners are invited to submit proposals for the 2025 Affordable Housing Solicitation. Projects that create or preserve deeply affordable and supportive housing are eligible. The annual solicitation brings together local, state and federal resources to support housing stability across our community. Proposals are due by May 29.
Learn more about the solicitation at ramseycounty.us/HousingInvestments.
 Ramsey County
The Critical Corridors Program awarded over $1.7 million to nine projects that support planning, development and infrastructure along key economic and cultural corridors. Explore the Community & Economic Development 2024 Annual Report to understand how investing in community projects benefits us all: https://opendata.ramseycounty.us/stories/s/h5b6-2xnu
 Ramsey County
Sprucing up your lawn and garden? Follow these simple tips for bringing your plant waste to our collection sites. Learn more and find a yard waste collection site near you at RamseyRecycles.com/YardWaste.
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