 Dear Neighbors,
Over the past few weeks, I have remained in ongoing conversations with many of you—families, community leaders, and local organizations—about the critical funding challenges we are facing. The potential loss of state and federal dollars continues to create uncertainty for Ramsey County, jeopardizing essential services that so many of us rely on. Local nonprofit organizations that work to improve our communities are feeling discouraged as even the future of local, state, and federal grants remains unknown. These organizations play a vital role in strengthening our neighborhoods, supporting families, and filling critical gaps where government services cannot reach. Without secure funding, their ability to serve our community is at risk.
As I shared previously, our county budget depends on 28.4% of intergovernmental revenues—funding that supports public health initiatives, economic development, workforce programs, emergency response efforts, and more. Without these dollars, our communities face an even heavier financial strain, and local property taxpayers will be forced to fill the gap left by unfunded mandates. This is not sustainable, and it is not fair.
I recently had the opportunity to bring our concerns directly to Washington, D.C., where I joined leaders from across the country in advocating for the resources our communities need. There, federal lawmakers, lobbyists, and advocates affirmed that our fight is far from over. Now, more than ever, we must continue to make our voices heard.
I continue to urge you to contact our state and federal elected officials. Tell them what these funding cuts mean for you. Let them know that local governments cannot bear the weight of these mandates alone. Our schools, roads, healthcare programs, and social services depend on stable funding, and we must stand together to ensure our voices are heard.
Your advocacy makes a difference.
In solidarity,
Mai Chong Xiong
 As a member of NaCO's Human Services and Education Steering (HSE) Committee, I reported back to the Minnesota Delegation Caucus the proposed interim resolutions that the HSE committee passed by an overwhelming majority of its members. I spoke in support of the resolutions that affected immigration because, as a daughter of refugees, I know first-hand the impact immigration has had on communities like the east side. Furthermore, immigrants are embedded into the fabrics of our society and economy. And, when federal policies start separating families and communities, counties (through property taxpayers) have to pay the price for child protection, social services, and corrections. As a nation, we can do better than separating families apart, and I was proud to support these resolutions:
- Proposed interim resolution on eligibility of veterans with non-punitive other than honorable discharges for health benefits
- Proposed interim resolution on ensuring a clear and fair vetting process for migrants
- Proposed interim resolution on ensuring the continuation of asylum
- Proposed interim resolution on federal agencies respecting and granting protection to “sensitive locations”
- Proposed interim resolution on protecting safety net programs for harmful cuts
- Proposed interim resolution on protecting Section 1 of the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution and ensuring the right to birthright citizenship
- Proposed interim resolution to reinstating the CHNV (Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan) parole program
As an HSE member and the Vice Chair of the Education, Children and Families subcommittee, I am dedicated to advocating for policies that uphold justice, fairness, and the well-being of all individuals in our communities. Through these resolutions, we ensure that counties continue to have a strong voice in federal policymaking because counties are responsible for serving residents as federal policies affect all our communities.
Learn more: 2025 NACo Legislative Conference | Interim Policy Resolutions | National Association of Counties
The Critical Corridors Planning and Commercial Corridor Initiative solicitations will open on Tuesday, March 4th, and close at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1st, 2025.
The Critical Corridors Planning program assists local communities in preparing for equitable redevelopment and public improvements along transit, economic, and cultural corridors. This program aims to facilitate pedestrian, bicycle, and transit access to connect residents to housing, jobs, and destinations while furthering environmental, public health, racial equity, and economic prosperity goals.
Cities, housing authorities, economic development authorities, port authorities, watershed districts, and community-based nonprofit organizations in Ramsey County may apply.
Applicants may request a grant of up to $50,000 in funding. Activities funded by this program must be completed by June 30, 2026.
Learn more at: https://www.ramseycounty.us/businesses/property-development/property-development-programs-incentives/critical-corridors-programs
Find out if your project is within a critical corridor zone: http://ramseygis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=d805105c828349f3aa2d466af5028963
View the online webinar: https://youtu.be/nI9VLZDcNGs
Ramsey County has opened Advisory Board and Committee applications and will start recruiting for applicants. Ramsey County offers residents the opportunity to engage in local governance through various advisory boards and committees. These groups provide guidance on policy decisions, program development, and community initiatives.
Community Health Services Advisory Board – 13 vacancies
Parks and Recreation Commission – 5 vacancies
Personnel Review Board – 1 vacancy
Ramsey County Charter Commission – 1 vacancy for reach of the following districts: District 2, District 4, District 6, and District 7.
Note that District 6 (East Side of Saint Paul) has a vacancy to serve on the Ramsey County Charter Commission!
Applications will close at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Apply here (or request a paper form).
East Side Environmental Justice Community Meeting
 If you are following updates regarding the Northern Iron Foundry, you may want to attend the East Side Environmental Justice (ESEJ) group's community meeting. It will take place at the East Side Freedom Library (1105 Greenbrier Street) on Saturday, March 8th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Climate Justice Committee's Community Meeting
 If you are unable to attend ESEJ's community meeting, consider attending the Climate Justice Committee's meeting on Saturday, March 15 at the Arlington Hills Community Center (1200 Payne Ave) from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. East Side leaders will be present with other climate activists to discuss the public's concern about Northern Iron.
MnDOT Public Meetings Regarding Construction on E 7th Street & Arcade Street
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will host two public meetings for businesses and the public on March 13. The business meeting will be geared towards business owners on Arcade Street and East 7th Street at 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The public meeting will be at 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. All are welcome.
Date: Thursday, March 13th
Location: Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church (1669 Arcade St., Saint Paul)
Construction begins in April
Starting in April 2025, MnDOT will begin a two-year reconstruction project on Arcade Street and East 7th Street, spanning between Roselawn Ave. in Maplewood and I-94 in St. Paul. Construction will take place on Arcade Street during the 2025 construction season, and on East 7th Street during the 2026 construction season. The project is anticipated to be completed in fall 2026.
As you may know, the visioning and design of these roads have been happening over the last few years and will bring several significant improvements aimed at enhancing safety, traffic flow, and overall infrastructure in the area. The planned improvements include:
- Resurfacing the roadway
- Repairing sidewalks
- Updating sidewalk curb ramps and driveways
- Improving safety features for all users
- Updating and improving pedestrian lighting
- Updating and improving traffic signals
- Updating and improving bus stops
These upgrades will help decrease traffic delays, improve safety for pedestrians and motorists, and create a more efficient corridor for everyone who uses the area.
If you’re not able to make the meetings on March 13, the meeting information will be posted on the project webpage, https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/e7th-arcade/
If you have questions, please contact Michael Corbett at 612-868-9954 or michael.j.corbett@state.mn.us or Mai Xiong at 651-230-7582 or mai.h.xiong@state.mn.us.
4th Annual CERT Connect Open House
The Central Certification Program (CERT) was created to promote market growth and increase the competitiveness of qualified small businesses. CERT makes it easier for participating businesses to access jobs and contracts available with participating counties and cities by providing a centralized certification process.
CERT is a collaboration of Hennepin County, Ramsey County, the city of Minneapolis and the city of Saint Paul.
A CERT Small Business Enterprise (SBE) is a for-profit, independently owned firm, corporation or establishment, with a small number of employees, small amount of assets, low sales volume and limited impact on the market, that has received SBE certification through an application process administered by the CERT lead agency.
Small businesses are invited to attend the 4th Annual CERT Connect Open House event on Thursday, April 10th.
Time: 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Ramsey County Public Works Building
1425 Paul Kirkwold Drive Arden Hills, MN 55112
Register today!
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