HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/25/2025LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
7:00 P.M. TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025
LAUDERDALE CITY HALL, 1891 WALNUT STREET
The City Council is meeting as a legislative body to conduct the business of the City according to
Robert's Rules of Order and the Standing Rules of Order and Business of the City Council. Unless so
ordered by the Mayor, citizen participation is limited to the times indicated and always within the
prescribed rules of conduct for public input at meetings.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. APPROVALS
a. Agenda
b. Minutes of the March 11, 2025 City Council Meeting
c. Claims Totaling $32,658.55
4. CONSENT
5. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS/RECOGNITIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
6. INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATIONS / REPORTS
a. NineNorth and Cable Commission Update by Jeff Ongstad
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public hearings are conducted so that the public affected by a proposal may have input into the decision.
During hearings all affected residents will be given an opportunity to speak pursuant to the Robert's
Rules of Order and the standing rules of order and business of the City Council.
8. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM
a. Resolution No. 032525A — A Resolution Supporting Legislation Expanding the Ramsey
County Housing and Redevelopment Authority ("HRA") to Include Economic
Development Agency ("EDA") Powers.
9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
10. ADDITIONAL ITEMS
11. SET AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING
a. February / March Financial Report
b. Annual Audit Presentation
c. Annual St. Anthony Police Department Presentation (April 22)
12. WORK SESSION
a. Community Development Updates
b. Opportunity for the Public to Address the City Council
Any member of the public may speak at this time on any item not on the agenda. In consideration for
the public attending the meeting, this portion of the meeting will be limited to fifteen (15) minutes.
Individuals are requested to limit their comments to three (3) minutes or Less. If the majority of the
Council determines that additional time on a specific issue is warranted, then discussion on that issue
shall be continued at the end of the agenda. Before addressing the City Council, members of the public
are asked to step up to the microphone, give their name, address, and state the subject to be discussed.
All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a whole and not to any member thereof. No person
other than members of the Council and the person having the floor shall be permitted to enter any
discussion without permission of the presiding officer.
Your participation, as prescribed by the Robert's Rules of Order and the standing rules of order and
business of the City Council, is welcomed and your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
13. ADJOURNMENT
You are invited to a Zoom webinar!
When: Mar 25, 2025 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: March 25, 2025 Lauderdale City Council Webinar
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84843690523?pwd=hkrLRUebQt9p68RYGFbziYXKY3HdBF.1
Passcode:775117
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International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kech7DhjPg
LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Lauderdale City Hall
1891 Walnut Street
Lauderdale, MN 55113
Page 1 of 2 March 11, 2025
Call to Order
Mayor Pro Tem Sayre called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
Roll Call
Councilors present: Sharon Kelly, Duane Pulford, Jeff Dains, and Mayor Pro Tem Sayre.
Councilors absent: Mary Gaasch.
Staff present: Jim Bownik, Assistant to the City Administrator; and Miles Cline, Deputy City
Clerk.
Approvals
Mayor Pro Tem Sayre asked if there were any additions to the meeting agenda. There being
none, Councilor Kelly moved and seconded by Councilor Pulford to approve the agenda. Motion
carried unanimously.
Mayor Pro Tem Sayre asked if there were corrections to the minutes of the February 25, 2025,
City Council meeting. There being none, Councilor Pulford moved and seconded by Councilor
Dains to approve the February 25, 2025, City Council meeting minutes. Motion carried
unanimously.
Mayor Pro Tem Sayre asked if there were any questions on the claims. There being none,
Councilor Dains moved and seconded by Councilor Pulford to approve the claims totaling
$137,638.39. Motion carried unanimously.
Consent
Councilor Kelly moved and seconded by Councilor Dains to approve the Consent Agenda
thereby approving the street sweeping agreement with Mike McPhillips, Inc., the tree trimming
and removal services agreement with Blue Chip Tree Company, and the refuse hauler licenses.
Set Agenda for Next Meeting
Bownik stated that the March 25 Council meeting might include the February financial report,
and a NineNorth and cable commission update from Jeff Ongstad.
Work Session
A. Community Development Update
Councilor Pulford stated that he and Administrator Butkowksi attended the Lucky Leaf
Exposition at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Councilor Kelly shared that she, Councilor
Pulford, and Administrator Butkowski attended the Day on the Hill event at the Minnesota State
Capitol.
