Sponsor: Public Works
Title
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Set Public Hearing Date for the use of Ramsey County Transportation Sales and Use Tax Funds
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Recommendation
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Set the Public Hearing date of December 1, 2026, at 9 a.m. or as soon as possible thereafter, in the Council Chambers, third floor of Ramsey County Courthouse, 15 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN, to afford the public an opportunity to comment on the revisions to the lists of projects eligible for the Ramsey County Sales and Use Tax.
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Background and Rationale
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To provide a safe and efficient multi-modal transportation system, the Ramsey County Board approved the imposition of a one-half percent sales tax and $20 excise tax on new vehicles (Sales and Use Tax) consistent with the requirements of Minnesota Statute 297A.993 by Resolution B2017-143 on June 13, 2017. On June 10, 2025, the Ramsey County board adopted Resolution B2025-218 the Ramsey County Transportation Sales and Use Tax Project Plan (Sales and Use Tax Plan) which amended the list of eligible projects to remove projects that were complete, or were no longer being pursued by the county, as well as to add new projects. To keep this list of eligible projects up to date, the Sales and Use Tax Plan has been revised to reflect the county’s current priorities, and it establishes projects where this dedicated funding can be used, by resolution, following the public hearing at the board meeting on December 15, 2026.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Ramsey County is the most racially diverse urban county in Minnesota. An improved multi-modal transportation system will benefit all residents of the county, including communities of color and Native Americans who are more likely to benefit from increased investments in transportation projects consistent with the Ramsey County All-Abilities Transportation Policy. All transportation capital construction projects, including roadway, bridge, trail and sidewalk, and transit projects will include workforce inclusion goals consistent with the Transportation Improvement Program they are adopted into. These goals are currently 32% minority and 20% women in the construction workforce supporting the county’s Intergeneration Wealth and Economic Justice Strategic Priority.
Investments in transportation an important component of building a dynamic downtown through catalyzing key projects and enhancing public spaces which have been identified as key components of Ramsey County’s Building Stronger Together initiative which sees to broaden the tax base to more fairly and sustainably reduce the property tax burden across the community.
Community Participation Level and Impact
A public hearing gives the public an opportunity to provide direct input on the projects proposed for Sales and Use Tax eligibility. The selection of these projects was also informed by the 2050 All Abilities Transportation Plan, whose development included engagement with more than 1,500 residents and city, county, and township officials.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Approving the updated list of eligible projects will allow existing and future Sales and Use Tax proceeds to be allocated to newly identified projects.
Last Previous Action
On June 10, 2025, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the updated Ramsey County Transportation Sales and Use Tax Capital Improvement Plan (Resolution B2025-118).
On June 13, 2017, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the Imposition of One-Half Percent Sales Tax for Transportation Improvements (Resolution B2017-143).
Attachments
1. Public Hearing Notice