Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met on October 27, 2026, to approve the agenda and minutes, discuss a workforce development partnership and a bond ordinance, and receive updates on county connections and committee reports.
Commissioner Singh moved approval of the Memorandum of Understanding and Infrastructure Funding Agreement (2026-404) with CareerForce partners for Local Workforce Development Area #15 for October 27, 2026 through October 26, 2029. Director Patrice O'Davis of Workforce Solutions provided an overview: The CareerForce location in downtown St. Paul (moved March 2025) is the highest-utilized comprehensive CareerForce center in the state. Year-to-date (Jan-Sep 2026): 3,242 job seekers (99% from St. Paul); 51% Black, 36% White; over 5,400 services provided (44% job search); 77% from low-income zip codes. Commissioners Miller, Zhang, Singh, and McGuire asked about tracking job placement, industry focus, usage trends, and funding cost-sharing. Commissioner Singh shared a personal success story of re-entering the workforce via county services. The board voted to approve the agreement unanimously.
Commissioner Garrison moved to waive the first reading of the proposed 2027 Capital Improvement Program Bond Ordinance (2026-382) and set a public hearing. Jeanette Boyconina from Finance outlined the process: waive first reading, public hearing on November 17, 2026, adoption of the ordinance on December 1, 2026, authorization of bond sale on December 1, 2026, and report on bond sale results on February 9, 2027. Commissioner McGuire highlighted the county's AAA bond rating held for over 25 years. The board approved the motion unanimously.
Each commissioner reported on district activities:
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. 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 27th, 2026. So move second. See no discussion roll call. Chebin Singh. Hi. McGuire. Hi. McMurtry. Aye. Miller. Hi. Moran. Zhong. Hi. And Ortega. Hi. I'll intertain a motion on the minutes of October 20th, 2026. Second. See no discussion roll call. Hi. McGuire. Hi. McMurtry. Moran. Zhong. Aye. And Ortega. Hi. Administrative items. Commissioner Singh. Yes, I'd like to move the following administrative items. Number three, memorandum of understanding and infrastructure funding agreement with career force partners. Chair, I'd like to pull that item. Okay. I think that's it for today. Donate a second. Oh, I would like to move item number three. Second. Thank you. I would just like to give Director Patrice O Davis an opportunity to further expand on this. What we're approving