LAUDERDALE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Lauderdale City Hall
1891 Walnut Street
Lauderdale, MN 55113
Page 2 of 2 March 11, 2025
B. Opportunity for the Public to Address the City Council
Mayor Pro Tem Sayre opened the floor to those interested in addressing the Council.
There being nobody interested in speaking, Mayor Pro Tem Sayre closed the floor.
Adj ournment
Councilor Dains moved and seconded by Councilor Pulford to adjourn the meeting at 7:09 p.m.
Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Miles Cline
Deputy City Clerk
CITY OF LAUDERDALE
LAUDERDALE CITY HALL
1 891 WALNUT STREET
LAUDERDALE, MN 55113
651-792-7650
651-631-2066 FAX
Request for Council Action
To: Mayor and City Council
From: City Administrator
Meeting Date: March 25, 2025
Subject: List of Claims
The claims totaling $32,658.55 are provided for City Council review and approval that
includes check numbers 29320 to 29343.
Accounts Payable
Checks by Date - Detail by Check Date
User:
Printed:
miles.cline
3/21/2025 2:56 PM
Check No Vendor No
Invoice No
Vendor Name
Description
Check Date
Reference
Check Amount
ACH 43
Public Employees Retirement Association
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 PERA Coordinated
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 PERA Coordinated
03/14/2025
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 PER
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 PER
Total for this ACH Check for Vendor 43:
ACH 44 Minnesota Department of Revenue
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 State hrcome Tax
ACH 45
ACH 46
ACH 47
ACH 372
032025
29320 56
032025
29321 57
032025
29322 2
03/14/2025
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 Stat
Total for this ACH Check for Vendor 44:
ICMA Retirement Corporation
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 Deferred Comp
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 Deferred Comp
03/14/2025
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 Deft
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 Deft
Total for this ACH Check for Vendor 45:
Internal Revenue Service 03/14/2025
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 Medicare Employee Pc PR Batch 50600.03.2025 Mee
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 FICA Employee Portio PR Batch 50600.03.2025 FIC.
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 Medicare Employer Po PR Batch 50600.03.2025 Mee
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 Federal Income Tax PR Batch 50600.03.2025 Fed
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 FICA Employer Portio PR Batch 50600.03.2025 FIC.
Total for this ACH Check for Vendor 46:
Public Employees Insurance Program
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 Health Insurance
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 Dental
Duane Pulford
03/14/2025
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 Hea
PR Batch 50600.03.2025 Den
Total for this ACH Check for Vendor 47:
Total for 3/14/2025:
03/25/2025
DP Travel Expenses - Lucky Leaf Exposition
James Bownik
1Q2025 Mileage Reimbursement
Heather Butkowski
1Q25 Mileage Reimbursement
City of St Paul
Total for this ACH Check for Vendor 372:
03/25/2025
Total for Check Number 29320:
03/25/2025
Total for Check Number 29321:
03/25/2025
1,363.56
1,181.75
2,545.31
861.45
861.45
1,782.87
1,087.30
2,870.17
293.49
1,254.94
293.49
2,227.01
1,254.94
5,323.87
1,510.92
85.20
1,596.12
13,196.92
24.40
24.40
4.48
4.48
151.90
151.90
AP Checks by Date - Detail by Check Date (3/21/2025 2:56 PM) Page 1
Check No Vendor No
Invoice No
Vendor Name
Description
Check Date
Reference
Check Amount
IN61921
29323 133
032025
29324 192
235347859
29325 25
EMCOM-012318
EMCOM-012333
EMCOM-012350
29326 59
745767125
29327 443
032025
29328 134
00153
29329 31
186760
Labor & Equipment for Light Repairs
Miles Cline
1Q25 Mileage Reimbursement
Comcast Holdings Corporation
March Internet
County of Ramsey
February Fleet Support
February 911 Dispatch Services
February CAD Services
Total for Check Number 29322:
03/25/2025
Total for Check Number 29323:
03/25/2025
Total for Check Number 29324:
03/25/2025
Total for Check Number 29325:
