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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.
As always, please reach out with questions, comments, or to
learn more about how to get involved.
Introducing District Dishes
 We're excited to introduce District Dishes! D4 District Dishes is our new reoccurring event. Each District Dish will be in a different location, giving our office an opportunity to connect directly to you all! Join us for our kickoff event on June 5th from 5:30-7:00pm at the Midtown Global Market in the Central Court area. We will have free food and county resources available for residents! We are so excited to meet with you all soon!
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 As was mentioned in the last newsletter, I had the opportunity to kick off May with a trip to Washington D.C. for the National Association of Counties Large Urban County Caucus Fly In! We kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month advocating for reauthorization of the SUPPORT Act which utilizes Medicaid to address the opioid crisis, which counties across the nation are fighting against. Federal support is so critical, and I am grateful to be advocating for such needed investments. In the County, we've been doing the work by conducting 20-30 naloxone administration trainings each month and by hosting 8 weekly syringe exchange events in which we partner with community organizations.
During the LUCC fly-in, one of the topics we discussed was the barriers that counties face in advancing the development of affordable housing. With constraints around funding, one of many solutions brought up was about the ability of counties to include a larger, more extensive network that- includes small housing developers, smaller than large scale developers. Federal support for counties to micro-target their efforts will only increase in need as time progresses.
 For example, the interest to work more with small developers who have the capacity to do two-three small projects such as duplex or four plex apartment buildings exists, but counties can’t do it alone, lack of access to federal programs to support projects like these has a big impact.
As we wrapped up the trip, we shared from Hennepin County’s perspective that affordable housing development cannot be a siloed effort, we need all of government to participate. Therefore, an all of government approach should always be considered in the way that funding is allocated. For example- The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) helps with technical assistance for developers, The Environment and Protection Agency (EPA) supports climate responsive development standards and site remediation (when needed); and Health and Human Services should be working with developers of affordable housing units to ensure that the housing will be paired with a suite of social safety net options (i.e homelessness response and prevention, disability services, refugee and immigrant services, etc.).
Commissioner Highlights:
After surviving a heart attack last year, I adopted Steve who is a great support dog and a key part of my healing journey. On April 30th my colleagues and I proclaimed April 30th as Therapy Animal Day in Hennepin to uplift this service to residents. Huge shoutout to therapy pets & those that care for them!
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Recognizing the need for advocacy, my neighbors recently testified in front of the Minneapolis Park Board to ensure we keep the Southside Village Branch of the Boys and Girls Club Twin Cities at Phelps Park! We will not allow our kids to be displaced, and community is rightfully concerned about the future of our beloved Village.
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Earlier this week I joined Congresswoman Omar at her monthly town hall meeting where I spoke on the work the County is doing including $19 million we awarded in our Housing and Redevelopment Authority Committee, which I Chair. This funding will create and/or preserve 1,140 units of affordable housing!
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This month, the board celebrated the recognition of May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month! We have a variety of amazing resources, and we have a AANHPI Dress and Art Exhibit in the Hennepin Gallery. See gallery information here and check out these other amazing resources to dig into this month! |
Continuing in the good news, the Board appointed Kimberly Spates as the new CEO of NorthPoint Health and Wellness effective June 6th. 2024. Former CEO Stella Whitney-West served residents and led NorthPoint well, and she will be missed in her retirement. As we usher in a new era, we are excited and look forward to the work Kimberly will do! Welcome Kimberly! |
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District 4 Office Hours
 Weekly Friday Office Hours start June 7th! Every other week I, Commissioner Conley, will be at Sabathani Community Center (Room 138) with an open door ready to meet residents! In the alternating weeks my District Director, Katelynn will be hosting virtual office hours to keep an open line to residents! More information on the virtual office hours will come soon. In the meantime, see flyer for more information and share with your friends and neighbors!
