Dear Neighbors,
Each year, Ramsey County holds a Truth-in-Taxation hearing to give residents a clear and transparent look at the County’s proposed property tax levy and budget for the upcoming year. This hearing is required by state law and is an important opportunity for community members to learn how county tax dollars are being used to support essential services, including public safety, health and human services, housing, transportation, and our parks and libraries.
The final public hearing for the Proposed 2026–27 Ramsey County Budget and Tax Levy will be held on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Saint Paul City Hall–Ramsey County Courthouse (15 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul).
Free parking is available at the Victory Parking Ramp (344 Wabasha St N). Please see staff at the check-in desk for parking validation and Metro passes.
Persons who intend to testify are encouraged to sign up online or to contact the Chief Clerk prior to Thursday, Dec.11, 2025. Sign-up will also be available onsite the night of Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025.
If in-person testimony isn't possible, comments may be provided:
As your Commissioner, I value your voice and encourage you to participate in this process. Your input helps us make decisions that reflect our community’s priorities and ensure Ramsey County remains a place where everyone can thrive.
Following the Truth-in-Taxation hearing, the Board will vote on the final budget and levy on December 16. I look forward to continued engagement with you regarding the budget process.
Sincerely,
Mai Chong Xiong
This week, the Board voted to formally establish the new Ramsey County Economic Development Authority (EDA). This is a major step forward for economic growth in our communities. Ramsey County can now use its existing Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) levy to support small businesses, entrepreneurs, and local economic vitality without the creation of a new tax.
The EDA aligns directly with the county’s Economic Competitiveness & Inclusion (ECI) Plan, advancing strategies that help grow high-wage industries, strengthen small business ecosystems, and expand opportunities for small business owners, including Black, Latinx, Asian, Indigenous, and immigrant-owned businesses.
Importantly, the new EDA does not raise another tax. This was designed on purpose. Instead, it will use funding we already have through the HRA. Cities will have the choice to “opt in” by passing a simple resolution of support, allowing this funding to be used for expanded business programs in their community.
By unlocking this flexibility, we can invest $1.5–$2 million annually in business support and entrepreneurship programming, helping retain, grow, and launch the businesses that fuel Ramsey County’s economic future. This unanimous vote reflects our Board’s shared commitment to building a more inclusive, competitive, and prosperous economy for everyone who calls Ramsey County home.
I would like to extend my deep gratitude to our Community & Economic Development staff for their expertise and tireless work to bring this forward, and to the Minnesota State Legislature for passing the enabling legislation that made today’s action possible.
We celebrated a major milestone for Ramsey County: the official introduction of the new METRO Bronze Line! As Vice Chair of the Regional Rail Authority, I had the honor of kicking off the program, which included remarks from Met Council Chair Robin Hutcheson, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, and Maplewood Mayor Marylee Abrams.
I was proud to stand alongside our partners and elected leaders to share what this project truly represents: a visible commitment to safer streets, more reliable transit, and a more connected county for all.
Designed with community priorities in mind, the Bronze Line will deliver safer crossings, better ADA access, improved transit connectivity, and faster, more reliable service for Saint Paul and Maplewood. With Ramsey County funding most of the project locally, we ensured a design that truly fits our neighborhoods and moves forward with certainty. For District 6, this project will bring critical improvements to Maryland and White Bear Avenues.
Homestead Applications due December 31
Homestead classification may provide a property tax reduction for residents who own and occupy their home as their primary residence. This program has two benefits for qualifying homeowners:
- It reduces the taxable market value of the property (for properties valued under $517,200 only), which in turn may lower taxes.
- It is one of the qualifying factors for homeowners to receive the State of Minnesota Property Tax Refund.
Apply now! For questions or assistance, contact the Assessor’s Office at 651-266-2040 or askhomesteads@ramseycounty.us.
ESNDC Blood Lead Test Screening: Free Event
ESNDC and ESABA Present: Hands-On Technical Assistance for Business Owners
Through ESNDC's East Side Technical Assistance Program (ETAP) and ESABA bring you Entrepreneurial Impact: Hands-On Technical Assistance for Business Owners. The presentation, workshops, breakout sessions, and resource tables will provide you with essential tools and expert insights, offering targeted business support to advance your organization's growth objectives for 2026.
The event takes on December 16th from 10:30AM to 1:30PM at the Minnesota Humanities Center (987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN 55106). Registration is required. The attendance cost is $20, but use the code ESNDC to enter for free!
Register here.
Free grit at participating locations
Child Care Assistance
Do you need help paying for childcare? The Basic Sliding Fee Child Care Assistance program supports Ramsey County families with higher income who don't qualify for other cash assistance programs. Funds are still available and there is no waitlist to apply. Visit RamseyCountyMN.gov/ChildCareAssistance to learn more.
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.
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. |
