Hello District 7! Welcome to September!
I hope you had a safe and restful Labor Day weekend. As we return from the holiday, I have been reflecting on the importance of workers in every part of our community: teachers, health care providers, public employees, small business owners, and so many others who keep Ramsey County strong. Their dedication is the foundation of our shared success.
September is Workforce Development Month, which feels especially timely. Our county continues to invest in programs that help people find good jobs, build new skills, and support their families. I am proud of the partnerships we have built with employers, schools, and community organizations to open doors of opportunity for residents at every stage of their careers.
As we head into budget discussions this month, I will be keeping these values front and center. Our budget is more than numbers on a page. It is a reflection of what we believe in: supporting working families, growing a strong economy, and making sure everyone has the chance to thrive.
Miigwech (Thanks),
 P.S. My office is always available if you have any concerns about county services. Please feel free to reach out via email at Kelly.Miller@co.ramsey.mn.us.
If this newsletter was forwarded to you, please sign up here!
The photo above was taken at our newly remodeled County Service Center located in Maplewood Mall during the grand opening on August 7. The new main service desk is shown below.
In this Issue:
- Workforce Development Month
- Minnesota Association of Workforce Board Conference Update
- White Bear Press article: "Investing in People, Jobs and Local Business Growth"
- The 2026-27 Budget Process is Starting
- Meet with Commissioner Miller at In-District Office Hours
- For Your Information
- Advisory Board Applications Open
- Welcome Aimee Kaufmann!
- Kelly in the Community
- Upcoming Events
Workforce Development Month is a time to recognize the vital role that career training, education, and support services play in building strong communities. By investing in workforce development, we create opportunities for individuals to gain the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market while also helping employers find the talent necessary to grow and thrive. It’s not just about filling jobs—it’s about connecting people to meaningful careers, strengthening families, and ensuring that our local economy remains resilient and inclusive for everyone.
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Earlier this month, I joined our Workforce Solutions leadership team at the MAWB summer conference in Duluth, where state and local leaders came together to discuss the future of Minnesota’s workforce system.
Key topics included:
- Significant cuts to the State Dislocated Worker Program, with advocacy underway to restore funding.
- The launch of a Governor’s Workforce Development Board Task Force to shape statewide policy and funding priorities.
- Ongoing declines in federal workforce funding, with reauthorization expected this fall.
A major national theme was improving access to supportive benefits like childcare, food, and healthcare. I’m proud that Ramsey County is already advancing this work through our remodeled, co-located service centers that connect residents with employment, training, and wraparound services in one place.
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 Investing in People, Jobs and Local Business Growth
In case you were not able to access my article in last month's newsletter, we've provided an accurate link below. It is still a timely read during Workforce Development month.
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Click here for county resources on
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Ramsey County has been actively developing its 2026–2027 budget for several months with departments engaged in submitting proposals and outlining key priorities for their service area. Throughout this process, we’ve remained deeply committed to aligning our vision, mission and goals.
The County Board will hold public hearings and budget proposal presentations at the Saint Paul City Hall - Ramsey County Courthouse in the Council Chambers, Room 300. Residents are welcome to attend in person. Please see below for more information on the budget timeline, hearings and ways residents can participate in this budget process.
2026-2027 Budget Timeline
Tuesday, Sept. 2 – County Manager budget presented the 2026-27 budget to Board of Commissioners.
Monday, Sept. 15 – Joint Property Tax Advisory Committee (JPTAC) reviews overall property tax levels for Ramsey County, city of Saint Paul, and Saint Paul Public Schools
September 15-22 – Department budget presentations to County Board
Monday, Sept. 22, 5 p.m. – First budget public hearing
Tuesday, Sept. 23 – County Board Certifies the 2026 maximum property tax levy.
December 11, 6 p.m. –Truth in Taxation public hearing.
December 16 – Final budget and levy approval.
Budget proposals from service teams will include and focus on the following:
- Prioritizing county-responsible services.
- Operating as one Ramsey County.
- Investing in organizational excellence.
- Advancing partnerships.
- Supporting long-term fiscal health.
Share your thoughts
Residents are encouraged to share their feedback on the proposed 2026-27 budget. There are several options to provide feedback, including attending one of two public hearings, contacting your commissioner, and/or sending written comments.
The first public meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on Sept. 22 at Saint Paul City Hall — Ramsey County Courthouse, in the council chambers on the third floor.
