Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ramsey County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues 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.
ARMER emergency radio funding
Counties and cities currently pay for the ARMER public safety radio network themselves; Ramsey would face over $13 million in costs if it had to absorb its share. The county wants statewide state funding and governance.
Landlord engagement for housing stability
Vice Chair Xiong hosted a first-ever listening session with property owners and managers about renting to people with housing vouchers — part of Heading Home Ramsey County's effort to expand housing options. Even the Public Housing Authority is reportedly over $500,000 in debt doing this work.
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.
Creation of Environmental Services Department
The county is moving environmental health out of Public Health into its own department under Economic Growth and Community Investment starting January 1, 2027. Staff say day-to-day work won't change, and it should raise the visibility of climate, recycling and energy work. The public can weigh in at a November 3 hearing.
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.
Urban heat island sensor network
The county accepted $747,450 in federal funding to build an urban heat island sensor network aimed at safety and heat mitigation over two years.
Election Coverage
Ramsey County is heading into election season, and this guide breaks down the local races you’ll see on your 2026 ballot. If you care who runs county government, it’s a quick cheat sheet before you vote.