Public Meetings - Ramsey County, Minnesota

On March 10, 2026, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners held a workshop to review the updated Fiscal Health Analysis, comparing 2020 and 2025 data. The presentation, led by Urban Three consultant Heather Worthington and Community & Economic Development Director Josh Wilson, focused on land productivity, tax exempt property, sales tax revenue, and opportunities for redevelopment. No votes were taken during this workshop. The analysis is intended to inform the update of the Economic Competitiveness and Inclusion (ECI) Plan 2.0. Discussion Items - Land Use Productivity & Tax Exempt Property: Heather Worthington presented detailed models showing value per acre across Ramsey County. Downtown St. Paul was noted to have 33% exempt parcels, among the highest in the nation for capital cities, with a productivity ratio dropping from 13.2 times the county average in 2020 to 8.3 times in 2025 due to parcels becoming exempt. Overall, 24% of county land is tax exempt, including 18% right-of-way. St. Paul's taxable value is 1.6 times greater than the area it occupies. Maplewood has 28% exempt land, 14% of which is county-owned. - Suburban Growth: North St. Paul saw significant growth from projects like the Article 7 apartments, adding 91 million in value over five years. Little Canada, White Bear Lake, and Roseville also showed strong productivity. Mixed-use and missing middle housing (e.g., duplexes, rowhomes) were highlighted as highly productive land uses. - Challenges & Opportunities: Commissioners discussed the high dependence on property tax (86% of revenue) and the need to diversify revenue streams, including sales tax. The county's fully urbanized nature limits greenfield development, making redevelopment and infill critical. Opportunities include tax-exempt county-owned land (e.g., Maplewood campus, Les Bolstead golf course) and office-to-residential conversions downtown (e.g., First National Bank, Gallery Professional). Projections showed potential value increases from 0 to 6-18.5 million per acre on specific sites. - Data Transparency & City Engagement: Commissioners expressed interest in sharing the analysis with city partners and residents to improve land use literacy and advocate for legislative changes, such as better sales tax data. Presenters noted that cities like Falcon Heights and Maplewood have already requested deeper dives. Josh Wilson noted that the county is working with cities through the JDA and planning grant programs. - Height Restrictions: Commissioner McGuire noted unique height restrictions around the State Capitol that suppress downtown development potential. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions were made. Next steps include finalizing the report, scheduling presentations for cities and stakeholders, and using the findings to guide the ECI Plan 2.0 update. - A follow-up workshop is scheduled for the week of March 16, 2026, to discuss next steps. - A lunch-and-learn on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is planned for April 28, 2026. - The county will continue to work with cities on data-driven economic development, including support through the Critical Quarters program.

The Ramsey County Board held a workshop on March 10, 2026, to review preparations for the upcoming 2026 state primary and general elections. The meeting focused on election administration, the potential impact of the proposed SAVE America Act, contract renewals with cities and school districts, voting system upgrades, and security measures. No votes were taken. Discussion Items - Election Administration Overview: Deputy Director David Sherplin explained the four levels of election administration in Minnesota: Secretary of State, counties (managed by the county auditor), cities/school districts, and the federal government. Ramsey County has contracted with all but one city and school district since 1996 to carry out city election duties. - SAVE America Act Discussion: Joe Lee from Government Relations presented the proposed SAVE America Act, which would require documentary proof of citizenship for federal elections and government-issued ID at polling places. Multiple commissioners expressed strong concerns about the act's feasibility, cost, potential to disenfranchise voters, conflict with the Voting Rights Act, and the burden on election judges. Deputy Director Sherplin estimated the cost to Ramsey County at approximately $80,000 per election for additional judges. The act has not passed and faces opposition in Congress. - Election Contracts and Judge Pay: Existing election contracts with cities expire at the end of 2026. The county is renegotiating six-year terms and plans to propose a $2/hour increase for election judges (to $16/hour), along with funding for new voting booths and adjustments for absentee voting growth. The increase requires board approval later in 2026. - 2026 Election Expectations: Due to open governor and U.S. Senate seats, turnout is expected to reach 220,000–250,000 voters, with a high primary on August 11. Youth voter turnout has increased since 2018. Ramsey County does not use modems to transmit results on election night, relying on physical delivery for security; this leads to later initial results but final counts by end of night. - Voting System Upgrades: The county plans to upgrade to a federal VVSG 2.0-certified system, which bans modems and adds two-factor authentication. The new system will also integrate ranked-choice voting (used by Saint Paul) and allow more flexible ballot formatting. The current system contract runs through 2030. - Voter Preparation and Access: Residents can vote on Election Day, by mail, or early in person. For mail voting, voters are advised to mail ballots at least a week early or drop them at early voting locations. The county serves 27 health care facilities and offers curbside voting. Election judges are the primary voter assistants. The public can observe training, accuracy tests, and recounts. - Security: The county has an emergency response team (including legal, communications, law enforcement, and facilities) for physical and cybersecurity incidents. Local law enforcement enforces 100-foot no-electioneering zones. The sheriff provides security on election night. School polling places require separate voter-student access. The county works with Saint Paul Public Schools to ensure safe polling sites. Key Outcomes - The board will consider a $2/hour wage increase for election judges and funding for new voting booths as part of contract renewals, to be brought for action later in 2026. - The county will continue to monitor the SAVE America Act and other federal election legislation. - A future workshop and board actions are planned for the voting system upgrade and related items. - Election judge recruitment remains active; interested individuals can sign up at mnvotes.gov.

The Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) met on February 17, 2026, at 10:43 a.m. (scheduled for 10:00 a.m.) in Council Chambers. All seven members were present: Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Ortega, and Chair Xiong. Also present were County Manager Ling Becker and Assistant County Attorney Stacey D'Andrea. The meeting was brief, lasting one minute, and all agenda items were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Agenda Approval (2026-067): Motion by Miller, seconded by McGuire, passed unanimously (7 ayes) to approve the February 17, 2026 agenda. - Minutes Approval (2026-068): Motion by Miller, seconded by Moran, passed unanimously (7 ayes) to approve the January 13, 2026 minutes. Administrative Items - Substantial Amendment to the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan (2026-057): Motion by Ortega, seconded by Moran, passed unanimously (7 ayes). The HRA approved: (1) the amended 2025 CDBG/HOME Investment Partnerships Act Action Plan and proposed use of funds, and (2) authorization for the County Manager to approve and execute amendments to agreements provided amounts remain within the approved plan budget. Resolution H2026-007 was adopted. Key Outcomes - All three agenda items were approved without discussion or public comment. - The meeting adjourned at 10:44 a.m.

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on February 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Council Chambers, Courthouse Room 300. All seven commissioners were present (Commissioners Jebens-Singh, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Ortega, and Chair Ortega; Commissioner McGuire arrived at 9:01 a.m.; Commissioner Xiong arrived at 9:03 a.m.). Also present were County Manager Ling Becker and Assistant County Attorney Stacey D'Andrea. The meeting included a proclamation for Black History Month, approval of several administrative items (some with extensive discussion), legislative and federal updates, and reports from commissioners. The meeting adjourned at 10:41 a.m. Consent Calendar - Agenda and Minutes: Approved the agenda for February 17, 2026 (Motion by Moran, seconded by McMurtrey; passed unanimously, Xiong absent for the vote) and the minutes of February 10, 2026 (Motion by Miller, seconded by McMurtrey; passed unanimously, Xiong absent). - State Aid Variance for Little Canada Road Improvements (Item 4): Unanimously approved a request to the Minnesota Department of Transportation for a variance to allow a reduced design speed (below the required 30 mph minimum) for the Little Canada Road Improvements Project, along with an indemnification agreement. (Resolution B2026-030) - Single Source Agreement Amendment with 4Mativ Technologies (Item 7): Unanimously approved an amendment to increase the contract by $1,746,000 and extend the term through August 31, 2026, for foster care student transportation management services. (Resolution B2026-031) Discussion Items Transfer of Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) Funds (Item 5) - Proposal: Authorize the transfer of $4,000,000 from the Community and Economic Development department's LAHA fund to the Housing Stability operating budget, adjust project budgets, and allow the County Manager to move 2026 funds to the 2025 budget year and execute agreements. - Discussion: Housing Stability Director Jaime Wilkins and Co-Deputy Director Laurie Pierce presented. The $4 million had been allocated to various projects (housing court, shelter entry/diversion, interfaith action, supportive housing, and family emergency shelter) but not formally moved. Commissioners asked about the use of funds for prevention versus downstream services, the coordination with the prevention work group, and the need for clear communication to residents about eligibility and timelines. Commissioners also noted the impact of federal immigration enforcement on housing stability and the importance of flexible dollars. The board discussed the relationship with Heading Home Ramsey and the Continuum of Care, noting that federal funds do not prioritize prevention. Commissioners emphasized the need for ongoing partnership with community organizations. - Outcome: Motion by Xiong, seconded by Miller; passed unanimously (7-0). (Resolution