June newsletter: Hennepin Commissioner Debbie Goettel

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debbie goettel

Welcome to the District 5 June newsletter! Scroll down to read more about

  • Meeting Debbie at the Richfield Farmers Market
  • Legislative updates on Southwest Light Rail and Human Services
  • The Hennepin History museum
  • Debbie around the district... the Commissioner's month-in-review
  • District 5 events in June... be sure to check out Bloomington's Arts in the Parks!
  • Road construction... stay ahead of the traffic on 66th Street and Normandale Boulevard

Meet Debbie at the Farmers Market

Richfield farmers market logo

Saturday, June 17, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Veterans Memorial Park Shelter | 6335 Portland Ave

In our first local open house of the year, Debbie will be at the Education Building at the Richfield Farmers Market. Grab your fresh produce, bread, and Tibetan momos, and stop by to chat with the Commissioner about all things Hennepin.

Legislative updates

Southwest Light Rail Transit

We're projecting an additional 700,000 residents in the metro area by 2040, and we must act now to build a transit system that will facilitate economic growth and mobility for suburban communities. Commissioner Goettel remains confident that SWLRT is moving forward as planned. The Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) is moving towards dissolution, another critical step for Hennepin County and its partnering metro counties to fund the full local share of the capital and operating costs of new transit lines.

 

Human Services funding

Despite a historic $1.6 billion budget surplus, the legislature made significant cuts to the Health and Human Services Omnibus Finance bill as part of the budget agreement with Governor Dayton. The bill included a $463 million cut to the Departments of Human Services and Health. This will inevitably damage our ability to provide critical protection and services to children, youth, and vulnerable adults.

Debbie around the district

Since our last newsletter in April, here are a few of the highlights from Commissioner Goettel's work...

  • Briefed on Minneapolis and Hennepin County crime labs and the status of their facility needs and possible partners
  • Attended quarterly Human Services briefing with county staff about updating their IT systems and other needed upgrades
  • Met with county staff to discuss energy efficiency improvements in county facilities and how they can add dollars to the bottom line
  • Visited LHB Architects with county staff for a presentation on Zero-Net Energy building designs and construction techniques
Bloomington optimists

Spoke at the Bloomington Optimists morning meeting.

hcmc tour

Toured HCMC facilities and discussed initiatives around efficiency in the hospital systems

memorial day

Attended Memorial Day services in Eden Prairie, Bloomington, and Richfield. We must always remember that our freedom and ideals are only possible because others have given their lives to protect them.

Hennepin History Museum

HHM carHHM artist paradise

The Museum is packed with events and exhibits this month, highlighted by "Midsommer" on June 16 - a celebration marking the high point of summer. The Swedish trio Vidonia will be serenading us with traditional Nordic tunes to mark the occasion. Check out the event on Facebook.

District 5 Events

Bloomington

Bloomington farmers market

Bloomington Farmers Market

Saturdays 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. beginning June 10

Bloomington Civic Plaza | 1800 W Old Shakopee Rd

It's finally back! The Bloomington Farmers Market is a weekly gathering for local businesses to sell their products directly to the public, bringing us a little closer to the farmers, bakers, and local producers in our community.

Find the Bloomington Farmers Market on Facebook and Instagram.


Arts in the Parks

All summer starting June 10 - all events are free to attend!

Bloomington's hub for art, dance, films, and music, Arts in the Parks' events are perfect for family outings, creative date nights, and kicking back by yourself or with a few friends. Check out the calendar, and have an awesome time this summer!


Eden Prairie

Act Out for Teens: Intro to Physical Comedy

Saturday, June 24, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Eden Prairie Library | 565 Prairie Center Drive, Eden Prairie 55344

Entering grades 6-9. Led by an experienced Guthrie teaching artist, you will set off on an adventure to explore theater techniques for a wide variety of physical comedy.

Learn more and register for this event

 

Richfield

Richfield Farmers Market

Saturdays 7:00 a.m. - noon

Veterans Memorial Park Shelter | 6335 Portland Ave

The Richfield Farmers Market began on May 20 and is in full swing. Come down to the market for the most fresh and local food around. Check out the Richfield Farmers Market Facebook page for news about exhibits and vendors.

 

World Refugee Day Exhibit Reception

Tuesday, June 20, 6:00 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Augsburg Park Library | 7100 Nicollet Ave

At this reception, celebrate our multimedia exhibit "If the Waves Could Talk, What Would They Say" in commemoration of World Refugee Day. The exhibit, on display June 1-30, shares the experience of refugees through personal or family stories and images.

Learn more about this and other celebrations and cultural heritage events

 

Road Construction

66th Street in Richfield and Bloomington's Normandale Boulevard are in the midst of major construction projects. Skip the traffic jams and sign up for updates on the projects impacting your commute.

You can also visit the Hennepin County website for updates on road maintenance projects and all other road construction.

Constituent services

Housing crises, energy assistance, child protection, emergency situations; we are here to advocate for you when it comes to navigating local and county services, and we want to help. Please call our office at 612-348-7885 with any questions or for assistance.

Contact

Commissioner Debbie Goettel
Hennepin County District 5
Bloomington | Eden Prairie | Richfield
612-348-7885 | debbie.goettel@hennepin.us

Casey Krolczyk
Principal aide
612-348-7885 | casey.krolczyk@hennepin.us

Michael Ohama
Policy director
612-348-7885 | michael.ohama@hennepin.us


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