Ramsey County, MN Board Meeting

County Board of Commissioners Roll Call, please 7 thing. You MAY need a Commissioner McGuire. She's not here news here. Care. Sorry, Thank. Thank you, Commissioner McMurtry here. Mueller here, Moran here, John is a little bit behind. And then commissioner, take a I couldn't stand for the I pledge allegiance to flag. For which it stands.

Nation under GOD. Strong. It's Commissioner Tree. Candice thank you, MISTER Chair. Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world. Who contribute their hopes, dreams and energy to making history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will. Sme were drawn to leave custom homes in hope. Oh, better life and some have lived on this land since time immemorial truth and acknowledgement are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. We're standing on Lantz of the code of people. We want to acknowledge the ojibwe the ho-chunk in the other nations of people who also called this place home we pay respects to their elders past and present. Please take a moment to consider that the treaties that the treat is made by the tribal nations that entitle Non native people to live and work on traditional native lands. Consider the many legacies of violence displacement, migration and settlement that bring us together here today and please, covering truth at any and all public events. Thank commission that metric. Like that and the motion and agenda was 17th 2026. Second second and

Discussion roll McMurtry Iran, John? It's little bit behind joven saying McGuire. Antarctica. I contain a motion on the minutes. Watch 10th 2026. And the discussion. Seeing none. No McMurtry. I Iran right. Young is a little bit behind joven saying require. Antarctica. Yes, thank you, MISTER Chair. I move the following item.

Certification of property assessed clean energy charges for energy improvements. In this session. Seeing none looking for. McMurtry. I. It's behind Jevon thing. I acquire. Undertake a. You know, have presentation didn't misspeak.

So they should not adjust the microphone because it can you hear me with that? What's great to be with you this morning to talk about. We can build new. Tax base and create more good jobs and Ramsey County together in the new opportunities that are underway across the region. I'm not sure how you prefer to do it, but I'm very open entertain questions as we go. All we do So just start with the basics. Some of you, you know, we've been working together for over. 10 or 15 Yes, peak litter Lout. It's great to see some of you. We've been working together for some cases 10 or 15 years. Others of you you knew or the partnership. So. Just the 101, the grass to partnership is not a membership organization. Exist to represent entities like many cities are. This is a genuine partnership where different organizations opt in to do together what those are decisions can too low, which really important too.

Organizations. It's a public private partnership. And it continues to grow. And the performance continues to increase exciting way. And the mission has always been the same working to do is to expand economic opportunity for pople in the Minneapolis Saint Paul region. And increase inclusivity of this more competitive around the country and the world. What has changed? Who has been stable? There are hundreds of different entities involved in creating this p today. But they kind of core sectors that make up the public. Partnership. Universities, cities and counties. Corporations and foundations. Each of those entities have a share, you know, in this effort. The y for each of sectors is different. Local government, you know, expanding tax revenue and creating good jobs tends to be

Highest on the list. For big companies. They're interested in MAY be developing, you know, big new solutions that they can sell to the country. The world are there working to attract talent. It kind of big idea is the wise or not in competition? We when we win and we build something together. We get all these things once. Again in the spirit of Humboldt Bay, sick ideas. It's going to come up again in the conversation this morning that the economy is the engine of opportunity. That's where we're going to get everything we're looking for in our communities in terms of jobs and wages, which indeed to the ability to provide tax services, safety, economic mobility. That's how that flows. And so how do we get a stronger eonomy? The question department, the greatest. Partnership was built by leaders and organizations in this region for that Today, the partnership really works as a system, not an organization, you know, looking at what are the big things that we can do that are going deliver most impact for or communities.

And how do we do those And it typically takes a lot of different pieces. The what we're building. I don't know if all of you have seen this commission, the country being in the board been working to help refine this. This is the strategy for the region's economy that has been in process for well over 10 years. So commissioner, take it when you're on the board. Working on a version of this. It continues to be refined. The big ideas here are that. We have a economy today. That is one of the greatest strengths of our region. So want to be good to one thing. Luckily, you know, we're strong in multiple areas to - have the same level of prosperity and opportunity that more in the coming generations we need build on the things we've got today at the edge of where national global economy is growing. So you see all the words in here.

All the sub sectors. That's what's really growing globally. And we have a right to compete those spaces. So we want, you know, companies expanding here growing. You're starting your create jobs in this. These areas in part because those jobs. Affect them. What does this mean for counties? You know? In tis love to talk more about this. But, you know, specific areas we have opportunities to maximize priorities that the county has more tax revenue, more opportunity in strength and institutions, which is we've really faced with in region and state over the last interviews, just institutional strength. These are things that we can do together. And these are things that are happening in other parts of the region. You know, at some real scale. I mean, it's been in paper this week. Ecolab has a 500 million dollar plus expansion of their corporate campus. Again, that's doing a lot of One, there are a lot of residents county doing those jobs which is exciting.

But it also is adding a lot of new revenue in Dakota County. There's a map of your materials that highlights some of the corporate campuses that access County. Like that is one way to think about opportunities that could exist, you know, for generating additional opportunity. An inclusive jobs. For years. And Manatee County has been a part of this from the beginning. 3 have years ago. A big effort. We built a big effort to go help renew the semiconductor industry in ouregion. That has resulted in Rhonda billion dollars of new investment from mostly private sector and federal government into existing companies in our region. And now we're at the stage of developing into workforce that it's going to take to do those to do that work. And we're looking over 1000 good jobs that were working to. Train up and recruit. And most of those jobs that require a four-year degree. But over good jobs. Nature of this work, some of the things we'll be talking about today, if you could kind of following story for over a decade starts to sound MAY be bigger and things that we've been talking about.

And that is reflective of how some regions across the country are thinking about this work. Our view is we need to be transforming economic opportunity in our region right now. The nation, the world are changing really quickly. We don't really have the option to maintain the prosperity we've had by doing pretty much the same thing we've done the past. We to do some big new things. And other regions and states around the country are facing the same thing. We've been working. Brookings Metro for a number of years. Came subpoena. So we'd like to study what you're doing. Think others in the country are doing something similar. And so we've been part of a national for a number of years and they wanted to better understand kind of what the next American economy looks like and how faces come together to build that. Their concept is regional economic transformation. Shifting the vision to conjure tired industry and better jobs helping more people move up the economic ladder.

We generally that's right. If you look at what's on the right hand side of what transformational look like. We these resonate with Pete. This is how we're finding figure things are possible. Shipping markets, building calitions, knitting dollars together from multiple sectors to do big things. This is what it takes in this moment. It takes a team is how Brookings put it. And that's what we find to be true. And good to MISS. Be as a way to put those teams together. So I's less about a table where we're talking about things and more like huddles that we assemble where we get things done. Brookings observe that and they've reporting different things that the group partnership is doing, including the chips coalition that Ramsey County has been a part of. But tech three-point know next generation of Madden food. Together, we create North American circular economy for plastic film, you know, to address plastic waste have existed before.

Sometimes you get a picture of what these teams will fly. And so this is an example for the past, even maybe year and a half. A few moments that were years in the making in different parts of the region for use o public 5 that federal, local private sector teams that came together to build big things. Most of all been the there real opportunities for these kinds of celebrations in Manatee County lucky In spirit of other places are thinking like Brookings highlighted what Chicago has been doing, where they said quantum computing. Going to be an area. They are going to win. And so to do that, there. Engaging in some next level coalition work and they've taken over the old U. S. Steel works on the riverfront and putting billions of dollars of investment. And what's important in this page is how you see state local. Foundations, federal corporate knit together to co invest in building something big.

