Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting - February 17, 2026
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Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting - February 17, 2026
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on February 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Council Chambers, Courthouse Room 300. All seven commissioners were present (Commissioners Jebens-Singh, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Ortega, and Chair Ortega; Commissioner McGuire arrived at 9:01 a.m.; Commissioner Xiong arrived at 9:03 a.m.). Also present were County Manager Ling Becker and Assistant County Attorney Stacey D'Andrea. The meeting included a proclamation for Black History Month, approval of several administrative items (some with extensive discussion), legislative and federal updates, and reports from commissioners. The meeting adjourned at 10:41 a.m.
Consent Calendar
- Agenda and Minutes: Approved the agenda for February 17, 2026 (Motion by Moran, seconded by McMurtrey; passed unanimously, Xiong absent for the vote) and the minutes of February 10, 2026 (Motion by Miller, seconded by McMurtrey; passed unanimously, Xiong absent).
- State Aid Variance for Little Canada Road Improvements (Item 4): Unanimously approved a request to the Minnesota Department of Transportation for a variance to allow a reduced design speed (below the required 30 mph minimum) for the Little Canada Road Improvements Project, along with an indemnification agreement. (Resolution B2026-030)
- Single Source Agreement Amendment with 4Mativ Technologies (Item 7): Unanimously approved an amendment to increase the contract by $1,746,000 and extend the term through August 31, 2026, for foster care student transportation management services. (Resolution B2026-031)
Discussion Items
Transfer of Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) Funds (Item 5)
- Proposal: Authorize the transfer of $4,000,000 from the Community and Economic Development department's LAHA fund to the Housing Stability operating budget, adjust project budgets, and allow the County Manager to move 2026 funds to the 2025 budget year and execute agreements.
- Discussion: Housing Stability Director Jaime Wilkins and Co-Deputy Director Laurie Pierce presented. The $4 million had been allocated to various projects (housing court, shelter entry/diversion, interfaith action, supportive housing, and family emergency shelter) but not formally moved. Commissioners asked about the use of funds for prevention versus downstream services, the coordination with the prevention work group, and the need for clear communication to residents about eligibility and timelines. Commissioners also noted the impact of federal immigration enforcement on housing stability and the importance of flexible dollars. The board discussed the relationship with Heading Home Ramsey and the Continuum of Care, noting that federal funds do not prioritize prevention. Commissioners emphasized the need for ongoing partnership with community organizations.
- Outcome: Motion by Xiong, seconded by Miller; passed unanimously (7-0). (Resolution B2026-032)
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Acceptance (Item 6)
- Proposal: Accept a $594,589 grant from HUD through the City of Saint Paul for ESG administration, approve the amended joint powers agreement, and authorize the County Manager to enter into agreements.
- Discussion: Staff explained the grant funds four areas (rapid rehousing, emergency shelter, street outreach, homelessness prevention) and is distributed via competitive solicitation to subrecipients, primarily nonprofits serving Ramsey County residents (mostly based in St. Paul). Commissioners asked about compliance with federal terms amid recent policy changes; staff confirmed the joint powers agreement was amended to include protective language regarding recent federal activity. Questions also addressed geographic equity (suburban access) and the relationship with state ESG funds. The small grant size ($594,589) and strict HUD oversight (reporting, auditing, monitoring) were highlighted.
- Outcome: Motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Miller; passed unanimously (7-0). (Resolution B2026-033)
Legislative Update
- Commissioner McGuire provided an update on the 2026 legislative session starting at noon on February 17. Key items: a bill for one-time emergency rental assistance to counties (House hearing Feb 19); Senate hearings on housing instability from Metro Surge and on HR1 impacts (Medicaid/SNAP cuts); bonding priorities including the Park at River's Edge and Aldrich Arena; and the County Host Program seeking state compensation for the Capitol Complex. Federal update: Congress in recess, House passed the SAVE Act (voter citizenship proof) but no Senate path; ongoing concerns about ICE operations and funding. Commissioner McMurtrey will testify on HR1.
County Connections
- County Manager Ling Becker highlighted new mental health resources for staff (via health app), a column on operational excellence, a press conference by County Attorney John Choi on restorative justice for youth (University of Minnesota evaluation showing reduced recidivism), and a letter to the federal delegation on Metro Surge impacts. Becker noted that while federal operations may be drawing down, harm continues, and the county needs federal partnership for recovery.
