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[16:22] >> Good afternoon, everyone. Good afternoon and welcome to the Budget Committee of the

[16:31] whole. Today's Focus will be on community services and support. On August. The 25th

[16:37] County manager mean Becca provided overview of the proposed supplemental budget

[16:42] today to community Services and support service teen kicks off a series of presentations

[16:48] focus on performance measures for East Department. The county performance measured

[16:54] process helps the county improve accountability to our community. Understand the

[16:58] impact of budget investments. Make data informed decision and identify opportunities for

[17:04] improvement. Performance measures are already available for review online in opening

[17:11] performance section. The open of the county's open data. Porter, if you want more

[17:18] information about the performance measures presented today, check out the community

[17:22] service and support Department dashboard which have additional charts in

[17:26] background information. And so with that, I handed over to get the county manager can't

[17:35] Francois to start a community services and support presentations. Thank you,

[17:41] chair. Good afternoon. Madam Chair, Commissioners County Manager Factor.

[17:49] >> Those of you here in chambers and those of you joining and watching remotely.

[17:55] Before we begin the community services and supports department presentation.

[18:00] >> I want to just take a few minutes to put today's discussion about performance

[18:05] into the larger context of the budget County manager Becker presented on Tuesday. You

[18:12] heard her say on Tuesday you heard her talk about the significant fiscal pressures

[18:17] ahead of us. HR one is one of the most significant. It fundamentally shifts cost and

[18:26] responsibilities from the federal government. 2 states and counties, particularly in

[18:31] programs like SNAP and Medicaid that serve some of our most vulnerable residents.

[18:39] For Ramsey County. That means additional staffing and administrative cost potential

[18:47] new responsibility for a share of the actual snap benefit cost and more complexity in

[18:53] determining and maintaining eligibility. And those impacts are just financial. Changes in

[19:01] eligibility and program requirements will affect residents directly while also

[19:07] increasing the workload and operational demands on the staff who serve them. HR one

[19:14] is not the only pressure we are also facing unfunded and under underfunded mandates,

[19:23] increasing costs for state mandated services and other pressures that will continue

[19:28] into 28. And 29. As county manager Becker said on Tuesday, the choices ahead

[19:35] will be more difficult and the tradeoffs more significant. That makes the conversation

[19:40] that we're having here today about performance even more important. Performance

[19:48] measures aren't simply numbers that we collect and report to the board. They help us to

[19:52] answer some pretty basic questions. Our residents getting the services they

[19:58] need. Are we getting the results? We intended? Where are people waiting too long?

[20:04] Where are we seeing disparities? What can we do differently and what are we

[20:10] getting the greatest possible value from the resources entrusted to us? Those

[20:18] questions matter in any budget environment. But they matter even more in the one we're in.

[20:24] And the entry. As we make choices. We need to know what's working so we can

[20:33] protect it. We need to know what isn't working as well as it should. So we can change

[20:37] it. before our answer is simply to add more resources we need to understand whether

[20:45] there are better ways to organize the work, simplify a process, use technology,

[20:52] eliminate duplication or work differently across departments. And that's

[20:57] operational excellence. A good performance in good performance information helps

[21:03] us get there. We're already seeing what that looks like in practice. The work departments

[21:10] have been doing to improve service delivery to reduce wait times addressed backlogs,

[21:18] better coordinate services and understand residents experiences is also building

[21:23] our capacity to respond when circumstances change quickly. We've seen that very clearly

[21:30] in our recent work supporting residents affected by encampment closures. County

[21:36] teams have had to work across traditional departmental lines and bring financial

[21:42] assistance, housing, public health, social services and other supports directly to

[21:47] residents. We've had to pay attention to what residents need. What is working where

[21:52] the gaps and to be able to adjust quickly. That kind of response doesn't happen

[21:57] because a single program because of a single program or a single department. It

[22:04] happens because we have been building a stronger culture around outcomes, continuous

[22:10] improvement and residents entered service. There is also an important fiscal side to

[22:17] this performance. Measurement cannot simply be a tool for identifying where to reduce

[22:23] spending. It also needs to help us identify what we should protect. If an

[22:30] investment is producing meaningful results for residents, we should know

[22:32] that. If changing process is saving time or reducing cost. We should know that too. And

[22:41] if something isn't producing the outcomes we expected. We need to be willing to ask why

[22:47] and what we should do differently. That is how performance information

[22:52] becomes useful for budget budgeting and decision-making. So as you hear from our

[22:59] departments today, I would encourage us to listen for more than whether a particular

[23:04] measure went up or down. Listen for this story behind the measure. What changed for

[23:10] residents? What did we learn? What are we doing differently because of what the data tells

[23:16] us and what does that mean for where we put our resources going forward because

[23:22] ultimately that's the purpose of this work. As county manager Becker noted on

[23:27] Tuesday performance will help inform the next budget cycle and future decisions given the

[23:34] choice is ahead of us. That connection between resources, performance and results is

[23:41] going to become increasingly important. And I want to thank the board. Thank you very much

[23:48] for continuing to ask these questions and supporting this work. I also want to thank our

[23:54] department directors and teir teams and our admin director and our controller and the

[23:59] Office of the chief of staff as well as central finance. The executive team and county

[24:05] manager factor. It takes real work to develop meaningful measures. Examine your own

[24:11] results and then use what you've learned to improve. The fiscal challenges ahead are

[24:17] significant. But if we stay focused on what works, remain willing to change, what

[24:25] doesn't and keep residents at the center of those decisions. We'll be in a much stronger

[24:29] position to make the difficult choices ahead. And with that, I will turn it over to. Our

[24:37] departments to make their presentations. Thank you. Thank you. and director

[24:47] Wilkens up to the C's. dicey. >> I think point of welcome thank you very

[25:07] >> and I get to kick it off for the for the tam. So the good news about going for says

[25:12] I get to set the bar that is is I get to set good afternoon. Chair

[25:20] commissioners, County manager and members of the public. >> Thank you for the

[25:23] opportunity to be before you today. Before begin, I want to recognize county manager

[25:30] factor Deputy County Manager France. Why administrative director Dave Zach friend. The

[25:36] housing stability Department and for the whole CA community supports and services team for

[25:44] their support, feedback and partnership. In today's presentation. I also want to

[25:48] recognize our county community providers and the residents during this difficult moment -

[25:54] in their lives. The results I'm sharing today reflect their work and their

[25:58] partnership and as well as their experiences. Any given night in Ramsey County,

[26:06] hundreds of people are experiencing homelessness are without a place to call home.

[26:10] But our work does not begin when somebody enters shelter for many residents,

[26:16] homelessness begins with the housing crisis much earlier, a rent increase. Alas income, an

[26:23] unexpected expense like a medical bill or car repair or simply income that has not

[26:27] kept pace with the rising cost of housing that we're seeing today. That is important

[26:32] context for the important performance measures I'm going to share with you today. I

[26:37] think it's important to mention that housing stability Department was raised up on

[26:41] its own legs as a stand-alone department in 2020 during COVID. It was a time when

[26:50] Ramsey County communities across the country were responding to unprecedent. I'm

[26:54] an emergency of homelessness crisis in our nation. The department was created at a

[27:00] time when homelessness response look very different than it does today. it was had

[27:06] significant emergency selter in prevention funding at that time. For that moment. The

[27:12] funding rules were also flexible and allowed more flexibility during that time.

[27:18] And there were a lot of endless emergency resources that were deployed and not

[27:20] necessarily built for sustainability. So now several years later and with new

[27:27] leadership, we're in a place where we have an opportunity to step back look at our

[27:31] system and redesign and look at it for intentionally. So when we talk about

[27:37] performance, I do want u to only ask how many people did we serve. I want us to ask our

[27:43] residents becoming more stable because of our work and our investments. And when someone

[27:48] does experience experience homelessness, how quickly and equitably are we helping them

[27:52] to return to housing and housing stability? I get to do my own sites. All right. So

[28:06] and what do we do? Housing stability? could give you address of how we stood It's

[28:11] it's roll that is larger than administrating individual programs. We helped lead

[28:18] coordinator if and improve Ramsey counties broader homelessness response that

[28:22] includes working across county departments with the community providers to connect residents

[28:26] with the right housing resources and support. Housing, Stability Department

[28:30] also serves as the lead agency for heading home. Ramsey. That's Ramsey counties,

[28:34] continuum of care. I wanted to distinguish the 2 housing stability Department is the

[28:41] county department. Well, heading from Ramsey is the broader community

[28:44] collaborative. Our role is to help coordinate that work but not do it alone. The links on

[28:51] this slide provide more information about both housing stability Department as well

[28:55] as heading home Ramsey. In case you need to learn more on how those departments work

[28:57] together. The 3 measures that we selected. Look at a different point in our housing

[29:06] stability system. The eviction prevention measure are asking whether we

[29:12] are keeping residents housed before homelessness occurs. The bundling measure looks at

[29:17] how effectively we coordinate our financial resources when a resident is experiencing a

[29:21] housing crisis. And the court Nathan Entry measure looks at how long single adults who are

[29:29] already experiencing homelessness remain on the priority list before

[29:32] connecting them to a housing opportunity. Together. Tese measures tell us more. Then

[29:38] the number of services we provide. They begin to tell us whether residents are becoming

[29:42] more stable. Whether county investments are producing the outcomes. We intended and

[29:48] where the system still needs to improve. The measure in presenting today, the measures

[29:54] I am presenting today are the same for measure measures that you'll see reflected on

[29:58] county's open data portal. My goal today is to add context about what the numbers mean,

[30:03] what the numbers mean for residents. What effect the results and how we are using

[30:08] this information to improve the overall system. No 3 measures can tell the entire

[30:14] complexity of housing stability story. I want us to think about these has

[30:19] connected indicators of the larger system, but not as isolated numbers are systems.

[30:34] The first measure that we're going to look at is the average number of days single

[30:38] adults spend on the coordinated entry priority list. The reason

[30:42] we pick single adults is because that is a measure that we can track internally. One

[30:47] thing about the coordinated entry system that is unique in Ramsey County is that we have

[30:52] for entry points to that system. We have a family You side.

[30:57] >> People experiencing domestic violence and single adults, single adults.

[31:02] Priority list is maintained by Ramsey County internally. And it's a good measure for us to

[31:05] take a look at. We connected this measure to racial and ht health equity and shared

[31:13] community power because race and ethnicity should not predict how long someone

[31:17] experiences homelessness. It also requires us to listen to residents respect President

[31:22] choice and include people with lived experience a we read redesign and look at native

[31:26] country. I want to be careful here because coordinated entry can be difficult to explain.

[31:33] The priority list is not a traditional first-come. First-serve waiting list.

[31:37] People are not simply given a number and are waiting for their turn. Housing referrals

[31:43] dependent. Eligibility priority that Haitian household need that type of

[31:46] housing intervention that you require available pogram openings. documentation as

[31:52] well as resident choice. But that complexity does not mean the amount of time someone

[31:57] spends on the list does not matter. If someone spends hundreds of days on the

[32:03] priority list, those are not just stays in the database. Those can be days and shelter.

[32:08] Those coming days outside. Those can be days doubled up are moving back and forth

[32:11] between temporary situations and those are days that someone is experiencing

[32:17] homelessness. This data shows meaningful improvement in the overall average. At the

[32:22] same time, this number does not tell the whole story. Housing availability and

[32:27] system capacity have a significant effect on how quickly someone can move and

[32:32] the next phase are into housing. We also need to look underneath the overall

[32:37] average. Wait times remain different across race and ethnicity,

[32:42] ethnic groups, overall improvement is not enough. If these disparities remain. Here

[32:50] at 6. >> We want real quick question. Around the at 2030,

[32:54] go. We see, as he said, that's 180 days for all. Is that what do you mean by that? It's on

[33:00] the side to side bar and a key contacts. >> Health Commissioner Iran.

[33:05] If you give me a moment as I walk through this, I will get a what they mean if you can

[33:09] 100 remember your question. I don't visit. Success means both shorter, more equitable.

[33:15] Wait times are 2030. Goal is to reduce the average 280 days for all residents was closing

[33:21] disparities in access and outcomes. So that was meaning that as you can see in 20 30,

[33:29] we are trying to save overall that everybody on the list has a weight of 180 days are less

[33:33] to their next phase. So that is what that means. That's our anticipation that we would

[33:37] like to see 23, what is it now right now in 2025? The average wait is 881 days. forward to

[33:49] the plan. We currently have race and ethnicity, data connected to the coordinated

[33:57] entry measure. >> For prevention measures, we are also examining what

[34:01] demographic and geographic information is available so that we can better understand

[34:05] who is receiving this assistance, who is not and whether any disparities

[34:07] remain. Our goal is not simply to manage the list better. It's to shorten the path to

[34:14] housing and make shorter. >> Moving on to our second measure, which is evictions,

[34:27] prevented an eviction court. This is very specific to eviction court, not prevention

[34:32] in general. Overall, there's 2 different distinctions there. >> These ae a measure we've

[34:39] connected to the residence, entered holistic support. >> Because preventing eviction

[34:43] is about more than paying rent. It can productor as it can protect the residents,

[34:47] employment a child's education, access to health care, transportation and the

[34:53] House held overall stability. We also know that if you are house, it's important to keep

[34:57] you in that house because we have a vacancy rate of less than 2.5% here in Ramsey

[35:04] County. And so we want to keep people stably housed when we can. It is our goal to make

[35:10] from listeners rare. This is where that work really begins. Every eviction we successfully

[35:15] prevent represents a household that may never enter need to enter the homelessness

[35:18] response system at all. And that means shorter days. That means avoiding shelter. And

[35:23] that means eviction, stopping before they even enter eviction can disrupt

[35:31] employment. School, transportation, credit, future housing opportunities and a

[35:35] helpful to connection to their own community, housing for intervention gives us an

[35:40] opportunity to resolve that crisis before it becomes larger and more expensive.

[35:45] Beginning in 2027 Ramsey County is making sick, significant investment of an

[35:52] additional 2 million of their funding to expand eviction prevention and housing

[35:56] support. This investment creates an opportunity and a responsibility to keep

[36:01] strength strengthening. How we measure results. We should we should note only ask many

[36:05] evictions we prevented. We should also ask whether those really residents remain

[36:09] stable, housed. They have be on their immediate housing crisis intervention. So we're

[36:16] trying to look at data at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months to ensure that the

[36:21] household state housed as well as give light case management to make sure that if they

[36:27] enter into another crisis, they're not coming back to us for additional support. This

[36:33] is where the quality matters and why are walking along The families really are helpful.

[36:39] Previous data shows us if we do emergency assistance, usually that's an emergency

[36:42] assistance. They receive rental help, but they don't receive any case management

[36:47] budgeting skills to prevent that crisis from happening again. This additional

[36:51] investment, the connections to community partners that operate the eviction court and

[36:55] prevention dollars have the capacities to provide that light touch case management

[37:00] that families need to make sure that prevention is sustainable. We have a

[37:10] question. director welcomes. >> Yeah. Sorry. was left high we're kind digesting in real

[37:17] time. But I my question for you is and perhaps I know we're in the performance

[37:21] indicators but you see that as an additional 2 million dollars. There's going towards

[37:29] eviction prevention going into fund eviction court, eviction in extension for 26. 27 of the

[37:37] law had dollars investment. >> They're also that is not mention as when we were

[37:44] talking about the use as know that there is an additional 5 million investment from FHP

[37:49] AP funding which I will get to in the next slide. And we're talking about bundling of

[37:53] cases. But that's an additional resource. And that is not limited to eviction

[37:57] court. That's prevention overall. >> So tonight I asked a

[38:00] support organization. That reviewing the packet ahead of time. I want to make sure Im

[38:07] asking questions in the right order. Is there or having performance measures? But will

[38:10] there be discussion on specifics of the budget interact with us in the slides

[38:13] or do we just asked them as we go along the the ladder? on on our budget packet. The when

[38:21] I'm looking at housing, stability services, it looks like we we go from. 13 million

[38:28] in in fiscal year. 25 to the approved budget and fiscal year. 26 at 16 Million. And

[38:37] then the 27 approved budget goes down to 12 Million. So is that 2 million from the funds?

[38:43] Additional dollars from a different are they not going? And I'm just trying to square

[38:47] the numbers here with anything like that. I directed to some of our fiscal team, but

[38:54] >> the law funds >> they are over three-year period. If that makes

[39:01] >> There's some accounting that we have to do like the what year we sort of receive

[39:06] them versus when they have to be spent. If that makes sense, I'm not sure exactly how it

[39:10] showing up. And in terms of the distribution in the budget document. So we can either

[39:17] follow up for somebody healthy. If you can following on the exact distribution of

[39:21] like there's kind of multiple changes that happening at the same time. So can kind of get

[39:26] that OK? And that's great. I think, you know, some of that's helpful because some.

[39:30] >> As folks are who may be watching these presentations and seeing some of the

[39:35] documents than that. You know, when you look at the high level accounting of one dollar

[39:39] amount for a whole department, it goes up and down and it can be confusing to follow along.

[39:44] So just knowing that that information is is in the budget and the Web saying we

[39:47] can do the digging and make sure we get that information. >> OK, thank you. Thank you.

[39:55] Thank you for the question. >> I will mention in the last one evictions prevention 4th

[40:07] court you'll will see the increase up to 1900 cases. That is due to the increase in

[40:13] funding and will be able to serve more cases. An eviction court. The 3rd measure is the

[40:21] number of FHP AP, which is family homelessness, prevention assistance program.

[40:26] >> A state, a state funded program. These cases really looking at bundled cases where

[40:33] we're looking emergency assistance. Emergency general assistance or other diversion.

