Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ramsey County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
2027 Capital Improvement Program Bonding
The county will ask for $6.5 million in state bonding to renovate the Aldrich Arena and Community Events Center — a busy venue for graduations, cultural events, and markets — for energy, accessibility, and revenue sustainability. County Manager Becker also pitched a new multi-year bonding strategy.
Federal priorities and new-senator outreach
Federal priorities include delaying or rolling back SNAP and Medicaid changes, housing and homelessness funding, and public safety grants. Commissioner Moran pushed for broader positions like Medicaid for All; staff are preparing outreach to one or potentially two new US senators and developing earmark requests.
Lake Owasso facility financial stability
The county wants state help — likely a rate increase — to keep the Lake Owasso residence facility financially stable as care and reimbursement environments change. Commissioner Jebens-Singh stressed getting ahead of it to protect a community asset.
Workday ERP Implementation (Project Northstar)
The county is replacing 22-year-old HR and finance systems with Workday, live in January 2027. Employees get simpler time entry and phone-photo expense receipts; managers get real-time budget and overtime controls — something Commissioner Xiong tied to resident concerns about budget overruns.