Ramsey County, MN Board Meeting

Call to order the ranch and county Board Commissioners Roll Call, please. And saying here, sorry, my guy here, my tree here, Miller here, Moran John. Here and we'll take ai and for lead with the United States of America. Just nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Then most Commissioner Sean. MISTER Chair. Every community owes its existence and vitality to the generations from around the world who contributed their

Hopes dreams and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will. Some are drawn to leave their distant homes in the hope of a better life. And some have lived on this land since time immemorial. Truth, an acknowledgement are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all their years heritage difference. We are standing on the ancestral lands of the deposit account. We want to acknowledge gently the ho-chunk and the other nations of people who lost also called this place home. We pay respects to their elders past and present. Please take a moment to consider the treaty's made by the tribal nations that entitle Non native people to live and work on traditional native Lance. Consider the many legacies of violence displacement migration and settlement that bring us to get together here today. And please join us in uncovering such truth at any and all public events. Thank you. a motion on the agenda, FEBRUARY 10th 2026 summit. Second. Any discussion. None. Local John. 17. I McGuire. I make my tree Miller eye for an eye take a I. In a motion on the for very 3rd 2026. Of and

The discussion. A call. 7 thing I acquired I McMurtry I Miller. I Undertake a I. It's straight in for Jen. Station. thank you, MISTER Chair. I'd like to move item number some amended joint powers Agreement of the Ramsey County Violent Crime Enforcement team. Item number 4, the joint powers Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for participation and the Violent Crime Reduction Unit. I like to pull that item. Number 5, the Joint powers Agreement with Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for participation and the Human Trafficking investigators Task Force. And then item number 6, the 2026 Capital Improvement program. Bond 2, 0, 2, 6, 8, awarding sale. Making a second. Of wants explore. We have we have we well, It Make it a Thank you. And the discussion. Discussion roll call John. Didn't think I McGuire I McMurtry time. Miller take a number things. I'd like to move the Joint Powers Agreement with the Minister Department of Public

Safety, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Participation, the violent crime reduction unit. I would. And then I would love to have a representative from the sheriff's office jst described in general the agreements that are presented in today's Our View. Good morning. I'm on this shift by Martin from County Sheriff's Office. I oversee the regional services and apprehension Division, which includes the items that are on the agenda tday. And more than happy to answer any

Questions that you have. First give asked about violent crime reduction unit at te vca. We currently have one deputies assigned He's part of a multi-jurisdictional task force that's overseen by the dca. Their focus is on the most violent offenders in the Twin Cties area that gives us a couple advantage is when we have. Shootings are serious. Violent crimes. It allows us to use other agents from other departments across the metro

Area and collaborate identify to investigate and to apprehend those individuals the grant that we receive from is to offset the costs of our deputy was assigned those person. Now French. All benefits, all that stuff and as well as they provide a vehicle and all the equipment that the deputy needs. How long have we been in in these type of agreements? And what do you think has been the outcome of having these kind of collaborative agreements in place? That particular agreement

We've in 2 before since 2024, it was a response to an increase violent crime at the time. That was a lot of pressure on the state and the bca to get involved and more active investigations other than just a their force And they're not caught 6 folks. This was specifically for going after the most violent individuals. They've done a tremendous job. I can tell you every morning, our deputy who is assigned, let's me know what they're working on that day and it's primarily murder shooters and apprehending folks that are from other jurisdictions. But our and that have committed crimes in other jurisdictions, but are in our counties. And then because the serve 3 months that we have other interject entered jurisdictional. Is there any given the situation that we're in right now wth Operation Metro searches? Any of this have to do with immigration enforcement at all? Not at all. As a matter of fact, we have very clear expectations of our staff that there ever asked to be involved and immigration related activities that they're not to take part and they need to let us know right away.

This unit does not do any kind immigration enforcement as well as any of our units our violent crime enforcement team as well. That was on the agenda and our human trafficking folks. thank you, MR. On the other side of that question with this human, the involved in investigations of potential unlawful acts committed by federal immigration They have not been asked to do that. Yeah, however, because they work under the auspices of the bca, if they were asked them assuming they would assess quite frankly, we have deputies that are assisting at least one case

Right now that are not part of this unit. I'm assuming that they might get asked though the bca has a separate unit called the force unit that investigates officers or agents use of force. They're the ones who are now helping with the investigation as much as they can with the 2 shootings in Minneapolis. And then just finally, I have to say, I know I'm known for getting into the weeds a little bit. I was reading into the contract and on pages of our packet page. 29 and 30. There's an extensive list of professional expectations and understandings of how the member, the law enforcement members who are entering into this agreement will comport themselves and hold each other responsible to a high level of policing standards. And I just want to say, I appreciate that. That is part of this. These types of agreements to make sure that you continue to reach high excellence and professionalism and public safety.

Thank you. I appreciate you're recognize in that because we quite frankly the best of the best investigators to be involved in these units. And we expect them to act in a professional manner, respect the public that's yeah. I know a lot of times people are concerned about how law enforcement does their job, these are folks that we trust to do that what's the word I'm looking for. But at where we're not overseeing them constantly, they work for supervisors that are out there. They're also of a very high standard. And if there was ever an issue, I think the first one to call Eleven's from the bca and address it. Thank you very much. Thank I appreciate having us. You with I 17 McGuire McMurtry. I

Miller. I Iran. Undertake a I item number a move that MISTER Chair when it 2 It's 2026 Capital Improvement program. Bonds series 2026 awarding the assailant making. We want to get like to get a That's my presentation on with that. But that involves thank you again. Welcome. Good morning. But take vote of mission and good morning. Kent County manager, Becca. My name is to never eat Kunia and the division director for Treasury. And

Today, I'm pleased to share some exciting update. So no reason been self. That happened yesterday. And before we do that, I just want to look back and how we got here. Couple months ago. Don't. SEPTEMBER we came to the board to seek approval for the issuance of 31.5 million in bonds to support projects identified in the capital improvement plan. And as well as the replacement of system. This process takes about 6 months and we've been to the boat a couple times and including holding a public hearing. As part of this process we conducted presentations of the rating agencies, the rating agencies tough credit with an s and I'm proud to put that runs. The county has maintained its triple a rating from both s and p and Moody's. This is rating, especially especially memorable. It was held in person and it was one of the most successful we've had yet, at least since I've been here.

The representatives from from the funds came from Chicago and we had enough Attunity to showcase the county. We highlighted covid projects and discussed future initiatives. The to seem to us great. I want to extend my appreciation to. Many people. That's why part 2 of this process of the bond insurance and presentations to the rating agencies. First, I want to sincerely thank obviously that tax cuts that. She is around the county residents. She brought a strong local perspective in shifts so much about and fall that I didn't even know myself. Specially think both to mic, community for driving as around in a snowy Minnesota today. It was really cold and very snowy. But we managed to go to. To the finance budgets team that put together the cip projects funded by this bond issuance. Also want to county ssa Patrick Chapman pool shed a lot about how the taxes that impact the residence and the project and also Saeidi Josh in Cary this.

Yeah. Who shed a lot about the projects that at ongoing. Would like to also thank the accounting Division directed and reckless. I did the Audi to Tracy West. End to the Chiefs. Got a fist for being patient with us as we go through this process. As special thing to tell. But to move this was part of the presentation and county manager to push Ed the mission and vision of our county. And I would I would be remiss if I did not come been the second took it to the organized. It's time because all the paperwork and it's here tday said they had to get a call that's full of power. Well, Linda, thank you. And also grateful but council attack Raquel o p. Within the legal perspective and his full advice Becca Tilley. Who would be sharing the details and the results of the shortly. We have Elizabeth. But when Hannah and we have we got and Steve is not hit today, but they all really support as during this whole process.

And finally, thank you to the board for your continued support. Of the they do for the Ramsey County thank you. And with that, I'm going to have Elizabeth come forward and share the results of been Good morning chair. Commissioners and MISTER Bakker.