Powderhorn Pillsbury House and Theatre Regeneration Space:
When: June 1st, 1-4:00pm
Where: Say Their Name Cemetery
Inviting neighbors, visitors, and relatives to join Pillsbury House and Theatre for Regeneration Space! Regeneration Space is a monthly gathering where community listens to each other and the land, practice their power, and get creative together.
They'll HONOR the ancestors and the land.
WALK – connect the graveyard to the garden.
NOTICE the beauty and challenge inside and outside of us. GET CREATIVE with exercise to tend to what emerges.
Led by Resident Artist and Somatics Practitioner Mankwe Ndosi. Questions? Get in touch with Mankwe at mankwen@pillsburyhousetheatre.org
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Field Regina Creek Restoration:
The FRNNG Greening Committee is continuing its creek restoration project this year in partnership with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board to restore the Creekside ecology with volunteers like you!
Training and tools are provided, bring water and sunscreen. Check out the open shifts here and sign up with your friends, neighbors and older kids and teens.
Learn more about the project at frnng.org/creek-restoration.
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Longfellow Neighborhood Garage Sale:
When: June 8th and June 9th 8-6:30pm
Where: Neighborhood wide
Shop over 50 sales throughout the Greater
Longfellow neighborhood during this annual garage
sale. Find sale locations and details at Longfellow Neighborhood Garage Sale. Questions? Contact Andrea with Longfellow
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Marcy-Holmes Medicare Counseling:
When: June 11th, 12:45-4:45pm
Where: In person at the Arvonne Fraser Library (1222 4th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414) or through the contact line
Get free help answering your Medicare questions with Senior LinkAge Line.
Registration is required and can be done at https://trellisconnects.org/get-help/medicare/. Choose to make an in-person appointment, select Arvonne Fraser Library and a date/time. Or call Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433. Registration closes four days before the date.
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Midtown Phillips Neighborhood 17th Ave Garden Block Party
When: June 15th 11-2:00pm
Where: 17th Ave between Lake Street and 29th Street
Join your neighbors in the Midtown Phillips Neighborhood to plant gardens! Enjoy the food and fun and invite your friends and family!
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Longfellow Working Towards Repair- Racial Covenants Screening of Jim Crow of the North Documentary:
When: June 17th at 6:00pm
Where: Riverview Theater, 3800 42nd Ave S, Minneapolis 55406
Join the Longfellow Community Council for their event at the Riverview Theater. They'll be celebrating the work of Free the Deeds with a screening of the Twin Cities PBS series "Jim Crow of the North," artist performances, and a resource fair.
They need volunteers to help with set up, greeting people at the door, and tabling for LCC or Free the Deeds, if interested let them know!
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East Phillips Open Spaces Plan Kick-Off Party:
When: June 18th 4-10:00pm
Where:
- Cedar Avenue Field Park (from 4-6:00pm)
- Community March from Cedar Avenue Field Park to East Phillips Park (6-6:30pm)
- East Phillips Park for food and games
- East Phillips Park for a movie showing of 'Encanto" in the park
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Marcy-Holmes Renter Rights Resource Fair:
When: Tuesday, June 4th, 10:30-1:30pm
Where: Minneapolis Public Service Building (505 Fourth Ave. S), First Floor
Whether you’re new to Minneapolis, a college student or a lifelong renter, come join us for the 2024 Renter Rights Resource Fair.
The resource fair brings together staff from the Department of Regulatory Services and community organizations to connect with renters and property owners.
A free meal and interpretation services will be available. Hosted by the Department of Regulatory Services.
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Sabathani Youth 17+ Paid Solar Training:
When:
- June 10-14th: Intro to Solar (Stipend $630)
- June 24-July 2nd: Solar Certification (Stipend $972)
Ready for a future in solar energy? Join our training programs and gain essential skills. Community youth ages 17+ are encouraged to apply here-Train for Solar Futures
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Contact us
Angela Conley
Commissioner, 4th District
Binta Kanteh
Policy Director
612-348-5204
Katelynn Ogunfolami
Director of District Engagement
612-348-3204
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