Finance and Commerce Inc
Advertise 2025 Sanitary Sewer Structure Repair:
David Greenlund
Fence Repair & Tree Trimming - 1744 Pleasant
Katrina Joseph
February Legal Services
Kennedy & Graven Chartered
February Legal Services
03/25/2025
Total for Check Number 29326:
03/25/2025
Total for Check Number 29327:
03/25/2025
Total for Check Number 29328:
03/25/2025
Total for Check Number 29329:
29330 185 Lauderdale Certified Auto Repair Inc 03/25/2025
032025 February Fuel
032025 February Fuel
032025 February Fuel
29331 30
427527
29332 23
INV2742187
29333 445
032025
League of Minnesota Cities
MG & JD - 2025 LMC Annual Conference
Metro Sales Inc
1Q25 Copy Charges
Total for Check Number 29330:
03/25/2025
Total for Check Number 29331:
03/25/2025
Total for Check Number 29332:
MN Association of Small Cities 03/25/2025
MN Small Cities Membership Dues - July 2025 •
Total for Check Number 29333:
473.00
473.00
52.64
52.64
413.00
413.00
6.24
553.67
83.17
643.08
233.20
233.20
4,200.00
4,200.00
925.00
925.00
1,896.00
1,896.00
51.72
11.08
11.08
73.88
550.00
550.00
134.62
134.62
1,310.50
1,310.50
AP Checks by Date - Detail by Check Date (3/21/2025 2:56 PM) Page 2
Check No Vendor No
Invoice No
Vendor Name
Description
Check Date
Reference
Check Amount
29334 12 NineNorth
2025-025 February Virtual Meeting Production
2025-025 February Webstreaming & Archiving
2025-025 February Virtual Meeting Charge
29335 10
03/25/2025
380.00
192.00
105.00
Total for Check Number 29334: 677.00
On Site Sanitation Inc 03/25/2025
0001861799 03/15/2025 - 04/11/2025 Park Portable Restroorr 101.00
29336 388
PS-1NV 106924
29337 5
619861-02-25
PeopleService Inc
April Wastewater
Total for Check Number 29335: 101.00
03/25/2025
660.00
Total for Check Number 29336: 660.00
Premium Waters Inc 03/25/2025
February Water Service 26.56
29338 26 Stantec Consulting Services Inc
2367760 Manhole Repair Project
2367760 Eustis Street Project
2367760 MS4 permit and WCA Reporting
Total for Check Number 29337: 26.56
03/25/2025
2,478.50
816.00
811.00
Total for Check Number 29338: 4,105.50
29339 108 Suburban Rate Authority 03/25/2025
025-1 2025 Membership Assessment 498.00
29340 3
551292014
Total for Check Nurnber 29339: 498.00
US National Equipment Finance Inc 03/25/2025
April Copier Lease 155.00
Total for Check Number 29340: 155.00
29341 90 Verizon Wireless 03/25/2025
6107382253 February Ce11 Phone 41.04
6107382253 February Ce11 Phone 41.05
6107382253 February Cell Phone 82.09
Total for Check Number 29341: 164.18
29342 425 Vestis 03/25/2025
2500623777 March Uniforms 22.77
2500623777 March Uniforms 22.76
2500629684 March Uniforms 22.77
2500629684 March Uniforms 22.76
Total for Check Number 29342: 91.06
29343 74 Xcel Energy 03/25/2025
917027853 February Street Lighting 538.08
917212210 Larpenteur Bridge Lights 69.40
917297080 1917 Walnut Street 189.65
917297080 1885 Fulham Street 160.38
917297080 1917 Walnut Street 32.77
917297080 1885 Fulham Street 106.92
917318558 2430 Larpenteur Avenue W 10.43
AP Checks by Date - Detail by Check Date (3/21/2025 2:56 PM) Page 3
Check No Vendor No
Invoice No
Vendor Name
Description
Check Date
Reference
Check Amount
917439867 1891 Walnut Street 254.22
917439867 1891 Walnut Street 462.75
917687917 LarpenteurAvenue 73.03
Total for Check Number 29343: 1,897.63
Total for 3/25/2025: 19,461.63
Report Total (30 checks): 32,658.55
AP Checks by Date - Detail by Check Date (3/21/2025 2:56 PM) Page 4
LAUDERDALE COUNCIL
ACTION FORM
Meeting Date March 25, 2025
Agenda Item NineNorth
Action Requested
Consent ❑ Public Hearing ❑ Discussion El
Action ❑ Resolution ❑ Work Session ❑
DESCRIPTION OF ISSUE AND PAST COUNCIL ACTION:
Jeff Ongstad, the Executive Director for NineNorth, will be at the city council meeting. He will
provide an update on both the North Suburban Communications Commission and the North
Suburban Access Corporation as the City is a member of each joint powers agreement. He
provided the following facts sheet for your review in advance of the meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
6 NineNorth
Fact Sheet
Lauderdale City Council Meeting
3/12/2025
6 General Information
A Lauderdale is part of a 9 City Joint Powers Agreement in the northern suburbs.