I'm so pleased to be with you today to talk about the vibes out. Have to say, I think I was come here with good news and I think this is the best news yet, Frank Way, it was just really a great tax rally well spoke. Well tactfully. Well, doesn't make sense about rating visit that we had really positive feedback and that resulted in interest cost savings for you those 2 Triple a's resulted I 13 beds on your bonds. I think that's many as we've had. And I don't know how long it's been a long time for a true interest rate of 3 point o 4%. That's considerably below what we had anticipated when we first structure the bonds. We are expecting more like 3 and a half a little over and then we always reassess as we get closer to them on sale. At the end of last week, we thought we're going to be something more like 3.25.

So that number of bidders really made a difference and getting that interest rate. Wow, those 2, 3 triple to Triple-a to Triple a's. Also supported it. And the Moody's ratings reports that grew out of those rating visits for very strong s and p said to us on the phone, not in the report. Fortunately that they did say to on the phone that Ramsey County is one of the strongest replacing their portfolio. Moody's did say and the reports they mentioned. Consistently healthy financial profile with strong liquidity and strong budgeting practices and that the long-term liabilities for allow some some really positive information back in the market. So those those little beds result and that service costs and happy to take any questions you MAY U. S. Aiming that there are many people who do not do what you do every or in real dollars. What does say? These costs mean to the county and its ability to finance its? a capital investment.

Yeah. So I can get to a number of what it means for for dollars. I don't have the exact number of the savings. And in fact, in the process we get the beds and then we make some adjustments. We do some massaging based on the beds about what the project's need and some things like that. So there were some adjustments where apples to apples. Comparison is is a little and perfect. But I think it was probably in the neighborhood of $100,000 a year would be my guess. Do. Well, and we can follow up with actual dollars. Questions. Thank you so much. Thank you. And thank yu for coming to the to the rating. Me is. I think that a lot. And you're knowledge and history of the county was impressive to them, indeed. So thank you. Thank you very Say comments thank you, MR. Chair. I just want to say for the public watching and just to remind all of us, we we get so used to having a aaa bond rating that I think we have to be careful not to take it for granted bcause not every county in very few counties continue to get a aaa bond rating like we do.

And so you have an iea of how many I mean, I just know that we are really fortunate in the way that we, of course, have amazing people that keep up our county that we are able to get these aaa bond ratings but not not very many counties. Get to keep this up like this. All right. I believe it's approximately 50 counties that have to Triple a's across country in the country, 50 in the country out of every 1069, just counties in the country. So that's really remarkable. So thank Thank you. Thank you. And thank you extending because what I realized I forgot to say is what an amazing job that that staff did a U. S.

Part of the of the good results were that this process was very well planned. Of course, we contributed to that. But the county staff did a lot of great work engine. That's right to point to Linda for keeping everybody on schedule. But as a result, we were able to very carefully a plan sell at this time of year where they're not a lot of bond deals coming. And that also helps to get interest rates low so. And thank you very much. And they just said in the last 25 years. For this point to should be a benchmark. I just says this is standard business for Ramsey County. We are one of very small of counties in But to measure the interest rate is important because that's what pay now. If you look through the last 25 years, this is this is all Now you might deviate depending on the environment, the recession and other things come into play. But in general, this is how you - measure. Well, yeah, at intermission, your financials going forward. Thank you very Local fees. Kevin saying Aye. McGuire, I make my tree Miller Moran. Undertake a. You know, have a policy

Item. 2046, 27 should tj plan. Everyone. Thank Richard. And so many is Michael Soto and director of policy and administrative strategy today. We're going give you an overview of the strategic planning process that Ramsey County. Introduce highlight this repair. It is between 26 and 27. Thank you. The timeline next steps for the remainder of the year. So this MAY be background for for many of you, but just the so te baseline of understanding we operate on a 24 monthly plan. Which starts with the by a budget process. Continue to strategic planning that feeds into performance measures and supplemental budget and the process repeats. And so as the image of the straits, feed into each other. And it's a cycle that continues. And this is meant to organize the county's work at all levels and across the departments to strengthen one Ramsey County occasion, immigration throughout the county. He's a strategic priorities for 2026. And 2027 in the circle. The different colors to see PRESIDENT Senator Tillis. It supports. Just this transformation. You know, generational wealth economic justice. And then they're surrounded by. 2 other priority the core center. We have operational excellence

And on the outside integrating everything is well, we have rationing health equity and share power. We'll go into more over these and a few slides. But first, I want talk about roles and responsibilities. So te left you see the different factors. A county board county manager executives sponsors. So priority teams, policy interest rate strategy. The arrow on the left. The shows that it goes. Information flows in both directions. Hughes, the County Board Review strategic priorities and ensure accountability. Their beach chairs and strategic priorities that meet 3 times per year with sponsors for there is signs priority. The county manager is. Accountable to the county board regarding all aspects of the strategic plan, the signs executive sponsorship for a strict priorities and frights guidance and priority development also tracks progress ensures accountability. Executives, sponsors service champions in stride as drivers County right priorities bringing together across the apartment, the leadership to work collaborate. Part a lot of partnership with community, unidentified goals, actual strategies and outcomes.

And then with the teams that you pray to decry teams, these are led by the executives sponsors prices of key leaders from across the departments to work collaboratively on the Friday goals and strategy is and present progress through workshops and written updates and then lastly, the Palestinian strange policy and administrative Strategy Department that I need manages a strategic plan leaves coordination is your priority development. They also provide technical assistance to executive sponsors and strategic priority teams. And we put written updates to county board progress. Again, the cty prior meetings that will be having 3 times a year. They're being assigned commissioner for each strategic priority. Throws the listen and respond providing strategic insight. Rather than directing day-to-day work. And these meetings and these meetings, the commissioner chair will offer high lvel policy, guidance and direction. We're gonna use industry priorities to align county wide efforts in a number of different ways. This includes 2 rba policies and funding decisions.

Through workshop, introductions making sure that we highlight a strategic priority alignment using Ramsey not to get updates to employees aligning performance metrics in the Open data portal and including prior to line measures throughout County board workshops, including workforce. Statistics PACs are spending. cip it's ea p. The goal is that the strategic priorities align all are county wide efforts. These are the assignments for each priority on the right column. You'll see the commissioners.

I'll highlight that chaired Pega and Vice Chair Sean are signed a priority since their chair and vice chair of the board. But you can see, as I said on far-right, you can see the commissioner assignments for priority. The executives sponsors in the second column from the right and the left is the sort of the strategic priority team. So we have those composed both policy team and equity members. Frustrated prior to that want to highlight operational excellence. Following set of slides are very tech savvy. The reason that we provide this Texas to show this is the tax that's going to go on the website. I won't read the entire tax, but I want you to have that know that. That's what's going on. The Web site. So for operational excellence, this means being good stewards of public dollars supporting the public. We deliver service every day. This also means investing in our workforce by prevent systems are fine rolls mitigated risks, providing the tools and support that staff need succeed.

So if you look at the bottom, there's a number of efforts that will include only bt projects focusing on reducing long-term county budget pressures advancing talent action from ocean and retention efforts optimizing county White nation after recent organizational structural changes and ensuring a focus on the future of work as a government entity. The next The party like to highlight is residents entered with a 6 supports. And here focusing on a holistic approach that recognizes that people interact with county systems whole individuals with writes history's and goals that cross program lines. And strengthening this priority means building systems and sustaining standards that protect residents, elevate their voices and deliver services and ways that honor dignity, promote well-being and reduced fares of all county communities, equipment. Next is the intergenerational wealth and economic justice. Ran county is committed to integrating racial equity racism in systems and institutions that created unfair disparities for black African American, American Indian and other racial and the diverse communities.

These disparities reflect inequities in jobs pay is an opportunities and access to affordable housing. Prior to that like to highlight is justice transformation. And here we say for many people contact with criminal justice system has led to more harm than help from the records are often used in ways that we forced racism by creating barriers to basic needs like housing jobs, to support services. These bare bears have unfairly affected some communities more than others, especially black African American American Indian Communities. Ramsey County recognizes Harmon is committed to repairing it by changing and transforming the justice system that is negative. It impacted residents. Lastly, the racial and health equity ensure community power subject priority. This sort of as we said before is is goes around and integrated across all of the priorities. And so just highlight Ramsey County will integrate racial equity in share community power through county tools, policy decisions, speeds identifying solutions and leveraging data create fair systems and practices to prevent harm across racial and ethnic groups of people.

