Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on October 6, 2026, from 9:04 a.m. to 9:54 a.m. in Council Chambers at the Courthouse. All seven commissioners were present, with Commissioner McGuire attending remotely. The meeting included approval of the agenda and minutes, six administrative items (all passed unanimously), a County Manager update on homelessness and warming spaces, and reports from commissioners on community engagements. A tour of District Energy followed the meeting.
Library Gifts and Grants (Items 4 & 5) Deputy Library Director Ray Lockman presented two items. The Friends of the Ramsey County Library provided a $150,000 annual grant for collections, programming, and improvements, used for programs and book purchases. An additional $90,000 gift is earmarked for one-time capital improvements, such as study pods at the Roseville Library, interactive children’s installations (musical instrument play, dramatic play), and other well-loved services. Lockman explained that the Friends, as an independent nonprofit, entrust the county with spending decisions. Commissioners expressed gratitude for the Friends’ volunteer efforts and support. Votes: Both items passed unanimously (7-0) as Resolutions B2026-131 ($90,000 gift) and B2026-132 ($150,000 grant).
County Manager Update – Homelessness and Warming Spaces County Manager Ling Becker provided a comprehensive update on homelessness initiatives. She noted October 10 is World Homeless Day and highlighted upcoming community events. For the upcoming winter, Ramsey County is planning a modified approach that prioritizes available emergency shelter capacity for single adults, while maintaining warming and overflow spaces as a safety net. Last summer saw nearly 13,000 visits to warming spaces, 20,000 transportation rides, and an average of 85 single adults, 25 youth, and at least one family per night. For families and youth, services will continue from last year. The county is collaborating with the city of St. Paul and the Sheriff’s Office for extreme cold thresholds, including using the adult detention center lobby on the most severe nights. Becker also announced that on October 2, 2026, Ramsey County achieved an effective end of veteran homelessness, recognized by the Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness. Since 2015, 804 veterans have been housed through collective efforts. This status means a coordinated system is in place to quickly identify and house veterans experiencing homelessness, though individual veteran homelessness may still occur. In response to a question from Commissioner Xiong about low-barrier shelter options, Becker noted that Catholic Charities allows pets and storage, and additional low-barrier shelter beds are expected to be announced soon. Case management efforts recently connected 15–20 people from encampments to support, and approximately 40 individuals (20 housed, nearly 20 with pending options) have moved to other housing options.
Commissioner Reports (County Connections / Outside Board & Committee Reports) Commissioners provided updates on their activities over the prior two weeks. Key themes included homelessness, housing, community engagement, and regional collaboration.
Just doing a filter, and it said that it's like to choose which animal you are, and it takes half your face, and it said I was an ostrich at the first one. So it's really like it's probably all this flags on the model. Here. McMurtry. Here. Miller. Here. Moran. And Ortega. Hi. Can we stand for the Pledge of Allegiance? And to the Republic for which to stand. Len acknowledgement, Commissioner Miller. Yes, thank you, Chair. Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, 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 connection 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 also call this place home. We pay respects to their elders, past and present. 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. Consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today. And please join us in uncovering such truths at any and all public events. Thank you. I'll entertain a motion on the agenda of October 6, 2026. See no discussion roll call. Miller. Aye. Moran. Zhang. Aye. Chabin Singh. McGuire. Aye. McMurtry. Aye. And Ortega. Aye. I'll entertain a motion on the minutes of September 22nd, 2026. Second. See no discussion roll call. Miller. Aye. Moran? Zhang. Aye. Chabin Singh.