County creates new governance structure and promises community advisory role for opioid funds

Ramsey County leaders presented a new governance model for opioid settlement funds that includes three layers: an executive body of deputy county managers to set strategy and approve funding recommendations; an internal advisory committee with representatives from nine departments (chaired by the public health director) to coordinate cross-department work; and a planned community advisory group intended to bring lived experience, providers and advocacy voices into priority-setting.

Deputy County Manager Nadir Ajit said the design aims to break down silos and ensure county departments align investments. "We established the 1 Ramsey County approach and moving away from the model of what we had, opioids under public health, but moving it into a countywide lens to make sure that we're cross-functioning together as one," he said. Commissioners emphasized the need to include community grantees and to set clear expectations, timelines and lanes for advisory members so the group can provide meaningful input within budget constraints.

Staff said the internal advisory team will bring recommendations to the executive team and that the community advisory group remains a future phase; staff will define membership and responsibilities before implementation.