St. Paul City Council President Rebecca Noecker has informed key supporters she’s set her sights on another elected office — a seat on the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.

The District 5 board seat, which represents downtown St. Paul and surrounding areas from Highland Park to the West Side, is currently held by Ramsey County Board Chair Rafael Ortega, who was first elected to the board in 1994. Ortega has not publicly announced whether he will seek another four-year term next November.

“I want to move us forward with greater urgency on economic development, housing, child care, transit, fighting fentanyl, and more,” wrote Noecker, in an email circulated Wednesday to key constituents. “I’m also eager to increase the transparency and visibility of the county board.”

“As Mayor-elect

See Full Page