 Image: National Association of Counties (July 15, 2025). [Photograph of NACo Annual Conference attendees in Philadelphia].
Dear Neighbors,
As your Ramsey County Commissioner, I want to keep you informed about recent federal developments that may significantly affect our community and what we are doing to prepare.
On July 4, President Donald Trump signed the Federal Reconciliation Bill, also called the “Big, Beautiful Bill," into law. This sweeping legislation will bring major changes to critical safety net programs like Medicaid, better known as Medical Assistance or MA in Minnesota, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). While these changes will not take effect immediately, they are expected to roll out over the next several years and could alter how benefits are administered and who qualifies.
To be clear:
- These changes are federal decisions that apply statewide. They are not decisions made by Ramsey County.
- No immediate action is required from MA or SNAP recipients.
- Our county staff will continue supporting residents as we learn more about what these changes mean for eligibility and access.
Despite these challenges, Ramsey County’s values remain unchanged. We are committed to serving every resident with dignity and equity. But we know the financial and programmatic impacts of these federal decisions will be felt deeply at the local level, especially in counties like ours that are on the front lines of delivering health and human services.
This week, several Ramsey County Commissioners attended the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in Philadelphia, joining metro-area leaders and national networks to ensure Ramsey County’s voice is heard. Although I was unable to attend due to a loss in my family, I trust that through partnerships with NACo, the Association of Minnesota Counties, and peer counties, we are actively coordinating our response and advocating for solutions.
As the full effects of these federal changes unfold, we will continue to stand with you and fight for the resources and respect our communities deserve. I remain committed to working with our state and federal partners to ensure that Ramsey County can continue to deliver the services you rely on.
I continue to urge you to contact federal lawmakers to share how these changes will impact you, your family, and your community. Whether it's access to food, health care, child care, or other vital services, your stories can shape the policies that affect us all.
Thank you for your trust and partnership.
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.
Sign-up here!
 We had a successful SoilSHOP event in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) at the Eastside YMCA! Community members from Saint Paul’s East Side showed up to have their soil screened for lead right on site and received helpful information about how to reduce exposure, especially in gardens and play areas.
Events like this are critical to advancing environmental health equity in our neighborhoods, where aging infrastructure and historic pollution still pose real and heightened health risks. Thank you to Ramsey County staff, MDH and all our partners for helping ensure every family has access to safe, healthy spaces to live, grow, and thrive.
Now open, the Emerging and Diverse Developers Program is one of my favorite county initiatives because it uplifts local, BIPOC, and emerging developers who have historically been shut out of affordable housing and community development opportunities.
Through technical assistance, mentorship, and a real shot at accessing capital, Ramsey County is helping folks go from dreamers to builders that create real positive change to housing availability and housing infrastructure right here in our own neighborhoods. For example, next week, you'll hear more about developers who received local affordable housing aid funds to build and preserve affordable housing units. I am proud that many of those developers were EDD alumni.
If interested, please apply now: Emerging and Diverse Developers Program | Ramsey County
 Here's the latest update provided by the Saint Paul Port Authority:
- Larpenteur Avenue E closure between Beebe Road and McKnight Road and will continuing through early August, depending on the weather.
- Traffic on Larpenteur Avenue will utilize the signed detour on White Bear Avenue, N St. Paul Road, and McKnight Rd N, outlined in the map above.
Construction Updates at The Height - Saint Paul Port Authority
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
CEO Next Business Institute
Ramsey County invites you to apply for CEO Next, a dynamic peer-learning program designed for business leaders ready to take their companies to the next level. This program brings together CEOs to address the challenges of scaling and provides access to high-quality research and expert support.
Through a partnership with Dakota, Scott and Hennepin counties, CEO Next is available at no cost to individuals leading companies with annual revenues over $1 million and between 10 to 99 employees. Get more details and apply at ramseycounty.us/CEONext.
Ramsey County – Climate Storytelling Project
Climate Change Storytelling – Connecting climate data to Ramsey County residents’ experience
Are you a Ramsey County resident with a climate change related story you’re willing to share? Join Ramsey County’s Climate & Health team in helping to connect personal stories to highlight climate change impacts on health. Participants will video record their stories and share about their individual experiences with climate change impacts and/or climate change action they are taking in their communities. These can relate to extreme heat, extreme cold, flooding, poor air quality, change on ecosystems, climate migration or related stories. These videos will be published along with Ramsey County’s 2025 update to the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment.
Commitment & Compensation:
- Meet at least once with Climate & Health team to flesh out story.
- Attend recording day in the fall.
- At every meeting or for time taken to develop story, participants receive a $25 gift card.
Contact: Nicholai Jost-Epp: Nicholai.jostepp@co.ramsey.mn.us or Uriel Tlatenchi: Uriel.rosalestlatenc@co.ramsey.mn.us / (763) 453-4084
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. |
