Sponsor: Board of Commissioners
Title
title
Appointment of Members to the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority for 2026
end
Recommendation
recommendation
Approve the appointment of members to the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority for the year 2026.
end
Background and Rationale
body
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners is the entity that makes appointments to the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority. The appointments for 2026 are as follows:
• Commissioner Tara Jebens-Singh
• Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire
• Commissioner Garrison McMurtrey
• Commissioner Rena Moran
• Commissioner Rafael Ortega
• Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong
• Commissioner Kelly Miller
end
County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The Ramsey County Commissioners are appointed annually to the Economic Development Authority as an administrative function. The work of the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority, in partnership with the Housing and Redevelopment authority and other entities, provides support to improve housing and economic development initiatives that advances racial equity. As stated in the Economic Competitiveness & Inclusion (ECI) Plan, the secret to Ramsey County’s growth is the thing that makes its economy unique: a place as rich in cultural vitality as it is rich in economic opportunity. Racial equity is a regional competitiveness imperative for the county. The ECI Plan outlined several strategies and recommended actions that make Ramsey County a more economically competitive community. While Ramsey County has actively pursued opportunities to advance the goals established in the ECI Plan, the limitations of funding have prevented the county from fully acting on its commitment to the economic inclusion of all residents with specific attention previously underserved communities. Implementing EDA powers will lead to increased investment and support of businesses, retention and growth of small businesses, pathways to entrepreneurship for Black, Latinx, Asian, and Indigenous business owners, and will attract and grow high-wage industries.
Community Participation Level and Impact
This action provides transparency about the appointment process, which is strictly administrative and operational. The work of the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority provides opportunities for the Ramsey County Commissioners to consult and collaborate with the community in supporting initiatives that are important for entrepreneurs, small businesses and economic development.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
There’s no fiscal impact associated with this action.
Last Previous Action
On April 14, 2026, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the Ramsey County Economic Development Strategy Launching Building Stronger Together (Resolution B2026-047).
On December 2, 2025, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners created the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority Implementation (Resolution B2025-229).
Attachments
None.