Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ramsey County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in business jobs
Manufacturing Month and County Economy
Commissioners highlighted Ramsey County's manufacturing sector — the county's third-largest industry, with 248 establishments and a median wage of $120,000. Workforce Solutions ran employer tours and job connections throughout October.
CareerForce Center Operations and Funding
The county and state signed a three-year cost-sharing deal to keep the downtown St. Paul CareerForce center running. It's the busiest comprehensive job center in Minnesota, serving 3,242 job seekers this year, with 77% from low-income ZIP codes. It sits next to county service desks so residents can handle employment help and other services in one trip.
Upcoming Economic Development Authority and program flexibility
The new EDA — created by the Legislature and funded through the county's HRA levy, with no taxing authority — now covers all 18 participating cities. Planned supports include expanded technical assistance, learning cohorts, capacity building for business support organizations, and direct investment in mixed-use projects. A detailed spending plan comes to the board this fall.
Low suburban participation in county grant programs
Commissioners McGuire and Moran flagged that cities often don't know when county grants land in their communities and asked staff to notify city administrators and board members directly.
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.
Rice Creek Commons Development (MicroControl)
Commissioners celebrated the grand opening of the first company at Rice Creek Commons — MicroControl — with jobs already surpassing original estimates, on the first ten acres of a 40-acre site with quick access to 35W.