This idea is not only happening Chicago, but it's happening here and different things that building. And this is a really important take away from work that they've done. Is at the core of why we're doing what we're doing. Doing it on the left-hand side. You the difference between we're good jobs, the best paying jobs are in the economy. It advanced industries, the ones that are nationally globally connected where we have to work together to go compete and win that those jobs here. They pay better. Whether you have they don't all require college degree, but they pay better than benefits career letters. Those are we want more of those kinds of jobs because that's what it's going to take to build the kind of economy we all want. Just acouple weeks ago, some of you might have been at the Guthrie Theater. We're sharing this big idea, run greater growth. So we need to be growing faster as an economy, but it's not just growth for growth's sake.

Same with our strategy is about expanding te tax base for local government. It's more good jobs, making sure opportunities reaching more people in the community. We're doing work that's aligned to the strategy so we can scale. And when and that we're moving Minnesota as a state, not just the region, kind of into the top 10 of national performance because everyone wants the best quality of life. But there's no place that has a great quality of life in a middling economy. It just never go together. So we have to have strong economic performance have strong quality of life. So we talked about this. Goal of top 10, which is like a 30% increase roughly over what Minnesota's economy. Has been over past 10 years. In the next Milestone that working in, says a partnership. It's to win 5 billion dollars in additional investment, at least 5,000 good jobs in the region to help get us on the higher trajectory.

Would love to be talking about how you know, how do we do a big part of that in Manatee County? So if you go back to the same slide, you saw about the strategy and highlighted circle the parts of the strategy. That means the county has a unique opportunity for. You know, if we were to do this for a Purple County or she cited county, you know, it would different and the circle so be So, you know, it's big opportunity, Ramsey County to do many of the things that could be done in the region. They can be done here because the workforce because of infrastructure transportation because of power. And then to get, you know, really specific about it. Ramsey counties geographic county state. You know, it's it's developed and this is about the development. You know, it's about this is a moment of transition where all kinds of properties of kinds of types are being.

Can we imagine to be developed and think for the purposes of both creating as many jobs as possible and generating as space as possible, kind of the joint and could be how do you maximize the economic value the areas where it's a county can do something. Acknowledging that it's not. These are green field opportunity. So it's like how do we make the most of every opportunity have? And this map is certainly not inclusive everything, but it is. Let's turn to of different types of opportunities that exist from Dow. We're very interested you know, how might that become a steel facility? That's a real possibility that could attract well, Bo Capital, you know that would be billion dollar plus project put 25500 vigils and it's a very unique kind of property where unique things are possible that would not be easy. But it is possible. And then as you kind of worker way, you're of course, of these different areas, West Rock is something we've been talking about.

And there's a really big opportunity to turn it large property that is has incredible location. Into one where there are many more good jobs than there have been. And with value of what's happening here 4 to 6 times plus higher generating one to 1.5 million or more annual additional projects. So is this is just meant to kind of illustrative of the conversation. We love to have. You know, if you've had chance to see this when we're asking ourselves as a partnership with region's the state had to go bigger, faster. And so always about, you know, projects and results. But we're thinking about building teams to take on more complex opportunities. And so. Unlocking. These opportunities would require a kind of a team approach that's different from maybe something we've taken the pst. You know, oftentimes this would involve the county in the city, the Port authority in the same poll foundation and others get together, you know, project by project, you know, really focused team efforts that would take sometime it then have the opportunity to cover really next couple results. Thank you for that item. District, some questions for the conversation. And the questions. A week at park sent to us. I think what we received in the attachment is different. Yes, I-40 to see site

Opportunities identify. In the previous lies in preparation for How do you that technology part of this equation? Sgo back to this. Slide that has. These thing about them is sub-sectors but also technology areas. So Technology one way to answer that question is. We need more technology, advanced technologies our economy because that's where the growth comes from, which is where the jobs come from. So we're looking technology areas that we have the ability to quit. So we're not going to be developing ai chips in this region. That's not really plays for that. However, this deve tech area, for example, is like hard physical technology and semiconductors, Michael Electronics. We have that we're investing in that we could have much more of that. There's interesting as we have gotten to this work, we make chips here. Lot of them in the Burnsville of living to area and then the medical device sector uses chips. And so now there's a conversation of those 2 efforts.

How might we design ships here? Customized for Tech sector. There's alot of opportunity in tat conversation. Cybersecurity. So Metro State just down the street as one of America's most advanced cybersecurity ranges, which most people do not know. Cyber security is at the heart. Just cuts across every single thing as we know in Saint Paul after experience over the past year. This is something everybody has to be concerned about. You know, there is an opportunity with that asset essentially in downtown Saint Paul. You know, we could develop a cybersecurity campus. You know, in downtown Saint Paul, you know, in partnership with Tetra states where students drawn to that universe, state tv, could be walking down the hel, you know, into fast growth companies. And that could be a really unique opportunity for not just downtown Saint Paul, but the city beach. So all across these areas deep technology opportunities that we're focused on. But you make them maybe there's a space for another dimensions.

Your question. No, that's helpful because some of the terminology that you're are something I haven't heard of like technology What is that entire? What does that So that's helpful. What I guess? What is the role essentially done? What greater msp does that like? Hlping us to understand the rle that greater msp has and bringing all together. What are the actual? Legal sstem here exist without favor amnesty

Like? Maybe explain a little bit more public the role he plays. We have a regional economy, not a city economy or county economy. Is p as a regional team just so we can see the whole economy at that scale. So before going to speed, there had never been a strategy for. So in 2013 piece created in late 2011 county was in there from the start we need to have plan. We need to have a way that work together to because none of parts of the region alone can do that. You need to see opportunity. And so the strategy that we're talking about today, going to speak created as a partnership in 2013 and then has ben refining get. So one is, yu know. Having a joint plan and then the second is how activate against. Just that map that we've been looking at, like, where are the opportunities? Something that greater misspeak exist to do that is very difficult or impossible for counties to do As a partner in this partnership.

We are out the country in the world. Looking understanding where that opportunity is and working to connect it to our region. So there's not enough here to do what we want to do. We're trying to bring in that investment. We're trying to bring in research into the universities and then build new things here together to create the kind of thing you want. So if you think about team is needed it goes back to that kind of the Kings concept. How does that team come together? What is that team do? Who's leading that team? That's p exist to do. Have commission looked really and I had with land. Thank you, And thanks for the presentation. Can you speak to? You know, there are other organizations that are greater msp equivalent across the country. Can you speak to any specific reasons that are doing what? Are great examples models of what we'd like to see done here in specifically what is their relationship to the local government has as a county, we want to, you know, really understand the role that we can play here, how we can be a partner in this work.

What are some good examples are models other regional economic development organizations that are doing this working method of good. Eco system of all these different entities working together. There are a few examples to highlight to answer your second question. First. Always it's very simple. Like counties are drawn into this work across the country saying we you know, there are many things that desire but expanding the tax base is always number one. And so, you know, one way for the county to play relay powerfully. The partnership is actually to start the county level say. Let's have a conversation within the county, but how much additional commercial vessel tax base? We want to try to create. Over the next say 5 years and 10 years. And at that level of focus and attention from the cunty is then you can work back from that saved. And how would that happen? So that's bottom line. We would love to be working with the county.