6 The 9 cities include Arden Hills, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Little Canada,
Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks, Roseville, and St. Anthony.
6 This JPA operates the North Suburban Communications Commission and the
North Suburban Access Corporation.
6 The NSCC handles such matters as Cable Franchise Renewal, Cable Complaints,
and Cable Franchise Oversite.
6 The NSCC is funded by a portion of each city's Cable Franchise Fees.
A The NSAC handles the production of programs, meetings, videos, and
distribution of that content.
d The NSAC is funded by Cable PEG fees as well as earned income.
A The NSAC, formally known at CTV, now does business as NineNorth.
A Both are governed by the same board with an appointed member from each city.
6 Your member is Councilman Duane Pulford.
6 Both also have the same Executive Director, Jeff Ongstad.
A The NineNorth Studios are located in Roseville at 2670 Arthur Street.
A NineNorth's website is www.ninenorth.org.
NineNorth and Little Canada
NineNorth operates 3 HD channels and 4 SD channels in Lauderdale on Comcast
Cable.
They are NineNorth (HD 859, SD 15), NineNorth Sports (HD 799, SD 14),
NineNorth Government Lauderdale (HD 798, SD 16), and NineNorth Access (SD
19).
NineNorth airs over a thousand hours of local programming per year.
6 Of that number, 57 are directly focused on Lauderdale.
6 NineNorth provides production for all Lauderdale City Meetings. This totaled 22
meetings in 2024 alone.
A We also cover major Lauderdale events such as the Lauderdale Day In The Park,
and numerous other events.
A We produce Candidate Forums for Mayor and Council races, along with
applicable State House and Senate races.
6 We offer Candidate Speak Outs, where candidates can let their views be known.
6 We also produce "Spotlight" stories on people, places, history, and events in our
9 cities including 8 stories focusing on Lauderdale in the last year.
6 Overall, we have had a 500% increase in our production of "Spotlight" stories in
the last year.
A NineNorth also does facility assessments for Lauderdale facilities, offering
suggestions on equipment upgrades and facility efficiency.
to 2025 and Beyond
A As part of NineNorth's Objectives and Goals for 2025, we are anticipating
another 50% increase in our coverage of community and civic events for
Lauderdale and the other member cities.
A In addition to expanding our public digital newsletter, we are adding a "City
Staff/Officials" newsletter to better inform City Staff and Officials on what we're
doing and how we can help.
A We're also expanding our presence at community events over the spring and
summer, by not only covering the events, but participating in the event with a
booth or table.
A We've recently updated our studios to 41<with a new production switcher and
cameras. This will give us increased capabilities to serve our member cities
better.
A We are actively using and testing Al tools to expand our capabilities, and to
speed up our production workflow to produce even more content.
6 If you'd like a tour of our facility or you have any questions, call me at 651-792-
7512 or e-mail me at jongstad@ninenorth.org.
LAUDERDALE COUNCIL
ACTION FORM
Meeting Date March 25, 2025
Agenda Item Ramsey County EDA
Action Requested
Consent ❑ Public Hearing
Action Ill Resolution
Discussion El
Work Session ❑
DESCRIPTION OF ISSUE AND PAST COUNCIL ACTION:
The Ramsey County Board is asking cities in the County to support their legislative effort to get
EDA powers. The packet includes a memo from one of the County's attorneys as well as an FAQ
on the issue. When this first came out is was a touchy issue between Ramsey County and the
cities in the county. The points of conflict have been resolved. This is in part because the County
will not implement a county -wide EDA levy. They simply want to allow some of the money from
the new HRA levy to be used for economic development, especially in the area of small business
assistance. The Council can support this effort by adopting the following resolution.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Motion to adopt Resolution No. 032525A — A Resolution Supporting Legislation Expanding the
Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority ("HRA") to Include Economic
Development Agency ("EDA") Powers.
