The Ramsey County biennial budget process begins next Tuesday, September 2nd, and this year brings with it unprecedented challenges. As the newest member of the County Board, I am stepping into my first budget cycle just six months into serving as your commissioner—and at a time of immense responsibility. One of the most significant concerns we face stems from recent actions by the federal government. Although the proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP won’t take effect until 2027-2028, we must begin preparing now. Minnesota is one of only a dozen states where counties administer these programs, which means we will feel the full weight of these reductions here at the local level. These are very serious times, and we will need to make tough decisions to protect the wellbeing of our residents while ensuring we meet our legal obligations.
Despite the storm clouds ahead, I believe we can and must pass a budget that reflects our values: investing in our workers, uplifting our communities, and preparing for a resilient future. I have spent my first months on the board working to advance key priorities that centers economic justice like affordable housing, economic and workforce development, climate resiliency and transportation, public safety, and essential social services like mental health and healthy aging. I know the road ahead won’t be easy—we’ll have to weigh difficult choices, including how we balance property taxes with the services our community depends on. That’s why I need your help. Your voice is vital to this process.
You can also tune in to the County Manager’s Budget Presentation next Tuesday, September 2 at 9:30am online or join us in person at the County Chambers (3rd Floor, Ramsey County Courthouse, 15 W Kellogg Blvd). Let’s create a budget that works for our entire community and helps us build for future generations.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Garrison
Critical Corridors Development & Infrastructure Program
Ramsey County's Critical Corridors Development & Infrastructure program is returning with expanded opportunities for developers and public agencies. Applications open Tuesday, September 2, and close at 4:30pm on Tuesday, October 14. For the first time, downtown Saint Paul is included among eligible areas, creating new possibilities for transformative corridor projects. From creating vibrant, walkable spaces to improving connections to housing, jobs and services, this program offers the chance to make a lasting impact. Grants of up to $500,000 are available for each project, with a two-year completion timeframe. You can learn more about the Critical Corridor Development & Infrastructure HERE.
Emerging and Diverse Developers Program
The Ramsey County Community & Economic Development Department is hosting two in-person information sessions on the 2025 Emerging and Diverse Developers Program Solicitation. The solicitation is aimed at developers with 25 or fewer housing units or commercial projects under 15,000 square feet.
The sessions will be held Wednesday, September 3, from 3 pm-5pm in Roseville and Thursday, September 18, from 4pm-6pm in Saint Paul. The application period opens September 8. Learn more about the Emerging and Diverse Developers Program HERE.
Ramsey County Shredding Event
 Do you have confidential papers that need shredding? Bring them to our new Environmental Center (1700 Kent St., Roseville, MN 55113) on Friday, September 5 from 11am to 4pm. This service is free to all Ramsey County residents! You must show proof of Ramsey County residency. Please note, you are limited to three banker size boxes weighing around 50 pounds each. Shred Right will shred all papers onsite and recycle them. The event may end early if the trucks get filled up before 4pm.
Road Construction Updates
Rice Street: As we enter September, restoration work continues from Wheelock Parkway to Arlington Ave, grading, pouring and paving of roadway surface begins from Arlington Ave to Cottage Ave, and rehab of the bridge over the railway from Cottage Ave to Maryland Ave continues, in addition to the continued removal and installation of water main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer.
Arcade Street/E 7th Street: Through early fall, Arcade St. is closed through traffic in both directions between Frost Ave and Neid Lane.
Please continue supporting your local businesses during construction! They are open!
IUOE Local 49 Visit
 Visiting a job site with Local 49 construction workers and staff.
I had the privilege to do a job site visit with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49. We visited sites in the North End neighborhood, including the work they are doing on Rice Street. Additionally, I talked to members and witnessed some great excavator action! The Local 49 represents 15,000 members across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota in many different facets of the construction industry. You can learn more about the 49ers HERE.
Little Africa Festival and Parade
 With Senator Clare Oumou Verbeten, Dr. Gene Gelgelu and my mother-in-law, Rama. Also pictured: Little Africa Parade and a portrait showcased in the African Museum Arts and Cultural Center.
Every August, the African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS) celebrates the Little Africa corridor in Hamline Midway neighborhood with a festival and parade. I was thrilled to take part in the soft opening of the new African Museum Arts and Cultural Center! The plaza and all its’ contributions to economic growth along this corridor are a testament to the hard work of Dr. Gene Gelgelu and the AEDS team. You can learn about the African Economic Development Solutions HERE.
National Night Out Events
 Conversing with neighbors during National Night Out.
National Night Out or Night to Unite events happened all across Ramsey County! I was honored to attend gatherings at the Lyric in the Hamline Midway neighborhood, McDonough Community Center, and two events in Falcon Heights. It was awesome to connect with neighbors, share a meal, update folks on county efforts, and see the community come together!
Welcome Baby Boy McMurtrey!
 If you haven’t seen me at many community events in the second half of August, there’s a good reason for that. On August 15, my wife Senator Clare Oumou Verbeten welcomed our son, Leo Hans Oumou McMurtrey into the world! We are all doing well. Although I will be on parental leave until Monday, September 15, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions or requests and my Principal Aide, Doua Yang- Hernandez will assist. |
