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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It's autumn, and many of us are back in the swing of a busier time of the year — including Hennepin County — as we dive into the work of preparing the 2024 county budget. Below you'll find the initial budget framework, and I'll be sure to continue to update folks as more details are filled in.
Also in this newsletter:
- Information on Hennepin County Good Steward and Organics Recycling Drop-Off Site grants
- Participant list for the eco-conscious MNimize Fall Food Tour
- Application details for fall Youth Activities Grants
- October Fix-It Clinic information
My best,
The board voted to approve a $991.3 million maximum property tax levy for the 2024 county budget. This is an increase of 6.5% from last year.
Earlier this month, Hennepin County Administrator David Hough presented a $2.64 billion proposed 2024 budget focused on disparity reduction, climate action, safe communities, and investment in employees.
The operating portion of this budget totals $2.3 billion, a decrease of $34.0 million dollars from the adjusted 2023 budget. The capital portion totals $343 million, which is $118 million less than the 2023 adjusted capital budget.
Property tax covers approximately 36% of the overall county budget. Federal and state sources, fees and services, and other revenues fund the remainder of the budget.
County spending invests in programs, services, and systems that will improve long-term outcomes for residents in the areas of education, employment, health, housing, income, justice, and connectivity.
Housing and Redevelopment Authority levy
Acting as the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the board approved a $17.9 million maximum property tax levy. Staff have proposed a 2024 budget of $19.2 million for the authority.
The proposed budget supports:
- Affordable housing activities, which include the Affordable Housing Incentive Fund, Supportive Housing capital program, and investments in homeownership and single-room occupancy housing
- Community and economic development activities, which include the Transit Oriented Development Program, CEO Next Institute, and Open to Business
- Administrative activities
Regional Railroad Authority levy
Acting as the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority, the board approved a $33.0 million maximum property tax levy. Staff have proposed a 2024 budget of $33.8 million for the authority.
The proposed budget supports:
- Capital projects which include the METRO Blue Line Extension (Bottineau) Light Rail Transit
- Debt service and corridor maintenance, asset management, and replacement
- Administrative activities
Additional information
Budget hearings will take place before a final budget and levy is adopted in December. View the schedule of budget hearings at hennepin.us/budgets.
More information about property taxes can be found at hennepin.us/propertytaxes.
Homeowners may qualify for a homestead market value exclusion. Learn more and apply online at homestead.hennepin.us.
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These grants typically support smaller conservation projects such as constructing rain gardens, stabilizing stream banks, restoring native vegetation, installing vegetated filter strips, or implementing other best management projects.
The typical funding amount is $10,000 to $20,000; maximum funding amount of $25,000.
The application is submitted online through the Supplier Portal. Click on the Contracting Opportunities tile to find 2023 Good Steward Grant Applications. You can access the grant application guidelines, the grant application, and sample grant contract in the Supplier Portal. These documents are also linked below.
Good Steward Grant online workshop October 10
We are hosting an optional online workshop for potential applicants to learn more about the program, application requirements, and how to submit their application using the Supplier Portal.
RSVP required. Once you submit your RSVP, we will send you a Teams invite to the meeting.
Grants Available to Establish Organics Recycling Drop-Off Sites
Help provide more organics recycling options in your community! Funding is available for businesses, cities, multifamily properties, nonprofit organizations, and institutions in Hennepin County to establish organics recycling drop-off sites.
Up to $15,000 is available for each drop-off site. Funding can be used for hauling and disposal costs, construction, dumpsters or carts, and promotions.
Priority will be given to drop-off sites that increase access to organics recycling for residents in multifamily properties without access to city service and in cities with limited organics recycling options.
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This October, celebrate the first anniversary of MNimize and support businesses across the state that are taking action to reduce single-use plastic by participating in the MNimize Fall Food Tour! From coffee shops to breweries to bakeries, vegan fare to Somali cuisine to darn good burgers, MNimize businesses have something to offer every appetite – with less plastic on the side.
Visit participating MNimize businesses from October 1 to 31 to be entered into a drawing to win one of five prizes. Look for the MNimize Fall Food Tour poster near the checkout counter or at the front of each business and scan the QR code to enter your information for a chance to win. Or, if QR codes aren’t your cup of tea, ask a staff member for our paper sign-in sheet.
Earn bonus entries by sharing an Instagram story or post with a photo you took at a MNimize business or by resharing a post from @mnimizeplastic. Be sure to tag MNimize so your entry can be counted!
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Apply for sports facility, equipment, and registration grants
 Applications for fall Youth Activities Grants are available until October 17, 2023. New grant opportunities are available:
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Facility Grants: awards up to $300,000 for youth sports facilities. Details and application information on the MASC website.
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Equipment Grants: awards up $10,000 for youth sports equipment. Details and application information on the MASC website.
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NEW! Registration Fee Grants: awards up to $100,000 for youth recreational sports and activity fees. Details and application information on the Hennepin County Supplier Portal.
These grants are a part of the Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants program supported by the Twins ballpark sales tax. For questions and technical assistance, please reach out to the Grants Coordinator at Youth.grants@hennepin.us or call 612-348-8263.
Get help with your broken items and learn valuable repair skills at a monthly Fix-It Clinic.
Fix-It Clinics offer free, guided assistance from volunteers with repair skills to disassemble, troubleshoot, and (hopefully) fix small household appliances, clothing, electronics, mobile devices and more.
Next Fix-it Clinic: Saturday, October 14 Noon to 4 p.m. The Basilica of Saint Mary 88 N 17th St, Minneapolis, 55403 Free parking lot available under I-94 on the west side of the church
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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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