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Rice Creek Commons updates: LEED precertification coverage, PFAS study submitted, road outreach planned
Summary
Ramsey County and JDA staff reported LEED for Communities precertification publicity and communications work, confirmed a PFAS study for Rice Creek Boulevard has been submitted to regulators, and discussed outreach and timeline for the spine road and nearby events.
Ramsey County and Joint Development Authority staff told commissioners April 29 that Rice Creek Commons has received LEED for Communities precertification publicity and that several project updates and outreach steps are underway.
Ella Mitchell, the JDA’s administrative director representing Ramsey County, said Goff Public coordinated a communications strategy for the LEED‑for‑Communities precertification announcement. Coverage included the Pioneer Press, Finance & Commerce and ENTER; the County distributed a press release, arranged an interview and posted social content on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X. Goff Public will also capture updated drone footage of Rice Creek Commons later this year to refresh marketing materials.
Mitchell said staff had received two inquiries through the Rice Creek Commons microsite about housing availability and water service; both inquiries received direct staff responses. She also said Ramsey County prepared a spring newsletter that will include the LEED precertification, the 2025 JDA annual report, Micro Control Companies’ forthcoming occupancy of Outlot A, and an update on Rice Creek Boulevard construction.
On environmental and project status, Mitchell reported a PFAS study related to Rice Creek Boulevard was completed and submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for review. Development Director Jacob Reilly said the GSA sold a separate parcel (the PrimerTracer site, south of County Road I) to an industrial developer and that the Army Corps is scheduled to dredge Round Lake this summer.
Commissioners discussed outreach and timing for road‑related engagement: a City of Arden Hills 75th‑anniversary event July 17, a proposed webinar on the spine road in September and a county site tour for local officials in September. The JDA asked staff to bring the trail‑lighting item back to the June 1 meeting for further recommendation.
Next steps Staff will continue communications work around the LEED precertification, capture updated imagery later in the year, provide a high‑level Rice Creek Boulevard timeline (including planned tree clearing in late 2026 and site work beginning in 2027) and return with trail‑lighting recommendations on June 1.