Delivers on the bottom line of what is forecast. That is what's happening. Other places across the country that are So couple places to highlight the plight. Columbus, Ohio is very interesting. You know, there's a lot of time own and Texas for that. You know, over the past 25 years, a lot of Americans moved in that direction. And there's a lot wins there. Happening in Central Ohio was not just going to happen. That was actually do a lot of headwinds to seeing something new there and what they did in Columbus as a community, business leaders, government leaders working together for 15 plus years. Today Columbus is one of the faster growing regions in America. You MAY have seen intel plant. That's kind of biggest features multi multi billion dollar 20 plus billion dollars in total. That's being That was about 15 years in the making. Know these folks have been talking for 15 years and where they are today does level prosperity.

They've seen growth and opportunity. Is something they engineered. By having a shared strategy. That they worked year after year in a disciplined way and the big wins didn't come in year 3. I become your 8 11 and now they're just coming. That was a big announcement that drone that if action isn't to 4,000 jobs and Columbus, possible. So I looks easy once it's happening, it's really not easy to get there. Syracuse, New York is another place that's really interesting. We've spent time. One Rust Belt city someplace that was really hit hard. Obviously do it. We're struggling today. There their home to the largest private investment ever made in the United States. So Micron Technology putting 100 billion dollar investment. In turn into Syracuse, New York, which is transforming the entire community. It took. 10 for that. And it was very difficult get to that point. But we've been on the ground there each kind walk the streets to talk to the community. W've same thing there Public private sector leaders and foundation leaders United the vision. Working together to build, you know,

For So, you know, there are many other examples of that, but it's simple. And that score, you know, you hve. The leaders institutions pulling off. So this is what we're looking. We want to build this want and then critic plan do it and the state on it year after year. And that's the hard part. The discipline of years to through 8. Or the heart. acquire very thank. Thank you, MR. Chair. Really appreciate this. Thank you, Peter, for your presentation. Just say that. Glad to hear about as being in partnership with msp and I would One thing you could talk a little more specifically about what but that can look like we have lots of. We have to several major projects that we're working on Manatee County we hve a lot, but several ones that come to my mind. We have rescue come as we have the party represented worry. We want to develop our riverfront.

You know, these are all transformative projects that will transform region. And I'm curious how msp partner wth with as in really this regional development. We've all seen those areas of of the country, you know, Savannah at Tampa, you know where where specifically built on water. But they've also really transform region with their development. So you're you're right. When you say that that and unified effort can really transfer the transformative and we we feel like we projects can transform and how can we how can we how do we elevate to the level at msp that this would be a project that everyone would work? I need to be projects that everyone Okay. So couple couple of ideas in there to that last question. I mean, it starts with us having a conversation. The county saying what are Top priorities this year? 3 years, 5 years. And then workshop and how to Raleigh regional and to some extent state resources around us.

To the places in the region that have really clear views of what they're trying to build at a really focused on are poised for success, then to make it successful. The demand. You know, we can all the plans in the world, but if no one wants to invest in that space, nothing's going to happen. And so te reason that the region created in part is not only to get folks organize here. Don't understand. Where is the demand we go after win and that's what the strategy about. So it makes the comments there was a in the last year with a company, the microelectronics It's just really exciting. That company is part of an ecosystem. It's not one of There are other, you know what I like. Electronics and semiconductor companies in this region and they've been at the talent base. That's here. And so it's not it's connected to a bigger because that we're building here.

You know, fr river's edge. You know, I think there's some like problem solving about like how would a project like that work 2026? Is too. I guess for how work with but look different does in 2019. There, 2020, where office, you know, really core part of the work that was going up demand. So it's just about how work together to identify the demand and the to go with And so these are competitions and kind of getting into that spirit of identifying what you want to build how we can work together - to go find something to win and go with it together. How those places could transform. Green and then and then thank you. MISTER Chair and thank you for your presentation. 4. Showing up today. Don't know much about you. So that's good to learn a little bit more. The partnership. And so so what idea here was that in 2013, partnership was created with that Can you talk a bit more about that? So in 20, 2011, the stretch

Is creating 2013. I joined in 2013 have been going over a year. Joint. It came out of the Great Recession. Leaders and Commissioner Diego how involved you might have been in this conversation that around yet. In feet. Great Recession was a shock. Obviously, this economy as it was to replace the country, leaders public and private were talking together about what do we do? Create more We can't just sit here and let this play out. And so this was happening in the context of something called the Itasca Project which existed at that time. And there was a quick kind of survey of the country. Are we just too? And it was discovered basically every other major U. S. Region had created something likely to MISS P starting in the 1990's. And this is what we must have. One of these it so many organizations. And then looked at all the functions, the actual work that would be Things I'm talking about today.

Notice that work. And the state of Minnesota. Was only likely involved in that work. Worst other states more active. So a committee came together and built a concept to create what became is was stood up coming out session with the folks including more good jobs for people in this region. And that's what we've been doing. Kind of you right here. So those 5,000 good jobs that we now have few for the next 3 years. Just a meeting to tens of thousands of more jobs that we have created want to create together in this region. I don't know that's Thank you for that and appreciate that. I was just looking, you know, my question was what in piece stand for greater msp. All right. And so is Minneapolis. Saint Paul Beeson Economic Development partnership? Because when I think I hear from the legislature, tell greed are always think about greed. A Minnesota woman out state right?

That's how we see the work. Again, I was looking at some of the partnership's here that includes looking at the county's, kow, sizable county, you Wright County Carver County. Sure where. In things like that. You know, so what his stats, you know? What with that part of the ship? In addition look like for county that Ramsey County Commission of Inquiry talked about, you know, some initiative that we here right here because we need to go on base. We need to watch you know, county that allows people to come into Ramsey County gets services and never it's where you come We just served All right. But that's tech scene folks in Ramsey County. And so what what? You what is what greater msp relationship and partnership? flimsy county. And what does that look like?

Well, we've so we've been in relationship for a number years, know, is that you MAY yet really a sense what he loved to have. Now, I think that meets the moment is back to sleeves, rolled up. Workshop style. How much tax revenue with that, Tony, what's possible? You know, we could work. You know, commissioners and staff. Part of what greater must be as is lots analytical resources that are available to every member of the partnership modeling analysis identifying, you know what, what's the appropriate target possible target for additional tax revenue and then what would it take to get there? Essential winning and building a set of projects. So, you know. It's quite straightforward. And one sent to West Rock. You like something's got to happen. There and what can happen. And there were just a handful of things the market would do with that space. Some of them are not very high value and others are really So, for instance, what if we worked together to come up with a few multi-year plan to clear that space, clean it and we could build tech campus.

