ECONOMIC INCLUSION
UNDERSTANDING RAMSEY COUNTY ’ S ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS AND INCLUSION PLAN
Cover illustration is Leeya Jackson , Mayumi Park and Khou Vue
BY MARTHA FAUST Ramsey County Redevelopment Manager , Community and Economic Development
Recently , Ramsey County prepared an Economic Competitiveness and Inclusion Plan as a roadmap for economic development . But what is this plan all about , and how will Vadnais Heights and surrounding communities benefit from it ?
Working with economic development consultants , the County held numerous conversations in 2020-21 with cities and community-based organizations and business groups to understand the dynamics of the regional economy , as well as study economic trends and changes . A number of findings , some of them surprising , emerged . A few examples :
1 ) Our region has fallen far behind in producing enough homes affordable for families and workers . That lack of housing infrastructure makes it harder for employers to find and retain workers . Specifically , the county — as a whole — is short 15,000 units of housing at the most affordable levels .
2 ) Small businesses are the lifeblood and a key economic engine of the County . The average business — sixtyfive percent in Ramsey County — has fewer than ten employees . Despite the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic , new small business growth continues .
3 ) Challenges for new small businesses include access to technical assistance , start-up capital and building space for operations .
4 ) As a fully built-out county , redevelopment offers communities the best opportunity to increase their fiscal health and meet their needs as they grow and change . In Vadnais Heights , commercial corridors like County Road E , Rice Street and Highway 96 are great examples .
Through the planning process , Ramsey County ’ s Board emphasized their support for a vibrant , competitive county economy within the Minneapolis-St . Paul region . Key to accomplishing this is ensuring enough high-quality housing affordable to all , paths to entrepreneurship , an innovative business sector , thriving commercial corridors , and ample opportunities for workforce development . The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted growing disparities in income and wealth in our community . A key goal of the plan is to promote economic prosperity , especially in areas of concentrated poverty .
Ramsey County ’ s Economic Competitiveness and Inclusion Plan is comprised of eight strategies within two strategy areas : place-based inclusion and resilient and equitable communities , and fostering economic competitiveness and transformation
The Economic Competitiveness and Inclusion Plan will guide future investments as part of Ramsey County ’ s economic recovery . Historically , the County has had very limited economic development funding assistance to cities and businesses . That started to change during the pandemic as Ramsey County provided $ 23.8 million in small business relief grants through the federal CARES ( Coronavirus Aid , Relief and Economic Security Act ) legislation .
Starting in 2022 , the County will offer significantly more resources for housing development , new business growth and corridor redevelopment through its Housing and Redevelopment Authority .
Specifically , on the business front , Ramsey County ’ s successful Open to Business program will provide more technical assistance to entrepreneurs to start new businesses . The County ’ s Ramsey County Means Business website ( https :// www . ramseycountymeansbusiness . com /) continues to be an excellent resource for marketing opportunities in Vadnais Heights . Additionally , the County is engaging with Chambers of Commerce and other community business partners to assist with business retention and expansion support for existing businesses . Supporting workforce development is also a key priority .
As communities like Vadnais Heights continue to develop and grow , Ramsey County can be an important partner and funder for new housing and business development .
34 Northeast Metro Business