County works across the departments in service teams to break down long-standing barriers and strength and how we lead plan and make decisions. So I things are fair for all residents and employees. Lastly, this is the timeline for the remainder of 2026. At a very high level. So the first item here is the presentation today. Next. We will have the first sort of quarterly strategic priority meetings between members o the board, the chairs of this is your priority is with the sponsors. And if you likely in MARCH of 2026. Because the team will publish district plan in partnership Communications and APRIL 2026. That so currently we'll we'll be posting the descriptions that we showed a minute ago, the full plan includes actionable strategies and and other and the goals. And so that's what's being for APRIL. Then the supplemental budget process kicks off in APRIL Twenty-twenty 6and then their presentations related to the budget by the county manager and department's budget presentations in SEPTEMBER.

That is the presentation. And to much now saying I just I just want just comments that, you know, when we when we went to the budgeting process and we highlighted a number of different systemic changes create challenges to our budget in in us doing the good work here. Ramsey County, we're a large bureaucracy. Governments are they're large systems and so in order to do improvements in the way that we do our work in the way that we can transform the systems that we do need these kind of processees in place. And I understand that this kind of thoughtful, actual strategic planning in action is the only way that we have a chance to really understand or disrupt, dismantle when needed. And in injury the way that we do our work. So that responsive to the community in in front of us. And w're doing good governance going forward. So I know that many of us in in in many different roles in different organizations have sat through strategic planning process is in these kinds of things.

And and 2 lesser or greater degrees of engagement or involvement or effectiveness. But I do really see this as a living document that drives our work. And it's a way for us to hold ourselves accountable to the goals and the outcomes that we plan to 2 to put forward to. Appreciate having this framework and thank you for explaining that to us today. Thank you. Just Any further discussion. Thank you, MR. Cherelle, so appreciate this. I know we all do. This framework is. He's effective it appears that it will be really a great. Example of how we're going to be geat demonstration of how we're going to do our work moving forward. I will just say that we've this isn't new. I mean, we've been doing a lot of this work and the put the framework is is a little different. And I really like how we've.

I like the visual on Page 4 where you have. Operational excellence in the middle. Then the residence entered holistic support, justice transformation. Intergenerational, wet. Well, surrounding that and then surrounding everything is racial and health equity and shared community power. So I really this. This vsual of and how we are thinking about. I work moving forward. It's it's great work that we've been doing and in lots of different ways. And I really like the way that we're thinking about it moving Thank you, MR. Chair. Thank you, Michael. You did a great job. I wnted to just out once again call out that. That operational emerging strategic priority really came out of our board, tree that you all had. And then it kind of got compounded as we went through our budget I know Michael several pillars that are within their, but I want to just call out a couple o them, which is really to reduce that budget pressure rather than having our leaders and our teams spend time on other strategic areas.

We needed to put this right in the center. So it became an elevation of the work in terms of time and resources and leadership support. Also the risk mitigation, as we've continued to talk about, you know, the work that been challenge with around the work that we do is complicated. And it's it involves people and a lot of times that brings risk. And so we want to work mitigating those risks which can often turn also reduce costs for the community as well. So both of those things that came out of feedback from all of us, I appreciate the support that you've all had around operational excellence and and to Commissioner Maguire's point and some of you have been here longer at the table that I hve. But where they used to be a significantly more number of strategic priorities I would say excess of even 10 at a time and then it slowly over the years we've gotten, you know, a few last a few less consolidating, getting more focus.

And I do think that focus is really critical at a moment like this when there is so much going on to just kind center ourselves and really grind grind our work in 2, some of those core things that we're working on. And then the last thing I'll just say as part of our budget, this was a hard thing. We did eliminate strategic priority funding and I think that that was a difficult decision that the board had to make. But I did challenge organization to think thoughtfully about how our whole budget is really opportunity to do strategic work. It happens every day regardless of weather. You some seed money out of the strategic priority funds. It's really, you know, part of our all our budget. And today you're going to see a board workshop that is about justice transformation. So we want to, you know, put that label on there and show that the work happens every day in the work that departments are doing.

So you're going to see a little bit more about where we bring like the symbols and and the connections of strategic priorities more closely to policy dcisions are be a's. I'm going to ask people reference strategic priorities more often and link them to the rba as their aligned with that mix. And so those are ways for the board will see the more correctly as well. Thank you. Thank you, MR. Chair and thank you. County manager Michael for the presentation on this. I know that this is a conversation that we've been having to get to this point here. I would also like to hear a little bit more about. I appreciate the time line. But I guess at which point or has some points which points or be celebrating off as some successes towards the s.

I mean, I would say today is a great starting, you announcing the priorities and their descriptions, I think, as alluded to before I get into agreement across a range of different folks from very different backgrounds expertise on a single set of priorities is is in a tough question to the coach, even it certainly the first I would say. I can offer a couple other milestones. I think certainly around APRIL, when get this all published with the actionable items that are the projects that we're most uplifting around the priorities. But you're also going to see it just I the chief of staff morass. Robbie has got me into this word around up organizational operational rhythm of sorts and really that that's what strategic priorities we're trying to do is to build this into the culture of the organization so that you're going to see it in our views are going to see it and workshops and then, you know, but there are some milestone moments.

And some of those are also going to be when I present the budget and the line those and when we departments come with their budget hearings and they're talking about all of those as well. And on our open data portal, we made significant strides last year, which we're going to build upon this year. But instead of just being able to click on departments and see their performance metrics, you can click on a strategic priority and see a whole plethora of departments that have been working against that priority. So we're not we're kind of the silo ing our metrics so that it's not just focused on departments in the way that the community can see them. Thank you can actually see them around the strategic priority. So even if you go on open data portal now, you can see that until those will get updated as the department's go through their budget process this year and then they'll be able to just pull up open data portal for you.

As at their budget hearings and talk a little bit about really how the money trans lights and the outcomes. Ad MISTER Michael, meetings that are going to be held about quarterly meetings, idols, also when you're, you but present back to the board as well as a full board or are you just meeting individually with the commission meeting individually with the commissioners for each paid? Okay. At which point does it come back to the full board? Commissioner John, you would see it as part of the budget process that Nixon. So really the check ins are to talk about workshops that are coming up. I know each of the exacta sponsors are specifically highlighting initiatives that our of note that, you know, maybe of our more and more interest because maybe not built into infrastructure of the organization quite yet. Maybe we just in this budget for future consideration for ongoing funding or maybe they were new things like I think the family coach model, for example, falls under the holistic family strategic priority.

It will come back as part of probably some buddies performance metric. It was a new off a set of funds that you're putting into as a con a continuation the 27 budget if that makes sense. So that's where you would see it again, through kind of our regular cadence of work through workshops and then also the budget process. Jo, thank thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN, really appreciate Commissioner John's question. And I appreciate your response. County manager Becker and thinking that I also would like to. Maybe in 6 months the house working like I know you're going to meet with each of us is in our and our strategic priority area. I would be curious how it's all going. I know we'll see it in the budget, but maybe doesn't always feel like it is called out the budget process. So just think about back. Just think about maybe doing it touch base. You know, how's this?

This new way that we're thinking of it and how's it going? So I would just like touch base and I do appreciate the workshops and then we can do it in working out. We do it. However, MISTER Chair. I will respond that at one time a few weeks ago we were planning you might recall last year and those kind of part of the new commissioners onboarding to why we decide to do it that way. But in that. When we were doing, you know, starting the new biennial budget, we decided to some workshop time and we actually focus a whole day on every strategic priority. Last I would say, APRIL and MAY we probably did that. It was really successful. I had actually had that on our schedule of things to do this year. But recognizing just some of the pivot we've had to make with our staff time. Also with the current challenges federal actions and other things that are before us and really wanting to put our - leadership time on the budget pressures.