I mean, think about going to try next as an example what excessive isn't meant Paul, thankful that I'm having difficult hearing. You might be just me. downpour. So talk about westrock and it's like. How could we build teams and projects to maximize? Investment. That's possible. Each of these areas and work in the team would be different each of these areas like, but in that instance, I was saying, you know, it's possible to greet him. Id tech campus, where westrock exist today. You could have 300 or 500 good paying jobs clean manufacturing. Great use of the public transportation with the central corridor right there and then the highway

Access in rail access. That would dramatically increase the value of that property. In addition, the jobs for medically increase, the value that property and result in kind o conservatively one to 1.5 million dollars annual additional taxes. So that is in that space. Like that example. Dow still point is another example that could be maximized. You that project have to be built, you know, going to talk to the CEOs of Boston, scientific and land o Lakes and 02:00pm. And starting conversations early about. You know, we're very glad you're here. We're wondering if you have any plans for the future and how we mght be. Encouraging of you make more investments in the space. Thank you. But what Ecolab just a dead So it's it's kind of like a case building a second portfolio of projects. That would deliver additional tax base adding u to the overall kind cool that the county would set. It would be one way of thinking we've not done that together.

And we've actually been really want to do that with a lot of other counties in the past that every county relations slightly different Dakota County is a good example right That's benefit significantly from this kind of work and they have land. But it was. Complicated rights and have that it's not easy. But what's happening there with roughly 3 billion dollars of private investment last 20 months. Is dramatically enhancing that county's tax So you know, we know it's possible. It's still a little bit different, every county, but it really starts with the counties. Targets and ambitions working together to say, let's talk about brass tacks, how we need figure out how to build You can make the facilitator. All the parties together. Coming. Initiatives checks. Yeah, I mean, I would you can even stronger language. You know, you kind of like we can engineer results. Because none of these things will happen. Without really clear plan.

That's backed by data. That's got the right team. That's resource executed month by month for several years. That's where - results that everybody wants to come from. And we know how to build next. A cute those tax cuts. Thank you nation yeah, I just have a couple traffic workforce questions wondering how and the s p my be able to of work. You know. Positively towards the future. And one of them comes from the idea of 5 workers can't were if there isn't a healthy care economy to make sure that there is available and affordable childcare, that there is a people who are taking care of our loved ones at every age and stage. We've we found during covid that the ability to work from home and then the idea of having to go back into the workforce, a big part of that friction was who is taking care, who are taking care of the people.

We go to work. And I guess my question is with demographics of Ramsey County with their aging community, where in the 6.11 focus. But where's that on the actual health and human services that allow people to 2 be active in the workforce as long as they possibly can as productively as they Recognizing critical it is part of the overall kind of committee portfolio kind of goes back to this idea of. Where does revenue come from to support that work? This work has alot to do with creating the revenue to make sure that those services can be provided, recognizing that those Well, I guess not talking about public certain about tax dollars. Republic services. I'm thinking of I'm thinking of the bat. I was a stay-at-home person for a long time because I was taking care of aging parents rather than being the workforce when they could have So I guess one of the questions I have is as we have more and more folks who want to be participating in workforce, how do we make sure that the care economy that supports people going to work is there in our in our aea?

That's a question. I do. So they don't have the answer to a vote I can say is. You know, having been in this work now for 13 years, 13 years ago, no one was talking about that 30 years stable housing. No one thought that was an issue that relevant to supporting economic success today. Obviously stay poor. So. I think it's what, at what level this is how you know, we as a partnership, think about this. At what level does that conversation need to happen order for a solution to be identified? This is an American problem, right? I mean, there's there's no place that has this figured out. Maybe a Minnesota with more attentive to it, which is. The state certainly has very important role to play in. Coming up with some scalable sustainable solution.

Increasingly, go back 7 or 8 years. He didn't have much interaction with the state of Minnesota, frankly, today because the scale of things that need to be built first, so much bigger. We are working with the state all the time in different ways. So I would suggest that. One thing we could be doing that hasn't been done yet is having counties and others who want to have that conversation. Huddle up identify and I don't maybe this is already happening. I would see what's happening some level Conversations but what we could do is come behind some of those conversations with some analysis with arguments, just that's connected to the broader economic. The broader economic aims of region the state. And then we can cement help amplify those conversations at the state level. When that's hopeful. other question, think is more specific as far as demographics to your your focus, which is, you know, Minnesota has been one of the reasons one, Minnesota has been such a strong and diverse economy is because we created communities.

We created eucational institutions. We created places. That really true. High-level talent from around the world. We look at doctors. We look at technology at 3 m Medtronic and we have just hit on a global said. Biggest hit against Minnesota looking like we are welcoming community for immigrants and one of the questions that I have is how are we? I will sy that. Let me rephrase that. The last few months that we've had made very, very difficult for anybody. Who is it? Who is an immigrant or wanted to think of the immigrant here to consider this a welcoming community. On the flip side are communities and we're to that and said this is who we are. We are all neighbors and wrapped around what I would like to know is how is the business community reaching out to also be part of broader community that says we are a place that is is welcoming and inviting and searching for the world's top talent to find this place hme.

You kow what? I didn't Once like that's core to their business. It's the one of the most important things they do because wthout Peeps, right people, they can't do their jobs and they're looking around the country in the world for the best people work and they want them to come here. So think about it all the time. We've been working with companies in various ways over a decade to help them we reached out to talent come here. There is more of that to be done. The pandemic really disrupted very significant ways how that's working sorting this year to come. Put that back together and we start supposed efforts. It's but ice super high priority for the companies. The point you raise about that.

Visibility exposure that Minnesota got is kind of complicated fight that there are several different messages. I think that the world so coming out of Minnesota. And what we wanted to as a partnership of one of the things we exist to do is send messages to come, follow up, come behind this experience. We've had this winter. Awe are a welcoming community. We want you here. We're ready to welcome you here. This place safe and ready for you. And, you know, everyone saw the spirit of Minnesotans and how they came together to support one another. And that's a very attractive somewhat unique. So we are very they're not about promoting that. And, you know, sharing those messages, you know, yesterday in the Netherlands, we had partners and working to have that conversation. So it's global and it's national. Kate I had a couple of a similar question look ahead as ice your area. That's I guess. In talking with Texas Tech with the And county is the most about county. We when we think about and talking yes, our shortage job site and see how this can but for being training tech companies to the have to work force in our own communities that can fill rather than have people in enough that we don't want entire communities. But

We don't I don't want in a situation where our communities and will be out. So even some of these areas here like snowing university tax that's the heart of communities. So. How big are these Texans going to be and how work with community on that or is that kind of? I understand you're also the facilitator. So I'm trying get your opinion on. Your role is and making sure that the developers, the company's you're coming in. Also think of the community as a whole. Right? Well, you know. Wether it's investor for the company or developer, they can't be some place that people don't want. Ultimately, there could be a lot of conflict, data centers, I mean, I want you to send is that we once they see that on your listen, one of the slides to but that but so part of what we do support missions and what is possible yet. And so this is creative work crisis is not manager you work.

It's not administrative. These are programs like vision. He Snow University. It's like something that could happen there as you You could have a tax and say could a It won't be won unless someone does something. But the idea is you could quit high technology jobs. There. And that doesn't man that the people that come user because just actually. Creates the potential. For people to walk 2 blocks to a job, the pace $79,000 year were 85,000 out here. So It's it's very much about U. S. Energy rather than starting from point of Well. Going back to the white bill. For once. What? What's possible? How might you do that? The groundbreaking question, which haven't mentioned yet today, it's really important fr Ramsey counties opportunity. And speaking this I don't know how familiar you are with the ground. Great coalition. Some of you are. It's a huge opportunity for this region. It's nation leading innovative, inclusive effort.