RESOLUTION NO. 032525A
CITY OF LAUDERDALE
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING LEGISLATION EXPANDING THE RAMSEY COUNTY
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ("HRA") TO INCLUDE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("EDA") POWERS
WHEREAS, the Commissioners of Ramsey County ("County") and the Lauderdale City
Council ("City") consider small businesses to be the backbone of stability and growth for their
respective local government and municipality; and
WHEREAS, the County and the City also consider continued investment in small businesses as
critical for sustaining stability and growth in their respective local government and municipality;
and
WHEREAS, the County has secured funding that could be dedicated for investment in a variety
of programs to support small businesses located in the City, but cannot currently access or
distribute said funds due to the lack of an effective channel through its HRA; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to proposed legislation through the State of Minnesota the County seeks
to gain access to said funding and allow for the distribution of funds to small businesses located
in the City; and
WHEREAS, the proposed legislation creates an EDA and grants to the HRA the powers of the
EDA (excepting the EDA's power to tax); and
WHEREAS, the City supports the County in pursuing legislation to secure channels to fund
small businesses located within the City and believes such funding will be beneficial to the City
and essential for stability and growth; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to avail itself to such funding should it become available and
expresses its commitment to collaborate in the process necessary for passing said legislation and
its corresponding implementation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City supports the County in its legislative
endeavor and endorses proposed legislation that creates a Ramsey County EDA and expands the
powers of the Ramsey County HRA to include Ramsey County EDA powers (excluding the
EDA's power to tax).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City commits to the collaboration and the processes
necessary for the passing and implementation of said legislation.
ADOPTED, by the City Council of Lauderdale this 25th day of March, 2025.
Mary Gaasch, Mayor
ATTEST:
Heather Butkowski, City Administrator
MEMORANDUM
To: City Leadership
From: Scott Schwahn, Ramsey County Senior Assistant Attorney
Subject: Comments/Summary on Proposed Redlined Bill (Proposed Ramsey County EDA)
This memo is to address two of the main concerns certain cities had regarding the above -referenced
proposed bill, and also to indicate specifically how those concerns were addressed pursuant to the
attached redlined proposed bill.
At prior meetings, and in past correspondence with the County, the cities generally seemed to approve
in principle the idea of Ramsey County creating an EDA. Without going into the details here, after much
discussion there appeared to be an understanding that an EDA creation frees up funds Ramsey County
could otherwise not access (particularly for small businesses), and that these funds would benefit the
cities in a direct and proximate way.
However, they had concerns about unintended consequences. Those essentially boiled down to the
following: 1.) Would the act of Ramsey County establishing an EDA give them new powers to tax under
MN Statute 469, and if so, how could they be sure the County would not later certify an EDA levy to the
County Auditor?, and 2.) Preserving opt out and withdrawal options.
The County agreed these were legitimate concerns, and revised the proposed bill accordingly. You will
see this as follows:
1.) The redlined additions in the first paragraph indicate the intention of the County is NOT to create a
new tax, and that it is limited from doings so, and the cities will preserve options and the ability to
withdraw from participation.
2.) At Item 1.12 you will see "except as to Sections 469.101 subd. 19, 469.102, and 469.107" added.
Those are statutory references (of the full extent) of taxing powers normally granted to an EDA. We
removed all such powers. Therefore, this EDA would have not any taxing powers.
3.) At item 1.19 you will see "Except as to 469.1082 subd. 5" added. To further limit what the County
can do under the new EDA, we stated any 469.1082 provisions normally granted would also not apply.
You can review what 469.1082 entails, but in any event, whatever powers we would have under this
statute, have also been removed. With one exception: 469.1082 subd. 5 refers to the cities ability to opt
out or withdraw. We did not want to imply this also removed such options, and therefore made this
exception to remove any doubt about their preserving option and/or withdrawal rights.