B2026-032) Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Acceptance (Item 6) - Proposal: Accept a $594,589 grant from HUD through the City of Saint Paul for ESG administration, approve the amended joint powers agreement, and authorize the County Manager to enter into agreements. - Discussion: Staff explained the grant funds four areas (rapid rehousing, emergency shelter, street outreach, homelessness prevention) and is distributed via competitive solicitation to subrecipients, primarily nonprofits serving Ramsey County residents (mostly based in St. Paul). Commissioners asked about compliance with federal terms amid recent policy changes; staff confirmed the joint powers agreement was amended to include protective language regarding recent federal activity. Questions also addressed geographic equity (suburban access) and the relationship with state ESG funds. The small grant size ($594,589) and strict HUD oversight (reporting, auditing, monitoring) were highlighted. - Outcome: Motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Miller; passed unanimously (7-0). (Resolution B2026-033) Legislative Update - Commissioner McGuire provided an update on the 2026 legislative session starting at noon on February 17. Key items: a bill for one-time emergency rental assistance to counties (House hearing Feb 19); Senate hearings on housing instability from Metro Surge and on HR1 impacts (Medicaid/SNAP cuts); bonding priorities including the Park at River's Edge and Aldrich Arena; and the County Host Program seeking state compensation for the Capitol Complex. Federal update: Congress in recess, House passed the SAVE Act (voter citizenship proof) but no Senate path; ongoing concerns about ICE operations and funding. Commissioner McMurtrey will testify on HR1. County Connections - County Manager Ling Becker highlighted new mental health resources for staff (via health app), a column on operational excellence, a press conference by County Attorney John Choi on restorative justice for youth (University of Minnesota evaluation showing reduced recidivism), and a letter to the federal delegation on Metro Surge impacts. Becker noted that while federal operations may be drawing down, harm continues, and the county needs federal partnership for recovery. Outside Board and Committee Reports - Commissioners reported on various meetings: St. Paul Children Collaborative (early childhood development), AMC tribal-county relations joint leadership (planning training), Century Avenue North Reconstruction project (traffic calming, Metro Transit Bronze Line), Greater MSP board (Commissioner Xiong expressed disappointment over corporate silence on federal occupation), St. Paul Public Schools (online learning challenges, food delivery), Rice Street business impacts from Metro Surge, Roseville Area Schools Foundation fund for affected families, Ramsey County League of Local Governments legislative meeting, and AMC futures meeting (jail inspections). Commissioners also noted upcoming events and community support efforts. Board Chair Update - Chair Ortega welcomed new employees, reported a clean 2024 audit (unmodified opinion, four written findings – best in recent years), and addressed Metro Surge: expressed skepticism about the announced drawdown, called for independent investigations into deaths and injuries, and emphasized continued advocacy for comprehensive immigration reform. Chair also encouraged community members to share experiences and thanked everyone for their work. Key Outcomes - Resolutions passed unanimously (all 7-0) : - B2026-030: State Aid Variance for Little Canada Road Improvements. - B2026-031: Amendment to Single Source Agreement with 4Mativ Technologies. - B2026-032: Transfer of $4,000,000 LAHA funds from Community and Economic Development to Housing Stability. - B2026-033: Acceptance of $594,589 Emergency Solutions Grant from HUD via City of Saint Paul. - Next Steps: The board will have no meetings on February 24 and March 3 (conferences), then resume March 10. A closed meeting (not open to the public) was held at 2:00 p.m. to discuss the sale of 160 E. Kellogg Blvd, resulting in a unanimous motion (Resolution B2026-034) to pursue negotiations with a selected contractor, with fallback options for offers at or above $3,500,000.

