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Happy Spring! We hope our newsletter serves as a resource for staying connected to Hennepin County activities and staying updated on county news and services.
As always, please reach out with questions, comments, or to learn more about how to get involved.
My best,
Funding for Navigation Center Efforts
Hennepin County continues working with partners to support people staying at the Navigation Center in Minneapolis. The board approved two actions that will help people who face the highest barriers to finding housing:
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Accepted state funding to help people find housing in the community, pay rent and maintain housing.
- Approved capital funding to create supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness and chemical dependency.
Historical Photos of the Twin Cities
Hennepin County Library maintains a collection of 800,000 photographs from the Minneapolis Star, Minneapolis Tribune and Star Tribune dating back to the 1920s. The board accepted a Minnesota Historical Society grant to catalog, preserve and expand access to the photos.
 The Minneapolis Farmers Market will return to the Hennepin County Government Center starting May 7. Pick up fresh produce, flowers and more Tuesdays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the South Plaza.
Starting this June in Downtown Minneapolis, enjoy other events at no cost:
- Government Center — yard games, piano performances and more
- Target Field Station — movie nights, trivia nights and more
The fun is all part of the Go Outside with Hennepin County summer event series.
The county board, acting as the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, will host a public hearing on issuing housing revenue bonds for an affordable housing project located in the 800 and 900 blocks of 14th Avenue Northeast in Minneapolis. This public hearing will take place Tuesday, May 14, at 1:30 p.m. on A-24 of the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S. 6th St., Minneapolis.
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Mark Legler
Principal Planning Analyst, Housing Stability Area
East Harriet, Minneapolis
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You started with the county as an intern. Describe your trajectory.
I was lucky to receive an interview with Lisa Thornquist in the Office to End Homelessness while I was in graduate school in 2012. She hired me on as an intern and was the best advocate a young employee could ever have. A stint of limited-duration employment came next and I was hired full-time in 2013.
Describe your work.
I collect data, conduct research, and evaluate interventions to provide insight to the homeless response system in order to improve our collective efforts to ensure housing stability for every resident of the county.
What do you find most enjoyable?
Whenever my work contributes to ending homelessness, I am thankful for the opportunity to move the needle. I particularly like when I discover something new or devise a unique way of presenting information so that it makes an impact on those I work in partnership with. Every day at work I feel excited to get more done.
What part of your job do you find most challenging?
The pace of change in any policy and political work is slow. I am passionate about making a difference and when I do not see transformation occurring quickly it can be dispiriting. The challenge is to continually motivate yourself with the knowledge that it is possible to drive social change even if it sometimes feels Sisyphean.
What is one thing everyone should know about the work you do?
There are so many people working for Hennepin County that really care. It’s amazing to see the doggedness and persistence, all driven by a desire for progress. The selflessness of government employees is inspiring.
You're invited. In addition to our regularly scheduled board meetings, the County Board often meets for updates on Thursday mornings. These are informal opportunities to discuss emerging issues. No decisions are made, and topics are subject to change. Board briefings occur in the board room on the 24th floor of the Hennepin County Government Center and are open to the public. Call my office to confirm briefing time and location.
Thursday, May 9
- 9:00am-11:00am: County Housing Strategy
Thursday, May 23
- 9:00am-11:00am: Mental Health - Community Stabilization report
May is Bike Month
Twin Cities Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 17
Ride on your own or join a group. Find a ride and pit stops near you.
Morning celebration
Friday, May 17, 8 to 9 a.m. (Rain date: Friday, May 24) Hennepin County Government Center, North Plaza, 300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis
Resources to ride year-round
With more than 760 miles of off-street and on-street bikeways, Hennepin County is your place to ride.
Doors Open Minneapolis
Uptown’s Walker Library is participating in Doors Open Minneapolis on Saturday, May 18. Stop by to get to know your neighborhood library.
Contact us
Marion Greene
Commissioner, 3rd District
612-348-7883
Elie Farhat
Principal Aide
612-348-7125
Laura Hoffman
District Aide
612-348-0863
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