People who intend to testify are encouraged to sign up online or to contact the Chief Clerk prior to Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. Sign-up will also be available on-site the night of the hearing. If in-person testimony isn't possible, comments may be provided via webform submission or email.
Would you like to share your ideas, concerns, or suggestions anonymously in our survey? Click here to take the 2026 Proposed Ramsey County Budget Priorities – District 7 Survey
Thank you!
Meet the Commissioner in Your District
Join us at one of the Ramsey County Libraries in the district to meet directly with Commissioner Kelly Miller. Come by to let us know of an issue you'd like to bring to our attention or just stop in to say hello and meet Kelly.
Monday, September 15, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
White Bear Lake Library
2150 2nd Street in White Bear Lake
Tuesday, September 16, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
North Saint Paul Library
2300 N. St. Paul Drive in North St. Paul
Wednesday, September 17, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Maplewood Library
3025 Southlawn Drive in Maplewood
Please let us know you're coming!
All residents of District 7 are welcome to come to any of these 'office hours' regardless of which city you live in. Please RSVP if you know which one works for you in case we need to let you know of any last-minute scheduling changes.
AND if you can't make it to any of these times but would still like to discuss the budget or any other topic, please email Aimee Kaufmann to set up a time to meet, either virtually or in person.
Advisory Board Applications
are Being Accepted until September 28 |
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Ramsey County has opened Round 3 Advisory Board and Committee applications and will start recruiting for applicants. This is to notify you that we are recruiting for the following advisory boards this round:
Extension Committee - 2 vacancies
Ramsey County Library Advisory Board - 3 vacancies
Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District - 2 vacancies
Valley Branch Watershed District - 1 vacancy
Rice Creek Watershed District - 1 vacancy
Current advisory board members who are eligible to reapply have been notified via e-mail this morning.
We encourage you to join us in recruiting to fill the vacancies listed above. Use the following link: to redirect candidates to the Advisory Board page.
- Candidates click on “Apply” at the top right to access applications for the available vacancies.
- Paper applications are available upon request.
Applications close September 28, 2025.
White Bear Lake Senior Center has moved!
The White Bear Lake Senior Center’s new address is:
2399 Cedar Avenue
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
For more info, call 651-653-3121
or email: whitebearseniorprogram@isd624.org
Welcome Aimee Kaufmann!
We are so happy to announce that Aimee joined the District 7 staff last week as our Senior Administrative Assistant.
She is a seasoned operations and administrative professional with over 15 years of experience leading cross-functional teams, streamlining organizational systems, and managing complex functions across both public and private sectors. She first joined Ramsey County in the Human Resources Department, where she supported the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department.
Before joining Ramsey County, Aimee held several Director of Operations roles across industries including engineering and real estate. In addition to her professional work, Aimee is deeply committed to civic engagement and community service. She is pictured above with her beloved Newfoundland, Sweetpea.
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Commissioner Miller and her daughter attended the Okáǧa Summer-Wind Celebration: Dakota Summer Teaching at Battle Creek Park on Friday, August 1st, and received henna tattoos.
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On Monday, August 4, the Commissioner took a tour of many of the parks in the district including the Manitou Ridge Golf Course, which will be undergoing a complete overhaul before the 2026 golf season.
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The tour also included visiting the new Tuj Lub Courts that will be hosting their grand opening on September 20th. Shown here with Parks and Recreation Director Mark McCabe.
Tuj Lub is a traditional Hmong game that's a blend between bowling and bocce ball. Pronounced "too-loo," the game has 5,000-year old roots in Laos, and many Hmong Minnesotans played it while in Thai refugee camps before making their way to the U.S.
To learn more about Tuj Lub, check out this video
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Commissioner Miller also visited the current construction at the Battle Creek Waterpark. This beloved park will reopen in 2026 after an approximately $4.7 million renovation and maintenance project that is incorporating new features and amenities as well as updated mechanicals and more.
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Commissioner Miller and her family attended this year's National Night Out in both Maplewood and North Saint Paul. After stopping at some neighborhoods in her own neighborhood, she was able to stop at the North St. Paul gathering that included the new fire trucks for her kids to check out!
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The grand re-opening of the Ramsey County Service Center at Maplewood Mall was held on August 7. Commissioner Miller and Maplewood Mayor Marylee Abrahms were part of a press conference and ribbon cutting to formally open the newly renovated location.