I am hoping this clarifies what the redlined additions are intended to do. If you have any questions, feel
free to contact me.
- RAMSEY COUNTY
-1 Community & Economic Development
--VERSION 1/23/2025--
Statutory Change Expanding Use of Ramsey County
Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA)
Small businesses are the backbone of Ramsey County. It's critical to our region that we continue to
invest in our business community in the wake of the pandemic. Ramsey County seeks to amend the
HRA statutory language to expand authority to better support diversifying industries, communities,
and emerging entrepreneurs as best as possible.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is Ramsey County not just revising its Housing and Redevelopment Authority to include business
programming as an allowable use? Why is establishment of an economic development authority included in
this legislation?
A: Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority is established under state statute. The state statute is
narrowly worded to the support and funding of affordable housing and redevelopment projects and programs.
Small business programming is defined as allowable uses with economic development authorities. Ramsey
County does not currently have an economic development authority. Based on legal guidance, the proposed
legislation expands the powers of the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority through the
establishment of an economic development authority.
Will this legislative change result in a new property tax to Ramsey County property owners?
A: No. This legislative change has no change on property taxes. This legislative change simply expands the list
of eligible activities in which Ramsey County's Housing and Redevelopment Authority levy is used. The text
change would additionally add programming for entrepreneurs and small businesses as an eligible use for the
Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority levy.
What is the county seeking from Ramsey County cities? If the legislation is successful, what is required from
Ramsey County cities?
A: The County does not require approval from Ramsey County cities for this proposed legislation. The County
does however seek support from our cities for this legislation.
If the legislation is successful, cities within the existing Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority
area of operation will have the choice whether to:
• Opt -in: A city that chooses to opt -in will receive the greatest flexibility of eligible programming. In
addition to the current portfolio of affordable housing and redevelopment programing, business
programing will be provided. City Councils will be asked to pass resolutions 'opting -in' by June
2025. With the first year of HRA levy funded business programming occurring in 2026.
• Opt -out: A city that chooses to opt -out will continue to receive the current portfolio of affordable
housing and redevelopment programing.
The City of North Saint Paul is not to be a part of the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment
Authority Area of Operation. There is no change to North Saint Paul as a result of this legislation.
250 Courthouse
15 West Kellogg Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55102
651-266-8010
www.ramseycounty.us
Ramsey County Housing & Redevelopment Authority
What is the current levy of the Ramsey County Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA)?
A: The 2024 HRA Levy is $12,595,222. HRA Levy spending maintains a directed parity of 50% of the levy spent
within suburban Ramsey County and 50% within the city of Saint Paul.
How is the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority levy currently used?
A: The Ramsey County HRA levy is in its third year of operation. Over the last two years, the general breakdown
of HRA levy usage was (Avg. of 2022 & 2023):
Housing Programing
Redevelopment Programs
Administration
73%
17%
10%
Current suite of HRA levy programming
Housing Programs
Redevelopment Programs
Affordable Housing infrastructure
Investments
Critical Corridors — Development +
Infrastructure;
FirstHome Down payment assistance
Critical Corridors Suburban Commercial
Corridor Initiative *Suburbs only*
Emerging & Diverse Developers Program
Critical Corridors Planning
Site Assessment Grants
► HRA 2024 Annual Report — Highlights (3rd year of operation)
Final Report is currently in production with a final version published in Q1 2025. General highlights to
include:
• Affordable Housing Investments. $6.5M of HRA levy obligated to affordable housing projects in
2024.
• Emerging & Diverse Developers (EDD). Over 30 developers received technical assistance in 2024.
County invested $2.4 million (HRA Levy only) into projects led by EDD.
• FirstHome Down Payment Assistance. 46 closings in 2024.
• Critical Corridors. Assisted 9 qualifying applicants/projects with $1.76 million in Housing &
Redevelopment Authority levy funding for place -based investments in three core areas: pre -
development planning, commercial corridor initiatives (suburban only) and development and
infrastructure
• Site Assessment Grants. Supported 16 projects with site investigation in 2024.
► HRA 2023 Annual Report — Highlights (2nd year of operation)
• Affordable Housing Investments. $6.15M of HRA levy obligated to affordable housing projects in
2023. Across all funding streams, County invested in the construction of 1,365 new and 767
preserved rental housing units in 2023. Of the total, 988 were classified as deeply affordable for
residents earning at or below 30% Area Median Income.
