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.
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.