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.
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:
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:
County Board of Commissioners roll call, please. Chubbin Singh. Maguire. You may need to unmute Commissioner Maguire. She's not hearing you. Here, here, sorry. Perfect. Thank you. Um, Commissioner McMurtry. Here. Miller. Here. Moran? Here. Jean is a little bit behind, and then Commissioner Ortega. Hi. Commissioner McMurtry. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will, some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope of a better life, and some have lived on this land since time immemorial. Truth and acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. Thank you, Commissioner McMurtry. I'll entertain a motion on the agenda of March 17th, 2026. Second. Second. Any discussion? Roll call. McMurtry. Aye. Miller. Moran. Hi. Um a little bit behind. Jabin Singh. Hi. McGuire. Aye. And Ortega. I'll entertain a motion on the minutes of March 10th, 2026. So move. Second. Any discussion? See none roll call. McMurtry. Aye. Miller. Aye. Moran. Aye.