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Hennepin County board adopts 5.5% maximum levy increase for 2025, it was 6.5% in 2024.
On Tuesday, September 17th, the Board voted to approve a $1.046 billion maximum property tax levy for the 2025 county budget. On Thursday, December 12th, the Board will vote to approve the final budget for 2025. Between now and then, we will review every part of the proposed budget and make amendments as necessary. This 5.50 percent levy increase represents taking care of county operations at 4.50 percent, but also supports the county’s subsidiary corporation, Hennepin Healthcare Systems, Inc. (HHS) with resources that include an additional 1.0 percent of the levy, for a combined total of 5.50 percent. HHS is a level one trauma center that serves as a safety net hospital and a county, statewide, and critical regional provider of healthcare.
The budget total proposed is $2.95 billion. Property tax covers approximately 36 percent of the overall county budget. Federal and state sources, fees and services, and other revenues fund the remainder of the budget.
Our office is looking forward to ensuring the budget passed this year for 2025 funds services that are effective and constituent service centered. Based off conversations with neighbors and residents this year, some areas of the budget that we’re especially ready to discuss and problem solve include but aren’t limited to:
- Housing, shelter space, and holistic services that are connected to low barrier housing such as supports for accessible mental and behavioral health services
- Employment supports
- Phone wait times for benefit assistance
- Funding and support for safety initiatives
- Alternative ways for residents to get connected to County resources to increase accessibility
- Bolstered support for youth existing foster care systems
Additional information
Budget hearings will take place before a final budget and levy is adopted on December 12th. 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.
Reach out to me with your thoughts, questions, and feedback on services and values the budget should reflect. Thank you for your partnership, looking forward to hearing from you!
With wellness,
 You can attend budget hearings in-person or watch online at hennepin.us/budgets.
 As we kicked off September, the board approved a new county contract for the Village Arms LLC. Village Arms provides abuse prevention services for African Americans and persons of color that are disproportionately represented in Child Protection. Some of you may be familiar with Village Arms as they were a leader in the legalization of the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionately Act which establishes a social services agency and court requirements for African Americans and other disproportionately represented children in the child protection system.
The contract was approved on September 10th in the Health and Human Services Committee that I chair. Congratulations Village Arms and I look forward to this new partnership!
Domestic Abuse Service Center Visit:
 In late August, I met with our Hennepin County Domestic Abuse Service Center staff and couldn’t be more moved by the work they are doing! They take ~20,000 calls a year and meet on average 30 new people seeking protection and help every day. Their wrap around services for victim survivors is crucial.
If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence and needs immediate help please call (612) 348-5073
Learn more here
Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery Visit:
 I stopped by the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery to get an update on their services to families across the metro. Caregivers that need emergency reprieve can drop their children 6 and under off here for up to 3 days at a time. This is the immediate crisis prevention that many need!
Find more information here.
Minneapolis and Hennepin County Office Hour:
 I joined Councilmember Chavez and Representative Sencer Mura for a community office hour. A big thank you to community members for bringing wisdom and energy into our office hours as we talked about housing, encampment response, environmental justice, wellbeing and more. And thank you Corcoran Neighborhood for providing the space. I am excited to continue to join residents in the community and hear from you all directly.
 Get ready for the 2024 General Election
The General Election is on Tuesday November 5th, but you don't have to wait to cast your ballot. Early voting for the State General Election opens on September 20th and goes through November 4th at 5:00 pm.
Registering to Vote Is Easy
Minnesota makes it easy to check your voter registration status, register to vote and update your registration. Pre-registration for the state general election is open through October 15th, or you can register at the polling place when you vote.
Apply for an Absentee Ballot
If you want to vote early (absentee) by mail, make sure you fill out an application. Absentee ballot must be returned by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.
In-Person Absentee Voting
You can also vote early in-person at your local elections office starting September 20th , check with your city clerk for location, Minneapolis early vote centers (Minneapolis residents only), or the Hennepin County Government Center (300 – 6th Street South Minneapolis, MN 55487). You can also vote early in-person at your local elections office starting September 20th –Nov 4th (check with your city clerk for location), Minneapolis early vote centers (Minneapolis residents only), or the Hennepin County Government Center (300 – 6th Street South Minneapolis, MN 55487).
 What's on your ballot?
Check your sample ballot before heading to the polls. This ensures you know what your ballot will look like and for whom and what you'll be voting.
Find your polling place
Polling places are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 5th for the General Election.
General Election Date is Tuesday November 5th, 2024
Hispanic heritage month library events slide, pollinators and food waste content
Hispanic Heritage Month:
 Sunday, September 15th marked the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place from September 15 to October 15 every year!
