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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this newsletter finds you well. With news from the Supreme Court announcing the reversal of Roe v. Wade, I want to begin this newsletter by assuring Hennepin County residents, Minnesotans, and neighbors from across the region and country that Hennepin County leadership, and the healthcare services that we steward, will continue to support reproductive freedom for anyone seeking to exercise their rights.
Maintaining safe and accessible protections is a responsibility of state and local leaders when protections fail or do not exist at the federal level— a common theme woven throughout my remarks last week when I was able to bring together regional leadership, county staff and stakeholders, service partners, advocates, and residents to the county's first ever hybrid State of the County Address. I spoke on some of the most pressing topics, initiatives, and successes, that make Hennepin County a thriving place to live and do business, and about the work we need to continue to make the county more equitable and sustainable. You can watch a recording of the address here.
I also want to highlight two engagement opportunities shared in this newsletter:
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Zero Waste Plan Work Groups: the county is seeking community members and subject matter experts to participate in work groups to develop actions for the Zero Waste Plan.
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Watershed and Advisory Board: we're seeking volunteers for two vacancies on the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Board.
Also in this newsletter, find more information about continued Hennepin County disparity reduction work, community services, and summer activities.
Happy Fourth of July and long weekend!
My best,
At the State of the County address, I offered details on how the county is responding proactively to challenges in multiple areas including climate action, housing, economic mobility and more. The address also explained how the county is acting to reduce racial disparities.
This year was the first hybrid address, with people attending virtually and at the Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central.
Watch a recording of the address here.
Hennepin County is seeking community members and subject matter experts to participate in work groups to develop actions for the Zero Waste Plan.
Work groups are based on seven themes identified from community and industry stakeholder engagement in the first phase of the project. Each work group will:
- Learn about Hennepin County’s solid waste system and the challenges and opportunities to achieving zero waste
- Review and propose strategies that will accelerate the county’s path to zero waste.
- Finalize recommended strategies for inclusion in the county’s Zero Waste Plan.
The goal is to have at least six members on each work group that includes a balance of county residents, industry/organization stakeholders, and other recycling experts.
Participating in a work group will take 10 to 15 hours of total time between mid-July to late August, including 4 meetings and some work between meetings.
People interested in joining work group can learn more about the process and register.
The Hennepin County Board is recruiting volunteers for two vacancies on the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Board. The cities of Bloomington, Edina, Eden Prairie, Hopkins, Minnetonka and Richfield have land within the district. Members serve three-year terms. A member may not be a public officer of the county, state or federal government and must be a resident of the district.
The Human Resources Advisory Board also has one vacancy where members serve four-year terms and need to reside in Hennepin County. A member must not be a public official or candidate for public office; must not be a Hennepin County employee or within one year of becoming an employee; and must not hold a position in a political party, except as a delegate.
Applications close on August 12, 2022 with interview statements scheduled to be played during a County Administration, Libraries and Budget Committee meeting in August.
Application process
- July 1 through August 12 – apply at hennepin.us/advisoryboards.
- The Hennepin County Board will hear interview statements in August and make appointments at a subsequent board meeting.
Four Hennepin employees shared their experiences of working to reduce disparity through both county and personal engagements in a panel as part of the “Bridging the Gap” series. The Black History Committee of Human Services’ Economic Supports and Well-Being area organized the series, which took place June 13-17, in recognition of Juneteenth.
Learn about the panelists' efforts at work and in the community
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Each summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Hennepin County Public Health samples and analyzes the water at local public swimming beaches at least once per week. Beach water inspections help prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses and keep beaches safe for recreation and swimming.
Stay up-to-date with Hennepin County’s beach map
Hennepin County’s interactive beach map shows the current water status of local public swimming beaches, including whether they’re contaminated and closed. It includes beaches that are monitored by other jurisdictions like cities or regional park authorities. Find the map at hennepin.us/beaches.
Other tips for healthy recreation and swimming
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Wait 24 hours to swim after a heavy rainfall
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Shower after being at the beach
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Don't swallow water
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Wash your hands thoroughly before eating and after using the bathroom
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Don't swim if you're sick or have a weakened immune system
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Put tight-fitting rubber or plastic pants on children who aren’t toilet-trained
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Take your children for frequent bathroom breaks
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Don't attract birds to the beach by feeding them
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Pick up your trash
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If you boat, properly dispose of waste
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Keep pets safe by being on the lookout for blue-green algae blooms.
Hennepin County Public Works anticipates work for the 3-lane pilot implementation on Lyndale Avenue between Franklin Avenue and 31st Street to begin the week of July 18.
Hennepin County’s work will include:
- Preparing the pavement surface
- Resurfacing the roadway
- Striping the roadway with a 3-lane configuration
Parking will be temporarily impacted at times until the work is complete. These changes will complement the intersection improvements already completed at 25th and 27th streets.
There is more community engagement opportunities being planned, and public works will continue to meet with businesses, neighborhood groups and other key stakeholders before the implementation.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” is how one mother of five children responded when she received groceries from a Hennepin County Food Insecurity project.
Another mother of two wrote, “This program has allowed my family to be creative and make some nourishing meals that we normally would not be able to afford. It was like Christmas every week when we went to pick up groceries.”
More than 5 million pounds of food have been distributed to more than 300,000 people, thanks to Hennepin County’s Food Insecurity project, which launched during COVID-19.
Learn more about the program's impact.
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Government Center and Target Field Station
Hennepin County and the Minneapolis downtown council are announcing their summer lineup of events. Go Outside with Hennepin County for no-cost fun all summer long!
After a pause due to COVID-19, we’re bringing back some favorites and introducing some new events.
At Government Center South Plaza
Every Tuesday -Thursday, enjoy picnic space, yard games, art, and special activities on the plaza.
You're also invited to attend other special events:
- Epic Go Outside Days (food giveaways, art, music and more), Thursdays June 9, July 14, August 11
- Pianos on parade live performances, noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays in June
- Aquatennial Activity, Thursday, July 21
At Target Field Station
- Tuesday trivia nights, June 14, July 19, August 9 at 7 p.m.
- Outdoor movie nights, Thursdays at 7 p.m.
- July 7 (Paw Patrol)
- July 21 (Aquaman)
- August 11 (Luca)
- August 25 (The Lost City)
- Most Epic Family Day, Sunday, August 14
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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