Ramsey County 2027 Legislative Platform Workshop - October 27, 2026

The Ramsey County Board held a workshop on October 27, 2026, to review the first draft of the 2027 State and Federal Legislative Platform. The platform focused on three main themes: reducing the property tax burden, improving county operations, and improving community wellness. No votes were taken during the workshop. Final recommendations are scheduled for the Legislative Committee of the Whole on November 17, 2026, with final board approval on November 24, 2026.

State Legislative Lead Items

• Capital Host Program: Proposes an annual state payment in lieu of taxes (PILT) of approximately $22 million for tax-exempt state property in Ramsey County. Commissioners discussed the need to coordinate with the City of Saint Paul and other jurisdictions. Commissioner McGuire expressed concern about aligning with AMC's broader property tax relief efforts and noted the importance of a unified approach. Commissioner Moran suggested leveraging community partners for storytelling. Commissioner Zhang highlighted how the program addresses Ramsey County's unique tax base constraints.
• Lake Owasso Residence Rate Increase: Seeks a legislative remedy to achieve greater financial stability for the facility, recognizing a changing care and reimbursement environment. Commissioner Jibbenstein appreciated the proactive, forward-looking approach.
• HR Statute Modernization: Updating outdated human resources language in Minnesota Statute 383A, which pertains specifically to the administration of Ramsey County.
• Day Shelter and Wrap-around Services Appropriation: A state funding request for a family day shelter and wrap-around services. Commissioners discussed potential community partners such as Heading Home Ramsey.

State Legislative Active Advocacy Items

• SNAP Cost Share Protection: A top priority seeking state assistance in covering federal HR1-imposed SNAP benefit and administrative cost shares. Commissioners emphasized the need for clear prioritization when communicating with legislators.
• Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Cost Shift: Advocating for the application of identified savings to eliminate the proposed cost shifts. County Manager Becker noted the importance of flexibility, as LTSS funding could also help offset the county levy.
• Minnesota African American Family Preservation Act: Support for moving case review to the state and obtaining additional funding for implementation.
• ARMER Funding and Governance: Seeking state funding for public safety radio communications infrastructure; it was noted that if Ramsey County must fund its own system, it would cost over $13 million.
• LALA Administrative Cost Allowance: Allowing administrative costs for Local Affordable Housing Aid and other state housing and homelessness funding sources. Commissioner Moran suggested leveraging letters of support from all 19 Ramsey County cities.
• E-book License Restrictions: Opposing publisher-imposed restrictions that increase costs and delays for library users. Commissioner Kunish noted broad legislative support for removing these restrictions.
• Homelessness Program Funding: Increasing funding for FHPAP, Emergency Solutions Grants, and Local Homelessness Prevention Aid, with greater flexibility in administration.
• State Disaster Assistance: Ensuring a well-funded and predictable state disaster assistance resource to prevent local governments from absorbing significant unexpected costs.
• Medical Examiner Death Certificate Cost Recovery: Allowing cost recovery when the medical examiner must complete a death certificate due to provider non-compliance.
• Affordable Housing Property Tax Deduction Reform: Adjusting the current 75% property tax deduction for rental housing at 60% AMI to require a greater proportion of deeply affordable units. DCM Collins clarified the policy aims to target deeper affordability. Commissioners expressed interest in further analysis and considering an AMC platform amendment.
• Firearm Bans in Public Facilities: Supporting the option for local governments to ban firearms in facilities such as libraries and park buildings.
• Discriminatory Restrictive Covenant Removal: Simplifying the removal process by eliminating the notary requirement for discharge forms.

Support Items

• A list of additional items where Ramsey County will provide letters or testimony as needed, including restorative practices grant funding, auto theft fund expansion, child support good cause policy reform, medical examiner system strengthening, and others. County Manager Becker advised limiting the list to maintain focus and strategic clarity; the team will continue to refine the presentation of support items.

Bonding Request

• Aldrich Arena and Community Events Center Renovation: Requesting $6.5 million in state bonding for renovations to improve energy efficiency, accessibility, and user experience. County Manager Becker outlined a shift to a multi-year bonding strategy, preparing projects through phased homework and readiness. Commissioners supported the strategic approach and noted the importance of being prepared to answer legislators' questions about future priorities.

Federal Priorities

• Focus on SNAP and Medicaid changes, housing and homelessness funding (CDBG, HOME), public safety radio interoperability, and justice system transformation. Commissioner Moran advocated for broader positions such as supporting Medicaid for all and raising the federal minimum wage. The team is developing a federal advocacy strategy that includes outreach to potential new U.S. senators and their staff.

Key Outcomes

• The first draft of the 2027 legislative platform was reviewed; no votes were taken.
• Final recommendations will be discussed at the Legislative Committee of the Whole on November 17, 2026, with final board approval on November 24, 2026.
• Government Relations will refine the platform based on board feedback, including clarifying the classification of lead, active advocacy, and support items.
• Commissioners will receive one-pagers and talking points to support engagement with legislators.
• A legislative delegation meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2026, to discuss the platform with returning and new legislators.