 Dear Neighbor,
This week, we attended ESABA’s 35th Annual Dinner at Plaza Latina with lunch provided by Gorditas El Durango right here on Payne Avenue. These gatherings are always a powerful reminder of just how much our East Side small businesses do to anchor our neighborhoods, create jobs, and keep our local economy moving.
At the same time, we’re hearing directly from business owners that the expected economic impact to Minnesota businesses could exceed $500 million. Federal enforcement actions, combined with rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and ongoing uncertainty around safety and freedom, are continuing to place significant pressure on the small, locally owned shops and restaurants that make District 6 home. The trauma that our communities have endured do not "end" with Operation Metro Surge. These impacts are lasting.
Now more than ever, it is critical that we show up for our local businesses. I encourage you to continue eating locally, shopping locally, and supporting the East Side entrepreneurs who invest back into our community every single day.
For business owners looking for support, Ramsey County has established a Business Relief Resources landing page on the Ramsey County Means Business website. I invite you to visit https://www.ramseycountymeansbusiness.com/business/business-relief-resources to learn more about the tools and assistance available.
Sincerely,
Mai Chong Xiong
This afternoon, Ramsey County leaders met with members of our state legislative delegation to begin an important conversation about how we can reduce the growing property tax burden on our residents.
As the smallest and most densely populated county in Minnesota, Ramsey County faces unique limitations when it comes to expanding our property tax base. We are also home to the highest proportion of tax-exempt property in the metro area as the seat of state government. These structural challenges place an outsized responsibility on local homeowners and businesses to fund essential services.
During the meeting, we proposed an innovative legislative priority: the Capitol Complex County Host Program (CCCHP). This PILT-like program would help bring greater equity to Ramsey County by offsetting the impact of state-owned, tax-exempt property and could cover approximately 5% of the county’s annual property tax levy.
We look forward to more opportunities to meet with legislators to share how CCCHP can relieve taxpayers in Ramsey County. Thank you to our Government Relations team and the Ramsey County legislative delegation for the work and time invested into solving critical issues impacting residents.
 This week, our office participated in the quarterly Youth Justice Transformation meeting alongside partners from the Ramsey County Attorney's Office, Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, the Minnesota Judicial Branch, and leadership from the Juvenile Detention Center.
These convenings are an opportunity for system partners to hear directly from justice-impacted youth while also reviewing trends and outcomes related to the Risk Assessment Instrument (RAI). The RAI is a decision-making tool used at intake that evaluates a young person’s current charge alongside prior system involvement to guide recommendations such as secure detention, placement into a community-based alternative with expedited court review, or release home to a parent or guardian. In many cases where youth are eligible for release, they are able to return home the same day and appear before a judge within a short timeframe.
We also received an update on the county’s work to expand therapeutic placement options for youth in the juvenile court system. A respite home has been purchased and is being prepared to offer on-site supportive services such as trauma-informed therapy, family counseling, substance use support, mentorship, and life skills development in a stable, community-based setting.
Update on Federal Actions impacting County Programs
On December 16, 2025, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins sent a letter to Minnesota officials requiring the state to “recertify” the eligibility of more than 100,000 SNAP households in Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington, and Wright counties within 30 days, by January 15, 2026. The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office filed a lawsuit on December 23, 2025, addressing these actions. The federal court temporarily blocked these actions on January 16, and SNAP benefits continue as usual.
The Attorney General’s Office has filed lawsuits challenging other federal actions that would have impacted Ramsey County services:
- The federal administration also attempted to cut off funding for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), and Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) for Minnesota and four other states. This was blocked by a federal court’s preliminary injunction on February 6, 2026
- The federal administration attempted to terminate the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG). The Minnesota Department of Health uses some PHIG funds for grants to local agencies, including Ramsey County. This termination is currently blocked through a Temporary Restraining Order issued by the federal court. The TRO is in effect until February 26th while the court determines whether to extend temporary relief.
Ramsey County continues to communicate and coordinate closely with state partners to track developments related to these federal actions. For more information about federal actions that impact programs administered by the State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCFY), see their “Federal Funding Action Tracker”:
Federal Funding Action Tracker | Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Yard Signs (started November 4)
The Environmental Center started accepting yard signs in time for the last election cycle. This is a permanent service, offered year-round, and it has been very popular so far. However, things came together quickly last fall, so we couldn’t spread the word in order to make the impact during election cycle that we know is possible. So, this year we are planning for a large marketing push, in advance of the 2026 elections, and hope to see a lot of campaign signs brought to the EC in November. All received signs go to Choice Plastics, where they will be turned into pellets and recycled into new products.
Small Appliances (started February 2)
The Environmental Center now accepts countertop appliances and small electric items for recycling. This new permanent service is being promoted through the Recycling Guide that is delivered to Ramsey County residents, on social media, in Green Ramsey, and direct to residents at the Environmental Center. Reusable countertop microwaves will be donated to Bridging and all other items will be recycled through Repowered.
Items accepted include:
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Kitchen countertop appliances – microwaves, blenders, bread makers, coffee makers, food sealing equipment, food processors, fryers (air/deep), mixers, pressure cookers, rice cookers, slow cookers, toasters, toaster ovens.