• FirstHome Down Payment Assistance. Of the 27 closings, 25 were first -generation homebuyers.
• Emerging & Diverse Developers (EDD). EDD is a two-part program initiated in second half of
2023.
• Part A is provides technical assistance and cohort group learning to strengthen the
pipeline of local emerging and diverse developers in real estate. 48 developers received
technical assistance in 2023.
• Part B is a solicitation for projects led by EDD. County invested $3.1 million (across all
funding) into projects led by EDD.
• Critical Corridors. Assisted 10 qualifying applicants/projects with $2.1 million in Housing &
Redevelopment Authority levy funding for place -based investments in three core areas: pre -
development planning, commercial corridor initiatives (suburban only) and development and
infrastructure
• Site Assessment Grants. Program initiated in late 2023. Supported one project in 2023.
• HRA 2022 Annual Report — Highlights (1st year of operation)
• Affordable Housing Investments. $7.2M of HRA levy obligated to affordable housing projects in
2022. Across all funding streams, Ramsey County leveraged multiple funding sources in 2022 to
bring dozens of affordable housing projects closer to realization and invested in the construction
of 1,128 new rental housing units and preserved 1,029. Of the total, 571 are classified as deeply
affordable for residents earning at or below 30% Area Median Income.
• FirstHome Down Payment Assistance. In Fall 2022, County relaunched its down payment
assistance program to better align with market realities and offer first-time and first -generation
homebuyers with down payment assistance. $187,500 in down payment assistance loans
disbursed in 2022.
• Critical Corridors. Established in the Fall 2022, 14 grants in its first round of solicitations, totaling
roughly $2.3 million in three core areas: pre -development planning, development and
infrastructure, and commercial corridor initiatives.
Will this change result in Ramsey County shifting its focus from supporting the preservation and expansion of
deeply affordable housing?
A: No. Ramsey County remains focused on the improving affordable housing infrastructure throughout the
county. The MN Legislature made unprecedent investments in housing and housing infrastructure as part of the
2023 Legislative session. The Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) or housing sales tax is estimated to bring
resources comparable to that of the HRA levy. This additional funding for affordable housing allows for a slight
adjustment of funding priorities of the HRA levy without deviating from the County's primary focus on
expanding and improving affordable housing infrastructure.
Who decides on funding priorities on HRA Levy?
A: Ramsey County HRA Board is responsible for establishing funding priorities and make final decisions
regarding spending of HRA levy. While the County HRA outlines its priorities, it relies on city partners as well as
community organizations and developers to ready important projects. Prior to the county's funding in a project,
projects are required obtain a municipal resolution in support in accordance with state statute.
EDA and business programming
What type of business activities does the County intend to do with this legislative change?
A: The County is responding to community requests for enhanced business programming. The small business
support (EDA eligible activities) realized by this legislative flexibility would be a strong reelection of those local
requests and would initially start at $1.5 - $2 million of our yearly HRA levy to ensure the bulk of resources are
remain available and prioritized for housing programs and projects. Funding will continue to align with HRA levy
spending directives where 50% of HRA levy spending occurs in suburban Ramsey County and 50% with the City
of Saint Paul. Areas of need identified to strengthen the small business ecosystem are informed by the County's
involvement and engagement with cities, business support organizations and small businesses that include:
• Capacity building of small business support organizations to meet current and future needs
► More technical assistance/advisory services to better serve targeted geographies, communities and/or
industries
► Additional flexible capital to enable greater business retention, expansion and attraction
Did the County attempt to form an EDA previously?
A: During the 2024 Legislative Session, Ramsey County introduced proposed legislation amending HRA statutory
language and establishing an EDA to allow for business programming to be an eligible use of Ramsey County
HRA levy funding. HF 3784 (Lee) / SF 4655 (Hawj) was later amended based on feedback from cities. A redlined
version, including a memo from the County Attorney's office describing the changes is available. The current
draft version for the 2025 Legislative session of the bill reflects this city feedback in 2024.