That combines economic power of financial institutions with community priorities. So it's kind of like taken Comey development to the scale of community This is one of the major innovations to come out of the murder of George Floyd. It's focused primarily in the Minneapolis and Saint Paul tears apart, also in other parts of the region. Today, there now exists financial mechanism that can be brought to the table to support the conditions. We'll so around Snow University, for instance, you know where we want to have conversations about how we accelerate? Development of projects that deliver a lot of things at once. So cbs is coming down. So what could go there? Well, could envision what Iwould be ideal for wealth building standpoint would be to create 50 years. 75 or 150 company So that people could buy into that area and capture value of cross from what's going up in United Village because the value anything that filter is gonna go up as we know onto And that's how we can be thoughtful.

Strategic pretty well for people and that could be done. In that whole area. Just happened? And so we're kind of in a moment. With these are the kinds of conversations we would like to be having with the county because it won't is not just the county is certainly the city and its. There are a lot of other and they're like what? What would success like? What's a version of this that would feel really good hopefully get I mean, that's the nature of the defensive since this is building in solving creating. Those are the kinds of conversations that we Okay. And then just one quick follow-up. I know River's edge is one of our main priorities right now to develop. We you talk a little bit about your role. Is as greater msp also have a role in investing in that area as well. Or is it just? a high-level? Hey, this is what could go there should go there.

But good luck with the funding. probably something between those 2 options. So we're not a financial mechanism. So we do have a billion dollars to put into projects. But what we do too, as we go out and Investors to projects okay. And both nationally and internationally. Ok, thank you. Yeah, I think if prefer for being here today, I have a few points that just they're just more points for your consideration. That one question. So I think one point and thinking about our community and on the workforce, qestions that folks mentioned, our commissioners and as you know, a lot of interest in the work force peace as well. From my past I do think our biggest asset in our community is the people. And I think when we talk about economic development our terms, it's the building capital structure, all things. And as you go and talk to people about the partnership is that represents Ramsey County.

I hope we have the pictures of the people who live here is sort of like showing who who are the people that live here and sort that investment, right, that that isn't that those are folks with that. The creative genius sort of like accelerate our economy. I think the other thing is I'm on year who was like, you know, you mentioned universities, which I that there's a lot go through the debt, but really in our community, it's just education and training. It's a lot of different things. People aren't necessarily at universities. They might be being trained through dozens of nonprofits or even to high schools or community housing of most diverse community college in state. So I just think like that all of university's kind of sets a bar that isn't really as representative of how people to where the skills they need to match with. You know, our economy from Grace comes And my last point and then a question in your circle of value it happened.

New solutions to bring the global challenges. I think one of our biggest challenges is really the federal government right and to talk honestly about the pressures. When you say what do we need to close our tax base? It's really being kind of forced upon us to some bills. That is the biggest part of that. So kind of interesting that think through sort of what is greater msp strategy help all of us as communities by as you know, you said local governments really critical. Part of the all people be successful in driving the community. We know that has to layer of sort of analysis as you work with Brookings or whoever like to really be able to talk about story around icon. And he's being held back because of some of these things. And then my last is really around the brand reputation. The question I really would like you to share with because you think talked to pople internationally.

What kind of harm has been done brand reputations after operation actual search on our community? And what are we sort of attack? Talk about trying entice people to come to arrest. Comments partners. couple of couple of those points. So on the the higher Ed Point, I completely agree with the point. In fact, who is participating in this partnership is far beyond So, you know, that's like Israel, like who pays? And at this point, it's not community colleges. It's so few university. So And the brand education and the federal government. We think with this all the where very deep in this in real way, where competing for federal funding directly, including because we want to tech hub to the U. S. Department of Commerce which makes Elgible as a partnership to compete for money. So we have an aplication was for 23 million dollars that's really out. That would bring resources to this agent. We'll see how it goes.

The there's investment that within 2 rows month 1.4 billion dollars the investment. Our analysis is that only part of the federal government be growing in real way for the next number of years will be the dog. Which that. So which just health and a g they basically funded more of everything any other agency. There are opportunities there for Minnesota. For us to find ways get venture funding into the economy that we're trying to build because that's where the federal funding is going to be. So we think all the time and the brand reputation question. Can I just interrupt affirm that? I think my question was more about not necessarily that federal money that's coming that sort of federal actions that are sort extracting money out in the sense of creating property tax pressures for So, you know, we're talking, you know, in the 20's and millions of dollars as we forecast the next 10 years, just on one section of a bill alone, you know, and then in terms of applying for local investment.

I know it's not always governments are part of those applications, but we have been partners in those applications. You know, as a value based organization, we have some real problems with some of the stipulations and some of those federal grants as well. So that's kind of what I'm talking about. Not necessarily like, you know, what's available to come the Rams County, but that federal government has kind of created significant barriers to making federal money use fall to Ramsey County and creating additional pressure on our property tax directly. Understand anything that completely. I'm a great addition peas. I think there are a few layers to this. The first one that's really important. It's a setting a signal to the rest of the country. Well, but its safety. That based on what was seen in the media. I mean, talked to people around you. Everywhere. And there's that's going on. How is it? And so? The messages that everything's fine every level working in relief recovery of our small business community many others.

However, people have to understand that it's like safety to business and some of the images that we're on that front page of many papers for several weeks. So that's kind the first order question. Beyond that, we see there's a little bit divergence ending at how people look at the world. Politically, sometimes. And so, you know, for some people, the reaction is why we're inspired if you know what we saw from the people of Minnesota that. Makes u more enthusiastic about being a part of your community. Others see something different. The feedback yesterday from northern European. Just you were partners who are having some of these conversations quietly to get a sense question. And it was kind of interesting that feedback was listen, we understand United States is going instability. And so appeared instability. And so. What the experience here the view of people outside the country MAY fit into more of a pattern. Of other things they see happening in the country.

So what it's worth. That was an interesting. What if you back. Those people said, okay. And that said, we still want to access the U. S. Market and we want to be in a place that wants to work with and where it's easy to do business. So helping you with us to make that happen. There's no one conversation, but those are different dimensions. Very complex set of reactions to a

Very challenging expensive. I have a, you know. My Harrison and over ice. And I really it covers few folks say that people. In our community, our greatest asset. We have. The county one of the most Very condensed and we try. And we just we love that diversity right? You know, as we talk university now it my district, And what's happening when on air. You

Know. It's the soccer stadium is appreciate it to doing some more work in that area right now. As we think about the content coming in the value still shocking. Just people from the outside coming get nose jobs and that impact. I mean, I would a tax base to say clarity. But what we also know happens when lot of that type development come in and we want development, gentrification happens right? And for those who bought their homes in that community, the neighborhood never access to transportation are often pushed out. And so I think, you know, its feet as look to like create a msp in the work you do in the conversation that needs to be My hope is that they have some of those conversations. Really pushes people out of the community that they love. Because increased property taxes and things of that sort. And I say that in conflict with county who say we need a tax but we have to also.

