Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Meeting – March 17, 2026

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on March 17, 2026, from 9:01 a.m. to 10:44 a.m. in Council Chambers. Commissioners Jebens-Singh, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Chair Ortega were present; Commissioner McGuire attended remotely; Commissioner Xiong arrived at 9:06 a.m. during the GREATER MSP presentation. County Manager Ling Becker and Civil Division Director Jada Lewis were also present. The meeting included consent items, an administrative item, a presentation from GREATER MSP, a legislative update, county connections report, and outside board/committee reports.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda of March 17, 2026 (2026-101): Motion by Moran, seconded by McGuire. Passed unanimously with Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, and Ortega voting aye; Xiong absent.
• Minutes of March 10, 2026 (2026-102): Motion by Moran, seconded by Miller. Passed unanimously with the same vote.

Administrative Items

• Certification of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Charges for Energy Improvements (2026-072): The Board approved a resolution (B2026-038) to amend the interest start date for an assessment on property owned by 80 West LLC (80 4th Street W, Saint Paul, PIN 06.28.22.24.0012). The assessment is $1,530,000 at 7.49% interest over 24 years, with interest now starting January 1, 2027. The motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Jebens-Singh, passed unanimously (Xiong absent).

Discussion Items

• Presentation: GREATER MSP (2026-097): Peter Frosch, CEO of the Minneapolis‑St. Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership (GREATER MSP), presented the organization’s strategy to expand economic opportunity and increase tax base across the region. He highlighted that Ramsey County is the smallest geographic county in Minnesota and emphasized redevelopment opportunities at sites such as Gerdau (potential green steel facility), WestRock (potential med‑tech campus generating $1–1.5 million in additional annual property tax), and Snelling‑University (tech zone). He noted that GREATER MSP’s three‑year goal is to secure $5 billion in additional investment and at least 5,000 good jobs in the region.

  Commissioners asked questions and raised concerns:

  • Commissioner McMurtrey inquired about comparable regional partnerships in Columbus, Ohio and Syracuse, New York, and the role of local government.
  • Commissioner McGuire asked how GREATER MSP would partner on major Ramsey County projects (Rice Creek Commons, Park at River’s Edge, riverfront development).
  • Commissioner Moran expressed support for growing the tax base but stressed the need to avoid gentrification and displacement, prioritizing first‑time homeowners. She also asked about the organization’s decision‑making process and conflicts between urban and rural counties.
  • Commissioner Miller asked about the care economy (childcare, elder care) as a workforce enabler and about the impact of recent immigration‑related events on the region’s brand reputation for attracting global talent.
  • Commissioner Xiong (arriving late) questioned how high‑tech job creation would ensure wages are fair and asked about climate impact considerations in business attraction. He also asked about transit access to jobs across the metro.
  • Commissioner Jebens‑Singh requested a copy of the presentation slides and asked how technology (e.g., cybersecurity, deep tech) is integrated. She later asked about the harm to brand reputation from “Operation Metro Surge” and the federal government’s pressure on property taxes.
  • Chair Ortega emphasized the importance of listening to embedded communities, small businesses, and the need for GREATER MSP to better understand local workforce development beyond universities.

  Peter Frosch responded that GREATER MSP focuses on “governance light but leadership heavy,” building teams for specific projects. He acknowledged concerns about brand reputation but noted that some international investors still view Minnesota as a safe place to do business. He also mentioned the Groundbreak Coalition as an inclusive financial mechanism to support community wealth building.

  Legislative Update (Commissioner McGuire): The state legislature is about one month into session; a supplemental budget from the governor is expected today. The governor also proposed a major overhaul of state human services administration with fraud prevention and technology modernization. The House Taxes Committee heard the Ramsey/Hennepin bill to extend the mortgage registry tax (funding the Environmental Response Fund), likely included in the omnibus tax bill. The Senate passed emergency rental assistance, but House passage is uncertain. Bills on regulating infectious waste shipments are advancing.

  County Connections (County Manager Ling Becker): Becker reported on the winter storm response over the weekend. The county activated a coordinated incident team; 27 trucks operated 24 hours on primary roads. Five field service incidents occurred; the Sheriff’s Office assisted staff transport. He thanked public works, fleet mechanics, and all staff for their flexibility.

  Outside Board and Committee Reports: Several commissioners provided brief updates:

  • Commissioner Miller: Rice Creek Commons spine road design nearing finalization; White Bear Township annual meeting emphasized budget transparency; SHAC meeting on cannabis prevention; DCT advisory committee on sex offender program review; Landmark Center St. Patrick’s Day programming.
  • Commissioner McMurtrey: Tour of 911 dispatch center; Climate Action Working Group on chloride reduction; Active Living Ramsey Communities meeting on Met Council solicitation; new employee orientation.
  • Commissioner Moran: Welcomed Parks & Rec staff; small business collaborative at Capitol Commons; met with Isaiah on Operation Metro Surge and election security; noted demolition of CVS at Snelling‑University.
  • Commissioner Xiong: MESB board approved 2026 regional needs document and RFP for shared 911 study; Heading Home Ramsey; Waldo Grant opening; upcoming district hours.
  • Commissioner Jebens‑Singh: Heading Home Ramsey annual meeting; health center at 55 Cedar (needle exchange moving to Maplewood, county committed to maintaining St. Paul service); pretrial justice council update on navigator program; community meeting to be announced.
  • Chair Ortega: Met with ASAIA group; Landmark Center violence reduction group; hosted Humphrey policy students.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda approved (motion passed).
• Minutes of March 10, 2026 approved.
• Resolution B2026-038 (PACE assessment for 80 West LLC) adopted.
• All other items were informational; no further votes were taken.
• The Board then adjourned to the Regional Railroad Authority Meeting at 10:44 a.m., followed by workshops on economic growth and strategic planning.