As we step into May, I am looking forward to a season of renewed connection, engagement, and opportunities to stay informed about the work happening across Ramsey County and within our communities. This month also marks Mental Health Awareness Month—an important time to recognize the role mental health plays in the well-being of individuals, families, and our broader community. Throughout May, I encourage you to take time to learn, reflect, and support one another as we continue working to ensure access to the resources and care people need. 

I also want to share an update on how we will be strengthening communication moving forward. Beginning this month, you can expect to hear from our office through biweekly newsletters, designed to better keep you informed and connected. One edition will focus on official county updates—highlighting Board actions, policy decisions, and key initiatives—while the alternating edition will center on community updates and happenings across District 1 and Ramsey County. My goal is to make it easier for you to stay engaged with both the work of the County and the many ways our community comes together. 

As always, thank you for staying connected and for the role you play in shaping a strong, informed, and supportive Ramsey County. 

Recently, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a bold new economic development plan, Building Stronger Together. This plan is centered on two key strategies: targeted investments to support a dynamic downtown St. Paul and the sale of county-owned land ripe for redevelopment. 

Around half of Ramsey County’s general fund is currently supported by property taxes while only about half of our land is taxable (the rest is made up of tax-exempt property, public infrastructure, and natural features like lakes). In order to build property tax capacity, reduce property taxes, and shift burdens away from residents; we must be intentional. 

Building Stronger Together is rooted in the county’s values of well-being, prosperity, opportunity, and accountability. It advances and operationalizes key resident-centered recommendations and strategies from the Ramsey County Economic Inclusion & Competitiveness Plan, the All Abilities 2050 Transportation Plan, and the Ramsey County Transit Improvement Plan.  

This plan includes $250 million in targeted investments to create a more vibrant, active downtown and $70 million to unlock more than 630 acres of county-owned land to drive transformative growth. Due to Ramsey County’s strong fiscal management (including maintaining a triple A bond rating for over 25 years), we can rely on existing resources and strategic bonding – not additional increases to the property tax levy - to make high-impact investments now while advancing legislative requests. 

How we grow and invest directly impacts affordability for residents and the County’s ability to invest in roads, parks, libraries and essential services like public safety, public health, and social services. Building Stronger Together recognizes that property tax burdens are too high for our residents and focuses on broadening the tax base to more fairly and sustainably reduce that property tax burden.  

Downtown Investments: Data shows that dense, mixed-use development in the urban core generates significantly more tax value per acre than lower-density suburban areas. Downtown St. Paul produces approximately 8.3-times more taxable value than the share of Ramsey County land it occupies. We believe that Ramsey County investments in projects like the Park at Rivers Edge, office-to-residential conversions, improved public spaces and transit connections, and supporting business growth - in partnership with public, private, and community stakeholders - will catalyze downtown economic revitalization. 

Sale of County-Owned Land: Building Stronger Together transforms underutilized land into powerful engines for economic prosperity across Ramsey County. Through strategic site readiness and strong partnerships with cities and developers, we are not just planning for growth—we are actively converting these opportunities into lasting economic impact. This plan strengthens our commitment to the development of Rice Creek Commons by investing Ramsey County dollars to construct Rice Creek Boulevard and site preparation. These infrastructure investments are a critical step in delivering housing across income levels, creating well-paying jobs, and building a sustainable, energy-forward community. 

This past March, the Rice Creek Commons development project earned a platinum-level LEED precertification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The recognition builds on the sustainability guidelines established by the Joint Development Authority (JDA), which outline a comprehensive framework for sustainable urban planning, design, development, and long-term improvement. These guidelines address key areas such as natural systems, transportation, water, energy, greenhouse gas reduction, materials, resources and overall quality of life. With this achievement, Rice Creek Commons becomes only the second project in Minnesota—and one of fewer than 60 worldwide—to reach this level of distinction. 

In my role on the JDA, I’m excited to continue advancing this work. My focus is on strengthening the county’s tax base and expanding social and economic opportunities for residents across the region, while keeping sustainability at the center of every decision.

If you have questions or disagree with your property classification or current year’s estimated market value, please contact the Assessor's Office first at 651-266-2131 to discuss your concerns. You can receive support in appealing your tax statement and providing documentation (such as a recent appraisal or sale of the property) that supports your claim of overvaluation or an erroneous classification. 

The open book appeal period began March 15, 2026, and will end June 1, 2026. Property owners can speak directly with an appraiser during the annual Open Book meeting on Tuesday, April 7 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Based on the documentation provided and our review, the county may be able to adjust the valuation or classification of your property without further appeals.  

You also have the option to file a formal appeal. If you choose to formally appeal your property value, you can do so to the County Board of Appeal and Equalization or through Minnesota Tax Court. You can receive a form to appeal to the County Board of Appeal and Equalization by contacting the assessor's office at 651-266-2131. Appeal forms must be mailed to the county and postmarked by May 4. To file an appeal through the Minnesota Tax Court you can visit https://mn.gov/tax-court/.  

Learn more about appealing your value. And for a deeper dive into value aggregations for cities and property types, see the 2026 Assessors Report (link in slide deck). 

Property Tax Resources: 

• Ramsey County 2026 Temporary Property Tax Extension: Due to economic disruptions and reduced revenue for local businesses caused by Operation Metro Surge, the county is offering a temporary two-month extension for first half 2026 property tax payments. 

• Minnesota Property Tax Refund: Minnesota’s Property Tax Refund provides direct financial relief to homeowners by refunding a portion of their property taxes. 

• Homestead Credits: Homestead tax relief helps reduce property taxes for homeowners by lowering the taxable value of your primary residence. Special homestead programs are also offered for veterans, the blind, and individuals with disabilities. 

• Property Tax Deferrals for Senior Citizens: The Senior Property Tax Deferral Program allows eligible homeowners age 65 and older to defer a portion of their property taxes through a loan and requiring repayment once the home is sold.