[40:40] Diversion resources. We connected this measure to operational excellence because

[40:44] it really shows how well our funding sources, our staff and our community partners, are

[40:48] working together. But working together. The goal is to Max abut maximize are available

[40:57] resources, reduce duplication, used staff time effectively and make the process easier

[41:02] for residents. Bundling happens when one funding source is not enough to

[41:07] resolve a household's housing crisis. Staff and providers combined eligible resources to

[41:14] close gaps and help the household remained housed. There are 2 sides of this

[41:18] measure, however, that I think are important to look at. On one hand, the increase shows

[41:23] that we are getting better at leveraging our available resources. The increased FHP

[41:29] AP and local affordable housing AKA, lie have funding along with stronger

[41:35] coordination with our community partners has allows to combine resources when one

[41:39] program cannot meet the full need and to help more residents remain housed.

[41:44] >> That is important because maximizes gants and county resources. It strengthens

[41:50] partnerships and creates more opportunities to resolve crisis before it leads to

[41:54] homelessness. But Moore, bundling does not automatically mean better

[41:59] performance. increase also tells us that taking and it's taking more money to resolve

[42:03] evictions our housing crisis. So there's larger rent and larger. We are is that we are

[42:09] seeing our utilities and housing-related costs have increased.

[42:12] >> And one programs maximum benefit is not enough to longer feels at It also tells

[42:20] us something about scared that even when we combine our programs are not always enough

[42:24] resources to meet every household to Bundling helps the stretch are available

[42:28] dollars, but it is not created an limit. It doesn't create unlimited funding when several

[42:34] researchers sources contribute to one case, fewer dollars may remain for the next household

[42:38] that is seeking help. There's also a significant staff capacity component behind the

[42:45] scenes when you're coordinating 2 or 3 funding sources, it can require

[42:49] multiple eligibility reviews, different documentation. Approvals landlord,

[42:54] communications coordination between county staff and all of the providers and careful

[42:59] tracking to ensure that each funding sources used correctly and adequately and euitably.

[43:04] This can also place pressure on individual agencies. Provider may need to hold the

[43:09] case open court in with several organizations help the residents gather their

[43:15] documentation just to cover the gap with the flexible resources. But the

[43:19] coordination can produce a better outcome. But it does take real staff time and

[43:26] organizational capacity. So the benefits are clear. We're leveraging our resources are

[43:30] closing larger gaps and we're helping more residents remain housed. The challenges are

[43:34] also clear that we needed one system to sort of help us coordinate the bundling of

[43:39] these services. So there's burdened staff. And it's not just simply to bundle more.

[43:49] But our goal is to coordinate or resources behind the scenes and also create a wonder Prote

[43:54] for families. So they're not going to several organizations are the county to tell their

[43:58] prevention story over and over again that they're getting help in one location and that

[44:02] they don't have to worry about all of the things it takes to bundle.

[44:05] >> That they're not aware of. >> Director welcomes. We have a question from yes,

[44:11] Commissioner John. >> thank you. Director Watkins. I think you're doing

[44:18] great job. I've just articulating apartment 4 months measures and the goals

[44:22] connecting to it. You know, I didn't want to go back to the slide the average number of

[44:28] days on the coordinated entry. And then also tie that in with the budget that you have laid

[44:34] out and we are look, we are you know, in department's budget, shrinking and your

[44:44] goals are really to be do said, cut the wait time in half. Essentially. What is

[44:49] that strategy the year? And then also when you're looking at the housing capacity or

[44:57] like housing availability, what what types of housing are you are we looking for for

[45:04] residents and also are we tracking that about types of housing that's needed to

[45:10] support families or in individuals in this case on the court. they didn't

[45:13] request. Commissioner John, thank you for the question. One of the biggest things that

[45:18] we're looking at who cut those days down is a system redesign.

[45:24] >> we have not had a coordinated entry system redesign since the inception

[45:28] of coordinated entry here at Ramsey County. One of those things are really having us.

[45:34] Take a look. Creative Italy, innovative Lee at the current system that we have identify

[45:38] the gaps. staffing needs sort of the challenges that could maybe have us. Tell us the

[45:49] bigger picture so implementing that will take some time, obviously for that to do that.

[45:52] But one of the things that I feel that we could do better with the resources that we

[45:57] currently have. What we do know it is a strain system and there is not enough resources.

[46:02] However, there are some creative things and other community partners in other

[46:05] systems that we can rely and example of that could look right now for the coordinated

[46:10] entry system in order to get an assessment as a single adult, yet to be long-term

[46:15] homeless are panicked. The homeless. There are other people that are doing that a

[46:19] little different than we do in Ramsey County. One step is looking at housing problem

[46:23] solving which means your pathway just isn't to get on the court native entry list

[46:26] that might be looking at a housing problem. Solving model may be pairing up with

[46:33] somebody rent an apartment together. It might be treatment. Might be your

[46:37] pathway out of the system and into aassisted living program that fits your needs. So w do

[46:44] need to look at the whole entire continuum, but we have not explored the pathway such

[46:50] as rapid rehousing transitional housing. We do have some permanent supportive

[46:55] housing stock. Another part of that system redesign Israeli currently looking at our

[46:59] staff. We do have some vacancies where people can move. You know, if we get

[47:04] people move from shelter into those vacancy that opens up additional shelter beds and so

[47:10] on. So it's really looking at that system design and it's hard to put a dollar amount

[47:16] even where we at without that designed to show our deficiencies and some of our

[47:19] cats. So that is where we're looking at decreasing that number. The other part is

[47:23] really taking a really good hard look at that list. It has not been looked at and went

[47:28] through. There's a lot of people that self resolved that have been housed,

[47:32] unfortunately passed away. So that will also contribute to us getting those I'm waiting

[47:36] days doubt down longer. >> Will you be working on that? Let's where your team

[47:41] are. Is that the focus for this year that for next year? >> Commissioners. that is the

[47:46] focus for this year and next year as well. OK? >> And then the other part

[47:54] that I would just wanted you to lift a name that you said really fast. just emphasize is

[48:01] the resources that's actually needed right now to keep someone how list that even the

[48:05] bundling of those resources are not enough. What are you also keeping track about like

[48:13] what is needed so that we can tell that story and share that with our state legislators.

[48:18] >> Commissioner John, that is an excellent question. Yes, keeping tack not only of the

[48:23] amount of money it takes to prevent the eviction cases, the ones that we get approved,

[48:29] the ones that get tonight, the ones that are not eligible, we do get those dollar amounts

[48:32] when they do the eviction filing. We also have a place in FHP AP where we're looking

[48:36] at those dollar amounts as well. When people come in and so where we are keeping that

[48:42] data. So how much is that that's needed. As far as overall? Yeah, for this and

[48:50] also for coordinated entry. >> Commissioner that's an excellent question. I would

[48:55] have to get. Back to you and prevention dollars. We do not have enough to prevent every

[49:00] household that is the plane. >> To eviction court and or even prevention services. So

[49:07] that dollar is hard to quantify. More dollars mean more cases doesn't necessarily

[49:13] mean that all of the evictions are. Resolved. So I can get back to you on that number for

[49:19] the coordinated entry redesign. We are looking at roughly 50,004, that

[49:26] consultant to come into that redesigning. Create that report for us for this year.

[49:31] Thank you. >> Commissioner McMurtry Dan Miller. Thank you. Madam

[49:37] Chair. >> Really appreciate this presentation. My question

[49:39] mostly stems around looking at the entire house and continue on and the role that housing

[49:45] stability plays. But also knowing that there is a partnership internally with

[49:50] CD. So I wanted to allow some space to kind of speak to what that collaboration looks like

[49:56] and how that will also support the efforts that that think to us today.

[50:02] >> Commissioner McMurtry, that is an excellent question. Since I had started my tenure

[50:06] here at Ramsey County. I've worked really closely with the E D I'm not only with

[50:12] prioritizing in developing the funds across the continuum, but also the investments that

[50:16] they are making is creating more affordable housing stock so that the families that are

[50:22] moving from that continuum have a place to move and that permanent supportive housing

[50:27] that affordable husing area. That is where a lot of those families will land in the

[50:31] increase of that sack will also help see those wait days in 2020, 30, go down. And you

[50:37] share France with CVS. >> We use it. But just for all.

[50:41] >> Those well listening watching what is the Ramsey County Department. would do

[50:49] the time. You okay community. Thank The internal it just thank you, commissioner, in.

[50:58] >> Commissioner Miller. Yes. I just have a couple questions on the last slide you shared

[51:05] with us the first bullet point on what's changed with our increase in the FHP AP an

[51:10] dollars is this is the work that's going that's being done through our housing,

[51:15] stability, Department or and with the heading home. Ramsey. Group as well. combination of

[51:23] both. >> Commissioner Miller, thank you for the question. So the

[51:28] family homeless Prevention assistant program. FHP AP is a state funded program. Rmsey

[51:35] County is the grantee have and we have several grant. He that we oversee in that work and it

[51:41] is not through the heading home. Ramsey It is just to the Ramsey County departments

[51:45] individually. So we oversee those contracts with several agencies to do the work that

[51:50] are also usually involved in the heading home. Ramsey continue in direct. Okay.

[51:54] Yeah. The can and the government have >> And then with the redesign

[51:59] of that, which I think is a fabulous idea. Someone who used to work in community and

[52:05] >> one of my sister programs always use the coordinated entry, less. I heard many

[52:12] times about the frustrations with the coordinated entry system. that be developed in

[52:17] collaboration with community as well. So with the heading home, Ramsey, well, that just

[52:21] be an internal. In department develop. That's an excellent question. And it will be done

[52:32] broadly with cmmunity partners. Service providers live expertise.

[52:36] >> As well as the heading home Ramsey governing board. will lead to that community

[52:42] members. It will be not just internally with Ramsey County, but with all of our partners

[52:46] in community. Perfect. Thank you so much, Commissioner >> Yes, back to the budget. I

[52:52] think that just wanted to follow up on the question from Commissioner Sean nt that I

[52:58] am opposed to us finding cost savings. In fact, that is a big part of what are our role

[53:02] is going to be in the next coming years. But the housing stability when they see that

[53:08] it went from fiscal year. 25 we were at it's safe, 13 million again and then went

[53:14] to 16 26 and now it's down to 12. And I guess I would just like to know, was or specific

[53:22] investments that were built and to 26 or I just want to. I'm just curious hear that

[53:26] narrative, the story of the development of that. I can take Madam Chair Commissioner

[53:31] Kevin saying. >> So with because this is such a grant heavy from the

[53:36] department and the grants are allocated to us each year by the sales tax. We don't

[53:41] account for them till come in. If that makes sense. And then you see some of our budget

[53:45] adjustments for various departments to the requests for board actions. So a lot of

[53:51] kind of like the budget is a snapshot in time. And we do our best understanding of what

[53:56] kind of we anticipated know is there. But in the case of La Pine, the second-year, what

[54:02] what you're not seeing and 27 is that those lava buns. So we've accounted for in 2026 of

[54:07] funds. We have not counted the 2027 lot half and s those will get put in the budget

[54:14] when Dr Wilkins. Welcome back. At some point with 27 Rba to say this is how we're gonna

[54:19] spend the money, including the eviction court plan as well. So we kind of do it little

[54:25] different for every department. Some are able to project what has worked for

[54:29] Specter. We kind of knew what our allocations or workforce. And so we sort could put place

[54:34] holders and they're generally knowing the formula in a case where there's some of this

[54:40] fluctuation, we sort of wait a little bit and we want the board to be able to drive a

[54:42] little more of that. The policy side of that, too, as well through either board

[54:46] workshops or through actual r-va that help. That's all. There's not a reduction in

[54:51] housing. Stability is budget and 27 that that that helps me tremendously. I and the reason

[54:57] I bring this up is because now and in this prticularly year, there's been a lot of concerns

[55:02] about how we're supporting housing. Stability is. I wanted to make sure there

[55:05] wasn't some kind of significant programmatic changes that I draw back from

[55:09] our commitment to that. So just knowing that this is a. >> When the law funds get

[55:13] recorded on the books is very comforting to me. Thank you. >> commission of making a I

[55:19] think you Madam chair, the kind of thinking back off with the kind of management knowing

[55:21] that. Grant applications play a big role in the funding of housing stability with the

[55:29] passage of the new federal housing law. Are there potential opportunities that

[55:34] we're looking at in 2 of county that we could potentially get additional

[55:38] funding or just want to get a sense of how that law impact potential potential funding

[55:44] opportunities for this particular department. >> Thank Madam Chair

[55:51] Commissioner McMurtry. So we've been tracking a lot of the work being packed about it

[55:55] all and be around just federal grants in general and sort of the different restrictions

[55:58] that might come. In addition as part of our overall half at work that we've been tracking

[56:03] around all federal funding, you know, around the know fo for that continuum of care.

[56:11] That's that's another area where there's grant funds for housing. I mean, housing funds

[56:14] are kind of and multiple agencies honestly in in the federal government. I think a

[56:22] lot of that tied up in court and we have been active with our county attorney's office

[56:25] to protect our rights to ensure that we are able to access grants that align with

[56:32] our values and to ensure that we being really thoughtful about what types of funds we

[56:38] take in order to ensure that we're able to serve our community based on the news

[56:43] that they have that make I obviously we are significantly this is a significantly grant

[56:50] from the department. Federal funds are a big part of the work of the department and of

[56:55] the continuum of care. However, you know this, this is a moment where we're in a

[57:00] little more of a protective state than Then that and overly exert of like being

[57:07] able find grand state, you know, just because of that the tenor of the federal grants

[57:10] that except yeah. >> The numbers are important, but they did not fully. So

[57:21] what it feels like for residents navigate the system are what changes when the

[57:26] system works. The first story on the slide that clled out comes from a Ramsey County

[57:29] eviction court client trying to remain housed. I want to share it in the residence own

[57:35] words. My car broke down and I had to get it fixed so I could keep getting to work that put

[57:39] me behind my rent. I applied for eergency assistance and got denied. So I started

[57:44] calling around trying to help trying to look for help. I went to 3 different places and

[57:49] had to tell the same story every time I didn't know which program I needed. I just know

[57:54] knew I needed help with my rent. This resident was not thinking about which county

[57:59] for which grant program they needed. They were really trying to solve one immediate

[58:03] problem, how to catch up on rent, how to avoid losing their housing and how to keep

[58:07] their job from our side. We may see separate funding streams from the residents

[58:12] perspective. It's just one crisis. The second from a Ramsey County for Nathan Entry

[58:17] client having a home changed everything I can think about work, my family and what comes

[58:22] next. Instead of just getting through the day. That is that is the outcome behind the

[58:27] coordinated entry measure because reducing the days on that list matter because it

[58:31] means a resident can move from surviving homelessness to thinking about work, family

[58:36] and housing, stability and dream about what comes next. These both example show both

[58:43] sides of the continuing helping a family remain house before homelessness occurs,

[58:47] but also helping them return. At 2 housing after their homelessness crisis. When I

[58:58] step back and look across all 3 measures, ICU for clear directions for our work first

[59:03] prevent earlier we need to expand eviction prevention and strengthen housing,

[59:07] stabilization before residents enter homelessness. Second simplify access. We need to

[59:14] coordinate resources and reduce the number of systems that residents must navigate

[59:17] to rceive help. When staff can assess the full need once and identify the right

[59:21] combination of resources, we can reduce duplication, duplication of applications,

[59:28] repeated eligibility reviews, unnecessary referrals and efficient staff. Time that we

[59:34] have spent will be a resident from one program to another. And we need to shorten the

[59:37] path to housing. We need to reduce the coordinated entry time. We need to strengthen

[59:44] our housing pathways and make better use of our available housing opportunities. We need

[59:48] to address racial and ethnic disparities in access and outcomes and look at other

[59:53] housing stability and create more affordable housing pathways. 4th, we need to

[59:58] continue read. Is that redesigning the system? Our response needs to work across

[1:00:02] prevention outreach, encampment, shelter, coordinated entry,

[1:00:07] stabilization and permanent housing. This is also a stewardship, Staton strategy.

[1:00:13] Better coordination helps us maximize our federal dollars are state grant our local

[1:00:17] affordable housing aid and our county resources. It reduces duplication and make sure that

[1:00:23] we don't grant fund on the table that are using our dollars where their possible.

[1:00:28] We're using the right funding for the right purpose. Shelter is an important emergency

[1:00:32] intervention, but it's not the entire system. Housing is the long-term outcome. The

[1:00:38] question is not only how we improve our individual programs. It is how the

[1:00:42] overall system could operate differently to produce better resident outcomes and make the

[1:00:46] best use of our public resources. And when I step back and look at all 3 of

[1:00:57] these measures together, I do not see 3 separate programs are 3 different pathways. I

[1:01:01] just see housing stability system. I see where we have an opportunity to prevent and to

[1:01:06] get somebody housed. I see residents trying to nvigate resources that we've built a

[1:01:12] separate programs, even though they're experiencing a crisis. And I see people who've

[1:01:16] already entered homelessness waiting far too long for a pathway back to housing. That

[1:01:20] is why these measures are important they help us understand what our investment

[1:01:25] are. What is changing for residents and whether the system is improving and where

[1:01:29] we can and should do better. Our goal is not simply to report performance. It is to

[1:01:33] use what we are learning to make homelessness. Rare, brief and nonrecurring and to build

[1:01:40] a system that is easier for residents to navigate more equitable and its outcomes and

[1:01:45] more effective and how we use all of our public resources together as a community. you.