I recently told everybody we were not going to the strategic priority workshops this year because they were going to show up in the budget so we can continue the dialogue about that. I'm trying to manage the our workload of our team as well. Right now, I've had many conversations, commissioner tag about how to make our leaders are spending time. And I am also spending time on the right things right now. So hopefully that helps has known absolutely message. I just didn't want to be clear it and we don't need to hold a on each one. Just sort of a touch Mason, how everything's going, you know, just a little highlight each one. But, yes, I agree. Completely support your. Your vision of how of how we need to move forward. The fact that these, you all pressure we're putting on our staff and our and our schedule. I appreciate that. But just a little touch base on everything.

Yeah. And mentioned, yeah. Well, actually, this goes right to where I was. Wanted to bring up, which is I appreciate that there is some ownership and accountability as a champion and has a Stewart of each of these priorities with our colleagues, meaning that it has this work is being done that, for instance, I'm I'm attached to operational excellence tat that there are a number of different works that will be going on in between any formal presentations and workshops that will be participating in. And it I think just as we report back if for on the workforce Innovation board or the religious authority or anything like that. But we are consistently the ones who can prepare notes to make sure we're giving updates and educating our colleagues, bringing community along with the work that we're doing so that we can be responsible for for that as well informally to make sure that if there's meaningful work that we feels important to share, we can bring that here.

And in our community comments we can we can do it in and you know, inviting staff to say this seems to be very important. Can you send a memo to my colleagues? We think there's a lot of ways that we can facilitate that ongoing understanding and learning in our roles. I appreciate that because there's oftentimes we're not This body part of the day-to-day operations or we don't get into the weeds are micromanage, but we can take a little bit of that half of of communication and keeping the body informed. So I think that that's something that we can do to help. First after attack. Thank you, MISTER Chair. I also wanted to just county manager. What you said about, you know, just just some things requires us to pivot to and be responsive to the environment that we are and while also holding this moving forward. For example, natural metro and when the county board has to take actions such as we did last week the Rva that change this in any way or does the I guess the order the priority making sure that the strategic plan happens?

Does it change in any way? Yeah, thank Jean. You're in a still a little bit. My thunder termite report. But I do think you guys challenge us to think about the long-term sustainability of what happens in our community. And as the search continues and hopefully dissipates right. And so when we tink about some of the things that are brought in, and that's in our all our work, because I really do believe our whole organization is working strategic priorities. But if we're gonna call up one example, something like that. Can competitors - inclusion plan is going to be under that, you know, that economic justice strategic priority. It is work or are ready to do now. How we do that work now thinking about that, the extreme business impacts on our community might shift a little bit. So allows us to always want knowledge that this board has always been so committed to us. A very fix set of values and that that allows us then as we do the wrk to stay on the same trajectory.

But we might sometimes have to makes like pivots really. And what I really think about it, recognizing what's going on because we already have the channels by which we're doing the work. If that makes sense. So it is an opportune time for us to work on that and inclusion plan recognizing that we do have to think about are we restart in some ways for our business community for, you know, residents in terms of opportunity and while being so. So that would be my answers like within the work that we're ready doing so that there's going to be another layer. Now justice transformation is so important? Well, we've we have more families who've been under mre die rest, right. And why holistic work is needed because we're getting our social service report around More families being broken apart. You know, so just the all that work just layers on top of our social safety net that we're trying to ensure is solid.

Ok? Thank discussion. Thank you. Thank you very much. County connections. Yeah. Thank you, MISTER Chair. I have a few updates for all of So on federal front, we are still monitoring the federal budget last Friday. The House did pass the 26 appropriation package was funding for several federal departments. So we averted a partial government shutdown. The bill included short-term extension to fund Department of Homeland Security at the 2025 levels through FEBRUARY 13th, which is the end of the week to allow for negotiations over new limits on ice enforcement. So many in Congress, including this board, has advocated for pushing for stricter rules, including judicial warrants for private property entry bans on face mask, visible identification and limits near sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, et cetera. So while an agreement is unlikely, lawmakers expect another funding extension or Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which would affect agencies like fema, tsa and Coast Guard and Secret Service, though that would leave those employees on paid similar to a federal shutdown like last fall.

Wanted to just mention the save act. Ramsey County will be sending a letter today on behalf of our board chair here urging our congressional delegation to oppose the save act. They're supposed to be a vote today in the House which would required docking a proof of U. S. Citizenship to register for voting in federal elections. What I want to really call out by and an acting this legislation for counties is that it actually creates significant new administrative requirements for counties when it comes to Election administration. And it doesn't come with any funding for implementing any of the nw Well, we've talked a lot about unfunded mandates that that is this is another one of those, despite, you know, all the other problems with it. It also increases legal exposure for election administrators, including counties. S just want you to know that if the vote supposed to happen this afternoon, we're going to get our letter off here later this morning.

In terms of an operation, Metro Surge week This poor pass a resolution that out lights outlined several things for me to continue to work with our teams to do in response of Metro surge, as well as some new efforts. So we were ready doing many of the things that we're continuing to do those. But we have a few new things this past week. We did add signage a all. Our parks and recreational facilities are reinforcing that our county parks and rec parking lots are property of Ramsey County parking is restricted to only employees, patrons and vendors staging storage operations base or other activities are not permitted without a permit from our parks department. Operationally. We also launching additional field training for staff. The training is called navigating an encounter with immigration enforcement it's intended for employees that need guidance. That applies to work performed in community setting such as when you're in a resident's home, signed up can be done through our county's learning management system.

There's actually another training tomorrow. We've had several 100 county employees go through that training. We continue to hear impacts tons of stories of residents and community members. Many heartbreaking offer. Many staff these incidents have hit very close to home to people that they care about. People we serve and it's causing a lot of secondary trauma. Certainly I had the opportunity to actually meet with the Fairview Health Services team yesterday and they will be partnering with a human resources department. To provide a psychological first aid to our staff. Psychological first aid is an evidence-based community model training for social service providers. Trainees will learn how to support healthy recovery and individuals following a traumatic event. Public health emergency air national, our natural disaster, a personal crisis, this curriculum integrates public health cmmunity, health and individual psychology by drying up o skills of the trainees. So thank you to Fairview Health for their support. In addition r e a p r One health has launched a new mobile app for Ramsey County employees.

And thank you to our hr department for making that happen with them. I continue to get operational reports from our departments. A few things I want to note for you this week. Last week I reported a rise in Spanish language contact contacts for rental assistance, demand for housing assistance remains elevated statewide with housing request of 59% and rental assistance request more than doubling It's about 118% more. So nearly half of these referrals are actually concentrated in 10 zip codes, including 5, 5, 1, 1, 9, in Ramsey County, which is it demonstrates continued pressure on our eastside neighborhoods in it for need. Language. Access has also increased significantly with Spanish language contacts nearly 10 times typical levels using the United Way to 1, 1, data line. That is a free help line that connects people to resources like housing assistance, food utility, help health care, mental health and childcare. We are also seeing longer appointments due to the interpreter needs.

And so that also is adding to county work burden. Social services are mental health division has seen an increase in referrals 2 adult mental case, health case management and then increase of requests and telehealth as well. Also from all social services, this is from that children and family services. They have improved implemented some operational adjustments aimed at ensuring prompt responses and for maintaining service continuity, particularly with caregivers facing detention. So this involves enhance collaboration among supervisors, screening intake and case management. So they continue to lean on consultation with county attorney's office when impacts individual cases and also getting guidance from to the Department of Children, Youth and Families as well. So on the business front as a continuation of our discussions last week, I love 11 o'clock. This morning, Governor Wltz will be holding a news conference to discuss the real-time impacts and the federal surge on small businesses. So you can look for that later today as also last week, there is a significant impact on Latino immigrant businesses in particular, reduce foot traffic.

