September 2019 E-Newsletter

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Jan Callison - News from District 6

 

  September 2019

Greetings,

I hope you are enjoying my electronic newsletters, and find them interesting and informative about county activities. In addition to my monthly newsletter, the county sends various newsletters and notifications available by email or text message. To explore the many opportunities to subscribe or to change your preferences, visit the subscription webpage.

Please feel free to send me your comments through my feedback form on issues that concern you or you would like covered. I value your opinions.

Warm regards,

Jan Callison

In this edition

Board meetings

August 13, 2019

Fair housing testing

The board approved a contract with Mid Minnesota Legal Aid for fair housing testing in suburban Hennepin County. Testing helps prevent violations of the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits housing discrimination based on race, disability status, religion, familial status and other protected class status. Compliance proceedings will be initiated for any violations found during testing.

Environmental education grants

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The board awarded 16 Green Partners environmental education grants that will engage more than 10,500 residents to protect and improve the environment. These grants also support youth environmental education opportunities.

Grant recipients

  • Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities (Mound)
  • Center for Earth, Energy and Democracy (Minneapolis)
  • Highpoint Center for Printmaking (Minneapolis)
  • Jordan Area Community Council (Minneapolis)
  • Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota (Minneapolis)
  • Midwest Food Connection (Minneapolis)
  • MIGIZI Communications (Minneapolis)
  • Minnesota State Colleges & Universities (Minneapolis)
  • Move Minneapolis (Minneapolis)
  • Spark-Y (Minneapolis)
  • University of Minnesota 4-H (Minneapolis)
  • Urban Strategies Inc. (Minneapolis)
  • Freshwater Society
  • St. Anthony-New Brighton Independent School District
  • Three Rivers Park District (Brooklyn Center, Robbinsdale, Golden Valley,Plymouth, Crystal)
  • Minneapolis Public Schools

Learn more about the county’s environmental education programs.

Housing for American Indians experiencing homelessness

The board accepted an additional $299,927 from the state to provide housing and rehabilitative services for American Indians experiencing homelessness and severe substance use disorders. Funding will be used at 1500 Elliot Avenue South in Minneapolis, which the American Indian Community Development Corporation has acquired to respond to increased numbers of people experiencing homelessness in encampments and other places not meant for human habitation. Hennepin County previously accepted $510,993 of state funding for two other AICDC programs, located at Kola Safe Haven housing and 2408 Fourth Avenue South in Minneapolis.

August 27, 2019

2040 Comprehensive Plan

The board adopted the Hennepin County 2040 Comprehensive Plan, an overarching policy framework required by state statute that will help the county meet its stated mission. The plan is an essential tool for managing long-term change and the evolution of Hennepin County from today through 2040.

As part of the planning process, Hennepin County engaged regional thought leaders for their big-picture, future-oriented advice and paired that with insights from cities and their on-the-ground engagement efforts with residents.

Learn more and view the plan at hennepin.us/2040plan.

NorthPoint expansion updates

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The NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center campus expansion project is moving forward with modifications to the facility's design. On Tuesday, the board approved a $1.9 million contract to redesign the new campus. The redesign will right size the facility and identify cost savings with an objective of reducing construction costs.

Board briefings

In addition to our regularly scheduled board meetings, the board often meets on Thursday mornings to receive board briefings. These are informal opportunities to discuss emerging issues. No votes are taken. Board briefings occur in the board room on the 24th floor of the Hennepin County Government Center and are open to the public.

August 29, 2019

2020 budget discussion

The Director of Budget and Finance presented a look at the factors that will play into the 2020 budget.  Staff is estimating that it will propose a 4.75% property tax levy increase at this point (the property tax levy is not final until the board passes its budget on December 12, 2019).  The County Administer will make his budget presentation and recommendations on September 17, and the board will set the maximum levy amount on September 24.  Factors that are attributing to an increase in the budget include the negotiated salary contracts resulting in a 2.6% levy increase, an increase in election costs, and demand on service centers. 

A look at market values and tax capacity - The countywide preliminary pay estimated 2020 market value is $189,159,810,049, which is a 6.8% increase from 2019.  The suburban portion of that amount is $137,713,177,149 and the Minneapolis portion is $56,446,632,900.  The countywide preliminary pay 2020 net tax capacity adjusted for estimated fiscal disparities and tax increment financing impacts is $2,115,786,472.  The suburban portion of that amount is $1,489,658,319 and the Minneapolis portion is $626,128,153.  The median suburban home value increased by 5.0% for 2020. 