[1:01:51] >> Commissioner, good Thank you for thank you so much for reminding us what's with the

[1:01:58] work that's going on behind these numbers. One of the questions that I have is I

[1:02:03] know earlier this summer, some of our emergency housing in our shelter dollars and things

[1:02:10] like that were driven by decisions that happening within the same park

[1:02:12] community. And I guess I want to broaden out to the idea heading home. Ramsey is up as

[1:02:19] a broader collective of partnerships and so that's the first part of my question is,

[1:02:24] is how many o our other local municipalities and other governmental entities are

[1:02:30] participating in that as our as our partners in this work. that's kind of a predecessor

[1:02:34] to the second question, which is as our municipalities are going through their own comp

[1:02:40] plans, another kind of things. What are specific things in your world and your piece of

[1:02:44] the house and specifically could be supportive housing and other things that we can

[1:02:49] be educating and and walking alongside our our governmental partners as they're

[1:02:52] envisioning what's right for their communities and encouraging them to help us

[1:02:56] meet our goals that the county. >> Commissioner Kevin saying

[1:03:00] thank you for the question. Heading home. Ramsey intentionally asked every

[1:03:06] municipality from every county, our story from every district in the county. So

[1:03:10] suburban is included in the seats and the steering committee in the work groups

[1:03:15] as well as on the governing board is representation. A lot of those are either through

[1:03:21] service providers or the school district in which they serve are where they're coming

[1:03:23] from. And they have a very active voice at those tables. I also would say to your

[1:03:26] second part of your question, there are lots of conversations, for example,

[1:03:33] another city has reached out a city of Ramsey County that said we have led dollars that

[1:03:36] we would like to combine to stretch again for some of those bundling cases. That's

[1:03:40] an example of how that that education can be helpful. Also, when we're looking at

[1:03:45] expanding either shelter capacity, affordable housing units really giving them

[1:03:51] education as to where to find the resources to increase. That stock would also be

[1:03:55] really appreciated so that we have places when people do get housing vouchers that they

[1:03:58] could use those vouchers at even if those are in our suburban as cities and the

[1:04:03] county that education is really iportant goes a long way to work along the

[1:04:06] continuum. Thank you. >> Directive opened one quick question on expenditure side

[1:04:18] the supplemental Budget request for 2, 1, to 27,000 wanted to 2027. It may be on

[1:04:24] this is can you share what those dollars will be spent on? got much. 27,000 warning

[1:04:32] to 2027 under the supplemental proposed budget. There's an increase of 2.27. And you me

[1:04:40] what that What effect there? >> That is actually a movie and director of admin salaries

[1:04:47] from like the general account into the service So we're just kind of shifting that fte and

[1:04:52] cost between where it was budgeted for in 20 6 into appropriate service team which

[1:04:57] as CSS. Rather housing stability, specifically. thank you.

[1:05:05] >> All right. So we don't have further questions. Want to thank you for your

[1:05:08] presentation. Your the work to the coordination and the support to stabilize families.

[1:05:17] Crucially important. I know have strong value for the county and I look forward to

[1:05:22] seeing the work in detail and and a coronation. It's going to happen get us in better

[1:05:29] place. Yes, thank Madam Chair. Before we wrap up thank yu, Dr Wilkins. Thank you for

[1:05:34] being the new director and starting U.S. off this year. That is wonderful.

[1:05:38] >> You said a great bar. So thank you. I just want commissioner difference in

[1:05:42] your original question. But when asked the budget questions, certainly

[1:05:45] everything we've done here is perfectly appropriate is what we can and should be doing.

[1:05:50] neglected to say that we will get a presentation on the agenda that is in your folder

[1:05:57] tomorrow budget director Louis. So it's normally kind of flows with the operation

[1:06:03] Service team instance are going tomorrow dcide not kind of start with that today. So

[1:06:07] just know some of the agenda, things that were changes. We'll be covering tomorrow, a

[1:06:12] little more thoroughly for you. But, you know, obviously of department question those

[1:06:15] be addressed along the way here. Thank you. Yeah. All right. Thank you.

[1:06:20] >> So we want to welcome Director Ali Ali was going to present on the financial

[1:06:23] assistance Services. That we have here in Ramsey County. Please introduce yourself in

[1:06:29] future. >> Good Chair Commissioners court wanted an adjustment

[1:06:40] spoke to the members of the public. My name on the director of national of those

[1:06:44] Services Department. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss financial assistance services

[1:06:52] to supplement but performance measures. However, if a stock to buy a ticket, or if a

[1:06:58] single use. The progress you will see today left is core question. Is And commitment? 2

[1:07:06] times the county residents. U.S. policy changes includes the value and the complexity

[1:07:12] world. remain folks. It on policy will stone things capacity and accountability

[1:07:23] and sustaining timely and effective delivery. To performance is measured not

[1:07:30] only by the numbers, but also by the expedience comes get a that we serve. As we review

[1:07:38] all caught on the full moons. We also preparing for the significant a petition often

[1:07:46] finacial post position want. These changes. increase in village will float effect home

[1:07:55] residents, axis maintain access to social benefits, quiet 10 for the Minutemen

[1:08:01] Titian or multiple budget to come. Today. I want to focus what those number 8 numbers

[1:08:09] tell us about president's expedience. Residents able to access services. receiving the

[1:08:17] help that they need. We delivering services timely and effective. live overtime.

[1:08:30] Financial assistance, services of city's more than 10 public system. Progress that comes to

[1:08:36] come to distance excess food assistance. Health care, emergency assistance, child

[1:08:42] care and other social supports. These are the states buys come to administer. The

[1:08:50] program is governor by state and federal requirements. A lot of stuff. Determined

[1:08:59] initial and ongoing image ability by collecting information through a issues.

[1:09:04] Interviews. I think one cations. We also commit to dissidents with all county and

[1:09:14] community resources to needs the old the programs we don't to get used to. Students can

[1:09:20] access or substances to set the for us. Committed to bottom of commissions,

[1:09:26] telephones and a lot options. Holder said the symphony's became part of is in 2025. The

[1:09:37] schools are aligned give us a son of that unity to by him or could be needed. And holistic

[1:09:43] expedience helping residents of this needed needs. also identify other services that

[1:09:50] support stability. Before most major on more reporting requirements. They help

[1:10:03] understand whether to put it because of a little. Whether we are using public resources

[1:10:07] responsibly. And when we have The first looks whole because his weight from the time they

[1:10:20] arrive of this him finish on that petition. The looks at the percentage of residents

[1:10:27] reported receiving the help that they need it. The 3rd measure. All measures, whether

[1:10:36] we process not publication within for that out of time to On the floor examine is

[1:10:42] whether emergency assistance. looked generous system. Fund hoping presidency, Minh and

[1:10:47] housing. Because of the Metro before work. These 4 measures connected closely with Ramsey

[1:10:57] County is strategic priorities. Additional taxes president sent to police to

[1:11:03] support. Richelle and hope they can ensure that communities color. Together.

[1:11:10] These measures help understand axis. quality, timeliness on housing, stability. It also

[1:11:18] strengthen or come to be lifted. 2 presidents. You know what, Conan state and for the

[1:11:24] departments. This court accountability would b critical as we move to our

[1:11:33] world or titian opposed his emotional one. There is so would seem to be look, chief

[1:11:39] to buy finish a sense of this is low. If we look to the Ramsey come to a porch and

[1:11:44] that part of issue we hall with housing, stability. Well, for a solution is public

[1:11:52] health Social Services committee told goes Ishan is health provider is long roads

[1:11:56] and many others. You will also a common theme throughout presentation. Continuous

[1:12:02] improvements. demand grows us to Disney does become work on We are continually moving all

[1:12:10] across the It's parking issues, investing in technology making didn't

[1:12:19] conform to position is so we can put sort sums it come to the This Magill, if yu can

[1:12:27] see in this light truck is the time from when this is done. All right. and checks. The end

[1:12:32] of this think kills when they began meeting with the staff member for initiative edition.

[1:12:39] In 2023. The average wait. Time was 40 minutes. It increased to 22 minutes in

[1:12:46] 2024. Reflecting the significant a bubble delays and the myth that stuff in

[1:12:52] Quebec City. In 2025. We pulled route with time. Don't to 60 Minutes. That

[1:13:01] improvement. So what's the holdup? Additional changes beginning to make a

[1:13:05] difference. We have to strengthen its staff in coverage. Adjusted will

[1:13:11] expanded Silvas some tough questions, a new roof. The collection is a proposed of

[1:13:18] the something in If it is going to put a operations. We're moving in the right

[1:13:21] direction. But we still have to do goals. 15 minutes by 2028. 10 minutes by 22.

[1:13:35] Presidents come close check on with times on the county website before visiting the

[1:13:37] set of the Sumter. Helping them decide when and where to seek the best. Some

[1:13:43] assistance. Ultimately Goldsmith's invalid to move people through the building.

[1:13:51] It's also to reduce the bidders. by the time, the axis and ensure future president is

[1:13:59] committed to rights of is when they need. This measure to whether the students felt.

[1:14:09] They the help. They need it when visiting a 70 something. It reflect this whole

[1:14:16] commitment to a shooting that comes the county is serving president Mr calling and

[1:14:20] meeting that identified needs. Their results. Wilson it percent in 20 in both 2022.

[1:14:30] 2023. It declined to 87% in 2020 full and can moved to Miami in 20 to 25. Goals a 10%

[1:14:40] by 2028. on 95% by 2050. He started call this information came from and serve a sentence

[1:14:49] or V. Beginning in late 2025. We moved to Rio time temp 70. This allows visitors to you

[1:15:00] Shortly receiving the services they need. And help us identify who sends and make

[1:15:10] this slats and wanted to put into suspected school. It us understand whether residents

[1:15:17] received them for the systems on how we can continue something. Could the mission

[1:15:21] communication and effective service delivery? Direct Ali with a question country.

[1:15:28] >> Thank you. Madam Chair. Do you know what the sample sizes for the srveys? How many

[1:15:36] folks are we going to complete? The survey is to get numbers.

[1:15:42] >> Good question. Sohl. We have tracking the numbers because this symbol of is the

[1:15:50] this only the people that came to the center investing as you could imagine. You know, we

[1:15:57] more people with get you all some So that number had been the case 0. 25, I don't have

[1:16:02] the number in front of me, but that was above 400 you know, 81 people in 2025, which is

[1:16:09] much can cause from year's If you just attended people that this is something that with

[1:16:14] this in a fixed this you that we can capture more on time. >> this in one moment

[1:16:26] Direction. Commissioner backpack to that last slide. I'm just curious hw the

[1:16:31] survey is. If the >> one question is basically looking at the time that

[1:16:37] somebody you know, is waiting in line to win. They can help too. Did they get the help?

[1:16:42] Does this mean that the reason why they came in to get help that they receive the services

[1:16:47] that they need or they got the information that they need. How are we navigating that? If

[1:16:52] I come with a need and I come to you for to answer a question, I might get

[1:16:55] information that answers my question. But that might not necessarily actually get m

[1:17:01] the assistance that I need. How is this worded? How do gather that information? What

[1:17:04] are we looking at here? >> Very good question. Comes jump in to see. So this tough

[1:17:13] this truck people Campos said the center is person for home that you That's some

[1:17:19] historical context and this, you know, doing Cano peak times when we had a huge

[1:17:25] backlog and delays. We have seen a number of people waiting in a way time for very

[1:17:30] long So that is significant improvement to make the connection.

[1:17:35] >> As they can. So vendors from one to another, some people they just need. You

[1:17:38] know, some Jennifer Mission, some they need that help. So the intent of this tracking

[1:17:43] this lab. But the company's resolution is about the connection. But people making

[1:17:47] with that staff member. >> Good to know. I just I mean, it's a deeper question

[1:17:54] that when I'm asking, which is when people come to us from help, they receive the help

[1:17:59] they need. I that's beyond survey you can do after being service center. I just wanted

[1:18:03] to make sure that that's what we're tracking. Thank you. That's

[1:18:09] >> The data important, but the president's bus just on what it expedient speed is like.

[1:18:18] These comments you see on that on that slide, bring to the performance measure life.

[1:18:22] president described to stop us from Helpful patient on respect for. They also

[1:18:29] appreciated receive including 4 mission. I'm being connected to the resources they need. I

[1:18:35] want to recognize stuff is for this. For the work they do every day. Often helping

[1:18:46] residents navigate complex systems, buildings to this friends. We also know every

[1:18:51] experience positive. There time survey gives us quicker feedback so we can recognize

[1:18:58] what's working. I don't if I can sense and make improvements. Goal is to

[1:19:05] listen. And use that as invoice to strengthen 7 this quality responsiveness across

[1:19:13] defense operations. >> Director only go back to pace. because I am like really

[1:19:20] impress. With those remarks. Thank you. Received from someone you serve. Can you

[1:19:26] read what residents voiced what they say? It? >> Yes, chair come to be that

[1:19:32] Seoul has been described to staff us friendly. Okay, helpful. Patient. Don't expect

[1:19:38] full. And the second one. president described staff as friendly, helpful patient.

[1:19:52] spectacle. >> This is what every young man working to provide housing

[1:19:56] assistance provided me with such amazing assistance. Im really blew me out of the

[1:20:00] water was his knowledge and his patients. It gave me hpe for the future for myself

[1:20:05] resources. I needed to attain that future. Also reports that. At the service that was

[1:20:11] provided. I just want just to read that right? Because hasn't always been that People

[1:20:22] been frustrated they have waited in line very long time. You know, assistant has not

[1:20:27] always I just want to show them, you know how we have have a service center has

[1:20:32] improved. The lives of people that come to for help. So I think it's worth reading

[1:20:41] commission member. Thank you for that. Madam Chairman. I think it is very important to

[1:20:45] lift up the. >> The voices from residents have these good experiences.

[1:20:53] >> I also want to make sure that we are hearing or getting a sense of how we're gathering

[1:20:58] information from staff as well because, you know, this work is hard and they're reaching

[1:21:04] folks and communicating with folks to some of their lowest of low moments that matter at

[1:21:10] times will cause emotions to run high, but didn't have manage that on top of

[1:21:17] managing, you know, helping up to individual. Do we in any consistent input from staff on

[1:21:27] how they're feeling throughout these experiences as well up there, you know, getting the

[1:21:31] resources tey need, that they are also feeling safe in environments. What does that?

[1:21:36] The look like tomorrow? And that's that's the continue to do our due diligence to help

[1:21:41] these residents to make sure that that staff are also filling the support that they

[1:21:44] need. >> Thank you to this is very, important question for the

[1:21:53] last. If he if there is been good to a lot of to the station, including, you know,

[1:21:58] coach of change, including stops uphold. We have been investing the to do more

[1:22:03] training more. So this is what they need. >> We have completed more than

[1:22:10] 160 stuff that through no customer training. >> To support to them. We also

[1:22:15] work. I'm going to continue to reduce the case goes that he hopes will able to manage more

[1:22:19] cases more effectively the people that they serve. But this work us uses vivid

[1:22:25] difficult as vivid a toe injury is it be a little bit, you know, some of his will to

[1:22:31] do so. We know that we know the challenges we tried to bring all resources with your

[1:22:36] support with the board's support, but it's an investment we're going to

[1:22:40] continue to make changes that we have seen this in changes. You know, as we have seen over

[1:22:43] the last few So we appreciate the support that continue. Still to from this board.

[1:22:50] >> county manager, Yeah, thank you, Madam Chair. So before we move of service right center

[1:22:54] directly, I thought I'd just put up and then the evolution of the work at the service

[1:22:59] centers because I've been with the county, you know, almost 8 or 9 years now. And I know

[1:23:02] some of the board members remember some of these conversations, but I think

[1:23:07] it's important to just recount some of these conversations. We went from having a lot of

[1:23:13] discussions about how to deliver where to deliver services. Some of you remember

[1:23:16] we had a significant study around just the physical facilities of how we do

[1:23:23] service cnters. We continue to evolve that we continue to do today. As we have now been

[1:23:28] talking about more mobile or other services that work as that's been a journey and why

[1:23:34] I want to get stop here is because of what Commissioner Graham was saying like this.

[1:23:37] We're constantly evolving to making sure we meet the needs of our residents. I remember

[1:23:41] significant conversations about the persona and the skill set that we need for

[1:23:48] navigators. The board had significant conversations about the type of qualities we

[1:23:51] wanted to see. And I've seen Ali and his team really in partnership with all the lots

[1:23:59] of support of departments in the organization. We have transformed the way we do this

[1:24:05] both in terms of the physical places where we're doing it, how we're doing it obviously

[1:24:10] COVID and some of the moves that we've done really has evolved. How it's not just

[1:24:17] about F a S in terms of how we use the service centers. Now, the customer service training

[1:24:21] and the way w've thought through the navigator role. I mean, those are all parts of

[1:24:29] the story that get us to today. And I think the evolution of even that

[1:24:35] feedback from residents on the previous measure. That was some feedback from the board

[1:24:40] at one time. I think in a previous measure when this came through, it was a one

[1:24:45] time kind of survey point in time that we did once a year, I think and the boards that,

[1:24:51] you know, that doesn't seem like a quite the measure we want. We want to make sure

[1:24:54] we're having I touch point. And so I just want to keep saying we're with this is

[1:24:58] operational excellence. We will continue to improve. I appreciate Commissioner Kevin

[1:25:02] saying wanting to ask a little more like are we asking the right things? Are we centering

[1:25:06] the right things? It is an ongoing effort. The fact that we are texting folks using no,

[1:25:11] wait inside that you can go online and see how long the wait is like you can at like

[1:25:16] the urgency room. I mean, it is a big these are leaps and bounds for for the county in

[1:25:20] terms of how we've improved. And so I just really want to think, Ali, for and his tam

[1:25:25] but didn't rest the rest of the county to this has been a big, significant live for all

[1:25:29] of us to make this transformation. But there's more work to do. And so I just

[1:25:33] want to say, you know, even these measures themselves like over it, when you see them

[1:25:38] again, maybe in 2 years, maybe will be a point maybe looking at them slightly different to

[1:25:42] get a little deeper into how we've improved. But I do really appreciate that. It's

[1:25:49] it's a journey, right? And we've seen a lot of change, especially Commissioner Black

[1:25:54] Commissioner Ortega have you know, I think this is evolved a lot since when we delivered

[1:25:58] services on the 4th floor of the East building. So appreciate that and thought,

[1:26:02] you know, before we transition, just good to know. That's what multiple budgets

[1:26:06] have done. It is not a one budget situation. have invested significant capital

[1:26:11] and other resources that we've evolved. The physical locations and added Fte is

[1:26:17] over over the creation of navigators. And this is srt of journey of that. thank you.

