 Dear Neighbors,
I’m proud to share that the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners recently approved $18.4 million in new affordable housing investments, supporting 29 projects that will create, preserve or subsidize more than 1,400 homes across our county. This includes 200 deeply affordable units reserved for households earning less than 30% of the area median income.
These vital resources include:
- $11.9 million from Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA),
- $5.7 million from the Housing and Redevelopment Authority levy, and
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$739,000 from State Affordable Housing Aid (SAHA).
These local investments are especially critical in the face of impending federal funding cuts to housing, Medicaid, and SNAP programs. Proposed reductions at the national level threaten the stability of low-income households who rely on these supports. Without swift federal support, families risk falling into homelessness or housing crisis.
As your commissioner and HRA Chair, I remain focused on ensuring all residents have access to safe, decent, and affordable homes. By allocating these county and state dollars now, we are working to fill the gap that will be created by uncertain federal budgets. In District 6, where rates of housing instability remain high, these projects are anchors for community strength and pathways to opportunity.
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!
 Ramsey County is investing $18.4 million to support 29 affordable housing projects through its 2025 Housing Development Solicitation. The funding, approved unanimously by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board, will help create, preserve and subsidize more than 1,400 housing units.
“Housing is about more than buildings, it’s about giving families a strong, stable foundation,” said Commissioner and HRA Chair Mai Chong Xiong.
Read the full press release here.
Applications close on Thursday, July 31, 2025, so act now to secure your spot in this transformative opportunity. The EDD Program offers free technical assistance, including in‑person cohort learning, mentorship, and networking, all aimed at helping emerging developers from diverse backgrounds break into affordable housing development in Ramsey County
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 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.
Work anticipated week of July 21
- Utility crews will finish storm sewer installation on Howard Street between Ivy Avenue and Montana Avenue.
- Roadway crews will finish prepping the roadway base on Howard Street between Ivy Avenue and Montana Avenue and begin curb and gutter placement on Howard Street, Montana Avenue, and Larpenteur Avenue.
- Utility crews will continue sanitary sewer and watermain 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
Saint Paul PHA Waitlists Now Open
The St. Paul Public Housing Agency (St. Paul PHA) is now accepting online applications for Multifamily Housing apartments with 0-5 bedrooms and for scattered site homes and duplexes with 5-bedrooms beginning on July 21, 2025 and continuing until further notice.
The Public Housing Program provides homes with reduced rent (based on income) to households with low incomes.
Learn more here.
Metro Transit ABRT Pop-Ups
Metro Transit is selecting the next planned arterial bus rapid transit lines. Project staff will be hosting a pop-up Open House in District 6 to speak with transit customers and the broader community to answer project questions and gather comments.
Sun Ray Transit Station (463 Pedersen St., St. Paul) July 30, 2 - 4 p.m.
911 Community Voices Advisory Board
Share Your Voice. Inspire a Mural!
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. |
