February Update and your 2019 Governing Report

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February 2020

Greetings! 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.

District 2's 2019 Governing Report

2019 Governing Report

I’m excited to publish our 2019 Governing Report! As I reflect on my first year in office, I am proud of the work we have accomplished together. This report outlines ways my office delivered results, by fostering innovation and implementing imaginative solutions. See the full report at hennepinD2.com/report

News

census

2020 Census: Commit to be Counted

A big moment coming up this year is the 2020 Census on April 1.

This count of everyone living in the country happens just once every 10 years. Why should you care? A complete count of your neighborhood ensures it gets its fair share of federal funds for things like roads, schools, and more.

New for 2020: complete it online, as well as by phone or mail. hennepin.us/wecount

 

absentee voting

Early Voting for Presidential Nomination Primary

All eligible voters can vote absentee — either in-person or by mail — now through March 2. Minnesota’s presidential nomination primary is on Tuesday, March 3.

View your sample ballot from the Secretary of State’s website.

Vote early in person or by mail

View instructions for voting early.

 

dental event

Give Kids a Smile: Free Dental Care for Kids

Because every child’s smile should be a picture of health, dentists and dental professionals throughout the state volunteer in select clinics to provide free dental care for underserved children (ages 0-17) during this annual event.

Where and when

  • NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center, 1313 Penn Avenue N, Minneapolis
  • Friday, February 7, 8am-3:30pm and Saturday, February 8, 8am-12pm

Schedule an appointment

  • Call 612-543-2500

Find other local participating clinics

  • Visit mndental.org or call United Way 2-1-1 or 1-800-543-7709

This event is hosted by NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center, ADA Foundation, and Minnesota Dental Foundation.

 

public health report

Hennepin County Public Health 2019 Annual Report

View a snapshot of the department’s 2019 highlights, conveyed through stories, photos, videos, and related media coverage.

Report highlights include

  • Updates to Hennepin County ordinance 21 on tobacco sales
  • Response to Big Island and Hep A outbreaks
  • Opioid interventions, like medication assisted treatment
  • Notable stats, national recognition, 2019 funding

More information

Thank you for reading the report and for your strong and ongoing support of public health in Hennepin County!

 

recycling

School Recycling Grants

Apply now for a school recycling grant to improve school programs to reduce waste and keep recycling and organic materials out of the trash. Learn more at hennepin.us/schoolrecycling.

 

fix-it clinics

Fix-It Clinics

Get household items fixed for free and learn valuable repair skills at an upcoming Fix-It Clinic. Learn more at hennepin.us/fixitclinic.

Upcoming clinics

  • Saturday, February 8, 12-4pm, Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center
  • Saturday, March 14, 12-4pm, Burroughs Elementary School in Minneapolis

 

reuse and recycle

Big Opportunities to Reuse and Recycle Building Materials

About 85% of the materials in a typical demolition or remodeling project could be salvaged and kept out of landfills. But currently, only about 30% of building materials are actually reused or recycled.

Choosing deconstruction can help change that, and homeowners in certain cities may be eligible for grants to offset the higher costs of deconstruction.

Learn more

 

election judge

Become an Election Judge

Your city is hiring election judges to help people vote at the polling place. Learn all about elections while helping your community. Find out more at hennepin.us.

 

New Race Equity Advisory Council Seeks Members

Applications are now being accepted for Hennepin County’s new Race Equity Advisory Council. The 16-member council will advise both the county board and county administration on their vision and strategy, which focuses on confronting and overcoming barriers that impact many residents, especially those of color. By partnering with residents who are experiencing disparities, as well as with community partners who are assisting individuals and families impacted by disparities, the ability to reduce racial disparities and advance racial equity throughout Hennepin County will be more successful.

Preference will be given to Hennepin County residents. Individuals with lived experience of racial disparities in the areas of education, employment, health, housing, income, justice and transportation are encouraged to apply.

The deadline to apply is February 19, 2020. For more information or to apply, visit hennepin.us/advisoryboards.

 

Updated: Ways to View Board Meetings

This information has been updated to reflect recent changes to board meeting coverage.

Live stream or watch board meeting videos on demand at hennepin.us.

 

Free Valentine’s Day Weddings are Available

Registration is open for the eighth annual free Valentine’s Day weddings event. Up to 12 District Court judges will perform free marriage ceremonies over the noon hour on Friday, February 14, at the Hennepin County Government Center. Registration details are available on the event flyer.

News From the Library

history podcasts

If you like History Podcasts

Podcasts like Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History introduced history to listeners in an engaging, accessible way. Here are DVDs and books for fans of history podcasts.

 

popular titles

The Most Popular Titles in 2019

Familiar authors and artists were joined by some newcomers in Hennepin County Library’s top 10 most-borrowed titles of 2019 lists.

 

art at library

Art at your Library

The next time you are visiting your local library, look for the public art in the building. You can search online to learn more about the art at your library.

 

financial literacy

Get Financially Fit

Gain the tools necessary to design a financial road map that fits your life and prepares you for the future with free classes from the Foundation for Financial Education.

 

plymouth reads

PlymouthREADS 2020

Join Plymouth Library for Plymouth READS events this March and April around the book “Virgil Wander” by Leif Enger.

About District 2

district 2 map

The 2nd District serves the cities of Golden Valley, Medicine Lake, Southeast Plymouth, St. Anthony,
North and Northeast Minneapolis, including the
North Loop and Bryn Mawr neighborhoods.

 

Contact us

Irene Fernando
Commissioner, 2nd District
612-348-7882

Akhilesh Menawat
Communications and Policy Aide
612-348-5335

Bill Emory
Constituent Services and Policy Aide
612-348-3526

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