[1:26:23] continue. Move into the next life. All has led pledge of trucks 6, but I want expedite

[1:26:35] its not commission is. >> Persist within little tenderness. So that it's not

[1:26:43] the big issues to be persist within 7 days or 5 business days. Read a lot of the

[1:26:48] commission is within It the for the for that up into m is 95% of for both As you can see

[1:26:59] on this Just 30.0, reflect significant challenges over the Pacific or use. Including

[1:27:07] about looks studying the magician is and the need to process is. Ad 2025 22%

[1:27:15] fixed. But I because she is and 70% regular pick a shoesmith for the time this.

[1:27:22] By much of 2026, those results improved to 46% But I The commission is 87% for

[1:27:29] patients. This is and meaningful progress. Vole both images from a below. The 95%

[1:27:38] of for department's. Since the last the full we have organized the walk and a

[1:27:45] Sanders specialized that the folks expedited big issues residents with the most I want

[1:27:54] to the cone, a bull, the cone into the issue for the investment. And if it is.

[1:28:00] Those investments, as you just spoke to vote, just announced another was starving

[1:28:04] foundation is. And possessing compass. We are now preparing for the addition of will moved

[1:28:11] to soak in and all from This isn't Nooyi position. Is that that the what just approved,

[1:28:21] including Florida if he is Decatur to stop program would help us manage increased and

[1:28:26] that you put it to good use, into quadrants and in the city will be. This possibility is

[1:28:34] to translate this investment into improved timeliness, unimaginable results to folks

[1:28:40] that training will management accountability in a position and movement? Commissioner

[1:28:49] Jeffrey C? >> Yes, I know that we talked about extensively the impacts

[1:28:54] of HR one when we looked at the at addition of those new FDA says if 2 east to support

[1:29:00] this work. But I think seeing the performance measures here really puts I viewpoint of

[1:29:08] what happens when these roles, these mandated administrative services are not properly

[1:29:14] funded. And the idea of when when addition additional administrative requirements

[1:29:22] are placed on te county's. if we do not then have funding or resources dedicated to meet

[1:29:28] those new administration, what happens with the service delivery times and what

[1:29:33] happens to getting people connected to services that they're eligible for and then

[1:29:38] have have a right to be able to have those ports as part of a, you know, broader

[1:29:42] programming decisions throughout that our state and federal levels. And I just I

[1:29:47] want just to highlight that the idea. But, you know, we get a lot from our our

[1:29:52] constituents who say, well, if they don't fund it than just don't do it. And I think

[1:29:59] balance of one, we'd still have the responsibility to do this work and to do with

[1:30:02] fidelity in to serve our community. But also when these when these programs are piece

[1:30:08] of this eligibility of these programs goes on uder resourced, how it impacts our

[1:30:16] community and we properly resourced them. As you see in your improvements in 2026.

[1:30:20] what that could mean for community. And so I'm very happy that we're tying these

[1:30:26] performance measures with their budget allocations. And it's a it's a good time to be

[1:30:29] able to see how these numbers directly to impact community and how they receive our

[1:30:33] services. So thank you for for highlighting that. Even all these numbers don't make us

[1:30:38] feel really great. But it is a direct reflection of what happens when more work comes

[1:30:42] without the resources to meet that. Thank yo commissioner. You know, the investment that

[1:30:47] we get, the more we could include celebration excellence E.

[1:30:52] >> We continue to challenge yourself and see what we commit. Those changes that

[1:30:54] could have this in full so investment matters of question. Commissioner Miller

[1:31:00] and Chris is on >> are these numbers tied to our error rate and

[1:31:07] reimbursement with friend. These numbers here. >> because commissioner me,

[1:31:15] because does have tie to the fiscal invoked that is that payment. Every however, this

[1:31:23] also could be penalty. We don't the details, but this put up action fund that we for

[1:31:27] the government to know what it Thank you. >> thank you. Madam Chair. I

[1:31:38] just a question about fall, some of the triad here. And if you can explain a little also

[1:31:43] provide more narrative what's happening here. guess, to 2020 to up to the we're at 46% for

[1:31:55] 2026. for timeliness on the expedited snap applications. May you explain kind of what

[1:32:02] what was happening in between 2022? 25 there. >> But a good question

[1:32:06] commission. I joke so as you can see time, you know, it's very close to when we there in

[1:32:13] the public health emergency and the COVID due to this time, many it's not This

[1:32:16] program is what we used so many programs want subject a tool that, you know, time in

[1:32:24] So we were leaving and that that time resources to do other work. So at that time,

[1:32:30] there has been a lot of levers when it comes to know those stockings. And that's why you

[1:32:34] can see this number that's one has been another aspect that time 6 feet is a full of will

[1:32:41] float because we have too many people who come hold services and then that's when we change

[1:32:47] it to know from, you know, it this from hybrid world. So there's been a lot you know,

[1:32:50] change patients. >> Yeah, I am just trying to understand that some of the

[1:32:57] rationale because also like there were changes in policy at all from the state at that

[1:33:08] time. So over there changes in policy from the stand during the COVID oen. have been some

[1:33:17] Weaver is when it comes like an approximate use good to know COVID times and they have

[1:33:21] been a lot of changes when it comes to hold the ball up. I. >> So we had another measure

[1:33:27] which was and a committee which was put on hold. No, that's not a bubble anymore.

[1:33:32] So they've been a lot of changes a public health emergency ended that many of

[1:33:37] those ones that just All right. Thank you. >> I think I want to follow up

[1:33:41] on on that question around the expedited snap. That's about those numbers really So what

[1:33:49] getting in the way of we almost getting in the way of that is to is to request.

[1:33:59] >> individuals who show proof of something or I mean, what is it? That numbers so low.

[1:34:05] >> Good question. Chair. All soul. >> commission is to know, as

[1:34:10] you imagine, most of occasion, they can you know, men benefit. This is a mistake in

[1:34:18] a bathroom that people can apply the benefits all they could be met. so big Aian of

[1:34:26] the defense in a life cycle. say you know, this platform drove off as a as it has very

[1:34:34] >> maybe, you know, center. But facts and it takes them into to This of the commission

[1:34:41] that is the time line gets very close only 5 visits to so as a. Indicated fail. know,

[1:34:48] you know, the press is we do have open Senate. They did see like the process. Holt is

[1:34:52] conducive cations. And so now we do have a dedicated team that is going to suffocation

[1:34:57] is that's what that's why you have seen some significant movement in 2026 and we hope

[1:35:02] this is good to continue. But this is another challenge that we all year because of the

[1:35:09] number of the petition received the week, humid at half and stuffing that come

[1:35:13] much with this number. So it may take few days and to assure the commission

[1:35:18] discontinued. Okay. So you currently have a process in place to point for me.

[1:35:24] >> Great KC right now because we're seeing and 26. So the data will be coming later Yes,

[1:35:30] so we have seen improvements so far. But, you know, this is you that it's always 2 months

[1:35:35] behind until we get results that we continue to see that as that snow since we have

[1:35:40] created this. You did okay OK? Thank you, Commissioner McMurtry. Thank you, Madam

[1:35:44] Chair and This may be a question for the county manager. We know that.

[1:35:50] >> This past legislative session that we got funding from the government

[1:35:55] modernization. >> What impact will? What we see potentially with with

[1:36:00] things like the application process will snap. Through the tech modernization that could

[1:36:04] help improved numbers. And also what exactly is the process and the timeline for

[1:36:09] when we will eventually start seeing those dollars and up >> improvements to tech.

[1:36:17] Throughout the county. >> You know, thank Chair commissioners were tree. I

[1:36:24] think that they are just in the very early stages of operational icing. A plan we

[1:36:30] can certainly follow as I mentioned at a different board meeting. There's a few work

[1:36:36] groups that are really key. There's kind o a statewide advisory group. I know AMC has

[1:36:39] a group which Commissioner Miller and chain that actually are going participate in. So

[1:36:47] since that money was just recently passed. I do not believe that we should put a

[1:36:54] lot of eggs in that immediate basket as a way. I mean, yes, we are very grateful for those

[1:37:01] funds. But as I think I've mentioned you individually to some of your even publicly, I

[1:37:04] do think this is a moment where Ramsey County should explore some conversations

[1:37:07] with head and then with others to talk about how we can maybe patch into other enhancements

[1:37:15] that other people invested in. We have not technology wise invested in sort of anything

[1:37:23] beyond kind of what the state has really given as accurate statement. Dolly generally and

[1:37:28] so Iknow we invested in some case work and and some things like that. But we have not

[1:37:34] really modernized it in the sense of where we could sort of invest. We've been sort of

[1:37:40] waiting on the state like the rest of the state really. And it probably is time that we

[1:37:45] just because of how big we are the for the people we serve. We need to start some of that

[1:37:51] as well. But I do think, you know, slow that you're talking about and we can dig into

[1:37:57] more. I was trying to find, you know, obviously drected Ali to present the same

[1:38:01] measure. I think this measure was in 20 or was this isn't a new measure for you. Is it OK?

[1:38:07] So maybe we can go back. And I remember we had a workshop as well where he talked quite a

[1:38:12] bit about expedited staff, too. So. >> I appreciate that. Maybe

[1:38:18] we've moved on to being better and we've kind of close the book this.

[1:38:22] >> This particular chapter where, you know, I think both the department, the supports

[1:38:28] that we're kind of given county wide. Also, maybe some of the the support you need

[1:38:35] from the rest of the county wasn't fully locked in here. And we now have kind of got a

[1:38:38] path forward and we're looking ahead. But I definitely understand that you might want

[1:38:43] to know the context because we don't want to repeat. Ask you, though, right? But you can

[1:38:48] recall like I think about 24 25 is when I'm commissioner. Take is like.

[1:38:54] >> I think I need like a phone line just handle the >> things the dedicated just

[1:38:58] to handle some of these questions. Right? So we've you've seen some of that

[1:39:03] lesson. That doesn't mean we're perfect. There's obviously days where, you

[1:39:07] know, somebody hits gap that we have certainly seen. And I think the show's

[1:39:12] optimistically, the trajectory of where Ali's department is going and those have come with

[1:39:17] some new investments. But also I think some of it is just about one Ramsey County

[1:39:22] mindset where we're like, oh, this is not just alleys and his department's challenge. It

[1:39:29] is our county white challenge. And we use we did embrace that with great. They are, I guess

[1:39:34] in the last year and a half. that help. I mean, we we should probably just double

[1:39:38] check to make sure some of the things that we're hooking us up. Don't show back up again,

[1:39:44] Ali. But I think you've you've done a good job, sort getting us over a significant hump

[1:39:49] here. Sell. >> I think percent that I think that's helpful. And and

[1:39:53] I I wanted just name. That's a good, you know, more contacts around. You know, we the

[1:40:01] passage of the of money, but it's not going to happen immediately goes to a more

[1:40:05] time that plan has to be developed before we start seeing the attack, the new

[1:40:09] tech of being rolled out. other piece I want to touch on real quick because I know that

[1:40:14] we approve the additional FT a couple weeks ago. The other component that we've heard

[1:40:22] that we heard your presentation comments about is idea of doing more cross

[1:40:28] training will that also be a part of the plan here as we think about getting up to that

[1:40:33] 95% to ensure that we have more employees were able to do this type of work and the when

[1:40:40] we see potential backlogs. of what to it. That's that's that's applied. One thing that

[1:40:51] you know, I've come into. But question here, what kind of magic talked about and 2 of

[1:40:53] you, question? >> There some initiative that's going go now that we

[1:40:58] believe that it's going to hold a bullet hole that the commission has come through

[1:41:00] our system. Technology on the investment already debate that does connect system is to

[1:41:07] this. system. It will look delivered would What I mean by that. You know, we look to

[1:41:15] state system that system to, you know, the system. There are couple initiatives that's

[1:41:21] going going now. One of them is in now and submit benefit to, you know, Matt says

[1:41:27] benefit is the that people over the system. Programs. That is fun group 2great that

[1:41:33] system that connects us. It would be in a minute. A lot of 54 and even for Michigan

[1:41:40] public quickly. And that's a system which could some is that when that's going to if

[1:41:45] you next at this point going on another, you know, fund that terms of a system of the

[1:41:51] position is called a notes net for So this is skipped a based system that they're working on

[1:41:58] to to eliminate. Some state have said this I heard that that is demos that happening

[1:42:02] right now. So we may see this cricket, but I don't have time left. So that is the work

[1:42:07] happening behind seas. And this is you know something on that. going to do this with

[1:42:14] this is a greater, you know, we do know the issues that each county is going and

[1:42:19] hopefully this to know motives ishan systems. We change that we didn't today for question

[1:42:25] about most of the starting with numbers position is help us do a desolate, all we

[1:42:33] believe only addition if these were result for her problems, when you have visit, you know,

[1:42:40] whatever process and make adjustments and system with fences, he the hope that it's

[1:42:43] going to show goodwill of people. >> then, yeah, I think you're

[1:42:48] just one with Ali got the type that realized what you said. gave me the window to say some

[1:42:53] got into you know, I appreciate the modernization, but let's be honest with the

[1:42:59] state. If anybody's listening right? I mean, this system 87 counties trying to do

[1:43:06] something that we maybe could rethink. And so while I was kind of into like our own

[1:43:11] numbers, this is the moment to kind of get above that. A voter advocacy, right. And I

[1:43:15] do think one of the things we were able to at least convince the legislature on was to set

[1:43:20] up this work group about roles and responsibilities of our human service system.

[1:43:25] >> This is a conversation that should be had. There was a day when everybody had to go to

[1:43:30] their county building and fill out paperwork and do things. Now it's a different system

[1:43:34] and forgo invest money and modernization. Great. We should. But we should also

[1:43:39] look at does this need to be done at a county level and and who should be doing this work

[1:43:44] as a way as we try to save ourselves in the midst of all these things coming at us. I'm

[1:43:51] not saying this is the but we need to look at something. You know. I mean, I think we've

[1:43:57] seen some some things of, you know, this at the end of the day, like people said, OK, you

[1:44:04] guys going fight for CPA are going to go fight for this are going to go fight for that.

[1:44:08] I'm just saying just what it is the same bill for us. How our it's our property.

[1:44:13] Taxpayers going to pay 47% of whatever that is. So yeah, let's have a conversation

[1:44:17] about 5 or 6 things and just start. Taking some of this way. So I do think this is an

[1:44:23] interesting conversation because we don't need 87 ways of 87 counties are having

[1:44:29] conversations of how this is hard. And so thank you for that question because I think

[1:44:34] it allows me to at publicly again say we as Ramsey County, we want to have this

[1:44:40] conversation So Iwill agree. You know, last conversation that few those tables, not

[1:44:46] system in technology. >> And, you know, it was money that was allocated that went

[1:44:53] directly to DA says that did not come into the county's dedicated more dollars. The

[1:44:58] conversation is that it would take at least 2, 3, 4, before we are up and ready to even

[1:45:02] use that technology. He's I would like really agree with the county manager is that we

[1:45:09] have to save myself. Maybe saw him conversation internally on meeting with our partners from

[1:45:12] Hennepin who more work differently about how we can do our work more efficiently

[1:45:16] and effectively and quickly to serve people because wife were lying on the state. This is

[1:45:22] going to be it's going to be allowed is going to be a bit. It's just that's just way it

[1:45:26] is. You right now we know our system and technology. some time to talk to each in burden

[1:45:34] that is putting on staff to have to close out to come back to look at a green green

[1:45:39] screen. We can harness that quick enough to stay to deal system because I'm young

[1:45:45] people coming out of college and eyewitnesses. What is this technology that we're using?

[1:45:50] So I'm hoping that, you know, we have improved some from those days, but it's going to

[1:45:57] be a while before it ready to move out. See county, why. voted. Yes. Thank you, Madam

[1:46:06] Chair. have occasion because commission report you bring a really good question.

[1:46:10] >> when we say the county's got money, we hardly got money. But we at the state got

[1:46:15] money that they didn't hardly. Used yet or wherever it is for a statewide system, which I

[1:46:21] think we al agree should happen. But we don't know when that's going to happen in.

[1:46:24] >> So then they said, OK, you want money. So we'll give the county's money, which they

[1:46:27] gave us like. And to do. I mean, it's more the it's it's not even enough to do one

[1:46:33] county gave it to all the counties. Ws it and wasn't by grant thinner, how we how was

[1:46:38] that even going to be distributed? I don't even remember this small amount was

[1:46:43] like 16 million dollars for the whole state for counties to do. You know what, what we

[1:46:48] need to do and we should be doing that we should be doing it together because we we

[1:46:52] shouldn't 87 systems. yeah, I'm so glad we started to work group and that were part of

[1:46:58] that. And it's just frustrating to know that this work just needs to get done.

