 Dear Neighbors,
Although it has been a rainy week here on the East Side, at Arlington Hills Library, our Youth Justice Transformation Committee met with community members to review progress and data on our standard risk assessment initiative outcomes. Additionally, this week, the Ramsey County Board took important steps to advance youth justice.
On Tuesday, we approved two grant agreements that bring in a combined $750,000 to support young people and families navigating the justice and child protection systems. With funding from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the Office of Justice Programs, we’re investing in two critical initiatives: the Crossover/Dual Status Youth program and the Restorative Practices Initiatives.
Together, these grants will allow the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office to:
-
Hire a full-time Youth Navigator to support families and reduce unnecessary time youth spend in detention.
-
Provide community-based services for youth who are both justice- and child welfare-involved.
-
Fund restorative practices training and development for all Reimagining Justice for Youth (RJY) partners by bringing together restorative practitioners, community-based providers, and system leaders to build shared understanding and strengthen collaboration.
-
Create a dedicated Restorative Lead Attorney to ensure that legal processes reflect our values of repair, not punishment.
This work is especially important for District 6. Our latest data shows that the county's highest number of justice-impacted youth live in ZIP code 55106, located right here on the East Side. To me, this is not just a statistic. It’s a serious call to action. We need to do more for our youth and families.
I want to extend my deepest thanks to the many partners who make this work possible, from restorative justice practitioners and community-based providers to our colleagues in public defense, child protection, and the courts. Your leadership and partnership are helping to reimagine justice not just for our youth, but for our entire community.
Sincerely,
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!
 Thanks to legislation championed by Chair Scott Dibble, Senator Foung Hawj, and Representative Liz Lee, and joined by Senator Clare Oumou Verbeten, $250,000 in state funding has been secured to support small businesses impacted by the two-year reconstruction project on Arcade Street. Grants of up to $5,000 will be distributed by the East Side Neighborhood Development Company to help local businesses stay afloat during construction disruptions.
We’re grateful to our legislators and East Side leaders, many of whom have fought long and hard for business mitigation along Arcade Street, for ensuring East Side entrepreneurs receive the support they need during construction.
In addition to this relief effort, I’m proud to serve on the Steering Committee for the East Side Small Business Technical Assistance & Loan Hub Fund Project. This collaborative initiative brings together local leaders and organizations to design bold, practical solutions that strengthen our small business ecosystem. Through this work, we’re shaping how East Side entrepreneurs are supported in both times of uncertainty and for long-term sustainability.
To see if your business is eligible, fill out an interest form here.
See the latest update on The Heights development:
Public Infrastructure Work Anticipated Week of June 30
- Utility crews will continue storm sewer installation on Howard Street between Ivy Avenue and Montana Avenue.
- Roadway crews will continue prepping the roadway base on Howard Street between Ivy Avenue and Montana Avenue, and Montana Avenue from McKnight Road to Howard Street.
- Utility crews will continue sanitary sewer work on Howard Street from Larpenteur to Montana Avenue, and on Winthrop Avenue from Ivy Avenue to Cottage Avenue
Construction Updates at The Height - Saint Paul Port Authority
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
The Open Road Fund was created to serve Black descendants of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, especially formerly incarcerated folks, single parents, senior citizens, those living with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ folks.
Through 2031, Nexus will award $50,000 gifts that can be used for wealth projects, including housing, education, financial well-being, healing, and economic justice. We want to be clear—these gifts are not reparations but an opportunity to redistribute resources to our communities to build Black wealth.
There are no income caps or minimums, folks can apply individually or in partnership with other members of the community, and applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply:
- Ages 14 and up
- A resident of Minnesota, North Dakota, or South Dakota
- A descendant of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, including the Caribbean, North, Central, and South America.
2025 applications are open Juneteenth through July 21 at 11:59 pm CT.
Open Road Fund - Nexus Community Partners
Hmong International Freedom Festival 2025
Soil Testing & Healthy Homes Expo
 When: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 from 3–7 p.m.
Where: Eastside YMCA, 875 Arcade Street, Saint Paul
What to expect: Bring a soil sample from your yard and get it tested free for lead. Learn about your results, understand lead’s health impacts, get guidance on reducing exposure, and explore upcoming workshops on raised bed gardening and urban agriculture resources.
Soil screening event | Ramsey County
2025 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study Public Forum
Over the past year, the State of Minnesota Department of Administration and 15 other state and local government agencies, including Ramsey County, have partnered to examine whether all businesses have a fair opportunity to compete for public contracts in Minnesota. The 2025 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study analyzed participation and treatment of minority- and woman-owned businesses, as well as firms owned by veterans, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ community members. The study also explored broader market conditions and procurement practices across public and private sectors.
Join us for a public forum to learn about the study’s findings and recommendations. And share your feedback on how to advance equity in public contracting. Registration is required.
When: July 1, 2025 from 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom
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:
-
Call the location for assistance or personalized directions
-
Check current road closures at 511mn.org
-
Sign up for project updates at MnDOT’s webpage: mndot.gov/metro/projects/e7th-arcade
-
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. |
