RCLLG June Newsletter

Read our other newsletters

Newsletter Content:

1. June Program Summary

2. MN Thrives 2022 Campaign

3. RCLLG's MN Legislative Priorities

4. Previous RCLLG Monthly Programs

There will be no July members' program. Stay tuned for the August social event!

August 11 Social | 6:00 to 7:30 PM

Casey Lake Park Pavilion, North St. Paul

A great opportunity to connect and engage with your colleagues from communities and school districts across Ramsey County in a relaxed and fun atmosphere at a beautiful park setting. FREE food & beverages provided. Stay tuned for more information and a link to register!

RCLLG June Program

Summary

Last Friday, June 10^th, RCLLG members attended the “Ramsey County Public Safety Update” program, in which Ramsey County Attorney John Choi shared data from his office related to recent increases in violent crime and described how he and other county leaders have responded. Attorney Choi also discussed new sources of funding, relevant policies and initiatives, legislative efforts, and lastly, gave an opportunity for our members to ask questions and spark discussion.

Looking at public safety through a state-wide lens, we are experiencing an uptick in violence that hasn’t been experienced for many decades. Attorney Choi said that amidst the unprecedented increase in crime, fortunately, there are positive trends that have been seen in Ramsey County. The County’s response to homelessness is an example of one of these positive trends.

Since 2017, the Ramsey County Attorney’s office has experienced record highs in cases received. Reports of violent crime have dramatically increased since the Pandemic. In the past 5 years, approximately 55-65% of cases received by Attorney Choi’s office have resulted in charges. Youth crime cases received have decreased since 2020. This summer, a public dashboard will be made available for the public to view these statistics. (Read the notes and watch the recording for more statistics and trends).

In response to the increase in violence, a few groups and efforts have formed:

• Ramsey County Violence Reduction Leadership Group – 15+ members, including the Ramsey County Board Chair and Sheriff
• Carjacking & Auto Theft Team (CAT Team) – has the highest clearance rate in the country
• Group Violence Intervention – law enforcement and community working together. Focused deterrence is the only evidence-based method proven to decrease gun violence.
• Bail Reform Working Group – 3-year project

Discussion and questions followed. Read the notes or watch the recording to learn what was discussed.

Questions? Want to be a part of the quarterly meetings for suburban officials? Contact John or Mark!

January: On January 21, we held a legislative update in which we heard from multiple State legislators. The members of RCLLG and the Minnesota State Representatives talked about a variety of issues, including mental health, housing, education, crime, climate change, and more. We heard what bills our legislators are creating and supporting, especially those regarding mental health.

February: On February 11, we heard from a panel of community service organizations who focus on food security. This meeting provided an opportunity for RCLLG members to learn how food is brought to those in need in our communities, and how we as local government entities can find some ways to provide support individually or collectively.

March: On March 11, we heard from Maplewood's Mental Health Outreach Team (MHOT) and Roseville's Community Action Team (CAT) on their challenges and benefits in embedding a social worker into their emergency response teams.

April: On April 8, RCLLG members attended "Mental Health: From Pandemic to Endemic" and heard from representatives from Ramsey County and NAMI Minnesota on we can learn to live with the pandemic’s effects and understand how the past two years has affected mental health in our communities.

May: On May 13, we learned about workforce trends in Ramsey County, and heard from Erin Olsen, Director of Strategic Research at RealTime Talent; Ling Becker, Director of Workforce Solutions at Ramsey County; Mike Hauswirth, St. Paul Chamber’s Education and Workforce Committee; and Jenny Moore, Career Pathways Coordinator for White Bear Lake Area Schools and White Bear Chamber of Commerce Member.