[1:47:05] And whatever the state you know, giving u a little band-aid here and there. And

[1:47:10] we have 15 million million for whole state, which we manage just for which is not even

[1:47:15] enough for one county. anyway, it's a great it's a great issue that we do need to keep

[1:47:22] working on. But I agree we should just do our thing with with other counties, Hennepin

[1:47:26] and get a system that we can make work for our people. And it's hard to attract new

[1:47:31] people. Nobody wants to work in the states in the system that's there. Now. It's too

[1:47:34] old and antiquated in computers. You know, it's not what people want put their

[1:47:39] time ad energy. So thank you, Madam Chair. that we had this conversation. But good and

[1:47:43] it's very frustrating. But I like these numbers. You know, we've been very of the issues

[1:47:48] we've gone from. 23% in 2025. >> 2 95% in 2028. So we have some work to do to get there.

[1:47:58] continue. Thank you. >> So my all marriage of loops of holes and stability. The

[1:48:07] percentage the percentage a just system number, just a gentle system from this. You

[1:48:15] should the support. minute hosing images. When residents come to us for emergency

[1:48:22] assistance, they often face in one of the most moments of that lies. They may be behind

[1:48:27] rent. Facing eviction, experiencing up to crisis. And I'm sure where they will sleep

[1:48:35] for the for month. If it is that mister, his image this and emergency generous system

[1:48:42] to help residents avoid using that housing and prevent more close to the crisis. and he GA

[1:48:53] adjusted from the program is available in Florida by to fulfill Gentoo including

[1:48:57] housing and utility assistance. The percentage of supporting housing has faded

[1:49:03] over time. Reaching 69 for Senate in 2025. In year we distribute it more than

[1:49:13] 4 million through emergency system and alleges is as system programs. That a

[1:49:20] moment, 2.7 million housing. And that just says being approximately 1850 families

[1:49:27] and individuals may Has holes and closed to continue to rise Goodman before of this

[1:49:34] political system, demand is high. This measure shows developed. Whole Department

[1:49:41] responding to housing needs more important to me. us how many residents able to stay in

[1:49:49] their homes or find a stable home with help from these programs? Goals are 67% by

[1:49:59] 2028. 64% by 2030. These goals to cope and eyes that and you G need to remain a viable for

[1:50:08] many tied to The Jen says winds to maintaining a strong focus on housing to beat.

[1:50:19] Financial system. A ready resolve is the food husing crisis. Residents may also

[1:50:24] need housing. Stability, said this is a benefit. can stop the Welcome shun hope. The

[1:50:29] issue health services, but many child care community-based supports. But

[1:50:37] will come across departments and with community partners. We cannot do this multiple

[1:50:42] needs at the same time and give presidents the greater chance of remaining safely

[1:50:47] host. You can head. We continue using data to better target resources identified to

[1:50:55] spend it is Partnership move. It could have effects us. for sissies. So bonuses received

[1:51:06] assistance they need as quickly possible. This interstates hope hold could

[1:51:15] deliver services and that motion can improve residents to do. See the need for more

[1:51:19] costly interventions. >> citing Commissioner >> Thank you. Prepare. Quick

[1:51:34] question. I know that the VA and each year see funded programs powers those dollars.

[1:51:40] Figure it out. Is it an allocation is of population? Is the top of residents who

[1:51:45] are on our program or is that a formula that is a stupid through the counties? And then

[1:51:50] my next question then goes into 2. We add dollars too. Like Levy dollars or other

[1:51:57] program dollars to that support as Very good question. You should

[1:52:04] >> So in huge 82 submittal comes point broker we just the unknown location that, you

[1:52:12] know, things 100 received from the state. And this is close a solution, isn't a program, a

[1:52:18] DIA. And that is that will position is an FAA Benny of agreement between the 2

[1:52:22] departments to share those indications. If it's see that percentage of that foam sun

[1:52:28] will with solutions get 70%. All. And this is also tight tool tat case moot Stephens

[1:52:37] County case. need to know limits system broken with station. UVA is comes from

[1:52:43] that have to be from the state look Asian and us to determine us about how much come to see

[1:52:46] video. Okay. Whether we add additional, we don't any TV. >> As process, I don't recall

[1:52:55] anything that we must work with. Other departments. >> To tennis, from this form

[1:53:00] of te example working with housing stability, we were able to some program funds

[1:53:03] last year EJ program this year as we speak, that is a process that was fitting. Some fund is

[1:53:13] for more what solution is to support program. So that's how we do to come to Portage.

[1:53:19] Thank you. >> Okay. Commissioners thank Madam Chair. I just have a

[1:53:24] question about this, too, because are we? Is this helpful information for us in

[1:53:33] terms getting tough? And so because they have strict guidelines are ready to end a

[1:53:40] criteria, right? So 100 people can apply but may not be eligible and then up Mr

[1:53:46] Percent. Right? that's I'm asking like, is this how how how has the state up and

[1:53:50] helpful to your department? >> But a quick question, commissioner, Sol that high

[1:53:58] program from county or the con is don't have any flexibility to change the policies and

[1:54:04] vote for. We do. However, the 10 men above the 50 Quincy, the defense about how you want

[1:54:09] use up indication. We able to divine and to put the pause lifted. Weighs G

[1:54:23] >> your because the way that, you know, the system is set up. Anyone that apply

[1:54:28] football. But system they have to use for a combined that the commission for it is a

[1:54:33] question on the combine of the commission that I ask do you have to manage is and people

[1:54:39] come in to us when they need food, when the new health could with the need of the

[1:54:42] services. Yes, this emergency. >> But emergency but program policy. It's someone's using

[1:54:46] that hole. Someone who's facing Cano utility shut off. That is what divine so most

[1:54:54] people who check yes for may not be needed up to eat program that we do. So this

[1:55:01] megill focuses on how much we used for housing emergency basis to know how many people

[1:55:06] applied. If that mixes. >> And what I what I'm getting at, who is? They have to meet

[1:55:17] specific criteria ready sell. >> Should and shouldn't the data that we're looking for is

[1:55:27] >> of the eligible applicants? How many are reprocessing? So proving.

[1:55:36] >> idea that we have folks in with the housing stability to, to hold that people maintain

[1:55:40] that housing is one image bid to portion for you and program. There are many of

[1:55:48] people can apply for images, assistance adjusted now has message S a.

[1:55:53] >> And up to the city's a damaged boat. this only folks who form this part all housing

[1:55:59] is to put it to because this pie, too times. The county 52 fight over to them. If people

[1:56:05] have the stability that house. >> Okay. Commissioner following up, my question was

[1:56:15] very similar to that, wich is host trying to figure out what this is actually measuring. Is

[1:56:19] it? >> The population of folks who are coming in the needs that

[1:56:22] they have. And then this is just reflecting that since the requirements are pretty

[1:56:28] prescribed. Or I guess I'm right there with Commissioner John. I'm not really sure

[1:56:33] except for measuring maybe how we're educating on which box to fill so that the number of

[1:56:38] people who felt who protect that box or I guess I don't really quite understand how

[1:56:41] this is helpful. I'm just curious if I mean, maybe I'm just not. I think I'm in the

[1:56:46] same forward. If this is just saying of the people who apply. These are people who

[1:56:51] met those requirements and those are prescribed. What information. And we gather

[1:56:56] from that that helps us improve our operational excellence.

[1:57:02] >> 1, one we wanted communicate, hit his home and people this state funded

[1:57:07] programs tat time to come missus, supporting succumb to this event to meet to maintain

[1:57:12] that housing. So this is tied to the housing instability. This is tied preventing

[1:57:17] homelessness. This is tied people as long a tenant would be so that what we attempt to

[1:57:25] measure is how people remaining in that if they don't get this fund is then,

[1:57:27] know, then it tool these table and it may using that housing stupid.

[1:57:37] >> I won't belabor the questions. I'm still vote where I was when we started.

[1:57:40] But will find a later. Yeah, >> So will the divide look a bit above is to be more

[1:57:50] careful. Newcomb ahead. To folks. It's been fixing and about two-thirds formation.

[1:58:04] While improving all for performance measures and strengthening the distance, 6

[1:58:11] all part artists include investing in a blue Nissan dealership. More than dozen to

[1:58:16] operations within what you can control fun in county and community partnerships,

[1:58:22] building the continuous improvement mindset. >> We most the whole system

[1:58:30] cold services so we withstand upcoming for that. All policy and fiscal changes in Ottawa.

[1:58:36] >> Some of these changes developing. But we know there was increased workload,

[1:58:42] complexity and he's going vote. I wanted to recognize or if it's stuff. They continue

[1:58:51] serve from succumbing to dissidents wide managing complex needs. demanding will

[1:58:55] goats and continuous policy changes. The brokers collect it in. This measure is direct

[1:59:01] result. hope that the Russian isn't resilience and commitment to public service.

[1:59:09] We'll continue to do continue using measures. Tough guy physician is students and

[1:59:14] accountability and improve the expedience of Ramsey County residents. Thank you.

[1:59:25] >> Commissioner I think I just have a question more or less for maybe you county manager.

[1:59:28] If there's some confusion around this performance measure, can we maybe change

[1:59:33] the performance by that measure and have one that's that shows us maybe what we're

[1:59:39] looking for. You know, if this performance measures not very useful, let's change it.

[1:59:45] >> Thank you, Commissioner Miller. We can have those conversations. Let's talk

[1:59:49] about maybe what they're trying to achieve maybe it's description problem or maybe

[1:59:54] it actually is. It's more. Kind telling a story that we're not articulating well.

[2:00:01] So let's talk about that with our policy team and we'll figure that out. So thank you.

[2:00:05] Appreciate that. And and to be clear, Ali has a financial assistance. annual report.

[2:00:11] There's a lot of other measures on. So 3 measures are out for all the departments is

[2:00:15] not indicative. All the measures that they have. We generally tried to carry 3

[2:00:20] that told kind of a unique story in particular, especially around strategic

[2:00:24] priorities. But if you go on open data portal, click on either department or the

[2:00:28] strategic priorities, there's a multitude of stories and some departments have annual

[2:00:33] reports that makes sense. thank you. All right. So I just want to thank you.

[2:00:36] Director the alley managed it and wanting feel each of presentation.

[2:00:48] >> I have one question really only pertains I'm not even going to say 10. It is. We

[2:00:51] tracking. >> How many folks? Wi? Fall off rolls into next We

[2:01:03] planning to track that in any way. >> commission do and child

[2:01:11] yeah, okay. So this is a state and in addition to to this to continue said this in Menifee

[2:01:19] that his team waiting for them to see to provide us many people would be up We have

[2:01:24] estimate. >> About home when ad but in system would be inducted. But

[2:01:29] then a different program said that is that a suspect in and closest not, you know, vote.

[2:01:36] So we do have this to me. The ball home people would be impacted by snow program. The

[2:01:40] 7 POWs in. >> People that would be enough to the post changes but Holmen

[2:01:45] to people when the system. We don't have that. Did it. Yeah. I think it's important -

[2:01:53] that we no. Because that's how we're going to tell the impact. so, and we can work

[2:02:05] more on that. But I think it's important in this environment that we have a handle on. I

[2:02:11] know that some states. And counties as Many starter reporting back. looking at

[2:02:19] anything from 20 to 50% reductions reduction. So I mean that that's devastating

[2:02:28] in Manatee County. >> So, commissioner, some states that have start

[2:02:34] implementing a child at the time the and they have voted to seeing, you know, the

[2:02:38] changes. So Minnesota, for example, a medical assistant change will not have been on 2

[2:02:41] June 2027. So those are the times that we start to see that and it's significant to.

[2:02:48] But but I want >> You know, I just don't want I'm not looking for a

[2:02:56] simplistic. And so I don't know what to say uses. That's number one. So shouldn't be.

[2:03:02] If we had 100 last year and this year, we of we have 50. So to say we lost 50 folks is

[2:03:11] I want to go beyond that. I want to know what are the areas. We're losing them in.

[2:03:19] Because we could be against also was and other areas where investing. what's the story?

[2:03:27] What you need to be able see where we are. >> Building up in the to that

[2:03:33] point. If 50, if we went from 100 to 50, I would want to know is that because we were

[2:03:41] successful then in other areas. So there they're actual economic opportunity said

[2:03:46] lifted. And that was and they've succeeded in that Or was it that we have cut them

[2:03:52] off from benefits because of new eligibility requirements or and this is what I'm very

[2:03:57] concerned about or different to shuttle administrative burdens or ambiguity or other

[2:04:04] barriers. >> Where people are just able to keep up with the type of

[2:04:11] try The is Alana and I want learn that. Yeah, and I want to in in in to be able to know

[2:04:16] the impacts where where else we should be advising or other community partners who are.

[2:04:20] That's because those needs will still be there. And what does that mean for for a

[2:04:24] greater system? >> yeah, I just want put another pin into like the

[2:04:34] question that Commissioner Jeff Dunn saying and I had this because I'm just a little

[2:04:39] bit perplexed about it, too, because I know that we have restrictions around

[2:04:42] emergencies, we one of our goals around holistic support to write a residence, entered

[2:04:52] holistic support, meaning that like people are identified to us that they have an

[2:04:56] emergency. But even though it doesn't fall under the county programs, are we actively

[2:05:01] working with partners to get them to that resource? Right. that's that's a better measure

[2:05:07] for a sound like that, we control that. I think that it would be more helpful for i

[2:05:14] missing in and gets back to my earlier question of did we did we answer their question. Are

[2:05:18] we get them the help they needed his sometimes the answering the question is 95%.

[2:05:22] We said yes. Here is your local provider. >> In the follow-up is and

[2:05:27] where they actually able to get the help they needed. All right. So just want to thank

[2:05:33] you. Very good questions. You hopefully we can get to a place where we can get Oz is

[2:05:38] that the commissioners are asking. >> All right. So that you can

[2:05:42] nice story. See where where we are and where we're going. And I just want to end by the

[2:05:48] connector prformance measures and a strategic outlook in just highlight. You know,

[2:05:53] summarize that last point, if you talked about which is improving, what think counties

[2:06:00] department's control. And influencing what is in state in federal control. And so we

[2:06:08] end with that that there's more work to do apartments to be made in. I think together

[2:06:14] we make a Thank you for your work and your leadership. Thank Thank Gift. We're going

[2:06:20] to take a 2 minute break and then we'll come back after the break to work. workforce

[2:06:25] solutions.

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[2:18:12] >> 10 >> tiny Dolly, you know, wear pink. And the FA says sure

[2:18:14] it's next week or Want to gavel is back Want to welcome direct Davis from Workforce

[2:18:24] Solutions >> and so if you don't mind introducing yourself and you

[2:18:30] can thank you. >> Good afternoon. Chair commissioners, County mnager

[2:18:35] and members of the public. My name is Patrice Davis. Director of Workforce

[2:18:40] Solutions. Thank you for the opportunity to share the workforce solutions

[2:18:45] performance measures aligned to the 26 27 Budget. Today's presentation will highlight

[2:18:51] the Workforce Solutions Department measures that will improve outcomes for residents

[2:18:53] and the efforts we will put in place to achieve them in partnership with departments

[2:18:58] across the county and in communities. Before we begin, I would like to take the

[2:19:04] opportunity to thank the individuals that have contributed to the development

[2:19:07] of the measures being presented today. County manager back or deputy County

[2:19:14] Manager Francois Director of Administration, friend. And the community services and

[2:19:20] supports admin team and multiple workforce solutions, staff and partners, including

[2:19:25] our Workforce Solutions. Deputy Director Joseph at IMG Workforce Solutions, Planning

[2:19:29] manager Michelle ballots and our workforce solutions evaluator. Kelly, I move

[2:19:35] American Indian administrator Nicole be in and each of you. The county's board of

[2:19:41] commissioners for continued support investment in workforce services. Workforce

[2:19:51] Solutions in partnership with the Workforce. Innovation Board of Ramsey County

[2:19:55] provides pograms and services to connect residents to jobs and strengthen the eonomic

[2:19:59] vitality of residents and businesses, our departments. There's 2 distinct groups, job

[2:20:04] seekers and employers. He programs and services offered to residents include the

[2:20:11] Minnesota Family Investment set Employment Services, Workforce, Innovation and

[2:20:16] Opportunity Act programs, Minnesota, dislocated worker program, career force and

[2:20:22] community career Labs services are provided in person and virtually and are designed to

[2:20:28] assist with job placement. Credential, attainment and support services to reduce

[2:20:32] barriers to employment and connect residents with in demand high wage employment

[2:20:37] opportunities. Businesses and employers also gain support connecting to our lure local

[2:20:43] workforce to Ramsey County means business. The county's business focus website as well

[2:20:48] as the inclusive workplace cohort. Midway job fair youth job fair and other events

[2:20:55] provided annually as we continue to prioritize the services that we are currently

[2:21:00] providing. We are also realistic about the impacts of HR one as well as shrinking

[2:21:03] state grant funds. But we remain optimistic that the performance measures you will

[2:21:09] hear about today will demonstrate how as a department we remain invested

[2:21:13] and committed to improving the conditions for all residents. Workforce solutions,

[2:21:23] performance measures were developed. Collaboratively to tell a story of how our

[2:21:26] department is advancing board investments, reducing fiscal pressures and improving

[2:21:31] outcomes for residents to ensure that as a department, we demonstrate the impact of

[2:21:36] our work on residents work on residents. We have made considerable data improvements

[2:21:41] to ensure that we are consistently tracking and reporting employment outcomes

[2:21:45] across workforce programs by tracking employment. We will be able to demonstrate whether

[2:21:52] residents are experiencing greater economic sufficiency. We believe the for measures

[2:21:56] presented today were also enhance accountability and transparency in overall

[2:22:01] program performance and county investments. Workforce solutions performance at a

[2:22:07] combined with Comprehensive program evaluation and surveys to gather participant fedback

[2:22:13] on sure that we are providing quality services and positive resident experiences.

