Sponsor: Sheriff's Office
Title
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Acceptance of Legislative Grant for Capitol Area Public Safety and Livability Initiative
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Recommendation
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1. Accept the legislative grant from the State of Minnesota for Capitol Area Community Vitality for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2029 in the amount of $3,000,000.
2. Authorize the County Manager to establish the Capitol Area Community Vitality project account.
3. Authorize the County Manager to enter into agreements and execute amendments to agreements in accordance with the county’s procurement policies and procedures, provided the amounts are within the limits of the grant funding.
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Background and Rationale
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The Minnesota Legislature appropriated $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the Capitol Area Community Vitality Account to the Commissioner of Administration for a legislative grant to Ramsey County for the Ramsey County Sheriff to implement a coordinated public safety and livability plan in the Capitol Area. This funding is available July 1, 2025 and must be spent by June 30, 2029.
Under this appropriation, the coordinated plan must be developed in partnership with the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAPB) and community partners to improve the livability, economic health, and safety of communities within the Capitol Area (excluding state-owned buildings and state leased-to-own buildings in the Capitol Area). The coordinated effort must also focus specifically on public safety, youth and family programming, street and neighborhood cleanup and ambassadors. The appropriation also requires the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office to consult the Commissioner of Public Safety in matters involving the Capitol complex prior to the expenditure of funds.
As part of this work, the Sheriff’s Office will coordinate efforts with the CAAPB, Ramsey County, the City of Saint Paul, and community providers. The Sheriff’s Office has met with CAAPB and state officials to co-develop a funding plan. The funding plan details anticipated expenditures over a three-year period and includes personnel (two full-time deputy sheriffs and four full-time community service officers) and contracted services as well as administrative overhead.
For reference, CAAPB is a Minnesota state agency responsible for guiding the development and design of the Capitol Area in Saint Paul, which includes about 60 blocks surrounding the State Capitol. The Capitol Area is designated by state law (Minnesota Statutes, section 15B.02) includes the business and homes around the Minnesota State Capitol. The Capitol Area’s statutory boundaries include Pennsylvania Avenue to Interstate and Jackson Street to Marion Street. Established to preserve the area’s architectural integrity and character, CAAPB oversees zoning, urban planning, and design standards for public and private development within the area. It reviews proposed buildings, memorials, and renovations to ensure they align with long-term planning goals. Governed by a 12-member board, including appointees from the Governor, Legislature, and City of Saint Paul, CAAPB works collaboratively with government agencies and community to ensure the Capitol Area remains a safe, accessible, and vibrant space.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The initiative directly services underserved communities in the Capitol Area, addressing disparities in safety and access to resources through violence prevention and youth engagement, supporting Ramsey County’s commitment to equitable and inclusive communities.
Community Participation Level and Impact
The Minnesota Legislature proposed, and the Governor signed into law, this appropriation. The Minnesota House of Representative, the Minnesota State Senate, and Governor are comprised of elected officials with frequent contact with constituents. The Sheriff’s Office will collaborate with CAAPB and community partners, consulting residents and involving stakeholders to co-design programs, with updates shared via county channels.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☒ Collaborate ☒ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Funding in the amount of $3,000,000 from the Capitol Area Community Vitality Account is available July 1, 2025 and must be spent by June 30, 2029. There is no county match required. An administrative overhead of 5% for the Sheriff’s Office in administering this grant will also be charged. Grant activity, including revenue and expenses, will be tracked in grant/project account to ensure transparency and support financial reporting.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
None.