Dear Neighbors,
Amidst the federal government shutdown and concerns regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), we are actively working with the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and our fellow counties to understand the full scope of the situation and to explore every possible way to mitigate its impacts on our residents.
There has already been improvement resulting from this collaborative work. We were previously informed by the DCYF that we would be unable to approve pending SNAP applications starting Wednesday, Oct. 16, but since have been informed that we can continue to review and process applications until the end of the month. It is important to note that submitting an application and having it processed does not guarantee that benefits will be available before November 1.
It is also important to note that according to the state, if the federal government shutdown continues into November, benefits for SNAP and Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) cash and food benefits may not be issued for that month. We agree this is a deeply concerning situation for many county residents, and we are doing everything we can to stay informed and work collaboratively with our partners to support our community.
While we connect with the state, fellow counties and other partners, Ramsey County encourages residents to share our Food Resources page as appropriate.
This is an evolving situation. We will continue to keep the county's website updated as more information becomes available and strongly encourage individuals to visit the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families website for the latest updates regarding SNAP and MFIP program impacts.
Sincerely,
Mai Chong Xiong
Commissioner Kelly Miller (District 7) and I joined Indigenous leaders and community organizations to celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day at American Indian Magnet School, right here in District 6.
We honored the traditions, teachings, and togetherness of Native communities. Minnesota officially recognized this day, replacing Columbus Day to more truthfully reflect the painful history of colonization and genocide, and to honor the strength, survival, and enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples who continue to shape this land and our shared future.
We, on behalf of Ramsey County, recognized the treaties that make it possible for non-Native people to live and work on this land, and we joined in the celebration of the many American Indian Minnesotans who enrich Ramsey County’s culture and future. May we each continue to walk alongside our Native relatives in partnership, respect, and shared purpose.
 Today, District 6 was thrilled to join the grand opening of 30,000 Feet Art on the East Side of Saint Paul. What an inspiring celebration of creativity, community, and possibility! We walked through the doors with excitement for the many lives that will be transformed here, and for the role this space will play in supporting youth across the city.
I encourage high-school-aged youth in Saint Paul to visit this newly constructed and vibrant space where youth can code, compose music, and explore new interests. Located right next to Johnson Senior High School, 30,000 Feet Art is here to help you spread your wings and fly.
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.)
Work Anticipated the Week of October 13
- Roadwork crews will begin building the roadway along Winthrop Street from Arlington Avenue to Hoyt Avenue.
- The utility crews will continue sanitary sewer work on Iowa Avenue between Howard Street and Winthrop Street and storm sewer along Nebraska Avenue between Winthrop Street and Howard Street.
- The electrical contractor will continue work on lighting infrastructure.
 Absentee voting is now open ahead of the Nov. 4 General and Special Elections. Vote by mail or in person at the Plato Building (90 Plato. Blvd. West)
Lead Resource Fair in District 6
Ramsey County Environmental Health is proud to be in partnership with ESNDC Leadsafe Program and Minnesota Department of Health to provide free blood lead testing in District 6.
Join us on October 22 from 5PM to 7PM at the Battle Creek Rec Center (75 Winthrop Street S). This event will feature:
- Free blood lead testing
- Testing of household items for lead
- Educational resources and information for families and residents
SECO Spooktacular Event
 Get ready for a spooktacular day for the whole family! Come to SunRay Shopping Center, Eastside St. Paul’s favorite mall, for safe trick-or-treating, exciting activities, fun contests, and plenty of smiles. Create sweet memories while celebrating community spirit together!
Energy and Electrification Resource Fair
 The Ramsey County Climate & Health Team is hosting an event centered around energy and electrification resource for residents! This event will feature information and demonstrations from local organizations, connect residents with resources that address energy burden and showcase technology in the electrification area.
If you have questions, please reply to this email or send a message to Gregory Goodwine (gregory.goodwine@ramseycounty.us)
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Event Name: Energy and Electrification Resource Fair
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Date: November 3rd, 2025
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Time: 4pm-7pm
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Audience: Residents
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Location: Ramsey County Environmental Center, 1700 Kent St., Roseville, MN 55113
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Parking: Available on site, encourage transit
Emerging and Diverse Developers (EDD) Solicitation Now Open
 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.
Environmental Response Fund
 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.
Minnesota Humanities Center Grant Opportunities
The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC), by virtue of funding provided by the Minnesota Legislature, is accepting applications for the following grant opportunity:
- $6,299,000 in Cultural Heritage grants to individuals and organizations to support work to create, celebrate, and teach the art, culture, and heritage of the many diverse cultural groups that make up Minnesota, including but not limited to Indigenous organizations, communities whose culture and heritage have been historically underrepresented, recent immigrant communities, and veterans.
Applicants may request up to $300,000. Funding is available through December 31, 2026. The application deadline is December 8, 2025.
Please visit MHC’s website for more information or learn how to sign up for an upcoming informational session regarding this grant opportunity.
M Health Fairview: Accelerator Fellowship now open
The M Health Fairview Center for Community Health Equity is launching its inaugural Accelerator Fellowship — a year-long program to support eight community leaders working on community health equity projects. Fellows will receive:
- A $3,000 personal stipend
- Up to $10,000 in project funding
- Monthly training, mentorship, and network-building opportunities
This is an incredible opportunity for community-based leaders looking to grow their impact, deepen their skills, and connect with others doing similar work. The fellowship runs from January–December 2026.
Applications are open now through October 24th. Visit the Fellowship webpage to apply and for more information, including application process, deadlines, and project guidelines. For questions, contact cche@fairview.org.
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. |