[2:22:18] Additionally, these measures will create transparency. What is working and where

[2:22:21] improvements can be made. The 4 measures listed on this slide aigned with county

[2:22:28] strategic priorities alongside goals outlined in state, regional and local workforce

[2:22:32] development plans. The first measure percentage participants exited to

[2:22:43] employment alliance with the county's racial and health equity and shared community

[2:22:46] power. Strategic priority and demonstrates whether the county is helping residents

[2:22:52] that transition off of assistance into employment. Employment is among the most

[2:22:57] important is is among one of the most important indicators of success for employment and

[2:23:01] training programs such as M Fit and is essential to reducing economic disparities

[2:23:07] annually. More than 60% of participants in Ramsey County are from black, indigenous and

[2:23:12] people of color. Communities. And on average, only 40% of bipoc participants. Transition

[2:23:19] from dams that program into employment with number again. 60% the participants in Ramsey

[2:23:27] County are from Bipoc communities and 40% transition from end to that program into

[2:23:33] employment. As shown in the demographics on this slide, African-American and American

[2:23:42] Indian employment tends to be lower compared to other racial ethnic groups. And when

[2:23:46] further broken down compared to Al and Tipper sippy ends these outcomes because become

[2:23:50] more disparate, which is why employment amongst these 2 groups remains a priority.

[2:23:55] Focus for workforce solutions. this one of the county's largest programs impacting

[2:24:01] residents. Currently, we have approximately 3,000 families actively working with

[2:24:06] employment counselors on both our internal into teams, along with a vendor partners and the

[2:24:11] county's public health department. In 2027. We will closely track comes at the

[2:24:18] employment for all participants as well as for African-American and American

[2:24:22] Indian residents to reduce racial employment gaps and to support residents in

[2:24:26] transitioning off of them to it and into self-sufficiency. The goals for this measure

[2:24:32] have been set based on average annual performance outcomes over the last 5 years have

[2:24:37] been adjusted to ensure that we are realistic that they are realistic and attainable

[2:24:41] within the current service delivery model. The second measure percentage of families

[2:24:54] engaged in and holes, holistic family, support services aligns with residents entered

[2:24:59] holistic support, aligns with the residents entered holistic support, strategic priority

[2:25:04] and shows whether families are accessing comprehensive supports designed to address

[2:25:09] barriers to employment and family stability. And 5th family. Holistic support

[2:25:14] services is a holistic approach to serving families on and fit by integrating

[2:25:18] career pathways with well-being and support services. Workforce solutions

[2:25:23] alongside a network of community partners provide culturally responsive support

[2:25:27] at locations in Saint Paul and suburban Ramsey County, ensuring families have the

[2:25:32] tools they need to achieve financial independence and thrive. In 2025. We had the

[2:25:37] opportunity to facilitate a board workshop alongside public health to feature the

[2:25:42] positive impacts the services and additional career pathways have an increasing employment

[2:25:48] and financial stability for him families facing significant barriers. Since

[2:25:53] that workshop, additional investments to American RESCUE Plan Act funds have ended.

[2:25:57] However, both workforce solutions and public health continue to work together to

[2:26:01] provide these services using 10 of consolidated grant funds. The grant dollars

[2:26:07] continue to provide wages and cover support services such as tuition costs, professional

[2:26:12] clothing and transportation to families participating in holistic family supports

[2:26:18] programming. In addition to individual employment outcomes for families on and fit

[2:26:24] tracking family, holistic support services will help us assess him better understand

[2:26:29] the extent to which these services positively impact and families as they work towards

[2:26:33] transitioning from him, fit into employment and ultimately achieving financial stability.

[2:26:40] services are designed to empower participants to take charge of their personal

[2:26:44] development, economic stability, and build a more connected community. Family,

[2:26:49] holistic support services, support American Indian, African-American and families

[2:26:53] with documented disabilities who are receiving and fit enough. It's. To provide the

[2:26:59] specialized services in 2026. Funds were awarded through a competitive RFP process to

[2:27:06] hired the network for the development of children of African descent and cad and

[2:27:10] the American Indian Family Center. By partnering with community-based organizations.

[2:27:16] The county is intentionally responding to the cultural needs residents and ensuring

[2:27:20] that employment services are rooted in traditional values and needs to to meet the

[2:27:25] unique needs of these populations. The goals for this measure have been set

[2:27:30] based on the average annual performance outcomes over the last 5 years and have been

[2:27:35] adjusted to ensure that they are realistic and attainable within the current service

[2:27:39] delivery model and grant allocations coming directly from the state. Synergy you

[2:27:50] highlighted some of the specific groups in our intentions to meet their

[2:27:54] needs. Some wondering if you could be more specific on. >> The what types of

[2:27:58] significant barriers are being addressed through a more holistic approach to helping

[2:28:05] families yet. >> The partnerships that we are commissioner different

[2:28:08] saying that the partnerships that we've established with CAD and American Indian Family

[2:28:14] Center as well as hired are providing direct services to those unique groups. They are

[2:28:20] addressing the specific needs by providing mental health services, transportation

[2:28:26] supports child care assistance other culturally responsive needs of each of those

[2:28:31] communities. For example, mid CAD has apparent power literacy program and is

[2:28:36] integrating more of the personal development aspects needed for folks to be

[2:28:40] successful in employment and in life alongside American Indian Family Cnter doing

[2:28:48] specific services that identify work skills beyond kind of the traditional

[2:28:52] aspects that we see showing up through our partnership with deed and looking at some of

[2:28:57] the ways that social emotional learning and community connectedness can help to

[2:29:03] support individuals in both entering into jobs and retaining employment as well

[2:29:08] when they feel kind connected and supported in their work and in community. Thank you

[2:29:15] for that. one of the reasons why I wanted to to to get into some of those specifics,

[2:29:18] specifics is because I am. >> quite concerned about the impacts that we've been

[2:29:24] talking about. HR one on our and on the caregivers throughout our community, the

[2:29:28] folks who take care of of a family and can informally. It's not part of their

[2:29:32] necessarily paid work. But as those needs and community grow, it will become another

[2:29:38] barrier to to to folks who are in those roles to to participate in a more

[2:29:45] formalized work network. So I appreciate that. Their programs like that that may be

[2:29:48] helping families address some of those barriers to to work as well.

[2:29:57] >> Can you share for us what with me? >> The numbers in red. chair

[2:30:05] the numbers and identify the goals that we've set. So for 2028 2030, when we're looking

[2:30:11] at the percent of families engaged in an FIP whole family support services that just

[2:30:16] highlights the goals that we hope to achieve in 28 2030 over the next few years. And

[2:30:23] then the racial ethnicity or disaggregated data percentages highlighted in red are the

[2:30:29] goals that we hope to achieve in serving those specific populations who are receiving

[2:30:33] holistic support services and making sure that reaching those with the greatest cases

[2:30:39] like increase. Yes, the morning to tunnel. Yes, support.

[2:30:47] >> Commissioner McGuire, did you? Madam Chair? So, yeah, just some clarity. So that on

[2:30:51] page before that the percent participants employed this is an increase or and this is

[2:31:00] just like when we say 2% and 4%. is that the total people that we want employed or is

[2:31:06] that the is an increase? mean, really is it that? We're not? We're not employing very many

[2:31:16] people. might. And I read these numbers correctly. >> I mean, this is a is it and

[2:31:24] thinking that that's the goal of this program is to get people up and out and

[2:31:26] employment is issue. As you know, so that this is mean, I know we want we want achieve

[2:31:34] goal goals and we'll keep improving on these. But it's a yeah, they're pretty is a

[2:31:42] pretty standard for this for that to be this. This low. And pretty surprised actually.

[2:31:49] Commissioner of wire. >> Just to clarify this measure, there a slight type O

[2:31:57] so percent of Minnesota family investment program participants exited t

[2:32:03] employment. So there is a higher percentage of individuals on and who are

[2:32:08] employed while receiving and that services either working part-time or full-time. This

[2:32:13] measure is really designed to track those who have exited set pools in com no longer

[2:32:20] allows them to be eligible that. The U.S. demonstrating how many individuals are

[2:32:27] actually entering into sustainable employment to achieve self-sufficiency.

[2:32:32] >> That is ultimately kind of our north star of employment serve and employment services

[2:32:37] and making sure that folks are not dependent uon and benefits long term but are

[2:32:42] entering into economic stability. So the numbers here are flat. They're not looking.

[2:32:48] We're not looking at a significant increase due to some of the factors that will

[2:32:53] talk about in a moment related to funding as well as some of the policy changes, but rather

[2:32:58] for us to be able to maintain and to continue to provide that individual lies and kind

[2:33:04] of holistic approach to helping folks transition off of benefits different. Yeah, I

[2:33:11] appreciate that. That that clarification and what this is looking at because

[2:33:15] >> people on him are are working and maybe we had higher minimum wage for some

[2:33:18] of these people. You know, they could exit off some of these programs, but they they

[2:33:24] can't afford their child care, their housing and everything and live on a small You know,

[2:33:26] it's just too much so to exit off and with requires a lot of things to happen, but it's

[2:33:34] really this systemic. equities we have and how much people make and how much cost to it.

[2:33:41] To have to, you know, support a family. so it's yeah, a number of these people are

[2:33:50] working and fund them fit and that's just to pay. I the jobs able to support them.

[2:33:57] Commissioner Miller. I see run this page to to we'd already to the next side because I

[2:34:07] don't want it I moved back to you move So I think we get you immunity you passionate. Make

[2:34:10] so. >> A couple questions on this live right here. Do we know

[2:34:17] when we talked like the American families are the African American families. And

[2:34:21] you can see how that number is goes up and down a little. Do we know are these families

[2:34:25] that have been on the program for multi years and are now just utilizing the whole

[2:34:29] family support and then also. >> Does this work tie-in to the work that we're doing with

[2:34:35] our family coaching programs that that we are supporting as well because I know like the

[2:34:40] American Indian family centers on a partner with the economic mobility have that is

[2:34:43] supporting the family coaching and curious if that overlaps or ties in somehow.

[2:34:51] >> Thanks for that question. Commissioner Miller, this is just tracking specifically

[2:34:57] those participants who are actively engaged in the Family support services programming.

[2:35:03] There is intersection with some of the other programs that you've named. But we

[2:35:07] haven't been tracking that explicitly within this performance measure. And I

[2:35:11] absolutely can provide additional data and follow up on kind of the number of

[2:35:16] individuals who >> are engaged in this program as well as others who might be

[2:35:21] receiving some 5th in accessing additional pograms to have And then one thing I

[2:35:25] do want to just name and just say are. >> I know that for the Native

[2:35:29] American community, I can said partner with American Indian Family Center, but

[2:35:34] >> have there been other agencies interested in holding that contractor, that similar

[2:35:36] contract and why we only partner with one? I understand that they've held that

[2:35:41] contract for many years. just curious is what does that look like going forward?

[2:35:49] >> Yeah, thank you for that question. Commissioner >> the selection of the

[2:35:56] partners for this specific service, element is selected through and go through an open

[2:36:02] process and competitive bid and then they are awarded after kind of a comprehensive

[2:36:08] evaluation process. It is open to any organization that is interested in applying and

[2:36:13] going through that. And each year we have selected based on variety of different criteria.

[2:36:20] And so it's kind of who emerges with kind of the opportunity to serve based on

[2:36:26] what that application asking of partners to deliver. It is possible that in the future

[2:36:32] could be awarded to other organizations. We've seen that happen with other partnerships

[2:36:37] as well. So it's not a matter of awarding because they've been a longstanding partner.

[2:36:40] It's the competitive process. It's election. >> Perfect. And I think that

[2:36:49] question is I have killer. I county as response to want question. Yeah, thank Madam

[2:36:53] Chair. And I just want to acknowledge I know we talked about some of the

[2:36:56] transformative investments we've made with our American Rescue Plan Act that we sort

[2:37:00] of carried over into our kind of operation allies into are 2027 budget because we see

[2:37:08] them expiring here at of 2026. one of them is the family coach model. And we as part of

[2:37:16] biennial budget, we did put over half a million dollars into family coach. I

[2:37:21] understand that there's reduced funding. You know, happening in the end program.

[2:37:26] But I'd just to encourage the department to work closely since this is a mandated

[2:37:32] program. We recognize the value whole family supports and see that, you know, it is

[2:37:38] the wraparound services that can help a family stay employed. And I do think this

[2:37:44] is one of those cases and those of you should have a workshop actually, because

[2:37:48] it's been a long time and look at some of the sport index and some of that. But I also think

[2:37:54] this is one of those programs that hasn't really changed since like, you know, when we

[2:37:58] kind of started sort of a income support programs, you know, cash assistance and this

[2:38:05] is I have a lot of feelings about this program, but it's kind of do does what the

[2:38:07] system kind of does in terms holding people back. And it's really things like family

[2:38:13] coach, that kind of re engineer the system to really think about what families need

[2:38:18] because they need less government and more community. And that's what the family

[2:38:23] coach model really is designed to do. I will say that one of the toughest things about this

[2:38:28] program, you know, in terms I think what you are thank Commissioner Miller's. These

[2:38:32] are folks that are still on the program. It's a 5. people can be on it for 5 years. They

[2:38:35] can come on and off. I the real difficult thing is, you know, once you start getting

[2:38:42] progress and making more money, you know, that benefits Cliff is very real. And so

[2:38:47] there've been lots of conversations about hi how that can be rate. We

[2:38:51] engineered. I mean, one of those things is to ensure you have that. Yeah, when you

[2:38:56] actually finally get threshold where you're you're stably employed, you finally have

[2:39:00] your kids in child care. The government sort comes out from under you. And this is where

[2:39:06] maybe community could be beneficial, right? And so we see in that union hub. Thank

[2:39:13] Union hub. The value of family coaching families for life is our African-American family

[2:39:19] coats. I just encourage chase that you continue to work with that investment because while

[2:39:24] you're finding is going down, we did put significant money and family coach and that you

[2:39:30] don't directly aligned with this family program. If that makes Let's keep that calm.

[2:39:33] But I'm glad you brought it up. gve me a moment to call out that 227 investment

[2:39:38] because that is pretty significant that that was another thing. We operation

[2:39:43] allies, really? we only operation a few things that would you know in 27. It was

[2:39:49] appropriate response. And then this was really the other really big ones. I wanted

[2:39:51] highlight that for the board. country. Thank you, Madam Chair. I want to go quickly to

[2:39:59] the >> slot on. That's 23. I know we talked a lot about climb

[2:40:09] and the the the really low numbers for American Indian African American, but also

[2:40:13] want highlight significant drop 2024 2025. for the Hispanic community is is there

[2:40:19] any insights as to why we saw such a draw from a 25% to 7? >> Commissioner McMurtry.

[2:40:29] That's one that I would probably have to look into to kind of demonstrate their

[2:40:32] figure out kind of why those percentages have dropped pretty significantly from 24

[2:40:37] to 25. I don't have that data with me today, but we definitely could follow up

[2:40:40] with that. Thank you. all. Okay. Thank you. Madam Chair. >> We just go back to the

[2:40:51] percentage of Minnesota Family Investment program. Participants employed. And I

[2:40:57] just had question about, like, you know, just across the board, the percentage is

[2:41:01] really low. And ae we like new employment that they have from participating in the

[2:41:10] program. >> Commissioner we do track multiple kind of factors of

[2:41:18] employment entering into part-time or full-time employment, whether that's new

[2:41:22] or they've been in for a kind of the retention of ld be - employment for those on and

[2:41:29] 5th. You know, I think the data that's demonstrated here, it's intentional to kind of

[2:41:34] call this out because it is relatively low. And it's an area that we want to see

[2:41:38] improvements on. And so incrementally. >> We're committed to

[2:41:41] improving the number of people to exit into employment off 5th we're kind of moving in a

[2:41:49] direction by tracking this to demonstrate the direct connections to employment that

[2:41:53] those participants are having. Historically, you know, we've also had an opportunity to

[2:41:57] report out on kind of some of the other programs. And so we've we've kind of separated

[2:42:02] and fit from dislocated workers or some of our W Iowa data to to truly highlight

[2:42:08] where there's opportunities for growth to support residents to entering into

[2:42:14] employment. So the percentages here are our low and some that we aspire to improve over

[2:42:20] time. >> so this is participants who >> are not working.

[2:42:29] >> It's more. fit participants who have exited into employment, meaning there are

[2:42:34] no longer eigible fit because their income has exceeded the eligibility criteria. So there

[2:42:40] are separate measures for those who are fit and receiving those cash benefits

[2:42:44] and other services while also being employed. So we do have a higher percentage of that

[2:42:50] participants who are working. This is specifically those who are transitioning into

[2:42:56] economic stability. Okay, great. >> And do you have a number on

[2:43:01] this? Because the percentage is just really low and I just don't have a grasp how many

[2:43:05] total. >> Yeah, I can provide that us follow up as well. OK, thank

[2:43:11] you. >> All right, Commissioner Miller. And then make tree.