Sudden revenue losses are forcing many entrepreneurs to make impossible decisions of whether they should keep their doors open or can. This is really being felt on East side. Saint Paul and I want to thank the Eastside funders Group in partnership with the Latino Economic Development Center, they hve launched a Latino and immigrant business Emergency Relief Fund and they're offering some grant assistance to help businesses stabilize as we speak. Some other things that you might want be aware of. The Star Tribune and it was stated that Twin Cities, home builders are falling behind schedule as federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota has fueled a shortage in roofing, drywall and other construction workers. This impacting developers and real estate agents while it is too soon to calculate the full economic impact. The shortage is also further clogging. The rsident residential real estate industry, wich is already facing a sales slowdown economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, developers say they're losing on rental income.

Because they can't get contractors to finish rehab and maintenance work on units as well. So just I think this is helpful to just seen both organization, Ali and economically community wise, all the different impacts in a bit of good news. I want to thank our partners at Xcel Energy. They have put some temporary protections in place for our customers are who experiencing income loss or experience safety concerns. Many of you got an email from them. They were able to reach out to our county leaders this week and notify us that disconnections will be suspended throughout the 7 county metro area through the end of FEBRUARY. So customers do not need to call to receive this protection bills will continue to a cruel crew, but they are able to at least Let's put up a temporary pause on your bill. And per year directive in the Rba. You asked me to continue to think about long-term while we're continuing to mitigate the ongoing dmands.

It's certainly important that we have this tool focus and I thank you for acknowledging that making sure that we spend time on that. I am so grateful for the many community leaders who have reached out recognizing that challenges to the county. I'm I really do want to many people of large organizations in our community who sent an email. I left a message saying We're thinking about you, Ramsey County on. That's really means a lot. So I just wanted to say that I'm working on a plan to convene our local system leaders and focus on sstem leaders through an effort called potentially a key ring continuity round table. I want to bring together leaders from some of our largest systems. So and I mentioned this to Fairview yesterday when we have that conversation and they were all in in about one second. So I think we have our hospital systems are other care networks that want to make sure around our, you know, truly our counties, vision, mission and goals.

When you think about well being health. How do we continue to manage trough that through these ongoing weeks and months and maybe years to bringing a group together. They are anxious for conversation. I think there could also be a significant amount of conversation around our value, right opportunity. As we talked about the business impacts as well. So the purpose of the round table with you just MAY make sure we are staying aligned at a critical time. The worst thing is to be going in a bunch of different directions. All trying to react differently to that situation. The county has proven itself to be a significant convener. We are a direct conduit to residents that need those systems. And rather than doing more programs and things I think we really need to step into our leadership as a as a systems on convener, really of sorts. So that more to come on, man. I'm sure I will be leaning on some of you for some conversations about that as well.

But lastly, I wanted to specifically call out call up. Scott Hope Humkey our human services manager and financial assistance. He's going just give a very quick sharing on how people can access emergency assistance at this time. And I wanted this recorded so we make sure we're able share with others. Yeah, coming up. But just hold on a minute. I have few With the is there. You mentioned so much in terms The mental health issue some of floats reason I'm bringing this away is Mike Rio Grande level mom taking on the school witness? The and what say. In Witness ice taking pulling somebody out of the Cole, joined them

On te ground so far. Her son was screaming for help. My granddaughter just Tony, does that. It was a boy. I found a guy that was asking for help and she was telling a mom you need so needs help. Now my education, asociate of those how to handle it. But I'm thinking there are a lot hands. Then I need advice do we have like a Lionel parents could call him for advice. You know, one day, a 3 year-old full season violent. Act like Yeah, thank you, MR. Chair I've seen quite a few resources come through. I can continue to work with team to make sure. We'll share them out as well as the county. I know the school district has been sending a lot of things, obviously to their families as well. And, you know, organizations like, do we anything on alert? Yeah, we can work on that and make sure that we provide of that.

Yeah, that's good. And sometimes they just need advice on how communicate with kids and then they can. Yeah, we do have a Web site around connecting with s it's called and there's different categories of services and I'll make sure I talk to team to make sure we had some more mental health resources on there if they're not already on well and in the media while that's being worked last week, I talked nami, Minnesota had their power. We call around supporting you, think kids. So they had a number of workshops and web sand and webinars that are that should be available online on their website. So if people are one wanting to do that, while we put this into place ot nami, Minnesota has been a a rich resource for people of all ages to look at and respond to this incident. And that's great Bt Ramsey County can Seminole covid the salsa you know, play that So repair the just reach out to yet.

All Well, I have before begin, I have. Commission say, know, if I should go before out there, But wanted to respond to a couple things. You say So I don't So you know, one of the things that folks have me about the size that when county's putting up and I your regards to ice. Can you share what signs sying I've read it exactly, commissioner and that let me get it back for you here. Lets see here. They say property of Ramsey County and then they also say they say parking is restricted to employees, patrons and vendors staging storage operation base or other activities are not permitted without a permit because you have to have a permit to be, you know, locating yourself on our parks property. Uk, thank you that. I mean, you share so much and I know I feel extremely, heavy the fall. The information that trying to take and respond to all the things is happening out in the world. can only imagine how so many other people are feeling these mobile app direct impact Factions initial search.

But I was also head up a second question. And it's just so much to do in regards to my dilemma to our congressional leaders. Pardon me feel like it's a little late because going to be meeting today due to a vote. And I know in the last minute there in the data for a lot of information that they're trying to take It's i was wondering, you know, we talked about this last week and we are today and we don't move it ot today. Instead night a process or protocol that we can take 2 the in the moment of the moment can. But the save act. Versus having to come back today to say we're going to send it out. Yeah, respond quickly. Yeah, I appreciate that. Commissioner actually commissioners Evanston reached out late last week. I wanted to ensure tat we were in alignment and understood the issues. So we connected with our federal lobbyist and also top with our elections team.

And so the vote is today. But, you know, we didn't know when the vote was going to be. And I think Commissioner thing and I kind of went back and forth on because everything we're isis search said the vote could happen any time, but we didn't find out. Actually it was going to be to today until probably late yesterday when you sent it to me. So I apologize that we're a little later on that say that letter.

But but Department of for Homeland Security letter, we sent that well in advance of any vote. Yeah. And you know, we do about a lot of dialogue and might well, you know, looking things over and just I'm just thinking that sometimes we just need to be more efficient. And how we get things out more timely matter. Good But just yet. I think I think you bring up great point. But I think and, you know, with this being a new board, just think you in previous voice, you know, we have been working together for so many is that we used to call each other and it's safe and it's filled know, but now it's it's much more. I And I don't want speak for mate, maybe just beans, lettuce safe than sorry until we use or to get the rhythm and But in the past, I MAY, we used to move a whole quicker on eye.

MR. I would say that things are not usual these days. They're they're doing things that are totally impacting us and they're doing him. erratic fashion and whether they're going to take the voter, not so we're trying to respond as quickly as - possible. And we have an opportunity to t respond in a timely way. But I'm I'm really grateful that we're taking time to make sure that our response is appropriate. You know, is don't want just respond and then not have it. The you know, we need to check with our We need to do this. And I think you did it really fast at this time. And we you know, we have an honor schedule will probably start putting it on now. You know, we can take action at any board meetings that we want and we do We do want all know about it and we can. We can. Talk to each other. But we do have open meeting laws.

So we need to, you know, some of these we have to do these things in public. So I would say that as as the legislative team that we're always trying to monitor, you know, these different things and they are happening fast and we'll just keep trying to get these issues in front of us as fast as we can knowing that they're coming at us. Really fast. And they're they're doing things. Sometimes one day, sometimes the you know, that greeted face, but things come fast and sometimes we have to respond. Yeah, and we right? Yeah. Thank chair. Take commissioners and county manager. I'm here just to give a overview of emergency assistance are emergency assistance programs. We hve 2 programs are called emergency assistance and emergency General assistance both help with the one-time financial crisis such as eviction help with damage deposit for closure or utility shut off. The programs can be. Excess of once in an 18 month period.

And emergency assistance follows him pools and it's the tanf block grant. The g is a state funded program. Residents can apply for both using combine application form Minnesota they can upload the state system. They can play in person and we determined that are huge in the backside. So if I were sitting at home and I said, I don't understand any of what you just said because I'm not part of our system. What number what I call or where they look on the website. If I need help. Google has all the information. So search engines really help. It'll tell you how to apply if you link how where to apply. And it also will give us information on the different methods for a plane. we'll start with just the Ramsey County Emergency assistance. Yep, or you can go to Ramsey net the search engine's getting better at helping to find the locations too. And to those questions, too.