As you plug in and find ways to connect, all are welcome to attend a local community potluck and dance performance hosted by UNIDOS on Wednesday, September 25 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Richfield Community Center; where Attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite food to share with the community. And the dance groups performing include Venezuela, Ritmo Latino, and Mexico Lindo.
Free parking will be available!
And if you're unable to attend the potluck, try checking out your local Hennepin County Library! Hennepin County Libraries have physical and digital collections offer materials that feature Hispanic and Latino characters, celebrate Hispanic and Latino culture and explore their history.
You can search for these lists online here or visit your local library to connect with these resources.
I also encourage everyone to support your local Hispanic and Latino businesses and consider attending a community celebration over this next month.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
Laotian Exhibit:
 Currently at the Cargill Gallery: "Laomerica 50 – Democracy and Diaspora" examines the complex experiences of Minnesota’s population of Laotian refugees over the past 50 years.
On display at Minneapolis Central Library through September 27
Read more about it here
Hennepin Habitats for Pollinators:
 Pollinators like bees and butterflies are essential for the food we eat, the health of our environment, and the beauty of our world. Download or order for free our flyer at here
Available in both English and Spanish!
Food Waste Resources:
 Wasting food is a waste of money! Simply tracking what food goes to waste and why can have the greatest impact on your kitchen habits. Use the new Fridge Check Guide to understand what food you’re throwing away and why. Get the guide here.
Riving Roots | Summer Classes- Affordable & FREE:
 Experience the Signature Summer you deserve at Reviving Roots!
- Monday @ 6 PM - Dance Fitness - $15
- Thursday @ 6 PM - Cozy Yoga - $15
- Saturday @ 10 AM - Yoga 101 - Free
- Saturday @ 12 PM - Self-Defense with - Free
We're all about positivity, inclusivity, and empowerment, with a Black-centered approach to wellness.
Find the class for you here.
Debt Fairness Clinic:
 Following passage of the Minnesota Debt Fairness Act last legislative session, the Attorney General is excited to invite you to their office’s Debt Fairness Clinic on Saturday, October 5th, from 10 am to 5 pm at the NorthPoint Conference Center in Minneapolis. The clinic will feature Know Your Rights presentations on the new debt protections, one-on-one consultations with volunteer attorneys for personalized legal advice, and assistance with expunging criminal records.
Join the Marathon Cheer Squad on Oct. 6th:
 Cheer on runners in the Twin Cities Marathon at the FRNNG & Holy Cross Neighborhood Cheer Squad on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 8 – 11 a.m. in front of 1720 E. Minnehaha Pkwy.! We'll have noisemakers, supplies to make signs to cheer runners on, music and free coffee and donuts (including an allergen-free option!). This event is happening as part of the Diane and Alan Page Community Cheer Challenge. Come out and cheer on your community!
East African Community Opioid Funding Discussion:
 Hennepin County Outreach and Community Supports is organizing an event for the East African community on October 10 to learn about the opioid resources in Minnesota from culturally specific organizations. It is also an opportunity to learn what organizations are receiving opioid funding from the state, county, and city.
Please reach out to katelynn.ogunfolami@hennepin.us for flyers in Oromo and Somali if needed.
Powderhorn Annual Gathering:
 Powderhorn Neighborhood Group is excited to invite you to their Powderhorn Annual Gathering on Thursday, October 10th from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM at their PPNA office! This is your chance to meet and connect with your neighbors, share your voice, and be a part of the ongoing work that makes Powderhorn Park a thriving and inclusive place for all. Our annual community gathering brings together the people of Powderhorn to elect the Board of Directors and learn more about the work of PPNA in the previous year.
At the annual gathering, you’ll hear about the progress we’ve made together, learn about upcoming initiatives, and discover ways to get involved in shaping the future of our neighborhood. A light meal will be provided. Your presence and participation are what make our work meaningful. Let’s continue building connections, uplifting our community, and moving forward together.
New Snow Removal Assistance Program:
 FRNNG is launching a new volunteer program to provide snow removal assistance for neighbors in need. If you live in Field, Regina or Northrop and have a disability or physical difficulty that makes it challenging to remove snow, you can sign up to request help. FRNNG will help you match up with an available volunteer (assistance is provided based on volunteer availability). Click here to learn more and sign up!
Volunteers are needed - if you can help a neighbor in need this winter season, please sign up here. This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for teens, young adults and anyone who has some capacity to put a little more good into our community. Thank you in advance!
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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