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Greetings! We hope our newsletter serves as a resource for staying connected to Hennepin County activities and staying updated on county news and services. Our newsletter comes out the first Monday of each month.
We are always looking for resident feedback on ways to improve Hennepin County's service offerings. If you have an idea, please don't hesitate to reach out. As an elected official, I answer to you.
Welcome Capt. Krerkkaiwan!
 Commissioner Lunde (left) and Police Captain Krerkkaiwan at the Minnesota State Capitol rotunda.
Exciting news! Until May 19th, the District 1 office will have a new team member! Police Captain Krerkkaiwan Kajohnkunchonlathorn (also known as Scott) was paired with our office as part of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellow Program (PFP). YSEALI is a professional development exchange program that brings emerging leaders from Southeast Asia to the United States to engage in fellowships with American organizations. Brought to Hennepin County by my predecessor, Mike Opat, it aims to foster lasting partnerships between the United States and Southeast Asia.
As a police captain from Thailand focused on data analytics (complete with a recent Master's Degree in Behavioral and Data Science from the University of Warwick), Krerkkaiwan's interests perfectly align with my office's focus on community-led, data-informed public safety efforts. The fellowship is off to a great start - last week, Krerkkaiwan shadowed me while I testified and met with legislators at the capitol.
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End of Local Emergency Declaration
 Screenshot of the BAR ending the Local Emergency Declaration.
Last month, my fellow commissioners and I unanimously voted to end the declaration of Local Emergency. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has not ended, it is no longer necessary for Hennepin County to exercise its emergency powers. The declaration is what allowed many of Hennepin County meetings to be virtual and for staff to work fully remote, in the interest of public health.
National Therapy Animal Day
 My fellow Commissioners and I in the Hennepin County Board Chambers, along with service dogs and their handlers for National Therapy Animal Day.
Commissioner Greene (District 3) offered up a BAR recognizing National Therapy Animal Day on April 30th. My fellow commissioners and I welcomed some of these furry heroes and their humans to the board chambers to honor their service. They regularly work with the following Hennepin County institutions:
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Hennepin Healthcare: dog therapy teams provide respite and unconditional love and comfort for patients, families and medical staff.
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Hennepin County Library: pet therapy teams help children and youth learn and get excited about reading.
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Hennepin County Attorney's Office: employs their own emotional support dog who provides comfort to victims, witnesses, and employees.
 Text reads, "Connecting Hennepin." Image of a person typing on a laptop keyboard.
Having reliable access to the Internet is something that impacts people's everyday lives in our digital age. However, there is currently a digital divide in America, which can hinder people's ability to get and hold jobs, complete remote education, and access government services. This divide became particularly apparent during the pandemic's stay-at-home orders, which is why the county used American Rescue Plan (ARPA) dollars to fund efforts to help close this divide.
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What assistance is available?: if your household income is less than $65,000, you are likely eligible for the following
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The Affordable Connectivity Program: an up to $30/month discount for internet services AND a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer
**Access these services here.
 Screenshot of the Adult Representation Services webpage.
Did you know that Hennepin County is the first county in Minnesota to provide lawyers to tenants facing eviction? Adult Representation Services added a housing practice in June 2021 as the state’s eviction off-ramp started.
**Get access to this service by visiting the Adult Representation Services webpage.
Rockford Road Library Renovations
Hennepin County Library in Crystal, Rockford Road Library, is currently closed until spring 2024 for a building project.
**LEARN MORE about the renovations and nearby service locations.
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Last month, government public safety leaders and I gave a press conference calling for unified support for the governor’s public safety spending proposal ahead of the final weeks of the legislative session.
The $550 million spending plan would deliver flexible, one-time funds to Minnesota’s local public safety systems.
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Hennepin County is soliciting proposals for Community Violence Prevention Services in response to the needs of neighborhoods experiencing high levels of crime and violence. This is a continuation of the $10 million allocated in 2021 toward an investment-based approach to public safety.
**APPLY on the Supplier Portal by Friday, May 12th at 2pm CST
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Funding is available through the Green Partners grant program to support organizations in educating and motivating residents to become environmental stewards and take environmentally friendly actions.
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Eligibility: nonprofit organizations, community groups, youth programs, schools, congregations, early childhood family education programs, & park districts.
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Amount: depends on project
**APPLY on the Supplier Portal by Thursday, May 11th at 3pm CST. Grants listed as:
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Contact us
Jeffrey Lunde
Commissioner, 1st District
612-414-3302
Anna Schmiel
Policy and Communications Aide
612-348-5202
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