So it Rams that Ramsey. That's internal, if I were in community and I wanted just be on the Red Ramsey County There's internal and external. So it should both. Sir. With money can share commitment to just find So that these and the way that just didn't us because of multiple options they go to, you did with him in benefit, you can go that they can call us close until we have the colon. So people can call and they have that they can request an invitation to be Miller to them. They can said the center is, you know where that is it. Duncan said the center of a 80's. It can apply from different. You know, it's when they need to applied. And just speaking with people need even to they can. Last question is whether be it MAY be eligible and not because, you sometimes snake for everyone. We have to call my number. The call.

My number. So that it did was to call my number, ok, that this is 651-266-4444. And MR. Making also about, you know what, this emergency assistance entails or like if there are time limits or how much more like. One should folks access this resource compared to the other resources that are out in the community like, for example, Sace Salvation Army or community action. One should folks tap into the county resource? put a commissioner there so people like both talked general assistant just a And mentioned once 18th. If someone voted to use the

Benefit, we defended the walk with all the partners, including Cano United Way to a one and most of the We have been working with city of Saint Paul, what, you just been to the program which closed understanding it and that so multiple community agencies that work with and if someone applies conditionally and full other benefits, for example, and fit. We will determine first to know if they can resolve that benefit agency using Cano and 5th a benefit. Kelly? I just have a couple questions. I it online so ice to see that they apply through mn benefit, stack of for assistance. Do we know how many have applied? And if there's a wait list and what that backlog is, because I do know a lot of organizations that help with rent say do you have your denial letter from the county for sir? Have you applied to the county? First U. S. Are applied, emergency assistance first.

So sometimes. Us as a system holds up that process from a resident getting help that they need at another alternative like community-based organizations. Can you tell us any information on do we currently have a backlog? Do we know? Are there funds available? It is a new budget cycle and what that process entails and just be like, I think it's really helpful for residents to know as well like, hey, expect a call within 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks. It just walk through that a little bit. Please. It shouldn't take commissioner. Miller. Of today. It was just can lure of trucking this morning. We processing about today's okay on that mean when someone applies dedication today because we have this, you know, is this is kind of like a vacation coming on weekly, daily basis and we we will track them and ordered the you to see And as of today, we are processing within 2 days all or is to process the suffocation is as they came in. But because of the vetting that we do see if, you know, we have this, you know, process however, if someone isn't okay to call the fiction.

All the health Jesse's shut off that even Minnesota. And then at this point, you know, we can lead to suffocation is some persistent quick. Okay. And what's the process for that? They contact you so that they fill out the application. First, wait to hear back. And then if it is an emergency where they're facing immediate eviction or you know that circumstance, do they call this phone number then to say, hey, I'm going to be evicted tomorrow. I mean, any this expedited we do have once we receive the application, you do have, you know, in the justice system for mine that people can call. But most of the time, people once they apply and into queue for persisted. A petition, work that you put up with have any questions, you can it. If someone is that individual, for example, they just need to deny little we do this. We you should do to now letters, you know, to the 55 tease that they can apply for the benefit but didn't MISS Anything do.

Mike was probably some of every Sunday, 2 Commissioner So we talked about takes at least 10 days to get a response back from Ramsey County with 10 days for the completion Here's some dollars to pay your rent. Which one? Is channel to We're Once we receive the application and this is a cycle of the tv once of the war could purchase you dedication the the application. See what's the emergencies about eviction is that damaged a boss even you to get the shot off. And then child to the uptick hunt and if Acacia they have bite, you know, benefit patients, including that income also, you know, close to 50 for if you it, emergency today, are you able to meet basic needs, you know, going forward up to 90 days. Just 2 days, 60 days. So that's what we know. It was. We see that the commission and then we give them time to tell me that the commissions and people have multiple options they want they can still buy.

Was that sentence being that commission need it also they can do to information to or clinic, you know, case management system. So I think I heard you say it takes up to like 60 days. Nazis. Today's tool result for emergency. Should. You know, the payment today. What someone doesn't often income, you don't. You don't issued emergency system because hits close to 50 because if you pay this month and that they face next month and unless the average line to support them or bit anticipating an income, we don't issue the benefit. But up to 60 days. You We have seen addition that they have going income you So that is like. 60 days. For all that work, too happened before you issue. that issue within 10 she within 2 days to see within 10 days. But it sounds like they'll keep the case open fr up to 60 days to help them make sure that their issues result for their crisis except to say So just to to be just clarify more.

One says someone applies for emergency. As I see that the commission that cry know if you call about cloth the processing time line is within 2 days once of the war to the subjugation. It could be within one day and it could take up to another 80 depending on when we received this medication that we need to possess the case. Okay. So it is really emergency assistance. Can happen immediately. In someone of being evicted from apartment, are you at eviction court? Is Ramsey County present in eviction court? We were kind likes of point. This individual. Have a direct contact with the partner that actually is in the room for housing court. And we triage those applications through contact person of the team. Okay. Thank you. Yeah. Just want to thank you both joining us. I think 2 things I'd like to take a takeaways. I'm gonna have our search to make sure that we on our federal response page for the residents that there's just there is already a link.

But I wonder if maybe a couple more really plain language, things like what what do I do if I'm facing eviction or need housing assistance? You so so people are really clear on these are the next steps. And this is how you reach out. And then I Dr Li, if you would be willing to just give the board a quick a memo with a few bullets on like just the timelines and how the process run. So that. You know, it can be complicated process to say the least between the 10 30 60 days. I think just them having a grounding in that is probably a document from you as a follow up with the great cell. Yes, Mark Kelly. despite being more of a link question as well, so as you I've had residents about emergency assistance and rental help, but they are afraid to come to the county because they MAY not. It MAY not have status.

So that could be clear somewhere as well. That. I'm not sure if we ask for immigration status or if we do or if we are not able to help people who do not have status or yeah. So all our programs, we have to follow the federal application requirements, ok? So it's not that I correct in saying as manager he was explaining earlier. The APRIL that on for those in o Town program, and unit, least one person in the household must have his decision, ok? And I think maybe putting that somewhere would be very, very helpful. Like I said to, because if they don't have citizenship and oftentimes these organizations ask for the denial letter from the cunty first. So just, you know, just wanted to note that as well that the importance of getting that denial letter is important. So thank you guys a quick with that. Residents, we will include ocean with vision the my question is, what is your language capacity for different languages?

Good question. A call center. Yeah. We used that language is surge, interpreter service. So when they call in MAY choose their language and then it goes to it. The contest Tech center team who connects with the language. So any language that the language land uses that your question in Soho, we how will we connect that to not a language lines? Soul? expedient. So it moves the way you wanted to move. If it's in person, we take them and back into a private area where they'll make the phone call that the language line. If it's on the if it's through the phone call send it a group that prioritizes the language like cause to speed up the service. And then they get back to you. Get bck the language gets fed up folding of process real So they would be weather on the phone if that shoes so they process it for you. so wants to know somebody just doesn't didn't speak English, they need and to better for that, we put them in a tv call conference as we speak with the you know, and then the interpreter life.

And then we will. That question is what's question? Would you need? And then from there, know, we we determine the next step. I just want to make the comment that to the frustration that that we MAY be feeling in this moment. That emergency doesn't mean I raise my hand and somebody gives me a check that in the time of accountability and making sure that we're following protocols and doing everything to be good stewards of federal, state and county tax dollars that that some of this is part of that. And so to make sure that while we are expediting and being as reactive as we can, we're doing it in a responsible way and into understand that too. So I appreciate that in this much as we can do to clarify the process. And so that somebody who needs help knows how to call and access the services. And then we as their advocates can know what's going on behind the scenes to keep track and hold ourselves accountable.