[2:43:15] >> Why were so on the slide? Do we participants that exited off they utilize training

[2:43:25] programs or other support services that we offered versus them utilizing, you

[2:43:29] know, career advancements on their own. If they're already working part-time or they were

[2:43:33] already in school for says, hey there, starting at 0, they got a job. They went to a

[2:43:39] training program, right? Do we have that type of data as well?

[2:43:43] >> Commissioner? Yes, we That's quick answer is again, 100% of individuals who are

[2:43:50] referred to 5th employment and services are receiving kind of high-tech supports and are

[2:43:57] assigned to an employment guidance counselor. That is a county employee who's

[2:44:03] providing ongoing support, setting goals with each individual around education

[2:44:09] and employment to help them achieve the goals that they're setting for themselves and

[2:44:13] their families. And then we also do connect those participants to programs and

[2:44:19] services that we are poviding directly through our contract funded partners as well as

[2:44:24] those are provided internal to the county and within the broader workforce ecosystem

[2:44:28] based on individual For example, you could have a participant who's interested

[2:44:33] in, you know, custom customer service training or is looking into go into an office

[2:44:39] assistant position. And so we could connect with them with another partner who's

[2:44:43] providing that training or employment counselors will be working with them directly to

[2:44:49] participate in that program, reduce any barriers that would prevent them from successfully

[2:44:52] achieving and completing that program. And then helping with the job search process as

[2:44:57] well. So they're getting that high touch kind of wrap around support from of coming into

[2:45:04] our program and then transitioning into employment and beyond.

[2:45:08] >> It's I just want to follow up and say I think that's an important part or an important

[2:45:12] piece that we try to communicate somehow during this budget season or even

[2:45:15] just going forward. Is that our participants that are on this program are some of these

[2:45:21] programs are employed. They are working hard to, you know, exit the program and use it

[2:45:26] how it's intended to be used and it's not abuse like you get a lot of that

[2:45:29] misinformation or that misconception that people utilizing these programs are

[2:45:33] using them. This is really important data. And I think it's really important that we

[2:45:38] somehow find a way to make sure we tell that story. also. >> Commissioner member Thank

[2:45:43] you. Madam Chair. How do we define economic stability? I ask that because, you know,

[2:45:53] folks who are, you own no longer qualifying for infant me.

[2:45:56] >> Hit a threshold where you maybe 15 economics economically stable. But we

[2:46:05] know that that may not still be Is there is there situation where we're still getting

[2:46:10] folks falling through of the system because they may be numerically Dean, economic,

[2:46:17] stable of reaching whatever threshold is set, but still, if I'm able to affords, you

[2:46:28] know, living, you know, and with that, the current cost of living in and parts of our

[2:46:33] community. So I I just want to get a little bit more understanding on what we mean

[2:46:39] by economic stability. And is that something that is set by us as the county is that by

[2:46:43] Minnesota statute and are we having issues? But people continue to fall through. not

[2:46:51] get the help that they need because they have now. >> Hit some. Arbitrary number.

[2:47:00] >> They question Commissioner I'm answering that honestly, economic stability is a

[2:47:05] subjective term and it is interpreted differently depending on, you know, the

[2:47:09] stakeholder partner and or individual who's receiving services. So I would I would

[2:47:16] respond to that by saying that for us economic stability is entering into employment.

[2:47:23] That's an in demand high wage industry or sector that allows for a person to maintain

[2:47:29] self-sufficiency about maintaining housing employment and other basic needs without

[2:47:34] the dependency of economic assistance programs and being able to maintain long-term.

[2:47:41] That is harder to achieve. And so I think what you've called out is really the benefits,

[2:47:45] cliff that we're really thinking about and constantly working to because it's a

[2:47:50] complex problem where we do have individuals who, by way of wages and earnings no

[2:47:56] longer are eligible for services, that it doesn't mean that they're economically

[2:48:01] stable, right? And so how do we did? I think a county manager back or called out,

[2:48:06] you know, how do we connect with our cmmunity organizations to continue to

[2:48:10] provide those wrap-around services when folks are no longer available, are eligible

[2:48:13] for economic assistance. But there may be other programs and services available to them

[2:48:19] to help maintain that self-sufficiency and economic stability beyond the programs

[2:48:22] that we provide at the county. >> Just to highlight some of positive impacts that these

[2:48:38] programs have been having this slide highlights the testimonials from saff and

[2:48:42] participants of the programs that have been integrated into set programming pull a sick

[2:48:48] family supports model and participants engaged in the work force, holistic family

[2:48:55] support small, receive cash assistance, which is temporary support for eligible pregnant

[2:49:00] women and low-income families with minor children. Most recipients participate in job

[2:49:06] training, education or other proof. Social service activities to help them gain

[2:49:10] skills and move toward long-term stability. Our employment counselors out

[2:49:15] offer personalized guidance, ensuring that individuals receiving assistance have the

[2:49:20] resources and support they need to achieve their career goals in 2026. Just to

[2:49:26] highlight again, we had an open RFP process that issued funds to some of those partner

[2:49:32] organizations mentioned earlier and the voice of residents has really

[2:49:37] contributed to the positive program improvements and enhance partnerships to ensure

[2:49:41] that each program participant receives high-quality services from staff. Additionally, our

[2:49:47] holistic family supports is a unique and offering that provides those additional

[2:49:53] opportunities for eligible participants that align again to their employment,

[2:49:58] individual employment and economic goals. I just want to briefly read one of the impact

[2:50:04] statements from are testimonials from one of our participants provided by one

[2:50:10] of individual placement support counselors EV is a single mother of 2, 6,

[2:50:15] year-old disabled twins while in the IPS program, she has earned her associate's degree

[2:50:23] from Century College and will be continuing her education at Saint Kate's this fall.

[2:50:28] >> She is working part-time while maintaining school and her children's doctor's

[2:50:31] appointments on a weekly basis and I just want to highlight that because those who are

[2:50:36] participating in this program, as I mentioned, have unique situations, both with their

[2:50:40] children and for themselves. And so being able to respond to some of those day-to-day

[2:50:45] needs while also maintaining employment addressing the complex medical needs of their

[2:50:49] children as well as themselves is a significant positive impact that these programs and

[2:50:55] services are having on families and they're able to achieve that independently.

[2:51:06] >> The 3rd measure percent of residents serviced at career labs from low-income Ramsey

[2:51:10] counties. Tat codes aligns with 2 of the county's strategic priorities,

[2:51:16] intergenerational wealth and economic justice as well as residents entered, holistic,

[2:51:20] supports this measure, advances these 2 priorities by demonstrating who is accessing

[2:51:25] walk in county workforce services and whether we are reaching residents in

[2:51:29] communities with greater economic needs while also supporting equitable access to

[2:51:35] community-based and clturally specific workforce services since its opening in March,

[2:51:41] the Saint Paul career forced location at Ramsey County Government Center has been one

[2:51:45] of the most use locations across the state and career forces are comprehensive

[2:51:50] one-stop center were county staff serve job seekers and employers alongside state

[2:51:56] staff. This location is open 5 days per week and is where we serve majority of our

[2:52:01] customers. In addition to the career Force location, the Workforce Solutions, Career

[2:52:06] Services team provides drop-in services at 2 aditional locations, Roseville Library

[2:52:11] and Maplewood Mall career Labs are adjacent to county service centers and provide those

[2:52:18] walk-in services and employment services to anyone in need. Measuring the percent

[2:52:23] of individuals from low income. ZIP codes allows the county to both assess who is

[2:52:27] accessing career labs and career force and to ensure that the services provided are

[2:52:33] reaching individuals with the greatest need in our community. Visit calls listed

[2:52:37] in the slider, those that were trapped in prior years. But do not include all low-income zip

[2:52:43] codes in Ramsey County. So it's not a comprehensive list low-income zip codes are

[2:52:48] classified by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development as

[2:52:53] having an area median income or household income of 80% or less for the geographic area

[2:52:59] or meets the income eligibility standards as determined by the commission

[2:53:02] are required for household to receive financial assistance from a federal state,

[2:53:08] municipal or utility pro administered. Utility program administered approved by the

[2:53:12] department. Adding this measure, along with others will also help with tracking

[2:53:20] residents who may be impacted by HR one work rules related to SNAP and Medicaid in

[2:53:25] partnership with the Department of Employment and Economic Development Deed as

[2:53:30] well as financial assistance services here at the county. We will monitor who is

[2:53:34] entering career lab locations to assess any emerging trends that could lead to service

[2:53:40] improvements for potential changes for those impacted by HR one work girls. The goals

[2:53:45] for this measure have been set based on again on the average annual performance outcome

[2:53:49] over the last 5 years and have been adjusted to ensure that they are realistic and

[2:53:55] attainable within the current service delivery model that combines both state and county

[2:54:01] methods for tracking participation at career force and across the county for a

[2:54:04] lab sites. Okay. >> Commissioner, given seen me just say that te hope is to

[2:54:11] have you 3.50, to have you to in by 4 o'clock because we have one more presentation to

[2:54:18] do so. Commissioner Jeff and I'll keep this quick I do appreciate the of Speckles

[2:54:27] that meet crrent grant dollars and your current >> Fulfilling the program. I

[2:54:32] guess the question I have is if administration's goal is to move people from the social

[2:54:39] safety net programs into a workforce, have you seen that dollars move from if they've

[2:54:44] been taken from this part this pot and put into workforce? But have you seen additional

[2:54:48] investments in such an activity? Commissioner joven saying now? Thank

[2:55:06] >> The 4th and final measure is the number of residents who complete the public pathways

[2:55:10] program and gain employment. If this measure aligns with the county's operational

[2:55:16] excellence strategic priority and demonstrates whether county investments lead to

[2:55:20] county jobs, public pathways has been a longstanding investment coordinated in

[2:55:25] partnership with HR to achieve the county's goal to complete talent, attraction and

[2:55:29] retention efforts demonstrating our one Ramsey County approach to building

[2:55:33] goals for this measure has - been set based on the average annual performance outcomes

[2:55:39] over the last 6 years and have been adjusted down slightly to account for the natural

[2:55:44] attrition within programs and increase funding that has resulted in an overall

[2:55:48] reduction of opportunities offered. Lastly, I'll just briefly mention looking ahead,

[2:56:00] workforce solutions will deploy. Upstream strategy is to identify tangible changes

[2:56:03] maintain existing services. These strategies include enhanced collaboration across

[2:56:10] departments leveraging existing funds to reduce financial pressures,

[2:56:15] community, Cabinet, collaboration and engagement, specifically within

[2:56:18] communities where we are seeing the most disparate economic outcomes for

[2:56:21] residents such as African-American, American Indian and family is that. In

[2:56:30] closing the workforce solutions performance measures presented, demonstrate how we

[2:56:34] are working to advance one Ramsey County connecting residents to employment,

[2:56:39] addressing barriers and providing culturally responsive services. Thank you

[2:56:43] again for your time at this time. A welcome, any and questions. All Any questions?

[2:56:51] >> All right. I think I quick >> And I going. A pile of leaves. All right. every so I

[2:57:15] want to welcome Director Here to speak Veterans Services. Please introduce yourself the

[2:57:22] seat. >> Thank you. Good afternoon. Chair Moran commissioners.

[2:57:30] County manager, backer and members of the public understand harassed and the

[2:57:32] directors of Veterans Services. Tank you for the opportunity to present today.

[2:57:37] begin. I want to recognize Deputy County manager France fall. All In a state of

[2:57:41] Director David Seth friends, a program evaluated Josephson close. He's probably gone now.

[2:57:48] And of course, our Veterans Services team Nrcs esteem for their support feedback and

[2:57:53] partnership for preparing to these for presentation. Also want to thank the board county

[2:58:00] manager Becker for your continued investment into Veterans Services and thank

[2:58:04] the veterans and the families who trust us to serve them. Today. I'll be sharing 3

[2:58:10] performance measures that help us answer 3 questions. New residents know about us and

[2:58:15] our they accessing our services. Are they receiving the services they need when

[2:58:18] they reach us and are w helping them take steps toward access and the benefits they

[2:58:24] burned through military service? Throughout the presentation. You're going

[2:58:28] hear me use the word residents and I'm referring to veterans. We serve surviving spouses and

[2:58:36] eligible dependents. I'll start with a brief overview of Veterans Services in our rule

[2:58:39] in Ramsey County. So under Minnesota Law, veteran services is a Ramsey County.

[2:58:46] Local researchers are helping eligible residents, access benefits and resources earned

[2:58:51] through military service. Our role includes helping residents navigate, understand

[2:58:57] and apply for federal state, local benefits such as disability compensation and

[2:59:02] pension. Health care enrollment survivor and burial benefits. Property tax

[2:59:10] programs like the disabled Veterans Market value exclusion, housing, resources

[2:59:14] and other benefits. Veterans also come to us dealing with justice involvement, financial

[2:59:20] hardship or other barriers. And we across systems to address those alongside their

[2:59:27] benefits needs. But our work goes beyond a single benefit or an application. Veterans

[2:59:32] may come to us with needs that crossed multiple systems. Families system to do that.

[2:59:42] Thank you. we work across systems to address those alongside their benefits. I

[2:59:49] lost my spot. We provide services in several ways through in-person, which is

[2:59:58] that Plato and Army Service Center phone virtually through home visits and community

[3:00:04] partner, locations. So residents have multiple ways to connect with us. With that

[3:00:09] overview, a move to the our 3 performance measures today's presentation. So on the slide

[3:00:19] year, 3 performance measures we intentionally selected these 3 measures because

[3:00:24] together they reflect the residence journey Veterans Services. They follow a simple

[3:00:30] progression our residents finding us are they receiving the services they need? And

[3:00:37] are they taking action toward access scene and earned benefit? Each measure connects

[3:00:41] to a Ramsey County strategic priority. Together, they help us understand whether county

[3:00:45] investments and staffing outreach training technology and service delivery are

[3:00:53] leading to better access service, quality and outcomes. For those we serve. They also

[3:00:59] hold us accountable by showing what is working and where we still have opportunities to

[3:01:03] grow and improve. The first step in that journey is access our first performance measure

[3:01:12] focuses on equitable access by looking at percentage of residents who connected with

[3:01:17] our office for the first time. We previously tracked, the total number of residents are

[3:01:24] and that told us about her work But it didn't tell us whether we're continuing to

[3:01:27] reach veterans and families. have not used our services. In 2025. 27% of the residents we

[3:01:39] were new to our office lightly below the 2020 to 24 average of 29%. Our goal is to return

[3:01:44] to 29% by 2028. increase that to 31% by 2030. But this measure isn't simply about

[3:01:53] getting more people through our doors. helps us understand again, he's finding us how

[3:02:00] they're finding us and what happens after that first connection. New residents

[3:02:05] learned about her office through other veterans and families. Word of mouth is

[3:02:09] probably are primary referral source. We learn they learn about us through other county

[3:02:17] departments, community in veteran organizations and outreach activities. These

[3:02:20] multiple pathways matter because when veterans don't because veterans don't all

[3:02:24] enter the system in the same way. Awareness also matters because having benefits

[3:02:31] available doesn't mean veterans know that they're eligible. Understand how to

[3:02:37] navigate a complex system or know where to for trustworthy assistance. Some of the most

[3:02:42] heartbreaking conversations we have. I with veterans are surviving spouses who paid an

[3:02:47] organization sometimes thousands of dollars for claims assistance that's

[3:02:52] available through our office at no cost. That is how this measure connects to racial

[3:02:58] health equity and shared community power for U.S. equity isn't simply making the

[3:03:05] service available. It means understanding whether veterans across our community can

[3:03:07] actually find it and access it. Available. Demographic data has limitations,

[3:03:14] particularly for veteran populations with smaller numbers. We use it as one

[3:03:20] tool, not as proof that we've achieved equitable access. It's to help ask who we are

[3:03:28] reaching, who we still may be missing and where outreach or community writ relationships

[3:03:33] need to be strengthened. And good example of our recent work veterans of the Secret

[3:03:40] War in Laos. Also known as special drill unit veterans. Recent Minnesota legislation

[3:03:48] Laish an established access to state veterans benefits for eligible SU veterans through

[3:03:53] targeted outreach. Community partnerships, a claims clinic. We've helped Ramsey County

[3:03:59] veterans and to understand their new eligibility and navigate the process to access

[3:04:04] those benefits. We're also learning first connection doesn't always result in a

[3:04:10] benefit application. And that doesn't mean the the interaction was unsuccessful.

[3:04:16] Some applied for disability compensation, other VA benefits. Others needed help

[3:04:22] researching and existing claim connecting with other with another organization. Better

[3:04:28] position to meet their immediate needs. Ultimately, the vlue of this measure is

[3:04:33] not simply the percentage of new residents served. It's whether we're creating

[3:04:38] multiple pathways into veteran services and connecting each resident to the right support

[3:04:42] for their situation. Going forward. We'll continue strengthening referral

[3:04:48] pathways and community relationships and improving how we document what happens

[3:04:52] after the first connection. But access only the first step. residents reach us. Are

[3:05:00] they receiving the services they need? All right. Commissioner Jeff is saying,

[3:05:10] yeah, I just wanted to thank you for the outreach in the education that you do too.

