Sponsor: Communications & Public Relations & Property Management
Title
title
Rename Metro Square to Ramsey County Government Center
end
Recommendation
recommendation
1. Approve the renaming of the 121 7th Place East, St. Paul facility from ‘Metro Square’ to ‘Ramsey County Government Center’ in accordance with the Countywide Facilities Naming Policy.
2. Authorize Communication and Public Relations and Property Management to oversee implementation of the name change, including updating internal and external references, signage, communications, and systems.
end
Background and Rationale
body
In 2025, the Communications and Public Relations (CPR) team began researching naming practices for county buildings. This work included market research, subject matter expert interviews, a review of historic county building names, and analysis of Facility Signage Guidelines. CPR also conducted a comparative review of naming conventions used by peer counties (Hennepin, Anoka, Dakota, Scott, Carver).
Findings and a recommendation to rename Metro Square to Ramsey County Government Center were presented to the Executive Team on August 13, 2025. The Executive Team approved the proposed change for submission to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners. This name best reflects the building’s role as the central hub for services, and improves clarity and wayfinding for residents. The recommended change supports modernization, enhances brand consistency, and helps residents navigate county services more easily.
end
County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
This recommendation aligns with Ramsey County’s Advancing Racial Equity Policy by removing barriers to access and ensuring that all residents can easily navigate county services. The new name, Ramsey County Government Center, is plain, descriptive, and immediately recognizable. This supports equitable access by improving clarity and wayfinding, particularly for residents with limited English proficiency or unfamiliarity with government systems. Clear and inclusive naming reduces reliance on prior knowledge, builds trust in government, and demonstrates the county’s commitment to transparency and accessibility for all community members.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Feedback was gathered from internal and external stakeholders, including Service Center staff, department directors, and residents engaged through service experience surveys. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of clarity, consistency, and accessibility in county building names.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
There will be expenses for updated signage, digital references, maps, and communications related to the name change that are yet to be determined. Residents First funding will be used for these expenses.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
None.