The month of November was incredibly busy and productive for everyone at the county. In our office, I'm proud to share that we hosted a conversation with key organizations and departments that are working to end veteran homelessness in Hennepin County and across Minnesota. This event took place on the heels of Veterans Day at the Magnus Veterans Foundation in Dayton.
Hennepin County's Veteran Services Office, MAC-V, a local branch of the VFW, and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs discussed what's working and what could be improved in this area. What is clear to me is that we are well on our way to reaching functional zero and I'm so thankful to the folks you see above for their and their colleagues' work. I intend to continue advocating for funding and programs that will support them.
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 In case you missed it, we had an election on November 7th! Thanks to all who made their voices heard by voting, and to those who chose to run for office.
 I had the honor of attending an awards ceremony recognizing our mentors for the Veterans court. They are committed to helping other veterans put their lives back together after a stumble.
 Congratulations to the recipients at the 2023 Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Promotions and Awards Ceremony!
 There are an amazing number of holiday events happening in our district! I had a blast at the Champlin Holiday Market at the Mississippi Crossings.
 Hennepin County just launched a new Employee Resource Group called AccessAbility. The group is for people who live with a disability, caregivers of those with a disability, and allies. We know that when our staff's diverse lived experiences are valued, we can better serve our communities.
Last week, Hennepin County held our Truth in Taxation event. Residents were invited to express their opinions on the proposed budget and property taxes as well as the budget and property tax levy of the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority and the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
Thank to you everyone who shared their thoughts with us. The county board will be voting on the final budget at the December 12th board meeting.
The Hennepin County Board is recruiting volunteers for 30 advisory board positions.
Each fall, the board accepts applications from residents interested in volunteer service positions on advisory boards, commissions, councils and special task forces. Appointees advise commissioners and help set policy on a variety of topics including mental health, economic support and development, workforce and employment opportunities, racial equity, diversity and inclusion, and so much more.
Deadline to apply is December 29. Appointments will be made in the first quarter of 2024.
Learn more and apply at hennepin.us/advisoryboards
Advisory board openings:
- Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council
- Community Action Partnership
- Capital Budgeting Task Force
- County Extension U of M
- Human Resources Board
- Library Board
- Mental Commitment Attorney Panel
- Racial Equity Advisory Council
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Board
Watershed board openings:
- Lower MN River Watershed District
- Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
Local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, institutions, and businesses in Hennepin County can apply now for funding to implement projects that prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Grant funding can be used to address pathways of aquatic invasive species introduction, provide education, promote behavior change, implement early detection and rapid response efforts, and pursue other ideas that prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Review the grant flyer (PDF) for more details. Applications are due by Thursday, January 11, 2024. Learn more and apply.
For more information, contact Tony Brough at tony.brough@hennepin.us or 612-348-4378.
Health officials and pediatricians urge Minnesotans to follow the ABCs to lower infants’ risk of sudden unexpected death.
From 2014-2021, Minnesota averaged 46 sudden, unexpected infant deaths each year. Nearly all these deaths involved unsafe sleep conditions.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has put forth recommendations to promote safe sleep for children up to one year old. These ABCs include:
- Alone: Infants should always sleep or name alone – not sharing beds or cribs with others.
- Back: Always put a baby on their back to sleep or nap.
- Crib: Babies should always sleep or nap in the own safety-approved crib, play yard, bassinet or portable crib without blankets or pillows.
On November 15th, the Lowry Avenue Bridge was lit in pink, blue and white in observance of Infant Safe Sleep Week, which is intended to build awareness of safer sleep practices. Learn about safer sleep practices for infants on the Minnesota Department of Health’s website, https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/womeninfants/infantmort/suids.html.
Recent stories featuring Hennepin County leaders and programs.
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.
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Contact us
Kevin Anderson
Commissioner, 7th District
Amy Van Schepen
Policy Director
612-543-1273
Clara Severson
District Director
612-596-9040
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