[3:05:17] >> Allow veterans their families and survivors who know what they're eligible

[3:05:21] for, what they have earned to their amazing service to our country before working at the

[3:05:28] county. I provided adult older adult services to the white Bear Lake area schools and one

[3:05:33] of the we provided educational the time when the VA benefit person for Manatee County

[3:05:38] would come. It was wonderful time for those individuals collect. And even if they were

[3:05:43] here about potential things that they might be able to access in the future, be able

[3:05:47] to realize that perhaps the role they served years and years ago was now the reason

[3:05:52] for hearing loss and that those expensive hearing AIDS would be of the available and

[3:05:56] help through services. And also because you are partnering with our local

[3:06:01] service organizations, if there was something that wasn't part of their VA

[3:06:04] benefits because they were their own benefits person are a person who was guiding

[3:06:10] people to the local resources was able to give them additional This work has been

[3:06:13] going on for a while. also want to say that that locally being able to have the you

[3:06:20] come out to the Maplewood Service Center and different places like that has really

[3:06:24] helped. I had an individual just very recently asking about burial services at Fort

[3:06:31] Snelling and before I could even get back to him, he had done something from from the

[3:06:35] our office is reminding them of services. He was able to go into the Maplewood Mall in

[3:06:38] like within a couple of days. He got what he needed. And that's really what we're

[3:06:42] hoping for. So I just want to thank you so much for for that type of outreach. It's really

[3:06:47] important. >> So this prformance measure. So our second measure

[3:07:01] tracks the percentage of veterans who report they received at the services they

[3:07:03] need. In 2025. We change this measure from general resident satisfaction to a more

[3:07:10] meaningful question. Did you receive the services? You need it? Because of that change

[3:07:17] 2025 establishes a new baseline. 96% of Veterans of survey respondents reported

[3:07:23] that they received the services they need. We're encouraged by that result. But

[3:07:30] we also want to hear from more residents increasing survey participation and using that

[3:07:36] feedback to improve responsiveness and the overall resident experience our

[3:07:41] priorities for us moving forward. This measure aligns with operational excellence

[3:07:48] for Veterans Services, operational excellence isn't simply completing transaction

[3:07:52] processing and application means providing knowledgeable, consistent response of service

[3:08:01] meeting that residents. These rarely happens in isolation. It's often the results of our

[3:08:06] staff coordinate indirectly with county, state and community partners, which is

[3:08:11] part of why we track this is a shared outcome, not a transaction. Benefits are

[3:08:18] complex and they often can change. So staff training and expertise are critical to

[3:08:23] providing residents with accurate guidance and effective assistance. That

[3:08:29] performance data gives only one view of the resident experience resident voice

[3:08:36] helped show bt receiving the services someone needed can actually mean in their life.

[3:08:41] So here's a quote from one of the veterans that we had served. So this veteran

[3:08:47] reached out while she and her son were at risk of losing their housing. stands out

[3:08:54] about her experiences? Not only that her immediate need was addressed how it happened.

[3:08:59] Veteran services staff and our county partners work together, stating communication with her

[3:09:04] and helped stabilize for housing. experience is powerful is a powerful example

[3:09:10] of what we mean when we asked whether residents Reeser received the services they

[3:09:14] need. And also reinforces that we don't do this work alone. Veterans often come to us

[3:09:21] managing several things at once. Housing, financial stability, healthcare and many

[3:09:28] other things previous work with and help them on this. Now as part the community

[3:09:32] services i sports, we've built strong relationships across county departments

[3:09:38] together with our community, state and federal partners. These relationships allow us

[3:09:43] to provide more coordinated resident Senate sport rather than expecting veterans and

[3:09:49] their families for NASA. multiple systems on their own. So those partnerships are

[3:09:56] particularly important in our work toward an effective and 2 veteran homelessness within

[3:10:00] the rant, a continuum of care. want clear pathways. So veterans who are experiencing

[3:10:08] or at risk of homelessness are identified early and connected to Veterans Services and the

[3:10:13] appropriate housing resources. That path labor works both ways partners connect veterans

[3:10:21] to us. And one a veteran comes to our office with the housing need. We can quickly connect

[3:10:26] them to a broader housing response. And what we want to address the immediate need

[3:10:30] that bring someone to us. We also want to identify benefits that may contribute to the

[3:10:36] residents, longer-term stability. And that brings us to our 3rd performance measure

[3:10:43] before you do with the Vols. I'm just wondering, have we reached 100% veteran

[3:10:45] homelessness? >> Say that one more time as reach the goal of 100% veteran

[3:10:54] homelessness. It's a great question. >> Chair Moran. So it's to

[3:10:59] reach 100% veteran to not be homeless. it's a matter of working together with our

[3:11:07] partners cross Ramsey County, which doing. So we have the homeless veteran registry and

[3:11:14] just because we reach effective into veteran homelessness doesn't mean

[3:11:19] veterans never going to be homeless again. That just means that we have put

[3:11:23] together a process where if someone comes into homelessness.

[3:11:30] >> They will have a pathway forward and out within 90 days. So there's certain.

[3:11:35] >> Benchmarks w have to meet in order to declare and effective in tow veteran

[3:11:40] homelessness. And we're very close, by the way, probably 4th quarter of 2026, but I can

[3:11:49] make from, Thank So very close Commissioner Thank you. Madam Chair.

[3:11:56] >> Going back to the the percentage of veterans who report that they receive the

[3:12:02] services that they need. One thing you mentioned was a hope that able to increase the

[3:12:06] level percent off participation in the survey out of curiosity. What is the

[3:12:12] current level of participation that we can't from both veterans? We serve.

[3:12:19] >> Commissioner Tree. I'm so glad you asked because actually have that information

[3:12:21] me and just have to find >> So I can give you the 2025 results. So in 22 and with

[3:12:42] these are just in-person surveys that we do right now. So al of the total in-person

[3:12:47] visit, we had 1557 of those 434 Good survey responses. So that's about a 20 28% rate. So

[3:12:58] what we're hoping to do is by. Potentially doing text and doing it to Oliver

[3:13:06] appointments, not just in person. So we do a lot of virtual outreach and different

[3:13:11] things like that. So were many them out in the community so hoping to increase that. We

[3:13:14] also have a pass code on it right now. So thinking of taking a pass cut off, which

[3:13:20] and they can just do the QR code and take take the survey. >> Okay. Commissioners Thank

[3:13:26] you. Madam Chair. Let's I just want to first say thank you so much for, you know, being able

[3:13:34] to capture and work residents so directly and intimately just having this resident

[3:13:41] voice is so important for folks on the topic or not housing and homelessness.

[3:13:49] chair Moran mentioned here. What has the role of veterans are department been around the

[3:13:56] encampment and also doing direct engagement out on the ground to see if there are

[3:14:03] folks. >> Our 5 friends or family virus that also be eligible

[3:14:06] for Commissioner John, so glad you asked. >> We have a joint powers

[3:14:12] agreement a full-time position to bettering a rich social order and she is working with

[3:14:18] our encampment team right now. So she goes out there once or twice a week with the team. I

[3:14:24] think they got there 3 times a week. She's engaged Usually one 2 times. But we also have

[3:14:35] information that we give to the outreach team so that they do identify a veteran. They

[3:14:40] know where they can find us and then she's out there once or twice. We can come up with

[3:14:45] individually. We're also at the scene pauper to the Senate. We're at union Gospel

[3:14:52] mission. We're various libraries throughout the week as well. And then office at

[3:14:58] Plato and Sunday. Okay. >> And is that a question that we're actively asking all the

[3:15:05] residents to that? We're encountering if is, I former Commissioner Martinson said

[3:15:12] that the term that's like having served in the military or are you a veteran like

[3:15:16] that? There is a difference and help people responded whether or not they identified

[3:15:19] as a veteran and that you would have to say, like, you know, have you served in the

[3:15:25] military, So when we talk to other departments and community members were asking

[3:15:30] them ask if they've served in the military, not if they're betting because vteran

[3:15:33] definition can be very broad. >> People can in different ways. good. Yeah. Yeah. That's

[3:15:41] Payton. It's just really important as we across one Ramsey County that you know

[3:15:47] that cross training. >> But also being out in the community to to help serve

[3:15:54] them because department would be able to help leverage additional federal if folks

[3:16:00] want enroll didn't participate in those programs, we can leverage more funding and

[3:16:05] support for them if they have served in the military. Continue. Ingram is 3.

[3:16:22] >> All right. Let me just remember I'm at. All So our 3rd measure is the percentage

[3:16:33] of veterans who served to apply. Veteran served 2 applied for at least one

[3:16:37] qualified unfit. As county veteran service officers. We have a responsibility under

[3:16:44] Minnesota law to help residents access and secure benefits available to them

[3:16:49] because of their service. We chose this measure because it helps us understand whether

[3:16:56] residents are moving from receiving information and guidance to taking action

[3:16:59] toward accessing a benefit. They're eligible to receive. In 2025. 30 1% of the

[3:17:05] veterans. We have we served applied for at least one qualified benefits compared

[3:17:10] with 2020 25% in 2024. and 16% in 2020. Our goal is to reach 33% by 2028 and 38%. By 2030,

[3:17:26] building on that progress as we strengthen our region. Referral pathways. This

[3:17:31] measure connects to Ramsey County's residents entered holistic, supports priority.

[3:17:36] Veterans. Don't come to us as a claim or single need depending on the resident. The

[3:17:41] appropriate support might include VA disability compensation healthcare,

[3:17:47] survivor benefits, state financial assistance or combination of benefits,

[3:17:52] resources. Many of those benefits can provide ongoing income health care and other

[3:17:58] supports that contribute to long-term stability. I also want to be clear about what

[3:18:02] this measure tells us submitting an application is an important step, but it

[3:18:08] isn't the final outcome. Every application represents a resident taking concrete step

[3:18:16] toward accessing income health care or another and benefit. Well, that's is meaningful

[3:18:22] progress. The outcome we ultimately want to understand is whether residents

[3:18:25] successfully secure those benefits and how those benefits affect their lives.

[3:18:30] So we can track outcomes for the state benefits. We submit our federal VA outcomes are

[3:18:36] harder to tack those since those systems don't integrate with our case management

[3:18:41] system. we're not automatically notified of every decision manually cross

[3:18:49] referencing every submit a claim against federal or letters would take significant

[3:18:53] amount of staff time away fom directly serving residents so improving that data connection

[3:19:00] with our federal partners rather than closing the gap manually where we're focused

[3:19:05] next. >> All right. retreat and you want to. And I'm sorry, get to

[3:19:24] same old. So what are the questions that I have these kind of lead right into it,

[3:19:26] which is a part of your goal is to connect. >> Our local veterans to the

[3:19:31] services and the eligibility of things that they're eligible for. you talked about

[3:19:36] it a Technicolor. It kind of data issue with with the federal government.

[3:19:41] >> I guess one of the questions that I was going to ask is I know that there have

[3:19:45] been severe cuts in the staff positions at the federal level. Some 40,000. I think

[3:19:51] the last time I county could be more since then. How is that impacting your ability to

[3:19:56] connect local veterans to the services that they've earned are the programs and

[3:20:02] eligibility? The service Commissioner Devin Singh. >> It's a good there has been

[3:20:08] a lot of cuts within the federal VA system. However. >> So this is can be a really

[3:20:15] good >> So though those cuts haven't necessarily impact in

[3:20:21] veterans for >> In how so I'll give you example. When we file a claim

[3:20:27] federal VA clean prior to this current administration that we have right now. It was taking

[3:20:34] about 160 days to get a claim from submitted developed for it. Right now. It's taking

[3:20:40] about. Between 75 81 day. So it's actually going quicker. But what we're finding on our

[3:20:47] level and this isn't too talk dirty about rba. But what we're finding is that there's

[3:20:54] a lot of errors in and his decisions that are coming back. So we don't take the

[3:21:00] time to review the claim. Read everything we're reading. Mike, the letters, the

[3:21:08] compensation exams, everything to really understand why it was denied. And so we're

[3:21:12] finding a lot of errors and those things and that what that does is cream or work for

[3:21:15] us because then we have to file an appeal for a higher level of review. So all of

[3:21:21] that takes time. So what we focus on in our office is again, going back to

[3:21:26] operational excellence to make sure staff highly trained. No, the and 21 the 38 cfr so that

[3:21:33] we can. Go in there submit really good claims. The first time. So not coming back and

[3:21:40] we have to file all these extra things. So is the so they're quickly being

[3:21:45] returned. But the >> are there quickly being denied.

[3:21:51] >> Not all the but when tey are denied, it's usually because of an air.

[3:21:56] >> Okay, I'm on are in this part or that or no on era, rates are big things. So it's

[3:22:02] it's not unique think they talk about those. All right. Well thing, I really

[3:22:07] appreciate that context because, you know, we hear about different cuts may hear

[3:22:10] how it's impacting people. And I think idea that we continue to walk alongside are veterans

[3:22:15] to make sure regardless of what is happening in the greater landscape that you're

[3:22:19] helping them get to get what they've Thank you for thank I mean chair commissioner and

[3:22:26] say I think some of those cuts are. >> Kinda ancillary to the work

[3:22:30] that we do and not like directly like chance. Like what kind Dr Ross is talking

[3:22:36] about. When I was reading about it has something to do with sometimes that the

[3:22:41] federal veterans preference is where like they we hire a lot of veterans on the federal

[3:22:44] level. And so there's like well, that walk away from some of those preferences

[3:22:51] investments of that makes sense. I obviously VA hospitals were not responsible

[3:22:53] for a hospital. I also did hear there was some things related to like a suicide

[3:23:01] hotline So I think there's a lot things that have support veterans and not all of them

[3:23:05] touched the county directly. >> so but they touch veterans in the community. If that

[3:23:12] makes I over space seems like there's a lot of things. 40,000 people obviously are

[3:23:20] supporting the infrastructure of the livelihood of veterans, you know, maybe not

[3:23:23] necessarily in. Reimbursement processing directly, but you've even indicated there's

[3:23:28] a little bit of a the hiccup to get off with some of that. thank you. Commissioner hurt

[3:23:35] could? when? out read almost done. Told in a little bit longer.

[3:23:52] >> So as we look ahead, our performance measures are helping us identify 3 areas of

[3:23:57] focus. First will expand access. We'll continue strengthening our region

[3:24:03] pathways while exploring more intentional approaches, such social media campaigns,

[3:24:10] community presentations and partnerships with businesses in veteran employment groups

[3:24:13] also continue exploring other strategies to reach veterans who may not already be

[3:24:18] connected to traditional veteran networks. Second improved outcomes. We'll work

[3:24:24] to hear from more residents by simplifying our survey and expanding it beyond in-person

[3:24:29] visits through options, such as text. We're also developing internal dashboard using

[3:24:35] Microsoft power of the eye. To help us identify trends, documentation, gaps in quality

[3:24:41] assurance issues. And we're beginning conversations with our federal VA partners about

[3:24:46] opportunities to improve access to claim outcome. Information. responded

[3:24:53] changing needs changing changes in federal or state veterans benefits can also

[3:24:57] create new eligibility stand demand for So we need to be able to update or knowledge

[3:25:02] workflows and communications. >> As those changes occur. We'll continue investing in

[3:25:08] staff training and expertise while strengthening. Our one ran to county and external

[3:25:14] partnerships, the county's investment in more equitable competitions. Also help us

[3:25:19] recruit retain experienced staff directly supporting the consistent knowledgeable

[3:25:25] service. Residents depend on. >> There are challenges particular reach, particularly

[3:25:31] reaching veterans who aren't already connected. >> veteran networks and

[3:25:36] obtaining consistent. >> Federal benefit outcome data. Those challenges

[3:25:40] reinforce the importance of collaboration with our community, state and federal

[3:25:44] partners. So has a close these. These measures help us better understand whether

[3:25:51] veterans and their families can find us receive the services they need and make

[3:25:56] meaningful steps toward accessing the benefits they've earned. Just as importantly,

[3:26:00] the data helps us identify where we can improve. And that shows how we intend to use the

[3:26:04] measure. Moving forward. I want to thank the board county manager Packer, for your

[3:26:12] continued support of veterans services, our partners for their collaboration our

[3:26:17] veterans and families for trusting us to serve them. We're proud of the work we're

[3:26:22] doing we know there's always more we can learn and improve. remain committed to ensuring

[3:26:27] Ramsey County veterans and their families can access the benefits services and supports

[3:26:35] a burned. So thank you. And I'm happy to answer more questions than right?

[3:26:40] >> Want to thank Director Ross for for work Your leadership. Appreciate, especially in the

[3:26:48] area. Various appreciate you. So on. Commissioners members of the public. County manager,

[3:26:59] the You of the community service and support. Service scene. I just want to thank

[3:27:07] all I want to thank the community. Services 14 with their presentation today in

[3:27:14] for their commitment to improving the lives of Ramsey County residents by connecting

[3:27:18] them 2 benefits, housing, employment and veteran services and more. The closure

[3:27:25] of the encampments in Saint Paul has highlighted the acute need for these services and

[3:27:28] especially thank you. >> Goes to that community service, support leaders and

[3:27:36] staff instrumental in the county's response. service team continues to step up and

[3:27:41] demonstrate the county's ability to be creative and number in how it connects 2

[3:27:47] residents and services. So for all the next presentation will be tomorrow August the 28th

[3:27:55] from 9 to for so Long Day. Come prepared to stay. The county operation Service team

[3:28:03] will present their performance measures. So as a reminder, we want to encourage per public

[3:28:08] participation in the budget process. You can participate by attending a public hearing.

[3:28:13] Contact your commissioner for submitting a written comment to the chief clerk office

[3:28:20] instructions on how to participate in a full schedule upcoming meetings is posted on

[3:28:25] the but it and finest pay of Ramsey County website. Thank you all staying in

[3:28:33] participating in. been great partners in support for the residents the county. Enjoy

[3:28:39] even see you tomorrow. Right here at 9 o'clock. Thank you.

Budget Committee of the Whole on 2026-08-27 1:00 PM

Agenda

Transcript