Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Meeting - April 14, 2026
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Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting – April 14, 2026
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on April 14, 2026, at 9:01 a.m., adjourning at 10:15 a.m.. All seven commissioners were present: Chair Ortega, Commissioners Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, and Xiong. County Manager Ling Becker and Assistant County Attorney Stacey D'Andrea were also present. The meeting included a land acknowledgement, proclamation, approval of several administrative items, and a detailed presentation on the county's new economic development strategy.
Consent Calendar
- Agenda & Minutes: Approved the agenda of April 14, 2026 (2026-129) and the minutes from April 7, 2026 (2026-130) – both unanimously passed.
- Agreement with Xcel Energy: Approved a scoping estimate agreement for $2,089,569 to relocate transmission towers for the Park at RiversEdge project (Resolution B2026-041).
- Vacation of Unimproved County Road Right-of-Way: Approved vacation of a county road right-of-way along the eastern border of Ramsey County (Resolution B2026-042).
- 2026 Unified Local Youth Plan: Approved the WIOA/Minnesota Youth Program plan for April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027, including authorizations for the County Manager to execute agreements (Resolution B2026-043).
- Appointment to Workforce Innovation Board: Appointed Alexandria Merritt to serve from April 14, 2026 to July 31, 2027 (Resolution B2026-044).
- Food Services Agreements: Approved contracts with Taher, Inc. and Trinity Services Group, Inc. for the period May 18, 2026 – May 17, 2028, with renewal options (Resolution B2026-045).
- CIP Contingent Fund Request: Authorized transfer of up to $200,000 from the Capital Improvement Program Contingent Account to the Saint Paul Campus Security Project (Resolution B2026-046).
Proclamation
- Administrative Support Professionals Week: Commissioner Xiong presented a proclamation declaring April 22, 2026 as Administrative Professionals Day and April 19–25, 2026 as Administrative Professionals Week. Multiple administrative staff from various county departments accepted and shared their years of service (ranging from 2 to 36 years).
Discussion Items
- Ramsey County Economic Development Strategy – Building Stronger Together (Item 5): Director of Community & Economic Development Josh Olson presented the strategy, which focuses on two areas: supporting a dynamic downtown St. Paul and strengthening countywide economic development through sale of county-owned land. The plan involves up to $320 million in county investments: up to $250 million for downtown initiatives (catalyzing projects like Park at RiversEdge, supporting residential growth, enhancing public spaces, and activating business growth) and up to $70 million for selling county-owned land (including Rice Creek Commons and other underutilized properties). Funding sources include existing project budgets, state awards, transportation funds, HRA programming, and strategic bonding – without increasing the property tax levy. Commissioners unanimously expressed strong support, emphasizing the need to grow the tax base, provide property tax relief, and partner with the City of St. Paul, state, business, and community groups. The board endorsed the strategy and authorized implementation (Resolution B2026-047).
Key Outcomes
- All consent calendar items (Items 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9,10) approved unanimously (7-0).
- Economic Development Strategy (Item 5) approved unanimously (7-0) via roll call.
- Legislative Update: Commissioner McGuire reported on the state legislative session, including progress on supplemental budget bills, the capital investment request for Park at RiversEdge, and the Capital Complex County Host proposal seeking a state appropriation for non-taxable state property.
- County Connections: County Manager Becker announced:
- Ramsey County Attorney’s Office and Sheriff Fletcher are investigating a January 2026 incident involving federal agents for possible kidnapping, burglary, and false imprisonment of a U.S. citizen.
- National Telecommunicators Week: A new
Meeting Transcript
Chebin Singh. Here. McGuire. Here. McMurtry. Here. Miller. Here. Moran. Here. Here. And Ortega. To the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God. Indivisible liberty and justice for all. Every community owns its assistance to the vitality to and its assistance and vitality to generations from around the world who contribute their hopes and dreams and energy to making 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 acknowledgement are critical to building mutual respect and connections across all barriers of heritage and difference. We are standing on the ancestral lands of the Dakota people. We want to acknowledge the Ojibwe, the Ho Chunk, and the other nations of people who are also call this place home. We pay respect to the elders, past and present. So 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. And please join us in uncovering sus truth at any and all public events. Second. So I just want to share a few remarks about the important work that our administrative professionals bring to the table every single day. They are the operational backbone of our county services. They ensure that there's continuity, accuracy, and efficiency, managing the day-to-day functions that keep Ramsey County running without disruption. They directly impact resident experience and access, from navigating complex systems to handling sensitive situations. They are often the first point of contact, ensuring that residents are treated with dignity, responsiveness, and with care. Their behind the scenes work enables leadership, builds trust, and by further commute coordinating communication, managing critical details and supporting staff, they allow leaders to focus on policy while strengthening public trust through reliable service delivery. So with that, I will read the proclamation and then let's give you all a round of applause afterwards. And I would love for you all to just share who you are, how long you've been at the county, and then also we'll do a photo afterwards. So with that said, um, I hear by uh whereas uh Ramsey County depends on administrative professionals who keep the county moving every day. They manage schedules, track documents, guide residents through complex systems, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. And whereas these professionals handle critical information, coordinate with multiple teams, and respond to high stakes requests, their work ensures that county operations run smoothly and residents' needs are met without delay. And whereas administrative professionals enable county leaders and staff to focus on policy and programs and day-to-day uh operations, resident interactions and important details are managed with care, accuracy, and attention. And whereas they support residents through complex systems and sensitive situations. All people, especially those facing urgent and challenging circumstances, are treated with respect, dignity, and care. And whereas administrative professionals facilitate communication, coordination, and continuity across departments. They link staff, teams, and residents to maintain effective and responsive county services. And whereas their work may not always be visible, yet it directly affects residents' lives, keeps the county running, and strengthens trust in Ramsey County services. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners declares April 22nd, 2026 as administrative professionals day, and the week of April 19th through the 25th as administrative professionals week, honoring the essential frontline contributions of administrative professionals who make Ramsey County's mission possible every day. And with that said, I will hand this off to Emily. Thank you so much. Good morning, board chair, commissioners, county manager Becker. My name is Emily Hunter, and I am an administrative assistant for St. Paul Ramsey County Public Health.
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