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Small electric items – cameras, clocks, electric knives, electric toothbrushes, hair dryers, irons (hair/clothing), massagers, portable fans, radios, remotes, shaving equipment (accepted items must be less than 20 pounds)
Mattress Pilot (March 3 - April 30)
The Environmental Center is piloting free mattress collection. Ramsey County residents can bring a maximum combination of (four) mattresses and box springs (total) and a maximum of four metal bed frames to the Environmental Center at no cost. Second Chance Recycling in Minneapolis will recycle the mattresses and box springs and either reuse or recycle the metal bed frames. If this pilot program is effective, we will explore the viability of making mattress collection a permanent program at the EC.
Recycling Containers for Events (starting March 17)
The Environmental Center will soon be the newest location for residents to reserve and pickup free recycling and food scrap containers for parties and events. Containers come with bags and signage and collapse for easy transport. They are loaned to residents and organizations to make waste reduction at events easier. The EC is a natural fit for this program, because residents can easily dispose of the food waste and recyclables at the same time they return the containers, all at the same place! This program is being promoted in the Recycling Guide and website.
Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Event (May 2)
The Environmental Center is partnering with The Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) to sell compost bins and rain barrels. Residents pre-order on the RAM website and pick up their orders at the Environmental Center on the day of the event. Ramsey County residents can receive a $20 discount on compost bins by entering a promo code when placing their order. Ramsey County will also begin offering ongoing sales of compost bins at the Environmental Center beginning May 4, applying the same $20 discount.
Finished compost made from food scraps will also be provided at the event in coordination with Minnesota Composting Council’s Plate to Garden Program and partnership with Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy (R&E). Compost is provided through R&E’s Compost Market Development Program. The event demonstrates circularity and the benefits of using compost made from food scraps collected through R&E’s Food Scrap Pickup Program. Residents can receive up to three bags of compost at no charge during the event.
Paper Shredding Events (May 8, July TBD, September TBD)
The Environmental Center hosted its first paper shredding event on Friday, September 5th, 2025. It was so popular that we are planning to host three paper shredding events in 2026! Our first event is planned for Friday, May 8. We also received feedback from residents that some were unable to attend an event hosted during the work week. So, we are planning to host a Saturday event on July 11 and a Friday event on September 18 (both dates subject to change pending contract with vendor).
Environmental Center Open House (April 18)
The Environmental Center will host the Second Annual Spring Open House on Saturday, April 18th. We hosted two open houses in 2025 and had so much fun, we decided to host a spring open house every year!
Residents are invited to celebrate Earth Day with us as we mark one year of operations at the Ramsey County Environmental Center. Activities will take place all day. In addition to learning what items are accepted at the center, participants can listen to presentations, join story time with Murphy the Recycling Exists Unicorn, create an upcycled craft, and sow native seeds for their gardens. Commissioners are invited to join us at the open house and are encouraged to stop by between 10am and 12noon. Please let me know if you plan to attend.
Fix-it-Clinics at the EC (February 28, April 25, June 27)
The Environmental Center hosted its first Fix-it-Clinic of the year on January 24. And, we have several more scheduled through June, with additional dates coming later in the year. We are also hosting a March Fix-it-Clinic at the Silverwood Park Visitor Center in St Anthony and are partnering with our other metro-counties on several other Fix-it-Clinics.
Recycling Ambassador Training (March 19, April 9, April 23)
The Environmental Center is hosting three in-person trainings for the Recycling Ambassador 2026 spring cohort. Registration for the Recycling Ambassador’s spring training session is open now through March 12. Participants attend a six-week training program to learn about environmental health, waste systems and recycling. This spring’s course runs Thursdays March 19th through April 23rd. Recycling Ambassadors are encouraged to volunteer 20 hours per year and encourage others to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Information on this program is going out in the March Green Ramsey. Commissioners are encouraged to promote this program with their residents.
Minneapolis Foundation Grants Available
 This fund will provide short-term stabilization grants to help businesses across the Twin Cities and Minnesota address urgent needs caused by reduced revenue, workforce disruptions, temporary closures, or safety and security concerns. Grants are intended to support businesses over a 30- to 60-day period.
This fund is seeded by contributions from Minnesota companies and individuals and will distribute $4 million in the coming weeks.
Applications due March 4. Learn more at Economic Response Fund Grant Guidelines.
HAP Grants Available
 Small business stabilization grants are now open. Southeast Asian and immigrant/refugee business owners can apply for up to $5,000 in short-term relief. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis based on need and impact. Apply here: hmong.tfaforms.net/69
LEDC Emergency Grant Available
 The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) has launched emergency grant funding to support Latino-owned businesses on the East Side of Saint Paul that have been negatively impacted by recent ICE activity. These grants are designed to provide immediate financial relief to businesses facing urgent challenges.
Businesses outside of Saint Paul’s East Side are still encouraged to submit an application. LEDC is actively working to develop additional statewide grant opportunities, and applying now will help identify needs across Minnesota.
Funding may be used for critical business expenses, including:
- Payroll and employee retention
- Rent and occupancy costs
- Loan payments and debt relief
- Other urgent operating expenses related to this crisis
If your business has been impacted and you need financial support to continue operations, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Learn more or apply here.
Coordinated Entry Assessments Available
 Coordinated Entry is designed to match you with housing options that fit your needs. Visit RamseyCountyMN.gov/Housing.
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.
Winter Warming Spaces
Winter Warming Spaces help protect residents during extreme cold. Three sites are now available nightly 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Additional overnight spaces will open in the coming weeks.
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. |