In 2016, the County did submit legislation that would have created a Ramsey County EDA. The legislation was
pulled by the County following community concerns around the creation of a new taxing authority. The
county's current legislation would not create a new taxing authority as it merely allows for additional eligible
uses (i.e. business programming) of the County's existing Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
Does Ramsey County provide business programming? If so, what programs? How much does it spend? And
how does it pay for business programs?
A: Ramsey County provides limited business programing. The County funds the programming through the
County's general property tax levy. Current business programming totals $345,000.
► Entrepreneur support: Open to Business — Provides no cost direct technical assistance and other forms
of support to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. This program was expanded
countywide in 2019 in response to direct city requests for this program.
► Small Business Growth: Ramsey County has two cohort -based leadership programs geared for
established businesses. Both programs are a partnership with Hennepin County.
• CEO Next — Group learning leadership program for CEOs/founders of second stage businesses
that are growth -minded ($1M-50M in revenues, 10-99 employees, etc.)
• CEO Now — Group learning leadership program for CEOs/founders of first stage businesses that
are growth -minded ($250K-2M in revenues, more than one employee, operating for two years,
etc.) Newly established in 2024.
► Marketing & attraction programming: RamseyCountyMeansBusiness.com An online portal providing
workforce and economic development resources throughout the county to current and prospective
businesses and investors. This online portal went live in 2019 and was refocused during the pandemic as
a central repository for covid business relief resources. A redesign of the portal is underway and will be
live in early 2025.
How do other metro counties support business programming and how did they obtain
authority to provide economic development activities?
A: Hennepin County received special legislation (MN Statute 383B.79) - A multijurisdictional reinvestment program
is authorized involving Hennepin County, the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, and one or
more of the following political subdivisions: the cities of Minneapolis, Brooklyn Center, and other interested statutory
or home rule charter cities in Hennepin County, the Minneapolis Park Board, the Three Rivers Park District, and any
watershed district entirely or partially located in Hennepin County. The multijurisdictional program may include plans
for housing rehabilitation and removals, industrial polluted land cleanup, water ponding, environmental cleanup,
community corridor connections, corridor planning, creation of green space, acquisition of property, development and
redevelopment of parks and open space, water quality and lakeshore improvement, development and redevelopment
of housing and commercial projects, economic development, and job creation,
► Hennepin County utilizes Housing and Redevelopment Authority funding for a variety of economic
development programs including their CEO Next and Elevate Business platform. Due to the broader
nature of this statute, this has limited applicability to Ramsey County.
Dakota County has a Community Development Agency. Under MN Statute 383D.41, subdivision 7, After
December 31, 1999, the Dakota County Housing and Redevelopment Authority shall be known as the Dakota County
Community Development Agency. In addition to the other powers granted in this section, the Dakota County
Community Development Agency shall have the powers of an economic development authority.
► A core focus of local Community Development Agencies (CDAs) is the ability to own and operate
affordable housing. Ramsey County has expressed no interest in owning and operating affordable
housing, so this the CDA statute has limited applicability to Ramsey County.
Washington County has a Community Development Agency. In 2016, Washington County successfully sought
special legislation to amend their Housing & Redevelopment Authority and created a Community Development
Agency. Under MN Statute 383D.41, section 2, subdivision 2a, Request to handle economic development, housing,
or redevelopment duties. The governing body of a statutory or home rule charter city or township with an existing
municipal economic development authority may request the Washington County Community Development Agency to
handle the economic development, housing, or redevelopment duties of the authority and, in such an event, the
Washington County Community Development Agency shall act and have exclusive jurisdiction for economic
development, housing, or redevelopment duties in the statutory or home rule charter city or township pursuant to the
provisions of the Economic Development Authorities Act, Minnesota Statutes, sections 469.090 to 469.1081.
► A core focus of local Community Development Agencies (CDAs) is the ability to own and operate
affordable housing. Ramsey County has expressed no interest in owning and operating affordable
housing, so this the CDA statute has limited applicability to Ramsey County.
Scott County and Carver County each have a Community Development Agency. CDA's provide the most diverse
array of eligible programing for housing, redevelopment and economic development uses.
Other questions:
JENNIFER O'ROURKE
Director of Government Relations
651-366-7276
Jennifer.orourke@ramseycounty.us
JOSH OLSON
Director of Community & Economic Development
651-295-0370
josh.olson@ramseycounty.us