 Dear Neighbor,
This week, the Board received a workshop focused on strengthening our tax base and driving economic growth. Ramsey County faces a unique reality. We are the smallest county geographically in the metro, yet we carry one of the highest shares of tax-exempt land at about 14%. This limits our ability to generate revenue and puts more pressure on our residents.
We are also a fully built-out county. We do not have large areas left to develop, which means growth here requires thoughtful redevelopment, strong partnerships, and smart investment. Every acre matters.
That is why our Community and Economic Development team and our Housing and Redevelopment Authority are working hard to invest in housing across the county. This includes supporting new residential and apartment developments, including affordable housing, that both meet community needs and help grow our tax base over time. Housing is not just about stability. It is also a key part of building long-term economic strength.
At the same time, Ramsey County is home to major state and regional assets, especially around the Capitol complex, that are tax-exempt but serve the entire state. The impact of that is felt locally.
I am committed to working with our legislative partners to advance the Capitol Complex County Host Program, or CCCHP.
In simple terms, CCCHP would work like this. Because the state owns a large amount of tax-exempt property in Ramsey County, the program would provide ongoing state funding to help offset the lost property tax revenue. It is similar to how payments in lieu of taxes work. The goal is to make sure the cost of hosting these state assets is shared more fairly, instead of falling primarily on Ramsey County residents.
I would like to thank our CED department for providing an updated fiscal analysis and innovative strategies to ensure our residents are not carrying more than their share while we continue to grow. We will continue doing our part by activating underutilized land, supporting redevelopment, investing in infrastructure, and partnering with our cities to strengthen our tax base in a way that benefits our entire county.
Sincerely
Mai Chong Xiong
This week, the Ramsey County Board took an important step forward with a unanimous vote to support the revised Locally Preferred Alternative for the METRO Bronze Line Bus Rapid Transit project.
This project represents years of planning, partnership, and community engagement, and I want to sincerely thank the cities of Saint Paul and Maplewood for their continued collaboration and support in advancing this effort. Their partnership has been critical in shaping a corridor that reflects both local priorities and regional mobility needs.
As the planning and leading public agency for this project, Ramsey County has worked closely with the Metropolitan Council, Metro Transit, MnDOT, and our municipal partners to move this vision forward in a way that is responsive, equitable, and grounded in community input. The image shows the history of the project as it has undergone route modification since 2021.
The Bronze Line will connect residents to jobs, education, healthcare, and essential services along a 10-mile corridor, while also bringing meaningful infrastructure improvements that enhance safety, accessibility, and reliability for all users.
The 2026 property tax statements will be mailed to residents on March 20th and expected to reach mailboxes next week. Close to 160,000 statements will be sent.
Statements and additional property tax details will also be available online at https://www.ramseycountymn.gov/residents/property
Trends for 2026
Most Ramsey County property owners will see tax increases in 2026 due to:
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Assessment Year 2025 Value Increases:
- Overall values increased 3.30%; residential values increased 4.76%.
- Levy Increases (+6.6% total):
- Ramsey County: +8.4%
- City/Town: +6.5%
- School District: +6.2%
- School Referendums: +22.7% (these were not included in the TNT statements sent in 2025)
- Special Taxing District: +1.5%
Residential Trends:
- Estimated Market Value (EMV) increased by 4.76%
- Tax Impacts:
- 4.4% of properties will see no change or decreases.
- 41.0% see increases between 0–10%.
- 44.5% see increases between 10%–20%.
- Median increase: +10.7% (+$481)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my taxes going up but others going down?
There are many factors why one’s property taxes may increase or decrease. Some of the reasons why an individual’s property taxes may increase, or decrease are:
- An increase or decrease in the tax levy (the amount requested by the taxing authority)
- Changes in the market value
- Referendums approving new taxes
- Legislative changes
Is there any relief for property taxes?
The following programs may provide relieve for homeowners that qualify:
- Metro surge 1st half property tax extension.
- State tax refunds for homeowners and renters based on income and taxes paid.
- Homeowners may qualify for a special refund if their property tax increased by 12% or more and $100.00, from 2025 to 2026. (not income based)
- Senior Property Tax Deferral program is available for homeowners that are 65+ years old.
- Homestead exclusion amounts apply on parcels below $517,200.
- Appeals can be filed with the Minnesota Tax Court by April 30, 2026.
For more information, please visit the following links:
 The F.I.T.-COMM Challenge is an 8-week community wellness program designed to help participants improve their physical health, nutrition habits, and mental well-being. The program focuses on creating measurable, long-lasting health improvements in underserved communities by combining fitness training, nutrition guidance, and mental health support.
Key Event Details
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Program Dates: April 4 – May 30, 2026
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Kickoff Event: Saturday, April 4 at 10:30 AM
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Location: The Mali Center, 576 Front Avenue, St. Paul, MN
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Workout Options: 6 workout sessions available each week with flexible morning, evening, and weekend times
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Participants: Limited to 10 East Side St. Paul residents
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Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 25 (cohort announced March 30)
Program Benefits & Perks
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Free 1-Year YMCA Membership at the St. Paul Eastside YMCA after completing the program
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Chance to Win $500 — two participants will receive a stipend upon completion
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100% Fee Reimbursement — the $150 program fee is refunded after successful completion
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Expert Guidance from professionals including nutrition expert Julie McMahon and psychotherapist Dr. Kasim Abdur Razzaq
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Health Improvements — past participants have seen measurable gains in blood pressure, A1C levels, blood glucose, triglycerides, and healthy eating knowledge
Who Should Apply
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East Side St. Paul residents interested in improving their health
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Individuals of all fitness levels
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Participants who can obtain medical clearance (PAR-Q) prior to joining
Overall, the challenge offers a structured and supportive environment to transform your health in just eight weeks while building community and learning sustainable wellness habits.
Learn more and apply here!
Interwoven Benefit Concert
 We have all witnessed the profound trauma and lasting harm the recent immigration raids have brought to our communities. In response, a collective of artists and grassroots organizers has launched Interwoven, a benefit concert leveraging creativity as resistance against the persecution of immigrants.
Event Details & Impact:
The Mission: Through creative expression, give voice to the voiceless, defend their rights, and provide direct aid to families bearing the harm of anti-immigrant arrests.
The Goal: We aim to raise $30,000 to provide urgent, direct assistance to these families.
Learn More: Interwoven Event Page | MPR News Feature
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.
Emergency Assistance
 Emergency Assistance is available for those who are struggling to pay for rent, housing costs and utilities.
Apply here.
Emergency Assistance Hotline
EZInfo
- 651-266-3800
- 24/7 automated phone line that provides information about financial assistance programs in English, Español, Hmoob and Soomaali.
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. |
