Dear neighbors,
This week, County Manager Ling Becker unveiled the County's 2026-2027 Proposed Budget on Tuesday, and Mayor Carter released his proposed budget shortly after on Thursday. As a resident of Saint Paul in Ramsey County, I share the same concerns you all have about rising property taxes, cuts to services, and the increasing demand for services. This is why I hosted the District 6 County Budget Discussion last night.
We were joined by residents, district council leaders, county employees, and County Commissioner Tara Jebens-Singh (District 1). Residents shared thoughtful questions, lived experiences, and provided solutions to help shape how we serve our community.
As we move into departmental budget hearings over the next few weeks, here is what I will press for on your behalf:
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Clear justification for any requested increases and a focus on essential services.
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Real options for efficiency, cost savings, and smarter delivery without sacrificing outcomes.
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Ongoing pursuit of state and federal dollars, such as County Program Aid, to reduce pressure on local taxpayers.
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Thank you again to the residents who have contacted my office, asking hard questions and offering solutions.
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My work as your elected representative is better because you are in it. Please continue to share your feedback. Reach out if you have personal constituent concerns or ideas we should bring into the hearings.
With gratitude,
Mai Chong Xiong
This week, Ramsey County Manager Ling Becker presented the county’s proposed 2026-2027 Ramsey County Budget to the Board. It is the first step in the County’s budget process before the Board approves the budget in December.
This is a stability-first budget that prepares the County for federal funding reductions and state mandated costs, addresses workforce pressures, and protects essential services for residents and businesses. The plan reflects a complex and urgent balancing act as we anticipate what’s ahead: disruptive policy changes, economic volatility, and increased service needs.
The proposal pairs strategic investments with targeted reductions, including the elimination of 43 filled positions and service adjustments to invest more strategically in the services the county is responsible for. These choices safeguard the county’s capacity to deliver health, safety, housing stability, transportation, and other core services.
Like counties across the nation, to maintain capacity as federal cuts materialize, the plan includes a property tax levy increase. The County Manager has proposed an increase of 9.75%. The largest driver of the levy is investment in the County’s workforce, accounting for more than a 5% increase in 2026 and 4% in 2027.
The budget organizes work around five priority themes:
- County-responsible services: Essential functions the county is legally mandated or uniquely positioned to deliver.
- Operating as One Ramsey County: Centering work around people, not structures, with an all-hands approach to solving challenges.
- Investing in organizational excellence: Being strategic with every dollar, system, and process by eliminating redundancies, improving service delivery, and holding ourselves accountable.
- Advancing partnerships: Collaborating with cities, schools, other jurisdictions, and community organizations to align goals and deliver shared solutions.
- Supporting long-term fiscal health: Addressing structural funding gaps now and taking decisive steps toward durable solutions.
Learn more about the proposed Ramsey County 2026-2027 budget here.
Winthrop Street N will be closed between Hoyt Avenue E and Arlington Avenue E starting the week of September 2 and continuing through late fall, weather dependent.
For properties on Winthrop Street N within the closure area: Local access will be maintained when possible. Access may be impacted during underground utility work, but crews will open access to local properties by the end of each workday. (See map below.)
Critical Corridors Development + Infrastructure: Applications open Sept. 2
Ramsey County’s Critical Corridors Development & Infrastructure program is opening a new funding round to support inclusive redevelopment and public infrastructure in our transit, economic, and cultural corridors. Projects should use land efficiently, create compact and walkable places, and connect residents to housing, jobs, retail, and services.
Application window: Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 through 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 (CT)
Downtown Saint Paul is now eligible for Critical Corridors funding.
How to apply: We are moving to a new application portal: Neighborly. ZoomGrants will no longer be used.
Who can apply
- Developers (for-profit and nonprofit)
- Government agencies and related development authorities
Available funding
- Up to $500,000 per project
- Project completion within two years of award
- Depending on the project, funding may be offered as a loan rather than a grant.
