 Dear Neighbors,
Much like this bee spotted here in Ramsey County, we've been busy at work all summer long. As a parent, the back-to-school items on sale are my first indicator that summer is nearing its end. And as your commissioner, the end of summer means we're nearing budget season!
As the Board prepares to hear budget presentations all throughout September, I want to take a moment right now to update you on the exciting work happening across District 6.
Affordable Housing: We’ve invested millions into building and preserving affordable homes across Ramsey County, and that includes 400 homes right here in District 6. Whether it's supporting first-time homebuyers or funding large-scale developments like The Heights and Hamm’s Brewery, we’re creating stable, long-term housing solutions for East Side families.
Environmental Justice: We recently tested over 100 soil samples on the East Side to identify dangerous lead levels and protect the health of residents. SoilSHOP participants whose soils were above the EPA's safe yard lead level met individually with health educators. We gave them tailored best practices to reduce exposures to harmful soil contaminants and provided further and more detailed consultations. 97% of attendees reported receiving the service and information they needed!
Better Transit and Infrastructure: With the launch of the Gold Line BRT and $730 million invested into roads, pedestrian safety, and public transit, we’re improving how people move throughout our region. The Gold Line, which runs from Downtown Saint Paul to Woodbury, has several stops in District 6, ensuring that our residents have reliable and safe options to get to work, school, and home.
What’s Ahead: The County Manager will present the budget to the Board and public on September 2, 2025, which is also the first day of Saint Paul Public Schools. To accommodate this, the public board meeting will start at 9:30 a.m. County Board budget hearings are scheduled for September 17, 18, 19, and 22, with the first public hearing taking place on September 22. The Board will set the maximum property tax levy on September 23. Learn more here.
I encourage you to send your public comments or reach out to me to share any concerns or questions that you may have about the county budget. As we anticipate federal cuts, I look forward to hearing from you about core county services you value.
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.
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 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 August 4:
- Roadway crews will continue curb and gutter placement on Howard Street, Montana Avenue, and Larpenteur Avenue, and place bituminous pavement.
- Utility crews will continue storm and sanitary sewer work on Winthrop Avenue from Ivy Avenue to Cottage Avenue, and begin sanitary sewer work on Idaho 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.
Pretrial Justice Council Community Meeting
 The Ramsey County Pretrial Justice Council (formerly the Bail Reform Work Group) is a collaborative group that seeks to work with community to improve the county's pretrial system. Join us Aug. 14 for an ice cream social, community conversation and updates on Pre-Trial Justice programs.
911 Community Voices Advisory Board
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.
Applications due August 30, 2025.
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. |
