County board actions: Youth Sports program reaches $20 million milestone, crime lab budget amendment returned for review

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Carolyn Marinan, Communications, 612-348-5969

County board actions

The board reached a milestone of awarding $20 million of Youth Sports grants, returned the crime lab budget amendment for review, approved the 2018 budget, accepted a grant from the Pohlad Family Foundation to prevent homelessness and more.

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Youth Sports program reaches $20 million milestone

The board awarded $1.9 million of Hennepin County Youth Sports grants Tuesday, meaning the program has now provided more than $20 million to organizations across the county.

Since it began in 2009, Youth Sports has awarded 21.7 million for 136 facility projects, 260 small equipment projects, 10 playground projects, and water safety lessons. Proceeds from the Twins ballpark sales tax support this program.

"For several years, it’s been an honor to see new and improved facilities open in neighborhoods throughout the county. Beyond the excitement of the grand opening events, these facilities will make an impact on children and families for years to come," District 4 Commissioner Peter McLaughlin said.

On Tuesday, the board awarded grants to the following organizations to improve or expand facilities:

  • City of Champlin 
  • City of Edina 
  • City of Golden Valley 
  • City of Loretto 
  • City of Maple Grove 
  • City of Saint Louis Park 
  • Hopkins Schools 
  • Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board 
  • Minneapolis Public Schools 
  • Orono School District  
  • Richfield Public Schools 
  • Saint Anthony-New Brighton Schools

The board also awarded small equipment grants to several organizations.  

"This program very intentionally invests in the health and well-being of youth in our community. Access to sports facilities helps kids stay busy and active while having fun and pursuing their interests," District 1 Commissioner Mike Opat said.      

Learn more about these funding awards.

Learn more about the county's Youth Sports program.

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Board returns crime lab budget amendment for review

The board voted not to proceed with a budget amendment to change the reporting structure for the Hennepin County crime lab, but instead to return the amendment to its author.

Based on previous studies of Hennepin County crime lab governance, county commissioners Marion Greene and Linda Higgins had proposed an amendment in which the Hennepin County crime lab would report to County Administration, rather than the Sheriff's Office.

Greene introduced a motion Tuesday to return the amendment to her. She indicated she plans to bring forward an open and transparent process to look at crime lab governance next year. The motion passed 7-0.

Board approves 2018 budget

On Tuesday, the board voted to approve the county’s 2018 budget of $2.4 billion, $285.7 million more than the 2017 adjusted budget. The budget includes a net property tax levy of $788.6 million, an increase of $29.2 million over the 2017 final net property tax levy. The final property tax levy increase of 3.84 percent is less than the preliminary property tax levy increase of 4.95 percent. Read more

  • The board also approved the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority budget of $11.2 million and levy of $8.5 million. Read more.
  • The board also approved the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority budget of $109 million and levy of $36 million. Read more.

Pohlad Family Foundation funding will prevent homelessness

The board accepted a $500,000 grant from the Pohlad Family Foundation to support families and youth at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. Grant funding will help people at risk of eviction and those requiring homelessness prevention services. 

Read more about this round of grant funding.

Read more about the Pohlad Family Foundation.

Renewed resources will improve child well-being

The board accepted $65,000 of funding from Casey Family Programs to advance Hennepin County's child well-being focus. This approach invests early in what children and families need to thrive by prioritizing children’s physical, emotional, social, relational health and development.

Read more about this agreement.

Transportation Project Delivery director appointed

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The board appointed Carla Stueve as director of Transportation Project Delivery, the department that coordinates design and construction of county transportation projects. 

Stueve, who will begin her new role January 1, has 22 years of transportation engineering experience, including five years with Hennepin County. 

Learn more about this appointment.

2018 board meeting calendar established

The board established board and committee meeting dates and times for 2018.

View the calendar.

Board approves 2018 legislative platform

The board approved its 2018 legislative platform, priorities the board and county administration will support during pre-session committee meetings and once the legislature convenes in February.

Priorities include:

  • Regional medical examiner's facility
  • Child protection
  • Mental health 
  • Systems modernization
  • Safety-net health services
  • Housing

Current and archival board meetings, agendas and minutes are available online. View at www.hennepin.us/boardmeetings

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