 Image: Caroline Yang for MPR News, June 18, 2025 – Candlelight vigil at the Minnesota State Capitol honoring former House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman.
Dear Neighbors,
We mourn the tragic loss of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, a visionary leader, fierce advocate, and partner in progress for communities across Minnesota. Her passing is a profound loss for our state, but her legacy endures in the lives she touched and the policies she helped bring to life.
Here in Ramsey County, we feel the deep imprint of her work. Speaker Emerita Hortman championed housing investments that enabled our Housing Redevelopment Authority to preserve and build affordable housing. Under Hortman’s influence as House Speaker, the 2025 and previous biennial state bonding bills allocated hundreds of millions toward affordable housing infrastructure.
Additionally, under her leadership, the State passed critical transportation reforms, such as the creation of the Transportation Sales and Use Tax that empowered counties to invest in infrastructure. Because of that, we’re now able to pursue transformative projects that align with our All-Abilities Transportation Plan by expanding access for transit users, seniors, and people with disabilities, and reconnecting communities divided by past planning decisions.
From housing, transportation, clean energy, criminal justice reform, universal free school meals, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and beyond, her contributions to our state, and thus our counties, is a legacy of action, equity, and progression forward. Ramsey County is stronger because Melissa Hortman believed in the potential of local government, in the power of partnership, and in the promise of equity.
As we grieve the tragic losses of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman, we must also name what should never be normalized: the violent, targeted attack that took their lives. Political violence has no place in our democracy, and it in fact endangers the foundation of civic engagement. We unequivocally condemn it. Our grief must be matched by our resolve to protect public service, uphold civil discourse, and ensure the safety of those who step forward to lead. Through that work, may we carry her legacy forward with courage, compassion, and a deep commitment to the people we serve.
In solidarity,
Mai Chong Xiong
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!
 The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners has declared June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth Day in Ramsey County.
Commissioner Rena Moran (District 4), a descendent of slaves, shed light on the powerful structures of federal and state government, reminding the county that Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after slavery had been abolished under the Emancipation Proclamation.
This was a moment of reflection of where we are as a nation. In 2020, the Board declared racism a public health crisis. I recognize that slavery still exists in other forms through forced labor, human trafficking, mass incarceration, and economic systems that exploit the most vulnerable. And while the federal government often moves slowly, local governments can act now. We have the power and the responsibility to lead, to protect our communities, and to turn the promise of justice into something people can feel in their daily lives.
Thank you to the Black Excellence resource group, elders, and community leaders for joining us to commemorate Juneteenth Day in Ramsey County.
It was an honor to join Local Power: Building Community-Owned Clean Energy convening's Success Stories from Minnesota panel hosted by the Congressional Progressive Caucus, TakeAction Minnesota, and the Building the Future Coalition, generously sponsored by the McKnight Foundation.
Thank you to my fellow panelists Bob Blake, Bobby King, Tom Lucy, Roger Miller, and the moderator Graham Steinberg for the powerful conversations on how we move from theory to practice in utilizing clean energy to serve our communities.
I had the opportunity to share about The Heights Project on Saint Paul’s East Side, where we're building a community geothermal network to support 1,000 units of mixed-income housing, create 1,000 living-wage jobs on 1 million square feet of light industrial space, and deliver 20 acres of green space, all while working toward a net-zero carbon future.
Partnerships between local governments, labor, environmental justice advocates, and frontline communities are key to this work. Let’s keep building a clean energy future where the benefits are shared and the power is local. Thanks for having me!
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.
Emerging and Diverse Developers Program | Ramsey County
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
Community Fun Day!
 Join the Metro State University Library and Learning Center and the Dayton's Bluff branch of the Saint Paul Public Library on Saturday, June 28 at 11AM at Metropolitan State University (645 E 7th St, St. Paul, MN 55106).
Bring the whole family for a free, fun-filled day and enjoy a variety of activities including live performances, a visit from Saint Paul firefighters, face painting, story strolls, lawn games, arts & crafts, snacks, food trucks, and the ever-popular Fun Lab. Don't miss “The Adventures of Katie Tomatie” puppet show at 1:00 PM!
Rain or shine – indoor space available in case of weather.
Learn more here.
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.
We have opened Advisory Board and Committee applications and will start recruiting for applicants.
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Capital Improvement Program Advisory Committee (CIPAC) - 6 vacancies
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Capital Region Watershed District - 2 vacancies
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Corrections Advisory Board - 7 vacancies Parks and
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Recreation Commission - 1 vacancy (rollover from round 1)
For questions about the Ramsey County Charter Commission, please contact Chief Clerk.
Click here to apply today!
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