In this Issue:
- Proclamations
- Volunteer County Advisory Board Openings
- Federal Response Update
- Emerging Diverse Developers Program
- More June Events!
- Nature Photo Contest in July
Juneteenth Day declared by Board of Commissioners
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners declares June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth Day in Ramsey County.
On January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation declared freedom for enslaved people in Confederate states, yet many remained in bondage until June 19, 1865. On this day, the last enslaved people in Texas were finally freed, marking the day we now recognize as Juneteenth.
Juneteenth celebrates the resilience, hope and enduring struggle for freedom of African Americans and serves as a powerful reminder of the legacy of slavery and the continuing pursuit of racial justice. The continued celebration of Juneteenth reminds us not only of the power of liberation, but of the responsibility to remember our history, honor those who came before us and ensure such injustices are never repeated.
Commissioner Jebens-Singh read the proclamation with Commissioner Rena Moran, Black Excellence Employee Resource Group sponsors William Moore and Karen Francois and colleagues offering remarks.
 |
On Tuesday, June 10, the board of commissioners declared June 2025 as Pride Month in Ramsey County and encourages everyone to celebrate Pride Month with their loved ones and with all communities in Ramsey County.
Resources to expand your learning and celebrate Pride all year
Explore and enjoy curated lists from our friends at the Ramsey County Library and MELSA, perfect for building allyship and community connection:
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.
We have opened Advisory Board and Committee applications and will start recruiting for applicants.
Capital Improvement Program Advisory Committee (CIPAC)
The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a six-year plan for facility, equipment and infrastructure needs. The capital budget consists of those projects funded in the first two years of the CIP. An advisory committee consisting of up to 14 citizens appointed by the county board and staff reviews requests and makes CIP recommendations to the board.
For questions regarding CIPAC, please contact Bianca Fucini.
Capitol Region Watershed District
- 2 vacancies
- Only residents of Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Maplewood, Roseville and Saint Paul are eligible to apply.
The district is led by a five-person Board of Managers that guides CRWD implementation of the goals and objectives set forth in its Watershed Management Plan. Board managers generally manage water and related resources in the Watershed District, which includes portions of Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Maplewood, Roseville and Saint Paul. Board managers are residents of the watershed district and serve a three-year term.
For questions regarding the Capitol Region Watershed District, please contact Anna Eleria.
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 the Parks and Recreation Commission, please contact Angela Marlette.
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!
 Federal Response Update
Ramsey County continues to prepare for the potential impacts of federal budget cuts, grant cancellations, and policy shifts.
Federal Budget Reconciliation Bill
On May 22, the US House passed a budget reconciliation bill (HR 1) that includes provisions to limit access to Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), both critical social safety net programs on which many Ramsey County residents depend. The bill imposes work requirements and new out-of-pocket costs for certain Medicaid enrollees, expands work requirements for certain SNAP enrollees, and increases state and county administrative cost shares. HR 1 now goes to the Senate, which will work through June to pass the bill according to its own reconciliation process by July 4. If they make changes to the bill, the bill must go back to the House for another vote.
In Minnesota, counties determine eligibility for SNAP and Medicaid. All increased eligibility requirements and verifications will fall administratively to counties. The state technology systems we are required to use to determine eligibility are antiquated. Because it is nearly impossible to update these systems to manage new eligibility requirements, we expect a significant increase in workloads, costing counties millions of dollars.
Ramsey County will not be able to absorb the combined costs of federal program cuts and heavy administrative mandates. These reductions would likely mean longer wait times for critical services and benefits, reduced or triaged services, and higher property taxes.
Click here for more information
 The Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) has officially kicked off the county's 2025 Emerging and Diverse Developers program.
As we brace for anticipated federal cuts to housing programs and other social safety nets that will impact housing, local housing investments matter more than ever. We need developers who reflect our communities to keep fixing and building so our families can access stable, affordable homes.
Through free, hands-on training and one-on-one support, the EDD program equips emerging developers with the tools to lead housing projects right here in Ramsey County. In 2023 alone, EDD developers (pictured above) created 228 affordable units and preserved 53 existing affordable units!
Eligible EDD participants are individuals who have owned or developed less than 25 units of housing or 15,000 square feet of commercial space.
Join the next info session to learn more details about the program and how to apply to the upcoming educational cohort.
Tuesday, June 24 from 5PM to 6:30PM
Maplewood Community Library
3025 Southlawn Dr., Maplewood, MN 55109
The application for the educational cohort will open on June 26 and close on July 27, 2025.
 This week (June 15-21) is National Mosquito Control Awareness Week and we've got a great way for you to celebrate...remove some mosquito habitat!
Mosquito larvae require stagnant water in order to survive, and many species find a welcome home in human-made habitats. Places like clogged gutters, piles of tires, or neglected bird baths can become mosquito habitat before you know it.
We've created a list of 10 sources of mosquito breeding sources in your yard with tips on how to eliminate all of them. Check it out at the link below!
10 Mosquito Breeding Sources in Your Yard and How to Remove Them
In addition to tips on reducing mosquito bites, we will also be posting highlights from the various roles at MMCD throughout the week. On Monday we introduced Lianna Linn in our entomology lab and later this week we will have interviews with staff on our catch basin crew and field staff. Check it out on the MMCD website
 CLICK on any of the events below for more information.
Juneteenth, honored on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States learned of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. In Ramsey County and across Minnesota, it is a time to honor Black history, culture, and contributions to our communities.
Learn about many Juneteenth events in the metro area.
Including the following:
|
|
Juneteenth Family Celebration and Career Fair in Saint Paul
June 21, 12-6 p.m. Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
|
|
 |
In 2021, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners declared Juneteenth a holiday. The ANIKA Foundation partnered with Ramsey County to produce an annual Juneteenth Celebration to commemorate this historic event.
The Juneteenth Family Celebration is a community event that honors the culture, journey and contributions of People of African Descent in Minnesota. Come celebrate the Ancestors, the food, the music, and the legacy.
Thursdays, June 19 – July 31, 2025
6:00 – 9:00 pm
— RAIN OR SHINE —
Downtown White Bear Lake
JUNE 19 – Manitou Days, kick off Marketfest with Manitou Days. Learn more about all the events that are part of the Manitou Days celebration!
JUNE 26 – White Bear Lake History Night, sponsored by White Bear Lake Area Historical Society
Celebrate local history with the White Bear Historical Society, as they take over 4th Street to host a Walk Down Memory Lane.
 Minnesota Skills-Based Hiring Accelerator Workshop
Regional Planning Grant funds for 2025 have been dedicated to the continuation of the Accelerator program.
The Accelerator program supports employers in Minnesota who want to adopt skills-based practices to attract, hire, retain, and promote quality talent.
The Accelerator program helps employers':
-
Find qualified candidates to fill job openings
-
Assess candidates' skills and knowledge to hire quality employees
-
Provide employee development to improve employee retention
Upcoming sessions:
- June 24, 9am-1pm, at Blaine Human Services Center
- August 28, 9am-1pm, at MME Group in Vadnais Heights
MORE INFORMATION ON THE ACCELERATOR
 |
|
If you know of events happening in Maplewood, North Saint Paul or White Bear Lake, please let us help you share the information! Send details and any graphics to Kathleen HERE.
|
|
