Dear Neighbors,
We hit the streets for National Night Out and made it to several incredible block parties across the East Side, including stops with the Black Business Network, Greater East Side Community Council, St. Pascal Baylon Catholic Church, and The Sanneh Foundation.
We met parents standing outside bouncy houses, teens playing ball, grandparents holding down the lawn chairs, and even a few block-party chefs grilling up goodness. Big shoutout to Southeast Community Organization's John and Marvalyne, who were barbecuing over at Conway Park! See pictures of our time here.
In the middle of all the fun, we had meaningful conversations. Neighbors raised concerns about federal cuts to senior programs, offered ideas for improving county roads, shared how they’re educating youth about financial literacy, and talked about the daily grind of running small businesses. I shared the work and progress that the Ramsey County Board has made in affordable housing, transportation, environmental justice, and the delivery of social services.
One especially powerful moment was meeting Shamika Stroud, the mother of 7-year-old Sa’Moryia, who was seriously injured by a car while crossing White Bear Avenue. I shared with her my commitment to push for improved safety along this corridor. It was moving to see St. Pascal Church and the neighborhood standing with her family as Sa’Moryia continues to heal. As students across Ramsey County prepare to head back to school, please keep this young child in your hearts. Donate to her fundraiser here.
Lastly, it was a pleasure to see and be joined by our very own State Representative Liz Lee and Saint Paul City Council Member Cheniqua Johnson. I’m excited to keep the conversations going and showing up in our community. Thanks for having me, District 6! It’s an honor to serve you.
Sincerely,
Mai Chong Xiong
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Thursday, September 4 at 5:30PM
Sun Ray Library (2105 Wilson Ave) |
District 6, I want to hear from you! Join me for a community conversation about Ramsey County’s 2026-2027 budget. This is your chance to share what matters most, including what core programs and services your family relies on, what you want to see prioritized, and what we should know as we plan for the future.
Your voice helps shape the investments we make in health, housing, public safety, infrastructure and more. Whether you have concerns, ideas or just want to learn more, your perspective is vital. Light refreshments will be provided. Bring a neighbor. Everyone is welcome! Stay tuned for a community flyer.
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.
 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!
 This week, I had the privilege to present the Child Support Awareness Month Proclamation. Throughout August, Ramsey County is highlighting the vital role child support plays in helping kids and families thrive. In Ramsey County, our Child Support Division, located in the County Attorney’s Office, works closely with state and federal partners to provide services that set children up for success.
We’re proud to be evolving this program to be more equitable, community informed, and family centered. Behind the scenes, our dedicated staff are doing the day-to-day work to support families across the county, and we’re grateful for all they do.
Read the full proclamation here.
Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Director Mark McCabe gave me a tour of several parks this week.
We visited the Aldrich Arena, which now has new solar panels that will be producing energy for the microgrid. Next, we stopped by the Beaver Lake regional park, which is set to see new amenities in the near future including a new playground that will replace the one behind us. Then, we went to visit Waterworks at Battle Creek. Set to open for operations next year, this destination park will feature a new waterpark, newly paved parking lot and shaded play areas. Lastly, we ended our parks tour at the new and large Tuj Lub/Tekraw courts at Keller Regional Park, which will have a grand opening on September 20!
As a commissioner, it warms my heart to see the things we support turn into real spaces and experiences that families will enjoy for generations.
 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.
Ramsey County Business Development Grants
 We are pleased to share that Ramsey County’s Re-imagination Resource Center initiative is looking for local business community organizations (BCOs) who provide resources, training, or mentoring to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
BCOs may apply for grants lasting two years awarding approximately up to $150,000 per year, however, final awards will depend on the evaluation of eligible applications. Ramsey County anticipates awarding up to $2M in total grants.
The following are not requirements. However, these organizations are encouraged to apply:
- Organizations with a primary office in the local community they serve.
- Organizations with a demonstrated understanding of the unique needs of Ramsey County.
- Organizations with an annual operating budget below $1M.
Consider applying or helping us spread the word among your networks. Here is the link with all the details and the application form: Re-imagination Resource Center Grant Solicitation | Ramsey County
Applications are due August 26th, 2025 at 2:00pm.
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.
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. |
