This month I had the opportunity to attend the National Association of Counties (NACo) legislative conference in Washington, DC. These conferences bring together nearly 2,000 elected and appointed county officials to focus on federal policy issues that impact counties and our residents. While in session, we engaged in second-to-none policy sessions, met with member of Congress and interacted with federal agency officials. We also heard from Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg, Secretary of Treasury Yellen, and President Biden on many key county priorities.

The Hennepin County Commissioners had full schedules, and met with our US Senators and several federal agencies including the FTA and Housing and Urban Development. As part of the Association of MN Counties delegation, I was joined by Commissioner LaTondresse and Goettel to meet with Sen. Klobuchar and Sen. Smith to discuss surface transportation bills, affordable housing policies and food assistance through SNAP.

I was also given the chance to represent the Association of Minnesota Counties by joining the NACo Health Steering Committee. This committee will allow me to advocate for Hennepin County in matters pertaining to public health and healthy communities including health disparities reduction, financing health care services for the uninsured, underinsured, and medically indigent as well as many other issues facing our community.

Local government units can apply for youth sports equipment and playground grants now through March 17. This grant program aims to increase youth access to sports and recreational opportunities in Hennepin County. These grants are a part of the Hennepin County Youth Grants program supported by the Twins ballpark sales tax. 

Grants up to $10,000 are available for equipment.  Grants up to $50,000 are available for playgrounds.  Program information and application instructions can be found here: https://www.mnsports.org/hennepin-county-youth-sports-grant/.  

Each year I make it a point to visit each one of District 7's City Council meetings to hear from the cities about their priorities as well as to provide an update on the work we have been doing at the county. 

This year, our visits started with the cities of Independence and Maple Grove. I provided an update on our efforts to expand broadband access within the county, Highway 610 Completion funding, and last years mental health round tables. 

I look forward to visiting the remaining 16 cities in the upcoming weeks. 

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is coming to Hennepin County.  NHANES is a national survey that monitors the health and nutritional status of adults and children across the United States conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   

Residents will have an invitation-only opportunity to participate in NHANES. Addresses are randomly sampled within the county. By selecting participants this way NHANES data can more accurately represent the U.S. population.   

Since 1960, NHANES data has helped address critical health concerns, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Public health officials, legislators, and physicians use this information to develop health policies, design health programs, and expand the nation’s health knowledge.   

Beginning February 9, randomly selected households in the county will be sent one or more letters inviting them to be part of NHANES by completing a brief online questionnaire.  

Learn more: 

• CDC.GOV/NHANES
• Coming to Your Community Video: https://bcove.video/3u0H5sj  [7:05]

Three Rivers Park District Summer Camps

Lifelong memories are made at summer camp! Three Rivers Park District offers camps for kids ages 4-15 on topics including nature exploration, outdoor recreation, golf, fishing, farming, art and Minnesota history. Campers gain an appreciation for nature while making new friends and memories. Summer camps are available at the Baker Outdoor Learning Center, The Landing, Gale Woods Farm, nature and visitor centers, and golf facilities.

Registration for summer camps opens Tuesday, February 28, at 7 a.m. New this year: A virtual waiting room will be part of the registration process. The virtual waiting room will ensure that user volume does not exceed the registration site’s capacity in order to provide a smooth and consistent experience. Browse the 2023 summer camps and learn more at ThreeRiversParks.org/SummerCamps.

Three Rivers Golf Academy

Maximize your enjoyment of the game of golf with lessons through the Three Rivers Golf Academy! A full progression of lessons is offered by experienced teaching professionals and provides a variety of options to fit golf instruction into your schedule. Public and private lessons, clinics and camps are available for youth and adults of all skill levels.

Registration begins Tuesday, March 7, at 8 a.m. for 2023 lessons and leagues. New this year: A virtual waiting room will be part of the registration process. The virtual waiting room will ensure that user volume does not exceed the registration site’s capacity in order to provide a smooth and consistent experience. Check out the 2023 offerings and learn more at ThreeRiversParks.org/GolfAcademy.

The 7th District serves the cities of 
Champlin, Corcoran, Dayton, Greenfield, Independence, Loretto, Maple Grove, Maple Plain, Medina, Minnetrista, Southern Mound, Rogers,
St. Bonifacius, Hanover, Northwest Plymouth, and Rockford.