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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The mild winter we've experienced has the county gearing up for growing season and investments in youth sports and activities. Take a look below at our Healthy Tree Canopy Grants, and Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants.
It is also the time of year to renew Medical Assistance (MA) if you receive it. Details and contact information on renewal can be found below.
My best,
Hennepin County has healthy tree canopy grants available for tree plantings, ash tree removals, tree inventories, outreach and more. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations, schools, cities, and affordable housing properties.
The grants aim to combat threats to trees from invasive insects and disease, educate the public on tree care and the importance of trees, and increase the diversity and resiliency of the tree canopy. Review the grant flyer (PDF).
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Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26.
Virtual information meeting
The virtual information meeting is a chance to find out more about the grant program, hear about and share project ideas, understand the application process, and get questions answered.
The information meeting will be held virtually via Zoom from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5. Register for the meeting.
For more information, feedback on your project ideas, or help with your application, contact Shane DeGroy at shane.degroy@hennepin.us.
Applications for spring Youth Activities Grants are available January 18 – April 1, 2024. Details and application materials are available on the Hennepin County Supplier Portal.
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Equipment Grants: awards up $10,000 for youth sports equipment.
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Art and Music Grants: awards up to $25,000 for youth art activities with additional funding available for music instruments.
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Play Spaces Grants: awards up to $100,000 with funding available for playgrounds and small-scale play space projects.
If you receive Medical Assistance (MA), it must be renewed annually. Here are some steps you can take to renew your health care assistance:
Make sure we have your current contact information
Update your contact information and upload documents at InfoKeep, a safe, secure website.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services will mail time-sensitive information to the most recent address on file. Watch for an envelope with a blue circle marked “Important information enclosed.”
Renew your way and on time
Complete your renewal and return it right away. There are many options to submit your renewal. Digital options, such as InfoKeep and MNbenefits, are available to connect with us, submit documents and update information.
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Boost your business’ recycling efforts with free bins and compostable bags
Hennepin County is offering free resources and support to small businesses and nonprofit organizations to start or enhance their recycling and organic waste recycling programs. Select up to $3,000 worth of containers and compostable bags from the county's product list to help you get started. Check out the grant guidelines (PDF) and grant flyer (PDF) for details on container and bag options.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until November 11 as funding remains. Visit the business recycling web page to learn more and start the application process.
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Celebrating a successful first year for Apartment Recycling Champions
Hennepin County launched the pilot Apartment Recycling Champion program in 2023. Through the program, 17 residents at multifamily properties were hired for six months to distribute education materials, monitor trash and recycling areas for contamination, respond to resident questions on recycling, set up recycling bins in their building’s common areas, and educate and inspire their neighbors to reduce waste and recycle more.
Champions reached people in about 1,500 units at 15 multifamily properties in areas of concern for environmental justice.
Champions served as a trusted resource, communicating with their neighbors in culturally relevant ways. Overall, champions were proud of the work they completed and saw the impact in their building.
"This program really opened my eyes to the need of recycling within my community. I love being educated, and this program was packed with knowledge of how I can make a difference in my community," shared one of the champions.
Continuing the Apartment Recycling Champions program in 2024 is a priority for implementing the county’s Zero Waste Plan goal of improving access to and participation in recycling and organics recycling at multifamily buildings.
Learn about all of the resources and support available to improve recycling at multifamily properties.
Producer responsibility for packaging introduced in state legislature
The Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act, introduced in the Minnesota Legislature last week, would hold producers of a product and packaging responsible for that product throughout its entire lifecycle — from product design all the way through to reuse, recycling, or safe disposal.
Hailed as the most important recycling bill since the 1980 Waste Management Act, this bill will require packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2032, fundamentally reshape how recycling is funded and will resolve frustration felt by Minnesotans in dealing with all the packaging overflowing from their trash cans. Advocating for passage of this bill is the county’s top solid waste priority for the state legislative session this year and is a critical piece of achieving a zero-waste future.
The coalition of partners working to develop the bill encourages the public to contact their representatives and help garner the support needed to pass this bill this session. Read more in the Sahan Journal.
Experience the joy or repair at a Fix-It Clinic
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Hennepin County Fix-It Clinics not only provide a free opportunity to repair broken household items, they also help residents learn repair skills, save money, have fun, and experience the joy of fixing things. Twin Cities Live recently joined a Fix-It Clinic to talk to volunteers and residents as they work through their repairs. Watch the story.
Fix-It Clinics are held the second Saturday of most months from noon to 4 p.m. (last items accepted at 3:30 p.m.). See the schedule of upcoming clinics.
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Hennepin County expanding renewable energy use with solar arrays on county buildings
Hennepin County is installing two solar arrays at the Adult Corrections Facility later this year as part of the county's effort to increase renewable energy use and meet climate-action goals. Using recommendations from a solar feasibility study conducted last year, new solar arrays are also planned for several libraries, maintenance facilities, service centers, and NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center.
By 2025, the county is on track to have 10 times more solar panels on county building capable of generating 25 times more clean energy than it has now. Read more in the Star Tribune.
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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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