Both too. Delivering dollars in programs in in the way that is responsible and is required. But as quickly and efficiently as possible. So thank you for answering some of these questions. And then will it will distill this down into something that's a little bit more consumable by folks who just want to get help at home. reason was bring up the issue because and Ali, you know, we've been they've been dealing with this tree to fall 3 years now. In 80's. That people need to know. To your point, being the night. Because I have constituents, you could tell you know, the process is going take 2 years, but least they know that. But the fact is that if we don't communicate back to people they're waiting, they do not have a. What's my next step? How do I act? You know, that's what's important is that they get a communication from us as soon as possible.

What it takes 10 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, see relevant if they don't. If we don't get back to folks quickly. And that's 0, 2, if we're gonna somebody, that's I am right away so they can move on to get assistance from somebody else.

General, absurdity credit to know that it's so important movement that this is a challenge that we had and we to center to meet some operational changes to enhance that communication piece. All we have seen some significant improvement. Even if you look dashboard or for, you know, drop to call, has significantly improved. We just simply, you know, in a student, unit that we screening team, that we check those of the key issues as they come in. But there is still more 40 group meant and what working hard to make that happen. And we understand that the challenges community facing that is this is that we it's far less than need from the community. And this is that some charging time is that we appoint And also dealing with, you know, program loosened tissues. But we understand that. And this is something that myself and my team, a walk-in closet to residents its function when the Indiana. Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Cage move. One where behind schedule for the workshop. The Let's move on to outside board and committee reports mission. Thank you, MR. Chair the last week I had an opportunity to Atlanta housing learning

Exchange Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation. They hosted this because in NOVEMBER of 2025, the same poll in Minnesota Foundation Fr Bigelow and Mark at foundation watched our home state. It is a pilot to bring together donors, government in business together to make sure that our housing people system has the power and resources to we'll strengthen stability, strength and shelter, build new housing and change policy is the announced announced this with a 20 million investment from philanthropy. They're open getting more folks to contribute to this, too. But I do also want to give a big shout out to our ugc. It. They used our housing continue like that. We have in our plan. 2put this in reading document to help guide their decisions on where to place investments. So at one continuum is the fiction prevention. And then the other one the market rate of where the housing supply continue on this. And so they focused on eviction prevention, our shelter and supportive housing and affordable housing.

And I just had the opportunity to attend this several different stakeholders throughout the Metro, along with commissioner and 2 learn from Atlanta and hear about their bold and audacious goal up building preserving 20,000 units of affordable housing across the city by twenty-thirty hm. So we will continue as some of those conversations on how we can bulls either change policy killed in the resources to also continue to help our ecosystem here Ramsey County. So that was really great trip. Next I want to mention as we talk about mental health and the community, the Ramsey County Children's Mental Health, Collaborative just pivoted some funds as well to make sure tat we have resources that ae accessible to both youth and and families and caregivers, more in a community-based setting and also without having get evaluation or an assessment because that is what really takes up a long time. And especially in a time where we do need help support that this will make it more accessible to our community.

Members. So I'm sure that are ready with county manager backer, will share that out with with with us here so that we can share up to our respective community is. Finally. I would say the impact around Metro surge is still being felt. And reverberated across the entire state. Folks are still hearing about it. Even Atlanta, folks are saying that, you know, they are definitely seeing what's happening keeping us in their thoughts and and that they holding us solidarity with us. We will. We are still seeing immigration enforcement actions happened happening throughout our communities and neighbors are still stepping up. For example, East side neighbors are coming together for and a rally on So later today at 5 to 7 at 7th Street East and Bates Avenue and neighbors and everyone all across the city are still invited to come and join us to be and community. Thank. Thank MARCH air, we've been talking a lot about legislation and getting things done in a timely manner.

And I agree with commissioner and that we do want things to be done as quickly as possible. We are. Our legislative team continues to meet to commissioner and and I and our legislator. Government relations team, meet having the precession legislative meeting tomorrow. Ever going to talk about the upcoming state legislative session and also our upcoming federal conference that we a number of us are going to. And I just want to encourage all of you collect the resident impact examples that you're hearing about what's happened about the Metro, you know, the metro surge with ice and with things we we need to and let our federal delegation know how this is impacting our community and our businesses. So keep the coming and we're going to be mentioned, we're going to be talking about those with our federal delegation were meeting with Sen Klobuchar Smith represented Nicole on represent of a congresswoman Craig. We'll meeting with his many of the people as as we can get into the schedule.

And so I'm really grateful that that's coming up in the next few weeks. Also, I want to give a shout out to Roseville, cares. Along being supported by a number of group, a a organizations in Roseville with do Good Roseville. The roads are very optimist club. They held thank you luncheon for our first responders. It was really well attended. First responders really, with appreciated this luncheon that we had just to recognize the work that they're doing and trying to do to really protect our community. And these really trying times so many thanks to our first responders. I public works had an open house on Race Street and the Cairns area reconstructions. So thanks to our Adams County public works for doing that. Looking thank you to our fire department for have hosting great food. Also tonight at Saint Anthony Village is hosting a listening session on immigration enforcement concerns. They're doing this every week for this month.

I believe that four-thirty to five-thirty tonight at the Saint Anthony Village City off and the city of Lauderdale is hosting a climate action open house, too. Tomorrow night from 5 to 7 in their city hall. I really want to invite all of us to go to the Ramsey County League of local governments, which is our our association. That includes all of our cities, school districts in the county. And we're having a legislative exchange with our legislators Thursday night. This a couple of days at Ramsey County Library in Maplewood from 5 to 7. It's a meet and greet with our state legislators to talk about the issues that we have with them. And so I just really encourage many of us that can be there as as possible. And that's I said this Thursday night, Ramsey County leak. So thank you for that structure. All right. In the end, essence of time here, I'm going to cut it down and just say it was lovely to be with colleagues at the capital area.

Community vitality projects, cmmunity Hub event that was for lcal elected suit to learn more about. That Ramsey County sheriff, another services that will be at that, that new location. They believe there's an event this afternoon open for community. So I encourage hopes to stop on by and see it and and I'm encouraged by the idea that there's been a lot of different collaboration around public safety, public health, other ways of reaching out to community. And that though there will be yet another physical location in near the Capitol complex and then that in the neighborhoods that are served by that area, 2 to reach out and build and build those connections. So I welcome people attend that I was able to attend the White Bear area. Food shelves barely open. I tell you, Minnesota knows how to embrace the cold. It's it's golf on the ice with hockey sticks and a lot of good fun and raising funds for an organization that supporting our community during these really tough times.

And then also was able to prepare for our trip to dc with the naco Health Policy Steering Committee to make sure that the resolutions from across the country are are tight and we're understanding them and moving forward. And I can say that when we're talking to across te U. S. They handling al of the same things discussions of how do we continue to immunize children? How do we continue to make sure that we are meeting the health equity goals that that all our community space during these really challenging time. So I encourage all all of us are on the aren't different committees different work with colleagues across the country in preparation for that. That important conference coming up to continue to dig in on that. I know it's hard to focus, I think it's important. And then I would save. I just wanted to say in in supporting our local businesses and the mental health and behavioral health issues around Metro Operation, Metro Surge, I was able to attend a virtual summit.

The workforce innovation summit belonging and why it matters, which was hosted by Air Work, Innovation Board and several other name neighboring counties. It was for a presentation by Nani and it had a tremendous amount of resources, a slide deck and things like that. And I encourage our business community. We have so many a family owned businesses that don't have a rch back of the House or hr department to be able to support their staff there. They're the people who are part of their community. And this was a great, a great opportunity to to prepare yourself and have the resources you need to support your your staff, your organization and your customers and clients as well. And then we've got a couple of events coming up. I'll be at the Ramsey County, legal, local legislative program, but then also Irondale high school has their black history Month. Showcase Thursday night as well. And then on Friday morning, I'll be attending the way for leak legacy breakfast to support the way for Lake Area schools. And encourage folks in the Northeast Metro to to do as well. Thank do

Thank you, MISTER Chair. Couple things I want to highlight over the last This past Tursday had a chance to 10 the Midway Chamber of Commerce will celebration of their annual gala highlighting a number of small businesses within the midway community specifically want to highlight a couple of the awardees from my district. We're on Earth this year. The small business of the year went to the dual citizen Brewing located a company location and the nonprofit of the year went to the International Institute of Minnesota. And so it was just great to see a number of small business owners coming together, recognizing the work that they're to continue to do, especially in these tough times and celebrating how we can continue to grow economically in the midway area. I attended the Capital Commons community hub with the number of colleagues here. And one thing I want to highlight with the space was which I think it's fantastic is that it's a real opportunity for us as an organization to leverage it more since it is right there in the community.

