Board of Commissioners - 2026-02-10
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the 2026 Capital Improvement Program Bond Series 2026A sale, achieving a 3.04% true interest rate with 13 bids due to the county's maintained triple-A ratings from S&P and Moody's. The board also approved joint powers agreements for violent crime enforcement and human trafficking task forces, and received a presentation on the 2026-27 strategic plan focusing on operational excellence, resident-centered supports, justice transformation, and intergenerational wealth.
Key Decisions (4)
2026 Capital Improvement Program Bond Series 2026A Sale
Awarded sale of $31.5 million in bonds to support capital improvement projects and ERP system replacement. Achieved 3.04% true interest rate with 13 bids, significantly below the anticipated 3.25-3.5%. Ramsey County maintained triple-A ratings from both S&P and Moody's, placing it among approximately 50 counties nationwide with dual triple-A ratings.
Eighth Amended Joint Powers Agreement - Violent Crime Enforcement Team
Approved continuation of the Ramsey County Violent Crime Enforcement Team joint powers agreement for multi-jurisdictional violent crime investigation and apprehension.
Joint Powers Agreement - Violent Crime Reduction Unit with BCA
Approved agreement with Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for participation in the Violent Crime Reduction Unit. One deputy assigned to multi-jurisdictional task force focusing on violent offenders. Grant offsets personnel costs, fringe benefits, vehicle and equipment. Agreement in place since 2024.
Joint Powers Agreement - Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force
Approved agreement with Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for participation in the Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force.
Development Activity (1)
CVS Demolition at University and Snelling
Demolition of CVS building expected in next couple weeks. FAQ sheet being prepared for residents and businesses regarding expectations during and after demolition. Future use of site to be determined.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Housing assistance requests up 59% statewide with rental assistance requests more than doubling (118% increase), with nearly half of referrals concentrated in 10 zip codes including 55119 in Ramsey County's East Side.
Labor
Twin Cities home builders falling behind schedule due to federal immigration crackdown causing shortage in roofing, drywall, and construction workers, impacting developers and real estate agents.
Commercial Demand
Latino immigrant businesses experiencing fear, reduced foot traffic, and sudden revenue losses forcing entrepreneurs to decide whether to keep doors open, particularly affecting East Side Saint Paul.
Housing Demand
Developers losing rental income because contractors cannot finish rehab and maintenance work on units due to labor shortages from immigration enforcement.
Sentiment
County maintained triple-A bond ratings from S&P and Moody's, with S&P stating Ramsey County is one of the strongest triple-A's in their portfolio, indicating strong fiscal health and investor confidence.