2020 Census

The 2020 census will take place on April 1, 2020. In order to be prepared and have a successful implementation of census efforts, work began in 2017.  Hennepin County has a 2020 taskforce that has done and is doing the following: streamlines coordination of 2020 census engagement, shares education/engagement resources with Hennepin County cities, serves as liaisons between the office of multicultural services and lines of business, plans and implements census jobs promotion campaign, and plans and implements library and service center census promotion campaign. 

There are 16 complete count committees in Hennepin County.  You can find out more about complete count committees here.

The census does not just affect legislative districts, it is also a critical tool for the county in understanding the populations that we serve so that we can provide the correct and appropriate services that reflect our communities. It also affects funding for roads, schools, hospitals, and other vital services.  Hennepin County is partnering with state and local agencies, as well as many community partners, to help increase census participation.  A robust effort is underway internally to help make the 2020 census a success.

Following the completion of the census in April, 2020, the apportionment counts will go to the President on December 21, 2020.  Redistricting counts will then go to the states on March 31, 2021.

County calendar

September 17, 2019

Public hearings

The board will host public hearings on the following topics:

When: Tuesday, September 17
           1:30 PM
           Public Works Committee and Housing and Redevelopment Authority
           Meeting

Where: Hennepin County Government Center Board Room (A-2400)
             300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis

September 21, 2019

Juvenile warrant forgiveness day and community fair

WFD

Young people can forgive their misdemeanor warrants without fear of arrest at this event. It features free food, kids' games and activities, and a fair full of resources on education, health care, food assistance, employment and housing.

Hennepin County District Court is partnering with community-based and court partners to host the event. Learn more about the event.

When: Saturday, September 21
            10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Where: 1256 Penn Avenue North, Minneapolis

News

Earn extra income while helping your communities

census

Apply now for Census 2020 jobs

Help ensure everyone in your community is counted in the next census. Applications are now open for a variety of census jobs. Positions pay $20 per hour in Hennepin County, with flexible hours and paid training. Learn more and apply at 2020census.gov/jobs.

Care with dignity for people experiencing homelessness

"Going to the homeless nurses gives me a sense of worth; I became a human being again because they were the first people who treated me like a human being."

Each year, the Healthcare for the Homeless team serves 4,000 patients at eight different shelters and drop-in centers in Minneapolis. Click on the image below to hear from staff and the clients they serve.

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2020 budget meetings

The board has scheduled public hearings for adoption of the 2020 budget and levy.

  • Tuesday, September 17, 1:30 p.m. – county administrator presents proposed 2020 budget to county board
  • Thursday, September 26, 1 – 4 p.m. – Health
  • Thursday, October 10, 1 – 4 p.m. – Public Works
  • Thursday, October 17, 1 – 4 p.m. – Human Services and Public Health
  • Thursday, October 24, 9 a.m. – noon – Capital Budgeting Task Force/capital presentation and fees
  • Monday, November 4, 9 a.m. – noon – Operations and Libraries
  • Thursday, November 14, 1 – 4 p.m. – Administrator amendments/commissioner discussion
  • Tuesday, November 26, 9 a.m. – noon – Commissioner amendments
  • Tuesday, December 3, 6 p.m. – Truth in Taxation public meeting
  • Thursday, December 12, 1:30 p.m. – County board approves budget and levy at regularly scheduled board meeting

A note from the Commissioner

Dear Friends,

After considerable reflection, I’ve decided not to run for re-election to my seat on the county board in 2020. Representing the Sixth District has been a privilege and a joy, and I have loved being a Hennepin County commissioner. But after more than two decades of public service at the city and county level, I have concluded that this will be my last term. I intend to remain fully engaged in the work of Hennepin County until my term ends and I look forward to welcoming my successor. Thank you for the support that you have shown me over these many years.

Jan

About District 6

District 6 map

The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners consists of one commissioner from each of seven districts. I am proud to represent Deephaven, north Eden Prairie, Edina, Excelsior, Greenwood, Hopkins, Long Lake, Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach, northern Mound, Orono, Shorewood, Spring Park, Tonka Bay, Wayzata and Woodland.

County information

Jan Callison
Commissioner
6th District
612-348-7886 

Allyson Sellwood
Policy Aide
612-348-6885

Bill Fellman
Administrative assistant/scheduling
612-348-3168

hennepin.us

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