[Note: The agenda listed the meeting as February 10, 2026, but the transcript provided corresponds to February 11, 2026. This summary uses the date from the transcript.] The Ramsey County Board Workshop featured a presentation on the Ramsey County Judges' Women's Group, a safe and sober support space for justice- or child-protection-involved women and their children. The group, inspired by a similar men's group, has been meeting since 2018 and is stewarded by judges and long-term participants. Ramsey County Community Corrections provides financial and administrative support. No votes were taken during the workshop. Discussion Items - Presentation by Judges and Participants: Chief Judge Sarah Grewing, Judge Maria Mitchell, Judge Nicole Starr, along with group participants Felicia and Brenda, shared the history and impact of the group. The group meets weekly at the Frogtown Community Center, providing a trauma-informed, healing-centered environment. Key elements include the "Seeking Safety" curriculum, Narcan education, voting assistance, and pro-social skill-building. The group serves women on probation or supervised release in Ramsey County, with a recent focus on serving only Ramsey County residents to manage capacity. - Personal Testimonies: Felicia and Brenda described their personal journeys through addiction, incarceration, homelessness, and family reunification, crediting the group with providing accountability, acceptance, and a platform for leadership. Brenda noted that the group helped her gain confidence and a voice, and she now leads journaling sessions. - Capacity and Budget: The group once had 80-90 women attending but now averages about 30 per week after focusing on Ramsey County residents. Director Monica Long stated that the annual budget is approximately $60,000-$65,000, covering space, food, gift cards, bus tokens, and other supplies. The budget is included in the 2026-27 Community Corrections budget. Judges noted that they cannot fundraise due to judicial canons, and the group lacks 501(c)(3) status to accept donations. - Sustainability and Future Direction: Judges expressed fatigue but hope to transition more leadership to participants like Brenda and Felicia. Commissioners suggested leveraging county resources, seeking foundation partnerships, and expanding volunteer support from other county departments (public health, elections). Commissioner Xiong raised the possibility of other county staff or probation officers providing the scaffolding role. County Manager Becker encouraged bringing in community partners to share the investment. - Impact on Participants: Commissioner Moran reported that no women on probation who attended the group had a probation violation while in the group. The group also facilitates intergenerational healing, with mothers and daughters attending together. Key Outcomes - The board expressed strong support for continued county funding and partnership. - No formal votes were taken; the workshop was informational. - Commissioners and county manager committed to exploring ways to expand support, including potential equine therapy and leadership training for participants. - The group will continue with current budget support, and the county will seek additional community investment.

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9:02 a.m. in Council Chambers, Courthouse Room 300, Saint Paul, MN. All seven commissioners were present: Chair Ortega and Commissioners Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, and Xiong. The board unanimously approved consent items, two law enforcement joint powers agreements, and the 2026 capital improvement bond sale; received a strategic plan presentation; and heard the County Manager's update on federal actions and Operation Metro Surge. Chair Ortega adjourned the public meeting at 10:48 a.m., followed by two closed meetings. Consent Calendar - Agenda of February 10, 2026 approved unanimously. - Minutes of February 3, 2026 approved unanimously. - Item 3, the Eighth Amended Joint Powers Agreement of the Ramsey County Violent Crime Enforcement Team (Resolution B2026-026), approved unanimously. - Item 5, the Joint Powers Agreement with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for participation in the Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force (Resolution B2026-027), approved unanimously. The agreement runs through five years from full execution. Administrative Items Discussed - Violent Crime Reduction Unit JPA (Item 4, Resolution B2026-028): Commissioner Jebens-Singh moved and Commissioner McGuire seconded. Undersheriff Mike Martin explained that one Ramsey County deputy is assigned to the BCA-led multi-jurisdictional task force focused on the most violent offenders in the Twin Cities; the grant offsets the deputy's cost and provides a vehicle and equipment. Martin stated the unit does not do immigration enforcement, and staff are instructed to immediately report any request to participate in immigration-related activities. Asked about investigating unlawful acts by federal agents, Martin said that has not been requested, but deputies are assisting on at least one case, and the BCA Force Unit is handling officer-involved investigations, including two Minneapolis shootings. Approved 7-0. - 2026 Capital Improvement Program Bond Sale (Item 6, Resolution B2026-029): Finance Division Director Jeanette Boit-Kania and Baker Tilly advisor Elizabeth Bergman reported that Ramsey County maintained its Triple A ratings from S&P and Moody's. The sale attracted 13 bids and achieved a true interest rate of 3.04%, well below the anticipated 3.5% and revised estimate of 3.25%. Estimated savings are roughly $100,000 per year. Only about 50 U.S. counties hold two Triple A ratings out of roughly 3,069 counties. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Jebens-Singh, approved 7-0. Policy Presentation: 2026-2027 Countywide Strategic Plan Michael Soto, Director of Policy and Administrative Strategy, presented the update. The strategic priorities for 2026-2027 are: operational excellence at the center, surrounded by resident-centered holistic supports, justice transformation, intergenerational wealth and economic justice, with racial and health equity and shared community power woven throughout. Commissioner assignments were shared for each priority. Quarterly meetings between assigned commissioners and executive sponsors begin in Q1 2026 (likely March); the full plan will be published in April 2026; the supplemental budget process begins in April 2026; and budget presentations occur in September. County Manager Ling Becker noted that operational excellence emerged from the board retreat and budget process, that strategic priority funding was eliminated but the work is embedded in all county budgets, and that staff will more explicitly link priorities to RBAs, workshops, and the open data portal. Commissioner McMurtrey requested a six-month touch-base on how the framework is working. Commissioner Xiong asked whether Operation Metro Surge changes priorities; County Manager Becker responded that the county will pivot operations within the existing priorities while maintaining core values. County Manager's County Connections Update - Federal affairs: The U.S. House passed the 2026 appropriation package, avoiding a partial shutdown; Department of Homeland Security funding was extended to February 13. The county sent a letter opposing the SAVE Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote and impose new unfunded administrative requirements on counties. - Operation Metro Surge: Signage was added at Ramsey County parks and recreation facilities restricting parking to employees, patrons, and vendors and prohibiting staging or operations without a permit. Additional field training for employees, titled 'Navigating an Encounter with Immigration Enforcement', is being offered; several hundred employees have completed it. Fairview Health Services is partnering with the county to provide psychological first aid to staff. The East Side Funders Group and Latino Economic Development Center launched a Latino and Immigrant Business Emergency Relief Fund. - Community impact data: Housing assistance requests were up 59% and rental assistance requests were up 118% statewide. Spanish-language contacts to United Way 211 were nearly 10 times typical levels. Nearly half of housing referrals were concentrated in 10 zip codes, including 55119 in Ramsey County. - Utilities: Xcel Energy suspended disconnections through the end of February for customers in the seven-county metro area. - Emergency assistance: Scott Helmkey, Human Services Manager, explained the emergency assistance and emergency general assistance programs, which provide one-time help for crises like eviction, deposits, foreclosure, or utility shutoffs and are available once in an 18-month period. Current processing was described as about 10 days once a worker touches an application, with up to 30 days total depending on verifications, and cases can remain open for up to 60 days. County Manager Becker requested a plain-language one-pager with timelines and residency/status information. Outside Board and Committee Reports Commissioners reported on recent activities: Commissioner Xiong and Commissioner Moran attended the Atlanta Housing Learning Exchange, where the 'Our Home State' pilot was highlighted with a $20 million philanthropic investment. Commissioner Xiong also shared that the Ramsey County Children's Mental Health Collaborative redirected funds to community-based, assessment-free supports. Commissioner Jebens-Singh promoted the upcoming Ramsey County League of Local Governments legislative exchange and thanked first responders. Commissioner McMurtrey attended the Capital Area Community Vitality Project community hub, the White Bear Area Food Shelf 'Barely Open' fundraiser, and NACO Health Policy Steering Committee preparations. Commissioner Miller highlighted the Midway Chamber annual gala, the upcoming CVS demolition near Snelling and University, a small business roundtable on Operation Metro Surge impacts, and gave a Black History Month presentation on the Black Panther Party. Commissioner Moran reported the Workforce Innovation Board approved its 2026 budget and aligned with Minnesota workforce advocacy priorities. Key Outcomes - All public agenda items passed unanimously (7-0). - Resolutions adopted: B2026-026, B2026-027, B2026-028, and B2026-029. - The board held a closed meeting at 10:57 a.m. for the 2025 Litigation Report and authorized staff to proceed as discussed; it adjourned at 12:08 p.m. - The board held a closed meeting at 3:14 p.m. for the Federal Action Lawsuit Summary, with Commissioner Miller excused; it authorized staff to proceed and adjourned at 4:25 p.m. - Upcoming meetings: February 17, 2026 board meeting; no board meetings February 24 and March 3 due to NACo and AMC legislative conferences; next regular meeting March 10, 2026.

