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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this bulletin finds you well, and you're able to enjoy the wonderful fall weather we've been experiencing. As we dive into autumn this year, the season also comes with a presidential election cycle — check out the county resources below to make a vote plan — today marks 28 days to Election Day.
In this newsletter you'll also find:
- An up-to-date summary of the Blue Line Light Rail Extension municipal consent process and project design
- A YouTube link to new film that focuses on the work of Hennepin County to address homelessness
- Grant information on Hennepin County waste prevention and recycling, and the Environmental Response Fund
- Family child care licensing resource fair details
- Public comment opportunities for Toward Zero Deaths and Met Council Imagine 2050, and;
- Elevate Hennepin information and program update
My best,
 A rendering of what the station area in Robbinsdale could look like. This and other designs are 30% complete.
The cities of Minneapolis, Robbinsdale, Crystal, Brooklyn Park, and Hennepin County voted to approve Preliminary Design Plans for the Blue Line Extension. Of the 38 elected officials responsible for voting on these plans, 33 voted to approve the plans.
The process, known as municipal consent, gives cities along the route the opportunity to review early drafts of the design plans for station locations, track placement and major structures with just about 30% of the design work completed. This allows them to officially request design changes as the project moves forward.
To ensure the project is positioned to best meet city’s needs, project staff committed in recent weeks to several key changes, including:
- Constructing a 13th station in Minneapolis at the corner of Washington and West Broadway avenues at the same time as the rest of the project. This station was previously designed to be built at a future date after the line opened.
- Moving the Downtown Robbinsdale station to the north side of 40th Avenue on Bottineau Boulevard. It had previously been planned for the south side of that intersection.
These changes will be reflected in 60% design plans expected to be published for public feedback early next year.
Cities also highlighted in their approval resolutions priorities for future collaboration as the project moves toward more detailed design plans, including:
- Specific anti-displacement measures and commitments
- Continued analysis and refinement of the Lowry Avenue station
- Pedestrian and bicycle amenities, connections, and safety
- Public utility coordination
- Operations and maintenance agreements
The project will continue to work closely and collaborate with city staff and other stakeholders as design advances. A schedule of weekly meeting will address issues and challenges as they come up.
Read the full Met Council briefing here.
Election Day is November 5, but you don't have to wait to cast your ballot – early voting begins September 20.
What to do before you vote:
Now is the best time to take a few steps to make your voting experience as smooth as possible.
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September 20: Absentee voting begins for the general election
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October 15: General election deadline to pre-register to vote
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November 4: In-person absentee voting closes at 5 p.m.
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November 5: General Election Day (polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
A new film that focuses on the work of Hennepin County to address homelessness was made available on YouTube:
America Can End Homelessness: Hennepin County Proves It's Possible - YouTube
The film was made by Invisible People, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy that launched in 2008. Last spring, the Invisible People documentary crew visited us. It was a follow-up to a film about Finland’s homeless response. They were interested to see whether any community in the U.S. was also moving the needle on homelessness.
The 45 minute film features contributions from Chair Fernando, Hennepin County staff – from across the Housing Stability, Housing and Economic Development and Adult Representation Services teams – representatives of our partner agencies and, most importantly, those of the residents we serve. I’d like to offer a special thanks to Maria Baca in Communications for shepherding everything on the Hennepin County side of this project.
We’re gratified that this work is being held up as an example for the rest of the country and wanted to share this with all of you.
Hennepin County offers grants and expert assistance to entities throughout the county to reduce waste and improve recycling. There is still time to apply for grants for businesses, organizations, schools, and multifamily properties before they close for the year.
Read about some recent grantees and consider pursuing a grant for where you work, live, go to school, or spend time in your community. Applications for these grant programs are being accepted through mid-November.
 Trash, recycling, and organics recycling bins and signs at House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Richfield
Business waste prevention and recycling grants
Earlier this year, House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Richfield received a bin and compostable bag grant from Hennepin County to improve recycling and start organics recycling. They also ordered Hennepin County recycling posters and labels. Their staff then met with rental partners to provide education on reinvigorating recycling. Learn about business waste prevention and recycling grants.
Multifamily waste prevention and recycling grants
Compass Pointe, a 68-unit affordable apartment complex in New Hope, received a grant to improve recycling with signage and multilingual and multigenerational outreach. Reusable recycling tote bags and recycling guides in English, Spanish, and Somali were distributed to all residents along with recycling activity books for the many kids in the building. Following this education, recycling in the building increased by 5%. This adds up to over 26,000 additional pounds of recycling captured per year! Learn more about multifamily waste prevention and recycling grants.
School waste prevention and recycling grants
Stonebridge World School, a K-6 charter school in Minneapolis, received a grant to improve recycling at their school, start collecting organics in the cafeteria, and reduce waste during lunchtime by installing a dishwasher and switching to reusable food ware. Learn more about school waste prevention and recycling grants.
Environmental Response Fund accepting applications now for the Fall 2024 grant round.
Applications are due by November 1, 2024, at 3 p.m.
Hennepin County is now accepting applications for the Environmental Response Fund (ERF). The grants are used to fund the assessment and cleanup of contaminated sites in Hennepin County.
The improved properties benefit us all by:
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Keeping the community in place to enjoy the improvements
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Creating affordable and moderately priced market-rate housing
Hennepin County Child Care Licensing is hosting a resource fair for family child care providers and those interested in becoming licensed. You’ll have a chance to learn about the licensing process and connect with community resources that can help you improve and market your business.
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Saturday, October 19, 1 – 4 p.m.
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Southdale Library, 7001 York Avenue South, Edina
Learn about the new Provider Hub and changes coming in 2024 and have your portable fire extinguishers inspected and maintained for a fee. First 100 attendees will receive a door prize.
The Metropolitan Council is taking public input on its regional development guide, Imagine 2050. Imagine 2050 is comprised of individual policy plans covering transportation, parks and trails, water, housing, and land use. These policy plans set goals and objectives that will guide regional action. Public comment on Imagine 2050 will be accepted through October 7, 2024 with a public hearing planned for 5 p.m. Sept. 25 in Metropolitan Council chambers.
We need your help to shape our Toward Zero Death (TZD) action plan
Hennepin County is developing a comprehensive plan to eliminate serious injuries and deaths along Hennepin County roads. Now through the end of fall, we are engaging with residents to gather feedback as we develop a plan to improve safety for all people walking, riding, rolling, using transit or driving.
There are two ways you can share your feedback using BeHeard Hennepin
Elevate Hennepin advisors have been busy for another quarter.
In the second quarter of 2024, advisors spent 4,243 hours supporting business and entrepreneurs with everything from legal questions and business planning to marketing and operational insights.
Since Elevate Hennepin began in 2020, it has delivered more than 35,668 hours of professional consulting for 2,912 businesses and entrepreneurs at no cost. Advisees report 608 new or retained jobs, 186 new businesses launched, and $28.4 million in financing to grow their businesses.
Explore all the second-quarter impacts at Elevate Hennepin.
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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