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Hennepin Happening
Welcome to the District 5 December newsletter! Scroll down to read more about
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Hennepin County is developing a climate action plan with initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to our changing climate.
The climate action plan will serve as the foundation for the county’s coordinated approach to planning, policy development, and responses to climate change.
This survey is a chance to
- Reflect on the impacts you have experienced from climate change
- Share how your life is being threatened by climate change
- Provide feedback on the county’s priorities for responding to climate change
- Tell us what you think we need to do to create a climate-friendly future
Under the CARES Act, Hennepin County received federal funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund. For the last year, payments from the Fund may only be used to cover costs that are necessary expenditures incurred due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, between March 1 and December 30, 2020, and that were not accounted for in the County’s previously approved budget for 2020. Hennepin County has also closely monitored each update to U.S. Treasury Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions in order to use the Fund for eligible expenses.
Here's a summary of how we've used that money to support our community during the pandemic:
In response to the economic impacts of COVID-19 on small businesses, Hennepin County is working with 11 cities to roll out the Love Local Initiative. This effort uses CARES Act funding to encourage people to shop safely and shop local during the colder months ahead.
In 2020, more than 760,000 people cast a ballot in Hennepin County. Of these, 531,600 cast absentee ballots and 228,400 voted at their polling place on Election Day. 85% voter turnout. 80% for Minnesota, #1 in the nation. 66% for the nation. Those are stunning numbers.
The Hennepin County Board will be welcoming new commissioners Kevin Anderson, Jeff Lunde, and Chris LaTondresse. Congratulations to all of them! I was proud to win re-election myself, and I'm looking forward to serving my District 5 communities for another term.
Even though there is a temporary hold on evictions as part of Governor Walz's executive order, rent and other housing costs are still due. Your landlord may be able to evict you for not paying rent once restrictions are lifted.
Hennepin County may be able to help you cover current and past due rent, mortgage and other housing costs, including utility bills. Learn more at hennepin.us/housing-help
Self-response rates
- United States: 67%
- Minnesota: 75.1%
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Hennepin County: 79.4%
Thank you to all who helped make the campaign a success
- Engagement specialists
- Census work group including more than 40 county staff
- City and school district partners
What’s next?
The U.S. Census Bureau is analyzing the census data.
Then, the bureau will send a report to the president and redistricting (the process of drawing electoral district boundaries) will occur.
After moving into your new home, you can apply for homestead online. Homeowners who qualify for homestead may receive a market value exclusion, which can reduce your property taxes in the following year.
Qualifying for homestead
- You may qualify for the homestead tax reduction if you own and occupy your home as your primary residence or you are a qualifying relative of the owner.
- You must own (or are a qualifying relative of an owner) and occupy your home by December 1.
- The deadline to submit the application is December 15.
Apply at hennepin.us/homestead
For assistance please email assessor.ao@hennepin.us or call 612-348-3046.
In late August, Hennepin County welcomed Chad Helton to lead Minnesota’s largest public library system. With the effects of COVID-19 upending every norm, Mr. Helton’s arrival has been anything but routine.
“I never imagined I’d meet so many people on video calls,” said Helton. “I’m the kind of guy who would rather be introducing myself to the community at a grocery store or a neighborhood event.”
Mr. Helton’s arrival comes at a time when libraries are managing tectonic shifts in how they provide service. Hennepin County Library’s online services, eBooks, and digital resources have provided an uninterrupted lifeline to the public throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to the physical collection and library computers have been a more recent reboot of in-person service.
Read more about Mr. Helton here.
Living Room Conversations: History & Society
Skip the traffic jams and sign up for updates on the projects impacting your commute.
You can visit the Hennepin County website for updates on road maintenance projects and all other road construction.
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 Meinhardt
Principal Aide
612-596-7078 | casey.meinhardt@hennepin.us
Michael Ohama
Policy Director
612-348-7885 | michael.ohama@hennepin.us
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