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met on February 3, 2026, beginning at 9:06 a.m. (agenda listed 9:00 a.m.) in Council Chambers at the Courthouse. All seven commissioners were present: Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Xiong, and Chair Ortega. The meeting included a land acknowledgement by Commissioner Moran and approval of routine items, followed by adoption of a resolution condemning Operation Metro Surge and directing a county response. The board also held two closed sessions afterward. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda (2026-047): The agenda was approved with an amendment – a motion by Commissioner Xiong, seconded by Moran, to add RBA 2026-061 (the resolution on Operation Metro Surge). The motion passed unanimously (7-0). - Approval of January 27, 2026 Minutes (2026-048): Approved unanimously (7-0) via motion by McGuire, seconded by Moran. Administrative Items - Designation of County State Aid Highway on Century Avenue (2026-040): The board approved establishing, locating, and designating Century Avenue/East County Line Road between I-694 and County Road E as County State Aid Highway 72, subject to Minnesota Commissioner of Transportation approval. The motion (Moran, seconded Miller) passed unanimously (7-0). Resolution B2026-023. Discussion Items - Ramsey County Board Resolution Condemning Operation Metro Surge and Supporting the Federal Response Action Team (RBA 2026-061): Commissioner Xiong introduced the resolution, which condemns aggressive ICE tactics, mourns the killings of Renee Nicole Good (37-year-old U.S. citizen fatally shot by an ICE agent on January 7, 2026) and Alex Pretti (37-year-old U.S. citizen fatally shot by ICE agents on January 24, 2026), and requests an independent investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The resolution calls on DHS to end Operation Metro Surge and directs the County Manager to establish a coordinated response, including legal protection of county property, partnerships for eviction prevention and food security, virtual service access, communication strategies, staff training, policy reviews, mental health mitigation, and engagement with the Federal Response Action Team. All commissioners spoke in support, emphasizing condemnation of violence, the need for due process, and the economic and social impacts on the community. Commissioner McMurtrey challenged business leaders to act. The motion (Xiong, seconded Miller) passed unanimously (7-0). Resolution B2026-024. County Connections (County Manager Report) - County Manager Ling Becker reported on workforce impacts (increased anxiety among staff of color), operational updates (e.g., increased doula demand as pregnant individuals avoid hospitals, increased Spanish-speaking families seeking rental assistance), and the economic toll on businesses (citing a New York Times article titled "Minnesota's Economy Suffers as ICE Cracks Down"). She also noted the county’s AAA credit rating reaffirmed by S&P and Moody’s, and the ongoing federal budget shutdown. A letter from Chair Ortega to Minnesota Senators urged safeguards on DHS funding. Outside Board and Committee Reports - Commissioners reported on various external meetings: Recycling and Energy Board (metro waste district planning), Rice Creek Commons development (90% spine road grading complete, developer bids under review), precinct caucuses, and Black History Month events. Commissioner Miller highlighted the groundbreaking of an anaerobic digester in Scott County, expected to process up to 75,000 tons of organic waste annually and produce renewable natural gas. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved as amended (7-0). - Minutes approved (7-0). - Century Avenue Highway Designation approved unanimously (Resolution B2026-023). - Resolution Condemning Operation Metro Surge approved unanimously (Resolution B2026-024). - Closed Meetings (not open to the public): - 3M Campus Property Tax Litigation (10:40 a.m. – 11:13 a.m.): Board approved outside valuation experts and budget (Resolution B2026-025). - Federal Operations Update – Adult Detention Center (1:34 p.m. – 2:55 p.m.): Board authorized staff to proceed as discussed.