Outside Board and Committee Reports
- Commissioners reported on various meetings: St. Paul Children Collaborative (early childhood development), AMC tribal-county relations joint leadership (planning training), Century Avenue North Reconstruction project (traffic calming, Metro Transit Bronze Line), Greater MSP board (Commissioner Xiong expressed disappointment over corporate silence on federal occupation), St. Paul Public Schools (online learning challenges, food delivery), Rice Street business impacts from Metro Surge, Roseville Area Schools Foundation fund for affected families, Ramsey County League of Local Governments legislative meeting, and AMC futures meeting (jail inspections). Commissioners also noted upcoming events and community support efforts.
Board Chair Update
- Chair Ortega welcomed new employees, reported a clean 2024 audit (unmodified opinion, four written findings – best in recent years), and addressed Metro Surge: expressed skepticism about the announced drawdown, called for independent investigations into deaths and injuries, and emphasized continued advocacy for comprehensive immigration reform. Chair also encouraged community members to share experiences and thanked everyone for their work.
Key Outcomes
- Resolutions passed unanimously (all 7-0) :
- B2026-030: State Aid Variance for Little Canada Road Improvements.
- B2026-031: Amendment to Single Source Agreement with 4Mativ Technologies.
- B2026-032: Transfer of $4,000,000 LAHA funds from Community and Economic Development to Housing Stability.
- B2026-033: Acceptance of $594,589 Emergency Solutions Grant from HUD via City of Saint Paul.
- Next Steps: The board will have no meetings on February 24 and March 3 (conferences), then resume March 10. A closed meeting (not open to the public) was held at 2:00 p.m. to discuss the sale of 160 E. Kellogg Blvd, resulting in a unanimous motion (Resolution B2026-034) to pursue negotiations with a selected contractor, with fallback options for offers at or above $3,500,000.
Meeting Transcript
Here. Miller. Here. Moran. Zhang will be a little bit late and Ortega. I will stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation. Under God. Liberty and Justice. Commissioner Singh. Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will. Truth and acknowledgement are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. Please take a moment to consider the treaties made by the tribal nations that entitle non-native people to live and work on traditional native lands. Good morning. We're just getting all set up this beautiful rainbow of melanin behind that. Um good good morning, uh, everyone. Today uh we gather uh to not only recognize Black History Month, uh, but to also honor a century of Black history commemorations, 100 years uplifting the innovation, creativity, resilience, and historic contributions of black communities. Since the observance first observances in 1926, these commemorations have ensured black history is recognized, preserved and celebrated, highlighting both pivotal moments and everyday leadership that continues to shape our nation. We acknowledge the trailblazers who opened doors, the artists and innovators who reimagined possibility, and the communities whose strength and perseverance have carried us today. And I want to pause for a second because I want to hand it over to Commissioner Moran to highlight uh one of those trailblazers uh who we lost uh this morning. Good morning, everyone. Um, good morning, Chair, my colleagues. Um I would like to take a moment to recognize the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a leader whose life and legacy have shaped the moral and civil direction of our nation. Reverend Jackson stood at the intersection of fate, justice, and public life. From his work alongside Dr. Martin Luther King to founding of the Rainbow Push Coalition. He dedicated his life to expanding opportunity, challenging injustice, and giving voice to those who too often were unheard. He also ran for president of the United States of America twice. 1984 and 1988. He believed deeply in the power of collective action and in the idea that our nation is strongest when everyone is included. His advocacy helped open doors in edge in education, employment, and politics for generations of people across this country. Reverend Jackson also understood that progress is not about policy, but about people, about dignity, visibility, and the belief that everyone deserved a fair chance to succeed. His work reminded us that justice requires persistence, courage, and a willingness to stand up even when it's difficult. As public servants, we carry it for part of that responsibility. We are called not only to govern, but to ensure that our decision reflect fairness, equity, and an opportunity for all members of our community. Today we honor Reverend Jesse Jackson not only for what he accomplished, but for the path he helped laid for others. His legacy challenged us to continue the work, to listen, to lead with compassion, and to act with purpose. My thoughts, and I hope our thoughts are with his family, his loved ones, and for all who were inspired by his life. And I did a quick little quote uh from Jesse Jackson, who said that, especially in this moment and time that we find ourselves in, that America will get better and better. Keep hope alive. Keep hope alive. So and that, thank you, Commissioner Man, and that legacy of leadership, creativity, and community uh is beautifully reflected also today with our community guest, Walker West Music Academy. Yeah. Walker West creates a music, uh creates a music learning community rooted in the African-American cultural experience, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds to explore, perform, and grow through music. Founded in 1988 in St. Paul's historic Rondo neighborhood by Reverend Carl Walker and Grant West, Walker West began with a simple yet powerful vision to provide piano lessons and a safe haven for neighborhood children. Since then, the Academy has touched the lives of thousands with lessons and experiences that continue to resonate across all walks of life.
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