 Dear Neighbors,
Governor Tim Walz has officially signed into law the legislation authorizing Ramsey County to establish an Economic Development Authority (EDA). This marks a transformative step forward in our ability to align housing and economic opportunity through one coordinated, community-centered approach.
Before this law, Ramsey County’s Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) was limited to fund only housing-related projects. While that was an important foundation, it was not yet expansive enough to support the small businesses, job creation, and economic infrastructure that would holistically make housing accessible.
This legislation allows Ramsey County to use the HRA levy more flexibly by expanding what it can fund without adding another tax. That means deeper investments in small business support, commercial corridors, workforce infrastructure, and the stability of the neighborhoods we serve. Notably, the passage of the EDA comes at a critical time as counties brace for significant cuts to federal funding to housing, creating high-stakes urgency to stretch every local dollar further and smarter.
I want to thank our legislative champions—Senator Tou Xiong, Representatives Klevorn, Nash, Hawj, and Lee—for their leadership in passing the EDA bill. I'm also grateful to the cities that issued formal support and to the many community organizations whose advocacy grounded this effort in real needs. Finally, thank you to our Ramsey County Community & Economic Development Director Josh Olson and Government Relations Director Jennifer O'Rourke for their behind-the-scenes work to bring this vision to life.
In solidarity,
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.
There will be no office hours on July 3 and 4.
Sign-up here!
 During this year’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I was proud to co-present alongside Commissioner Moran a proclamation honoring AAPI contributions. The Board was proud to recognize the contributions of Ramsey County's very own medical director, Dr. Lynne Ogawa, MD.
As Ramsey County’s first Asian American County Commissioner and a proud first-generation Hmong American, I reminded our County that this month is more than a celebration. It’s a call to recognize the diverse stories, struggles, and contributions within our communities.
I emphasized the importance of disaggregated data to ensure Southeast Asian communities are no longer rendered invisible in education, health, and economic opportunity. From historical exclusion to modern challenges, the resilience of Asian Americans continues to drive so many to lead, build, and thrive.
We are not invisible. We are invaluable.
The Ramsey County Board and Regional Railroad Authority (RRA) have approved the Transit and Transportation Investment Plan, reallocating the $730 million previously reserved for the Riverview Corridor Project.
As Vice Chair of the RRA, I support this action because it strategically invests in the infrastructure we need to deliver on future transit and regional mobility. This includes improved connectivity, corridor reconstructions, mobility hubs, trail and rail improvements, and roadways to support high-frequency transit across the county.
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the revisions to the list of projects eligible for the Ramsey County Transportation Sales and Use Tax funds.
To provide a safe and efficient multi-modal transportation system, the Ramsey County board of commissioners approved the imposition of a one-half percent sales tax and $20 excise tax on new vehicles (Sales and Use Tax) consistent with the requirements of Minnesota Statute 297A.993 by Resolution B2017-143 on June 13, 2017. The projects identified in resolution B2017-143 have either been completed, are still in development or are no longer being pursued.
New projects may be added to utilize the Sales and Use Tax if they are designated by the county board following a public hearing. Holding the public hearing will allow the county board to revise the list of projects eligible for Sales and Use Tax funding by removing those that have been completed or are no longer being pursued as well as by adding in new projects.
Join the public hearing in person on June 3, 2025 at 9AM at Saint Paul City Hall in Council Chambers.
Learn more here.
The Saint Paul Children's Collaborative plans to award approximately $2 million to community organizations targeting services to young people experiencing gaps in opportunities and outcomes included in our Youth Outcomes Plan.
The average grant amount in previous years was approximately $115,000 total over a two-year grant period, but SPCC does not have a minimum or maximum grant amount. Grant funds may only be used to support direct services to young people and families living in Saint Paul.
Deadline is 5:00 p.m. CST on Friday, July 11, 2025.
Our Work: Grant-Making - Saint Paul Children's Collaborative
 Bring your friends and family to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month with Ramsey County and partner organizations.
This free event will have something for everyone.
- Food trucks (One free meal ticket for the first 120 people who RSVP).
- Raffles.
- Trivia.
- Bingo, art, an obstacle course.
- Prizes and gift cards.
- Discussions on mental health.
RSVP if you are planning to attend. The first 120 people who RSVP will receive meal tickets that can be used at the food trucks onsite.
Soil Testing & Healthy Homes Expo
Save the date! Join us on July 15 at the East Side YMCA for the Soil Testing & Healthy Homes Expo! In partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), we are organizing a Soil Screening, Health, Outreach, and Partnership (SoilSHOP) event this summer. Residents will be able to bring soil from their gardens or yards to be tested for lead, free of charge. Stay tuned for more details.
Accessing Arcade Street during Construction
Yes, Arcade Street is currently under construction, but businesses remain open and accessible!
We recognize that road work can make travel more difficult, and we appreciate your patience and continued support. Local businesses and services are still here for you, and your efforts to visit and support them during this time mean a great deal.
Here’s how you can stay connected and plan your visit:
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Call the location for assistance or personalized directions
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Check current road closures at 511mn.org
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Sign up for project updates at MnDOT’s webpage: mndot.gov/metro/projects/e7th-arcade
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Use nearby side streets for parking and access in closure areas
Thank you for showing up for our local businesses and neighbors. Your commitment helps keep our community strong through every phase of improvement.
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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