Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Meeting - September 8, 2026

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met on September 8, 2026 at 9 a.m. in the Council Chambers of the Courthouse. The meeting included approval of routine items, a joint powers agreement for adult basic education, and several informational updates from commissioners regarding budget processes, community events, and state funding.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda of September 8, 2026 (Item 1): Approved. The agenda was presented for approval; the transcript does not record a separate vote, but it is presumed adopted without discussion.
• Minutes from September 1, 2026 (Item 2): Approved. The minutes were presented for approval; similarly, no discussion or vote is reflected in the transcript.

Administrative Items

• Joint Powers Agreement with Metro East Consortium for Adult Basic Education Services (Item 3): Commissioner McGuire moved approval, seconded by another commissioner. The agreement provides adult basic education services through June 30, 2027. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote (Commissioners Singh, Maguire, McMurtry, Miller, Moran, Zhang, Ortega all voted "aye").

County Connections

• 2027 Supplemental Budget Process: Commissioner Moran (budget chair) reminded the board that the 2027 supplemental budget presentations continue, with the safety and justice service team meeting on Thursday, September 10. The first public hearing will be held that afternoon at 5 p.m. at the St. Paul City Hall and Ramsey County Courthouse. Residents can sign up to comment by calling 651-266-9200, emailing chiefclerk@ramseycounty.us, or in person. Free parking vouchers are available at Victory Ramp. The board will set the 2027 maximum property tax levies at the September 22 board meeting.
• Self-Care Awareness Month: Commissioner Moran highlighted September as self-care awareness month, noting physical, mental/emotional, and social/spiritual pillars. County employee resources are available on the intranet and through a new EAP provider available 24/7.
• Minnesota Housing Encampment Response Funding: Commissioner Moran reported that Minnesota Housing provided an additional investment of nearly $800,000 to Ramsey County as part of the encampment response partnership with the City of St. Paul. The funding, identified through the Interagency Council of Partners at the Department of Human Services, will increase the contract with Radius Health by supporting three additional staff (registered nurse, outreach worker, administrative HIMIS support), bringing the outreach program to almost 8 FTEs. Additionally, $316,000 is allocated for direct assistance to people experiencing homelessness (application fees, security deposits, transportation). The funds are available through June 2028.

Outside Board and Committee Reports

• Commissioner Tara: Announced the Lake Owasso Residents family picnic on September 12 (12-3 p.m.), the North Oaks Guild rummage sale at Shoreview Arena (September 12-13) benefiting Children's Hospital, and the rescheduled Disability Pride Festival on September 17 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) at the State Capitol, sponsored by ACT.
• Commissioner Garrison: Reported on a meeting with Health Partners Como Clinic staff regarding their expansion and new facility in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood, which will include a women's health center, CT/MRI services, and TRIA orthopedics/urgent care. Also met with Snelling University Alliance (including Hamline Midway Coalition, Midway Chamber of Commerce, Union Park District Council) to discuss corridor development similar to Rice & Larpenteur Alliance. Participated in a town hall at 1666 Kaufman senior living home to discuss the supplemental budget and the role of the county regarding the U of M golf course redevelopment. Announced the M Health Fairview Clinic (Rice Street) community celebration and ribbon cutting on September 9 (4:30-6 p.m.) for receiving the 2025 Foster G. McGaw Prize and opening a community garden.
• Commissioner Kelly: Had no update but expressed happiness about the back-to-school season. Announced in-district hours next Monday in Maplewood (10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.).
• Commissioner Zhang: Spent the past week with residents, young people, community partners, and county staff touring housing models, celebrating youth leadership, and reviewing performance measures. Participated in the Bronze Line team tour with commissioners, council members, and Met Council members along the route to discuss right-of-way constraints.
• Commissioner McGuire: Appeared on WCCO Radio with Washington County Commissioner Carla Bingham to discuss the county's business recycling program. Visited the Eco Building at the State Fair. Highlighted upcoming events: Roseville Climate Equity Action Plan launch party on September 10 (6-8 p.m. at Showtime Studio), retirement event for Senator Sandy Pappas on September 10 evening, and Ramsey County League of Local Governments meeting on flock cameras on September 11 (8-9 a.m. Zoom) featuring Roseville Police Chief and St. Paul Deputy Chief Rebecca Naker. Also noted the Lake Owasso picnic, the Impact Conference sustainability conference, and the Association of Minnesota Counties Policy Conference in Bemidji.

Key Outcomes

• Joint Powers Agreement Approved: Unanimous approval of the joint powers agreement with Metro East Consortium for Adult Basic Education Services.
• Budget Process Schedule: Public hearing on September 10; levy setting on September 22.
• Encampment Response Funding: $800,000 from Minnesota Housing, including $316,000 direct assistance and support for three additional staff at Radius Health.
• No Board Meeting Next Week: The board will not meet on September 15 due to the AMC Fall Policy Conference; next meeting is September 22.