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As a member of the Northeast Youth and Family Services Board, Commissioner Miller joined the staff and other board members for their annual summer picnic held at Totem Pole Park in New Brighton on August 7th.
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Commissioner Miller's policy aide, Kathleen Murphy represented our office at the Rice & Larpenteur Alliance's Block Party on Saturday, August 16th. The rain caused a 2 hour delay, but the party had a great turnout when the sun came out! Shown here with RLA staff & board members and fellow Ramsey County Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire.
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 On Wednesday, August 21, Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong and County Manager Ling Becker were given well-deserved recognition and were honored at the Hmong American Partnership's Celebration of Hmong Leadership: 35 Leaders for 35 Years of HAP. The event was held at the Luminere in Minneapolis.
And last but not least, Commissioner Miller and her family attended the greatest Minnesota get-together at the State Fair!
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Maplewood Flea Market Every Sunday
This is a FREE event for the public to attend, chat, network, shop, eat, and enjoy the beautiful outdoor weather.
Join us at the Aldrich Ice Arena for a spring and summer filled with treasures awaiting discovery. have food trucks, food stands, baked goods, cottage foods, brand new merchandise, used merchandise, unique handcrafted goods, collectible Hot Wheels and Pokemons, vintages, antiques, toys, amazon reselling, and many more.
Sundays, Sept 7, 14, 21, 28 - Opens at 9 AM
Aldrich Ice Arena
1850 White Bear Avenue Maplewood
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Friday Fireworks
and Touch a Truck
- Featuring Touch-a-truck
- Food Trucks
- Other games and activities
September 19, 5 - 8:30 P.M.
Hazelwood Park
945 Hazel Street in Maplewood
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Get ready for a vibrant day of art, music, food, and fun for the whole family at the 2025 Autumn Arts Festival! This event is packed with exciting activities, performances, and creativity you won't want to miss!
DATE: Saturday, September 13th
TIME: 11 AM - 6 PM
LOCATION: Casey Lake Park
For more details
The Fall Round-Up Parade is a cherished, long-standing tradition that brings the North St. Paul community together for a fun, family-friendly celebration. Organized by the North St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, the parade travels down 7th Ave. E. through the heart of downtown. Arrive early to explore and support our local businesses before the parade begins!
DATE: Thursday, September 18th
TIME: 5:30 - 7:30 PM
LOCATION: 7th Ave
For more details
Join your neighbors for a morning of cleaning, organizing, and refreshing the Food Shelf to give back to the place that supports so many in our community.
And after all that hard work? Pizza party time! We’ll celebrate with food and the good feeling of giving back.
DATE: Saturday, September 27th
TIME: 11 AM - 1 PM
LOCATION: Casey Lake Park
For more details
Looking to connect with other artists and makers? You are invited to join the “Coffee With Creatives” group! Meetings will be held the second Saturday of each month at Oldies & Goodies from 9am – 10am!
Coffee will be kindly provided by Cajeta Coffee!
Saturday, September 13th: 9:00AM-10:00AM
*This is a FREE registration is encouraged by not required to attend!
Contact oldiesandgoodiesmn@gmail.com us with any questions
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Sprint and Olympic distance triathlon. Great first timer triathlon. Collegiate division available with a border battle. Post race BBQ and awards ceremony. Custom molded finisher medals. Free professional photography. Aquabike and relay team options.
September 14, 2025, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
5050 Lake Avenue
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Check out the website for more information
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Scarecrow Stroll In Downtown White Bear Lake: Fall Fest 2025
Thu, 25 Sep, 2025 at 12:00 am - Sat, 27 Sep, 2025 at 03:00 pm
A Downtown White Bear Lake FALL FEST event and one our most popular family-friendly events - the Scarecrow Stroll is a fun way to get into the feels of Fall.
Stroll the shops & businesses of Downtown White Bear Lake and check out the amazing scarecrows - and pay attention as you will get to vote for your favorites!
More Info
 I stopped by Borchert’s Meat Market in Maplewood recently - one of the many great local businesses in District 7. When you shop local, you’re supporting our neighbors, jobs, and the heart of our community. Let’s keep it local!
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If you know of events happening in Maplewood, North Saint Paul or White Bear Lake, please let us help you share the information! Send details and any graphics to Kathleen HERE.
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