Emerging and Diverse Developers (EDD) Solicitation open Sept. 8
Ramsey County will begin accepting applications for the 2025 Emerging and Diverse Developers (EDD) Solicitation on Sept. 8, 2025, for the acquisition, rehabilitation and the construction of affordable housing units. This exclusive solicitation is for developers with less than 25 units of housing and/or 15,000 sq. ft of commercial space.
Responses are due by 5 p.m. Oct. 31, 2025.
Applications must be submitted via Neighborly and have all required components to be eligible for review. All proposed housing developments must include units at/or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) and the overall average of rental limits must be at or below 80%. Technical assistance will be offered through NEOO Partners LLC starting Sept. 8, 2025.
Join us for an in-person informational session for the 2025 Emerging Diverse Developers solicitation. This is for individuals interested in housing and community development with less than 25 units of housing or 15,000 sq. ft of commercial space.
Session 1 Sept. 3 3-5 p.m. Roseville Ramsey County Library 2180 Hamline Ave N Roseville,MN 55113
Session 2 Sept. 18 4-6 p.m. Rondo Community Library 461 N. Dale Street Saint Paul, MN
Environmental Response Fund: Applications open Sept. 15
Redevelopment in Ramsey County often means addressing legacy environmental issues or “brownfields." An Environmental Response Fund (ERF) grant program provides resources to offset the cost of environmental assessment and cleanup of contaminated sites.
Who can apply?
Local governmental organizations, developers, for-profit and not‐for‐profit organizations are eligible for ERF grants. ERF grants are not available to non-local government responsible parties.
How to apply: Applicants who are requesting funds for building demolition/deconstruction must submit a detailed waste management plan (PDF). Applicants must also provide a letter or resolution of support from the relevant local unit of government.
Before applying, please contact Community & Economic Development to discuss your project and application requirements.
September information sessions
Learn about county, regional, and state brownfield grant options at one of these in-person sessions:
Session 1 Time: 2–3 p.m. Date: Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 Location: Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., Plymouth, MN 55447
Session 2 Time: 9–10 a.m. Date: Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 Location: Inver Grove Heights City Hall, Council Chambers, 8150 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
Minnesota Humanities Center Grant Opportunities
The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC), by virtue of funding provided by the Minnesota Legislature, will be making several humanities grant opportunities available in the next two weeks.
The following grant opportunities will be available:
- $3,000,000 to support cultural festivals and events for organizations and local governments,
- $600,000 to organizations responding to crisis and emergencies,
- $1,500,000 to Children’s Museums, and
- $1,500,000 to organizations to support Museums, Exhibits, and Collections.
Learn more here: Grants - Minnesota Humanities Center
Rooted Philanthropic 2025 East Side Small Business Cohort Program Now Open
In collaboration with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation – Twin Cities, Rooted Philanthropic is excited to announce that the application portal for the 2025 Small Business Cohort is still OPEN!
This two-year program is designed to equip small business owners located in East Side Saint Paul with the tools and support needed to strengthen and grow their operations for long-term success.
Benefits for selected participants include:
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Up to $800 stipend for workshop attendance
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$20,000 grant to support your business
- Access to legal, accounting, and marketing services valued at $30,000
- A dedicated business mentor for one year
That's a total investment of over $50,000 per business in the 2025 cohort!
Due to the highly competitive process only 5 businesses will be selected in 2025.
If you're ready to take your business to the next level, we encourage you to learn more and apply here: https://rootedphilanthropic.org/news/2025-east-side-saint-paul-small-business-cohort-application-is-now-open/
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.
Earl Street Reconstruction
The City of Saint Paul will reconstruct Earl Street between Maryland Avenue and Burns Avenue in 2026 and 2027. Phase 1 - Earl Street from Maryland Avenue to Minnehaha Avenue will be constructed in 2026 and Phase 2 - Minnehaha Avenue to Burns Avenue will be constructed in 2027.
This is a full reconstruction, meaning it will completely rebuild the road. It will include work on water and sewer, land grading, adding curbs and gutters, improving drainage, paving the street, installing signs and lights, landscaping, and improving the sidewalks and bikeway connections.
Learn more here.
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.
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