Value human capital that we in our community. So I wanted to say that. And and I you know, I hope that by talking about partnerships with in this p states. Apartment is is. really local. Might Minneapolis Saint Paul? But I'm struck me with what that partnership look like. Well, all the hard that is a part of gray to msp. Because I can you know, and how can you talk about how decision is decision making process that comes in from the partners or do they eat all the parties just pay and so that you can do it. What's happening? Well, and decision making that happens. Oh, wow. What that looks like talk about. That's Good question. So one thing that when we learned to say this is a grimace p is and governance light but leadership have it. So that game is p is governance light but leadership have it. And because this we don't ministry anything.

There are no. State funds that flowed agreements p this is all things we do and build together. So it requires the leaders musicians that are part of Guinness Peat leaning in to say. How do we build something? And it's one thing I think this gets the other part of your question. Well, not commit, you all those logos and that page, they don't agree on much at all. But what they generally agree upon as we have more opportunity for people in this region and they all realize the limitations they have, even if Cargill. The University of Minnesota member like. Bigger things need to get dne and they can do alone. And that's kind of enough to kind of get things going. And then what we're doing is together. And Commissioner being in the board seeing how this is working. Building teams to get real things done. Go back to something to Commissioner Miller's point question. And so what you're saying and so university like there are ways to do both.

What we wnt because if we decide right. And so it's we on the table, said, what do we want well, wouldn't you know, we can you know, this isn't this is about. Tying to build the Hyperscale data You know, next up on field, nobody wants that. By tech. It could be 250 technology jobs of a bank that's already in the region jobs could go in any place. The country. But we work to get them those are jobs that a lot of different people in the community get over a But they a You know. That's why I'm very everything. Everything we do. Deeply intentional because none of it happens itself. And so we talk about engineering and that there was very purposeful words. And so, you know, out of this conversation, what we're really eager to do is start it starts with the county saying this is what we want outcome standpoint. Then it becomes a whole might that happen?

Conversation, bringing assets outside the county into rally around making those county. They are these real not just from the region but state in the country and well. Okay, one that's going be. That's and p is. From the title local. Minneapolis, Saint Paul, is it conflicts with counties in gate in this in was to benefit? Well, I mean, they're conflicts to Minneapolis and Saint Paul. First have a resume. So it's like a different type well, it shows up reality. It's like it's all kind similar there are very different points of view, you know, and it goes back to the circle of Hawaii. Graeme Mis p is a combination of many different types of diversity. In effort to maximize the value of all that diversity sector. Diversity. Racial, ethnic diversity, of seniority. It's about top executives. It's about lots of other people that are doing work within geographic diversity. And so the real world experience, we're not trading off.

You know, Ramsey County Wind. So Carver County loses. That's that doesn't actually happen in the real world. The things that Carver County can do. Go here and the things that make the most sense for it to the county to win. Don't want to be a carbon county. So what we're trying to do is how you the portfolio winds across the region. So collectively you know, we're actually fall getting mre. And this is now starting to happen across the state to one of those pages has comments about Western Minnesota, the Minnesota, there's an opportunity to develop a clean industrial company in northern Minnesota.

Vigor, mining economy that ever existed and to build export solutions to the Great Lakes to Europe and beyond. We met in all, hydrogen sustainable aviation fuel. That would be really good. It sounds very distant county, but what that would do for budget, Minnesota. Would be capable. Supplements county. So and a lot of the jobs will be created actually be in the metro. As we're thinking about what is the version of me. This is the kind play. It could look very different. When the one we've experienced. If you need other parts of the state hving vibrant growing economies, one because it changes the nature of the state budget works in a favorable way. Also, we want more people need access. To the best opportunities. And so that's why the technology areas we're looking at jobs make difference series of good jobs educational levels. This - is it's all very purposeful over intentional. I mean, when you get into it, it's a quite complex, but it can start very simply with. Want to get. And then we start kind of putting it to So I say this respect. And say this lightly. In this piece, one region, teen. It says Minneapolis and Saint

. So perception would be like this to focus. Wen reality it isn't. So I feel like this and that it sections in the language the Around one region which will be light. It's 7 Mitchell Something. As his Minneapolis Saint Paul. So in my mind see it as assault and the 7 that to a county yes. But kind like the whole state. Regional. You know. The geography is the

Metropolitan Statistical area. As the federal government defines division of the have to say Pope Bloomington msa. So it's bigger than grantee county. 7 county. Changes definition. So it's 14 counties just in 15 counties, but that just a few of the nation. And naming was not you see, I wasn't there for But to get to the underlying point. Maybe it makes everyone comfortable you get outside get very far from this place in Minneapolis might be kind of the synonymous with the region. You know, crtainly the staffer was likely called APIs and Minneapolis Saint Paul alone wasn't going to be inclusive of what the region actually is geographically. The concept greater and s p was this idea that is not just. Minneapolis. And so that was sick. Ys, the conflict. Okay. All going wrap it up after my young garrison and Tara, we have a lot of work ahead of us. Thank you, MR. Chair I you know, I appreciate hearing more about how we have to prepare our region to cross economic weakness and also looking at the different industries that are present.

It here is their consideration for and and many of conversations that you're having less corporate leaders climate impacts are the products that they're producing in creating and also just in terms wages. We know that Americans are more productive than ever. If you compare gdp to wages right, like wages ae mall because wealth is health at the very top 5%. How are those conversations I don't even conversations and talking about both wages and jobs. And in addition to the partnerships with, you know,

Expanding or the strategy, are you counting new jobs? But and not just moving jobs from like campus to another. So come take those. So on the last new to us. New or retain jobs that sometimes could be lost. If they're not, they could move. We could lose them out of Minnesota. And so those often have to one so retain a new jobs, not for many jobs. Moving from. One part of the vision to the other. It's that we're engaged. It took the last question uk on the climate. In fact, and this is kind of part of the greater growth idea. You know, kind of the big thought here is we have to have a very different kind of economy if we want to have the world that people want to live. And that means we need more jobs, which I going to be tough. And the age of headwinds coming and w have to be more focused creating jobs that we have in the past 20 years.

So that's so it's more good jobs. We want to create an economy that is cleaning solutions that enhance the world. And so the sectors that we're talking about there are missions. There's something in your packet. Uh, you've got it commission. The Korean front it. But there's a page that highlights the missions behind each of these big parts of the country. We're building, you know, improving the health and wellness of the world is the mission. If were building and that helped leading North America's clean transition. So we can have an economy that is, you know, we're making creating jobs profit prosperity here, including solutions to climate problems around the country in the world. That is that has to become a big business. If you notice in this generation and we want to a solution to business with things like we have built a economy sustainable aviation fuel. To the global problem. You know, it's like airline travel is very hard to the carbon The only technology that exists something halt a single that doesn't really exist anywhere in the world at any scale.

So for 3 and a half years, he's been building from scratch. In the street in new mrket, worth 20 billion dollars to the state of Minnesota and 40,000 jobs. Also delivers to our airport. Sabilization feel so everyone flying out of undisputed national. Have increasingly more sustainable flights. And we're teaching of the country world. The company That's an example of a theory. If that placed and building our economy, creating opportunity. Lysol And that's one of several of those kinds of efforts engage. And what about wages? Was the question about ways discussed? about wages of in general the conversations with the partners that you have here listed are their conversations about wages. We want higher wages. So summer's that's the point. So we want more good Thousands 1001 of the jobs pay more. And so the reason the strategy is what is in the region anchored in technology do job state or and it gets the list.