So one thing that I want to really challenged us to do, whether public health or mental health to work a number of the different departments with men, Ramsey County, to leverage this space and really use the space as a way to connect more to the community because it in a location that really, really desires that type of attention. Deserves a type attention. So want to really stress that point, as we think of of using that space in the future.

Yesterday, I had a chance to have my monthly meeting in collaboration with Saint Paul City Council Ward. 4. For the Snelling and University Partners working group that we have from yesterday's meeting. We had the city of Saint Paul's Department of Safety and inspections. Come to give an update around the cvs at the universe and intersection. Delays demolition for that. Cbs is expected in the next couple of weeks, which is exciting. And our offense is working in collaboration with the war fr office on an faq see just to make sure that residents and businesses around that know what to expect. No, they just setting expectations on what's to come once the day arrives when they will be demolished as well as the the weeks and months afterwards with that empty space City mayor, as we determine what's next for that particular location. And then lastly, I will highlight that yesterday I had a chance to attend.

Small Business roundtable that was held. Hosted by the West Side community Organization and Saint Paul mayor's office as well as city Council wards offices to 5, 6, And it was a discussion about the impacts of Operation Metro surge on our small immigrant owned businesses. And it really eye-opening even more. So just to hear from our immigrant own small businesses on the guidance and the re and and the resources they need. And for many of them, as we discussed last week, calling out. The inaction from our philanthropic partners from our corporate, a business partners and ideas on on how the would like to see these entities step up. And so. I know that the the mayor's office was there was still gently taking notes. So hopefully we will see more coming out of of that meeting from from last night. And then the last thing I'll do you know, last week, Commissioner Moore and kicked off Black History Month and provide it some information and insights just commemorate this month.

And so she's asked that we kind of tact team. So I have a little. A presentation like 2 minutes. That I want to share as to celebrate Black History Month. And today I want to specifically highlight the Black Panther Party. The Black Panther Party was founded in 1966. In Oakland, California, by Huey p Newton and Bobby Seale. At a time when black communities were facing police brutality, economic neglect and systemic exclusion from political power. Popular memory often reduces the Panthers to images of leather jackets, gone to confrontation. But that picture is incomplete and in many ways intentionally distort it. From the beginning. The Black Panther Party was framed by the U. S. Government as a dangerous extremist organization. The fbi labeled them a major internal threat and actively to surveil, disrupt and dismantle the party. This labeling matter once a movement is labeled as violent or terroristic, his political demands can be dismissed without being addressed.

We still see versions of this today when peaceful protesters like those opposing ice operations in Minnesota and health elsewhere are portrayed threats rather than as community members exercising their right to dissent. But the reality of the Black Panther Party was more far more complex and far more grounded in community care than the stereotypes suggests while the Panthers did believe in defense largely as a response on Czech police violence, their core mission was community apartment. There are 10 point plan called for jobs, housing, education, health care and an end to police brutality. There were an absolute these weren't abstract ideas. They were practical demands rooted in everyday survival. Most notably the Panthers or organized extensive survival programs. They ran free breakfast programs for children feeding tns of thousands of kids every week. School, the open health clinics provided testing for sickle cell anemia, organize, holding drives and create a community schools. In fact, the federal government's own school Breck School Breakfast program expanded only after the success of the Panthers efforts made it possible impossible to ignore how effective they were.

So understanding the Black Panther Party requires us to look beyond the fear based narratives of the past. They were not simply a militant group. They were organizers, educators and caretakers responding to cnditions. The state had failed to address. So when we revisit their history, honestly, we're reminded that movements for justice are often labeled dangerous. Not because they are violent but because they are effective and because they challenge who are who was allowed to have power, safety and dignity. And so I want to just take this moment as we are working through going to Black History Month to pause and lift up and maybe a dispel some misinformation as regards to this particular movement and the impact that they had on our community. So thank you. Okay. I'll be quick. So last week I attended the Naco Etl. You it was very standard. It was recall interim. Resolutions that we went through for preparation for a couple weeks now. We're at Nico. All right, who also attended the community have open House event. I just want to thank the vitality project.

This led by Ramsey County Sheriff's Department in partnership with the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board and the city of Saint Paul and other local partners for their great work. We had the wood meeting on Wednesday as well. So it is pretty standard review financial budgets on the 2026. With budget was approved policy priorities remain aligned with the Minnesota Association of Workforce. Ford's, including continued advocacy for sustained funding to the state dislocated worker program and flexibility. 2 local workforce to design programs that meet regional employer and Jobseeker needs. The board also reviewed subtract a strategic initiatives, including the Power within U. S. Program, which supports youth in young adults involved in the justice system with employment training and wrap-around services. And that program is not going to be integrated into Ramsey County's Youth Justice Transformation Initiative. And then a few additional updates included continued recruitment. So for the next inclusive Workplaces start, which patients are open now until MARCH youth employment opportunities through right track is they're still taking in seeking employers to host youth and then planning for the upcoming great Expo career And then just want to note, too, that I attended the barely open with great timing community on Saturday, Commissioner Devin Singh and the new mayor White Bear Lake and I were able to be judges for the best sled.

The best group costume at the best individual costume. And unfortunately the district 7 lumberjacks and not place in any us. But then I do want to also quickly mention that Maplewood is hosting a community. Seen a community conversation tonight at the from 6 to 7.30, at the Maplewood ymca Community Center. On creating a respectful structures space for community members to share their experiences and concerns around. Immigration enforcement and their communities. So I'd encourage you to attend. And with that view, thank And in just want to thank McMurtry fullness history moment. Formative educational.

Thank you for that. Part of last week I was out of town that Alana with the and then House and learning Exchange was really, really a good experience. But the networking that happened to me with part of the best moment it. Just being there. I think so often we find myself doing the work that we do in silos. But it's a way to bring us together collectively tomorrow is happening within the housing industry. So my office has opportunity to participate in a few things. One been a guarantee income information session. So tis discussed in focus for have guaranteed income initiative can support economic stability, advance equity and strengthen long-term outcome for families and communities. Mouth also attended a brief briefing on emerge in Twenty-twenty 6 policies. Priorities including the Minnesota newborn benefit. Is a proposed prenatal and infant cash program designed to support babies in new parents in a homeless use type of proposal expected to be introduced in 2027 t have close housing gap for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.

And finally, my office with a view to also it and the capital area Vitality Project, which located in my dstrict, which is really looking at the area surrounding the Capitol a lot is going to be happening in Rice Street. So the community by Telly project was led by Ramsey County Sheriff's Office in partnership with the Capitol Area, Architectural and Planning board the city of Saint Paul and local partners. So it's really nice partnership that's happening here. Display Space initiative focuses on public safety. You fit family programming, neighborhood, cleanup and economic vitality co-creating investment that strength a community trust. And as I talk about the work that's happening around the community, the capital area community County project, I just want to say special thanks to the sheriff's office was able to come to me and to partner with me in my office to bring his department down the street to deal. Haven't you this summer and have a president?

In that area to kind of like stabilize that area that was been inundated by homeless this substance use disorder and mental health people was just struck me. But along with that came support services. To have end of it to help individuals alone to create a stronger, safer corner for all, including those small businesses. On those 4 corners and to residents in the area. So just wanted to just highlight that again, important that we really support our small businesses and create a place where people can feel safe, be safe, but also get the services that And that's it for me. Thank you. Following board meeting, we will have the clothes meeting regarding the 2025 litigation report. And then at one 30, have the workshop. Judges, women's group. By Commission is saying and then 3 will have a closed meeting. Should buy myself federal election lawsuits summary. We know journey.