Ramsey County is bidding goodbye to an integral figure in its leadership as Commissioner Trista Martinson takes on a fresh challenge, stepping into the role of Executive Director of Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy (R&E) Center. Martinson, who has been representing District 3 since 2019 and serving as board chair since 2022, will be concluding her tenure with the county effective August 1, as reported by Ramsey County.

In her time with Ramsey County, Martinson championed numerous causes—priority was given to social justice and environmental issues, working to alleviate the unequal burdens exacerbated by environmental impacts. Vice Chair Victoria Reinhardt is expected to assume the board chair position by the end of 2024, having previously been at the helm numerous times over her lengthy public service that began in 1996, pending a formal vote by the board to finalize the transition.

The empty seat that Martinson leaves behind necessitates a special election, slated to fill the now-vacant District 3 seat. Ramsey County has assured that details will be disclosed in upcoming board meetings and shared on its official website.