The Brookings slide. That had that. Split. It is example of how that shows up. The kinds of jobs are going after the advanced industry jobs. Wages are so critical ad because those jobs create more good jobs with And my final question is, you know, are there conversations wthin greater msp many of the business partners here or come to season? About greater chance of access all across the metro here because we as a fully built smallest ounces county, right? We also need for folks to be able to access jobs, acts of access, education, all these things, too, are their conversations about that

Because we eat opening up a great campus elsewhere in the suburbs for even in another county, a 30, 40 minutes away by car for our residents here. But if there really isn't a way for them to get there and or they're going to spend hour commuting to work. I don't know if that's such great quality You know, s are the conversations around The conversation will be about so too, back up when there's an opportunity to place your talking to us, a company about investment. Always searching the site. And this really simple and fundamental like if there's no place for their jobs to go, there's no conversation. Once you get to that point, like let's have a restaurant. So, you know, there you say, ok, the next conversation would be there are few one is about workforce. Do you have the people available to do these jobs and then we have all kinds you know, analysis that we do and work with all kinds of partners to provide answers to questions.

And then in the case, we'd right here, there's a train and we show the whole analysis of like what look for shed is put that location because of that transit And that in that case would be very compelling. Super useful. Best. That provide real access to 3, 4 5, 100 new jobs. You know, I we all know kind of like to travel said, you know, that So yes, it's very practical and specific. And it's part of a problem solving conversation that we have. We have conversations with incomes something you apply there. You know, it's like if a company. I'm looking at building over here. And we need 500 workers to do Well. At MAY be a So it, you know, have honest conversations about. How that might or might not work. Behind closed think you Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN, appreciate the comments from my colleagues especially Iran on on the work that's ahead of us and ensuring that as we. see this development that we're not displacing folks and our communities.

I think that. That is so crucial in and making sure that are continue partners and a part of this conversation is it's also critical because you you mentioned the example of your right. We're going to get rid of the cbs. Be great to have. You know, condos school there in the first and come to my mind is, alright, we go up with condos there. Can we make sure that we prioritize first-time homeowners to go in that space? So making sure that we in communication so we are meeting the needs of the folks our community while also continue to grow. Our tax base, my one question I'm just fascinated just knowing, you know, a part of the work that the be does going out pitch and making sure that these different industries know of the assets that we have in this region. And so my question specific Ramsey County. What's the pitch on Ramsey County? Like what?

What do you when you go out meet folks? What do you tell them about Brunswick County and what possibly could be missing and those conversations so that when the when they're looking for opportunities to say. We want to come scout, It's always about site. I don't think we've ever 13 years had a conversation of some want to be in any particular county to be honest. So. Look at a site in the sights and Ramsey County. Then becomes a conversation moments ago to okay, Dan, we would pull in. Commissioners like how do we tell the most compelling story about this place? And it's about the city. It's but the county and that is it telling that story in forget like what version of the as factual? As a So the way we do that, it's like no one's telling your story for you. You know, we talked together. And then you're also not just you know what?

Their Laker guard has Everybody, you know, has. Dimension of that story that they want to tell together. And to see point, I think encourage is the thing to contain the received. Just think about how the good riddance p and ground break. It could brought to bear at the to make opportunities best they possibly get because groundbreaking exists right help get that And mortgage of first time mostly by pot, to It's just like this is our opportunity in 2026. Right now. Years gone into getting us to this point. Excited about that. All right. Well, I just want to conclude maybe more

Comments than a question, which you know, the work that we do as representatives of districts in the county a lot. It's a lot of overlap with the work that you've described with an s p which is it's collaborative. You represent the organizations that are there. You represent the region that you are hoping to build thriving economy around. And so for me, I guess a big part of that is relationships, understanding the people that you're working with, understanding their values and really listening, not only so that you are a trusted partner when they are trying to build a future together. But then when when your in spaces that we are not. That you are representing our community in the best way and in alignment. And I will just say that because we developed community. We're looking at small and midsize business. We're looking at this as conversions. That means that we're working within communities already. So being able to have those conversations o how will this project impact this community positively listening to the people it in those communities and in the areas around and things like Rice Creek Commons, which fits very much into this portfolio that you have and having a strategy around that as well.

But one of the things that I would just, you know, it This is one of my first major exposures to a msp it in that in this in this presentation. And really caution you that, yu know, when my colleagues say we're concerned about harms that have happened by the federal government to our community and your responses. Well, the Department of Defense has money is a little tone that. And I would say that when another colleague talked about the idea of of wage growth distribution. It was well, let's track more high-end jobs. I can. It's missing the mark a little bit. I think that we are in community and we're also with our small businesses. All of us here are mashed with their local chambers of commerce, Economic Development, Corporation's our wealth generation. Can corporations. So we're in the real world. And we do understand that those things matter. So I just think I would it would be great some work done in those parts of the soft skills that go along with this because it really if we have folks who are representing us, we want to feel that they they know Thank you.

Pay make conversation. Thank you for taking the time. We now have legislative update. Can just say that? So will a little bit bhind schedule. We get point jobs. So let's try keep it short and concise. I'll be brief. I'll be MARCH Arab. Just give an update here. Thanks to you know, leading our team that the Legislature and government relations. We're about one month into the legislative session. And, you know, they're moving slow and we know they we weren't expecting a lot to get done and they're they're working they're they're having too many hearings. And not passing a lot out, but we're hoping that will change. We're expecting to see a budget from the governor's office. We think today he's going to put out supplemental budget. So we're waiting to hear. I don't know what I think it might be this morning. Also the governor announced a proposal for a mjor overhaul of the state's administration of Human Services, which builds on efforts to strengthen 5 prevention.

So that's good. And and that includes support for the modernization of state technology system, which we've all been working on. We've been all advocating with our legislators for this work. So and glad to hear that he's hearing that last Tuesday, the House taxes Committee heard Ramsey and Hennepin County's bill to extend the mortgage registry indeed tax, which funds the Environmental Response Fund. So thanks, Ed Director Bolton from testifying. And we think that that Bill is going to be included in the end of this tax bill. So we're grateful that that looks like that will happen. Last Wednesday, the Senate approved Senator Lindsey Ports Bill to provide emergency rental assistance. But the same bill MAY not get through the House, but we're still advocating for emergency rental assistance for our residents. We just hope that the Republicans in the House will support it, but we're not running well. And we last Thursday, House and Senate committees passed a bill that would establish rgulations penalties the unlawful shipment of infections are pathological to approve solid waste management facilities.

This is a priority. The rate of our Ramsay, Washington residing in energy board. And it's gonna move on to other committees in both chambers. So we're grateful for the work that's being done on that. So with that MISTER Chair, I will and there's work being done at the federal level. But well, talk. Can talk about that next time. Thank you. And you commit commissions? Yeah, thank you, MISTER Chair. I'm just going to have one thing really giving you an update on our winter weather response over the Certainly monitoring the weather making decisions as art and not always a science, but we activated acoordinated winter storm incident team over the weekend. People met many times, emergency management, homeland security safety and justice communications, public relations, property management and the sheriff's office along with public works and myself. We talked a lot over the weekend trying to understand what was going on with the storm and we coordinated with key partners, including our local cities, school districts and adjacent counties.