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners held a workshop on January 27, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in Courthouse Room 220 to receive an update on the county's efforts to discharge restrictive covenants from property records. No votes were taken during the workshop. The presentation was led by County Assessor Pat Shapman, Examiner of Titles Wayne Anderson, and other staff. Presentation and Discussion on Restrictive Covenants - History and Legal Context: Wayne Anderson explained that racial covenants began around 1910 and became widespread during the New Deal when the FHA required them for mortgages. The U.S. Supreme Court declared them unenforceable in 1948, and Minnesota made them illegal in 1953. The 2019 statute allowed property owners to discharge covenants, and Ramsey County pays the recording fee (originally $46, later waived by statute). - Current Status: As of 2025, Ramsey County has reduced the number of affected properties from approximately 5,500 to about 4,300. Discharges have increased from 24 in 2022 to 350 in 2025, largely due to a focused canvassing effort by the Assessor's Office. - Canvassing Results: In summer 2025, the Assessor's Office sent 15 appraisers to 1,300 properties over four days. They left door tags with a QR code linking to the county's discharge information. Of visits that included a conversation, 70% resulted in a discharge. The office now integrates covenant status into its field system, allowing appraisers to raise the issue during routine visits. - Challenges and Outreach: A prior targeted mailing to 100+ Torrens properties yielded only a 4–5% response. The door-to-door approach proved more effective. Commissioners discussed leveraging community organizations, cities (e.g., Mounds View, Falcon Heights), the Ramsey County League of Local Governments, the St. Paul Area Association of Realtors, and National Night Out to expand outreach. - Commissioner Feedback: Commissioners expressed strong support for the work and offered ideas: - Commissioner Zhang emphasized the importance of preserving historical data on covenant locations while removing the language. - Commissioner Miller suggested partnering with cities and using student projects. - Commissioner Jefferson recommended coordinating with the League of Local Governments. - Commissioner Moran highlighted the need for clear identification of county staff to address resident safety concerns, especially given current immigration enforcement fears. - Commissioner McGuire proposed creating a slide deck for commissioners to use in community presentations. - County Manager mentioned the possibility of a "road to zero" campaign to drive discharges. Key Outcomes - Next Steps: The Assessor's Office plans another round of canvassing in summer 2026, with advance notice to relevant commissioner offices and community partners. They will engage cities before canvassing to coordinate messaging. - Performance Measure: The office will track progress toward discharging all remaining 4,300 covenants, aiming for zero. - Communication Tools: The county will develop a QR code for broader distribution, consider targeted ads on social media, and explore press features to highlight success stories. Commissioners will include information in their newsletters. - No Formal Action: As a workshop, no votes or formal resolutions were taken. The board directed staff to continue the canvassing strategy and to develop materials for use by commissioners and community partners.

The Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority met in regular session on January 27, 2026, at 10:45 a.m. (per minutes, though the agenda listed 10 a.m.). The meeting was held in Council Chambers - Courthouse Room 300, Saint Paul, MN. Members present were Jebens-Singh, McGuire, Miller, Moran (arrived at 10:46 a.m. and missed roll call), Ortega, and Xiong. McMurtrey was excused. Also present were County Manager Ling Becker and Assistant County Attorney Kathleen Ritter. The meeting was chaired by Chair Ortega. All votes were unanimous among present members, with McMurtrey excused. Consent Calendar - Agenda Approval: Motion by Miller, seconded by Jebens-Singh, to approve the January 27, 2026 agenda. Passed unanimously. - Minutes Approval: Motion by Moran, seconded by Miller, to approve the January 6, 2026 minutes. Passed unanimously. Discussion Items - Purchase of 1840 English Street from Wanless, LLC (Item 3, Resolution R2026-005): The authority approved the purchase and sale agreement for parcel 152922320083 at 1840 English Street, Maplewood, MN, for $325,000. The motion also authorized the Chair to execute closing documents, the County Manager to approve non-financial amendments, and Property Management to pursue sale of the combined surplus property (parcels 152922320083, 152922320093, 152922320094, and 152922320095) per the Real Estate Management Plan. Additionally, the transfer of $325,000 plus closing costs from tax levy fund balances to the 2026 capital budget was approved. Commissioner Miller expressed appreciation for Maplewood's partnership, stating this redevelopment opportunity would not exist if parcels stayed separate, and noted it moves tax-exempt land into productive use, strengthening the tax base for both city and county. Motion by Miller, seconded by Moran, passed unanimously. - Corridor Updates: Commissioner Xiong reported the following: - The Dayton's Bluff community council approved a resolution to explore an additional stop on Earl Street for the Metro Bronze Line; this will be vetted by staff. - East Metro Strong continues to support BRT and RTL BRT projects, including the Met Council's ranking to advance three more lines, including West 7th. - East Metro Strong also supports the "Our Car" car-sharing service for last-mile stops, which offers membership-based, discounted rates for low-income residents. - Xiong was elected vice chair of the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB). The regional solicitation is out for public comment; discussion focused on community indicators weighting. Ramsey County was the lone county representative supporting the proposed shift, but TAB advanced it to public comment. Key Outcomes - Approved agenda and minutes unanimously. - Approved the purchase of 1840 English Street and related authorizations via Resolution R2026-005 (unanimous). - Noted corridor updates; no formal action taken. - Meeting adjourned at 10:52 a.m. by Chair Ortega. Note: The minutes report the meeting started at 10:45 a.m., while the agenda stated 10 a.m. The raw transcript refers to "Commissioner Zhang," but the minutes list Commissioner Xiong as present; this is likely a transcription error.