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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.
[2:07:02] ? ? ?
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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.