I want to thank everyone for working extra hard this weekend. I wanted to just give out little deeper dive on the work that public works on a weekend like this. So I'm just unreal, They let a 24 hour operational effort because it was such a significant storm they were continuously between road maintenance and fleet to keep the county roadways safe. That included planning and preparation before the storm. So before the storm, they get all their pre storm inspections of all our pre staff, the repairs and equipment that parts that would reduce down time. They confirmed adequate fuel, coordinating staffing plans and then they basically began working around the clock. So from Friday night to Saturday night at our peak, we had a full 24 hour operation. 27 trucks out maintaining all the primary roads within Ron Ramsey County. Also, Justin downed trees blocked roads on Sunday. They began targeting specific areas that needed additional cleanup out where we had to do some, you know, fine-tuning work.

And by Monday, the county roads are really pretty good shape and MAY continue to salt pass. So just really want to thank the team of the fleet. Mechanics obviously do a lot of work as well. In addition to the snow plow drivers, we actually had 5 field service incidents where trucks had to come back and get some help. And so those a little bit of inside baseball that I think it is important acknowledge the hard work that people do want to, especially on a weekend. Thank you to the staff for their flexibility. Many worked over and over night extended hours. Change schedules. They work a lot together in collaboration between maintenance and fleet. Despite quite hazardous conditions at times they maintain extremely high level of attendance. And so thank you to our public works team in particular but I do want to thank everyone across the organization for their flexibility and commitment during the event, many employees reported work despite challenging weather conditions to ensure continuity, especially at our 24 7 operations and a special.

Thank you to the sheriff's office. They actually assisted with. Several transports help staff get to and from work safely. So we could maintain those 24 7 operations. So I just really appreciate work that everyone did. Many people just worked throughout the weekend. Thank you. Thank you. Outside court committee reports my will begin. I'll just you know, think Commissioner Miller for having me with for the ball, the grand opening and make a Thank you, MR. Chair. I know we're behind. So this highlight a couple things the jta of for escape comments met again and last week. And are close to finalizing the design plans and up rules for the spine road, hoping shovels on the dirt to get that project going up more about that. I think as we go forward today, the White Township, Heather annual meeting at all to say residents are very clear and wanting to have transparent and open information around budgets in their lcal level.

So I'm just I'm happy that we have all those portals that the county level for folks to explore. I was at the shack meeting and I will say of the many things that were talked about that day. One of them was the candidates and substance use prevention work that's happening across the state. And I think this is really important a we legalize cannabis use to make sure that we understand our public health is getting education out to our families and communities about early-onset psychosis. That can happen when you a under a certain age who use marijuana, especially the potency of of products that are out there now. So continuing to encourage that work. And then just to say that the d-ct advisory committee met and we're looking about the Minnesota offender program and the institutionalization of folks who are are caught up in those crimes and and reviewing that and the best path forward for meeting community needs for public safety.

But also the health and treatment of individuals who are in that system. More to come on that over the next year. And then I would be remiss if I did not say that today, Saint Patrick's Day. I will. And as part of the landmark center has a full day of programming and I'll be able to spend a little bit of time. Introducing a program later on today and made jump. Thank you, MISTER Chair. Yes, Happy Saint Patrick's Day. Everyone hope everyone enjoys the day. Just a few things. The Ramsey County League of local governments to detour the 9.11 dispatch center of the emergency communications. Many thanks to Nancy past and her team County manager linebacker was there also. at we just had a good group of people that came to to our communication centers. So shout out to them. The climate Action working group for the Rams County Lee added to park on chloride reduction grants and strategy.

So they're continuing to work on the salt reduction, active living Ramsey communities met yesterday on zoom and we I heard from the Met Council act of Transportation, regional solicitation. We're hearing about the opportunities. And mobility in our communities. So that was great. And then I spoke at the new member orientation last week and that was always exciting, too. Welcome new, new employees to the team that Ramsey County. So thank you, MR. Chair. Thank you, Harrison. Thank you, MR. A top top of the morning one. Yeah. Couple things. One I want just highlight. I had a chance to give welcoming remarks of the parks and rec we'll meeting. So thanks to direct McKay for having me.

To spend lunch and to speak to our parks and Recs team and just thank them for all the amazing work that they continue to do. I also met last week with my district, 3 small business collaborative. We met at the Capitol Commons, which was great to have the sheriff's department as long as well as someone from the capital area vitality project to come and speak to the work they're doing their support. How leveraging that space to collaborate and engage the community. So it was just really good conversation for those small business owners. Were there. I had a chance to also meet with members from to discuss how the county is supporting community, specifically the impact of Operation Metro Surge. And course, how we're preparing for election security heading this election season. And then finally today, believe it should be happening today. The cbs University is finally coming down, which will hopefully bring a lot of opportunity to to this particular corridor and and to this region.

So. Thank you. All right. And I'm going to be very quick as well. I attended the ntsb board median. We approved and the s p's 2026 region on documents of document just really shows the needs. Across the region for each end each county or even the city of Minneapolis. And then the board also approved issue rfp for consulting services to conduct a study on the feasibility and cost effectiveness of moving to a shared 9-1-1. Technology in the metro region. I attended heading home Ramsey and then also we had the grand opening at the wall, though, which is really great. I just want to put a plug in that next week on Monday. I will have my in district hours and white bear lake from 10 to 11 30 and then next Tuesday, I'll be in Maplewood from 10 to 11, 30 as well with that. And Okay. Quick to you think I'm going to And this weekend hoping to kind of cut up or held annual meeting. It is partners from across the House and home.

This response system. We came together to discuss progress, challenges, collaborative strategies to reintroduce ourselves, to apartments and to better support residents who are experiencing homelessness. But also looking at affordable housing, stable housing, utilizing partnering with those who are being impacted Biden system to leaders and strategies planning. Now. One of the year. Also doing it meeting. It was update on. Helps center building located at 5, 5, seater in part of what happens at that building is the needle exchange. And people were

Concerned That would not be happening no longer in Saint Paul because the center is going to that department going to be moving relocating to make. But I want to ensure individuals that Ramsey County is working to maintain that need to exchange locally right here in Saint Paul. We know the great me. That program, as we know before there was a needle exchange. That interview sharing needles, dirty needles, leads to issues. Including a's. So that is a priority of Ramsey County. And I met with to treat the pretrial justice I'm doing this meeting. The team review updates related to the pre-trial navigator program, including recent reports ongoing efforts to strengthening. That's a poor service for individuals navigate in a free trout. The pretrial process as those who have been. Who are with language out by Biden. Yes, thank you. While out on the Ramsey County is providing wrap-around services to them. To ensure that they will return to court. And complete that process. So we also was able to receive updates wellness, who was our community partner, who's doing that work with our?

Individuals who are out bond and no role in supporting individuals connected to the pretrial services. They up coming community meeting which we share at that late today through I email to news update to community members when that next community meeting. Thank you. I also met with say a group last money knowledgeable and then fast. Thank you. So we do love jobs. Also attended the Minnesota Land much Centre. The Violence Reduction leadership Group. And I also had send it now with about

Flow a policy grad students who working on their papers. So they a good job. Moving forward here. We have coming up a lead. You know, really I want you hopefully we get through that very quickly. And then we have a very important shop driving economic growth and srengthen mean the tax base. And that's with those commission on the list, meaning that one. And then Commissioner Moore and after and workshop on really strong good together. We got work plan. And I think does We are