Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ramsey County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in business jobs with medium priority
Critical Corridors funding for small business districts and redevelopment planning
The HRA is spending $478,988 of its levy on planning studies and small business district improvements, including wayfinding signs that help people find local shops. This round expanded eligibility to downtown St. Paul, which drew extra funding and awards.
Expungement access and Clean Slate implementation
The County Attorney's prosecutor-initiated expungement program helps people clear felony records — worth a 20% income boost on average. Commissioners want more outreach and an expungement clinic, and the state's Clean Slate law isn't fully running yet.
MFIP employment outcomes and family coaching investment
Only about 40% of BIPOC MFIP participants exit to employment. The county put over $500,000 into the family coach model in the 2027 budget as ARPA funds expire, and Commissioner McGuire called for an MFIP workshop.
Workforce development and youth career pipelines
The county is hosting its largest job fair of the year at Allianz Field on June 30 with 40 employers, and introduced this year's 31 Right Track interns working across county departments.
Diversity and inclusion in AMC membership
Commissioners Xiong, McGuire, and Moran pressed AMC leadership on making the association genuinely inclusive — not just diverse speaker lineups, but space for lived experiences and perspectives that historically haven't come to the table.