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Greetings!
To kickoff our first newsletter of the year, I wanted to highlight a few areas of county business that our office will be honing in on this year. In future newsletters, we’ll highlight other priorities around transportation safety improvements, environmental justice, child protection, youth incarceration, safety on Lake Street and economic empowerment in Cedar Riverside.
Shelter- shelter space should be accessible, dignified, and paired with effective services that leads to stable housing as quickly as possible. Hennepin County doesn’t have the shelter space required to meet the needs of residents that are being impacted by multiple crises. While we work with our state and federal partners to increase the development of shelter space with wrap around services and affordable housing, there are a few other aspects of shelter that my office will focus on this year-
- Shelter bed availability- Community says there are no shelter beds, County systems claims there are beds available throughout the day. I have called Hennepin’s Shelter Hotline myself and have experienced firsthand the lack of shelter beds in the evening. Bed availability isn’t adding up. When a resident calls in need of shelter, no matter the time of day, a space to sleep, shower and eat should be available and information of what is available should be easy to access.
- Re-evaluating overall shelter experience- Within the shelters that Hennepin County contracts with- it is crucial that residents feel valued and safe. It is a priority of our office to ensure that the shelter spaces Hennepin supports are conducive to the well-being needs of those who are seeking a temporary place to stay.
Accessing County Services- Easeful access to services for financial assistance, housing, and health needs is crucial in order to get residents connected to the supports they require without delay. Last fall, our Board supported administration in undergoing a mass hire for staff in areas of the county that require processing of benefits for residents in need. Our team will continue tracking how the expansion of our teams impact phone wait times.
Public Health- My heart health initiative will be in full swing starting at the top of February. You’ll notice billboards, buses, on radio stations, on social media and in the clinic spaces of our partners advocacy for improved heart health. Black and Indigenous women continue to suffer from the most severe disparities in cardiovascular health including gaps in preventative care and less than adequate coordination of aftercare that includes mental health support. Stay tuned for more information for support groups and resources to share with your loved ones.
While these are among our top priorities, our office will be making our way around the district to hear directly from residents what matters most to you.
Table of Contents
Oath of Office
 Our Board began the year’s business with the swearing in of Commissioner’s Heather Edelson, Jeffrey Lunde, Kevin Anderson and Debbie Goettel. Congratulations to our colleagues.
Hennepin County Legislative Delegation Meeting
 Before the beginning on 2025 Minnesota State Legislature, Hennepin County officials met with members of the State Legislature from the Hennepin County delegation to discuss Hennepin County’s 2025 legislative priorities.
Honoring Senator Kari Dziedzic
 It is very important that we take the time to remember and honor the life of former Hennepin County policy aide, State Senator and DFL majority leader, Kari Dziedzic, who passed away on December 27 at the age of 62.
Senator Kari Dziedzic cared about the work we needed to do to improve the quality of life in the District and beyond. Our last communications focused on how to solve for top evictors in Hennepin County. Kari was kind, mission driven and generous. She will be deeply missed.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025
 I've dedicated my life to the service of others, rooted in compassion, love, and an unwavering dedication to uplift the inherent dignity of others. On MLK Day this year, we remembered the blueprint of public service the good Reverend Doctor gave us in his 1956 speech quoted above.
35th Annual MLK Day Breakfast
We honored Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy on Monday, January 20th, 2025. This year marked the 35th anniversary of the MPLS MLK Jr. Breakfast; amazing feat, and program! We were fortunate to have MN native and journalist Michele Norris with Dr. Rachel Hardeman to help lead the conversation, w/ music by the Sounds of Blackness, and other performances by Threads Dance Project and VocalEssence.
The breakfast celebrates Dr. King and creates an imperative to live out his legacy today in our homes, our communities, and our world. The proceeds from the event benefit UNCF Twin Cities to support local students of color to attend college.
National Day of Racial Healing
On January 21st, the day after MLK Day, Hennepin County co-hosted two virtual events for the National Day of Racial Health one for government staff in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas and the other for the greater Twin Cities community.
Both events featured speaker Dr. Anton Treuer (TROY-er) an author of many books and a professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University. Dr. Treuer’s work focuses on equity, education and culture and these events were an opportunity to reflect as a community and engage in courageous conversation to foster greater mutual respect and understanding. More than 550 government employees and community members participated across the two events.
Congressional Record - US Representative Ilhan Omar
 Near the end of 2024, Hennepin County achieved a designation of functional zero status in ending veteran homelessness. Representative Ilhan Omar presented a Congressional Record to the Hennepin County Board to honor this historic milestone.
Proclamation: Black History Month
This week, I presented a proclamation for Black History Month. This month is a time to learn about black history in America and Hennepin County and celebrate black excellence and contributions in our country.
Celebrating black history in Hennepin County is very important because black history is American history, and we honor this history on so many levels.
This year’s National Theme is “African Americans and Labor” which focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people.
In addition to this proclamation, the Lowry Avenue bridge will be lit up red, black, green, and gold on February 1 in recognition of black history month.
Proclamation: Acknowledging Heart Health Month
I introduced another proclamation for Hearth Health Month in February. This is an important time to raise awareness of heart disease and promote strategies to improve cardiovascular health
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in our nation, and is a critical public health issue, so I am grateful for this opportunity to raise awareness in our community.
I encourage everyone - especially women, and especially black and indigenous individuals – to take this opportunity to focus on their cardiovascular health and learn more about how to prevent and treat heart disease.
School Visit
 U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Minnesota State Representative Emma Greenman (63B), and I started off the week taking sharp and thoughtful questions from our youngest residents at Justice Page Middle School. The most energizing and inspiring way to start the work week if you ask me!
Race Equity Advisory Council (REAC)
 Earlier this month I had the opportunity to sit down at the regular monthly meeting of Hennepin’s Race Equity Advisory Council. I was invited to hear about how they are working to eliminate race-based disparities in our County and answer questions about how leadership at all levels of County government can help uplift this critical work. For more information on this and other community advisory boards please visit the Hennepin County Advisory and Watershed District Boards webpage.
All My Relations/Pow Wow Grounds Coffee Shop
 We visited the All My Relations Arts Gallery located inside of Pow Wow Grounds Coffee Shop.
All My Relations Arts (AMRA) is a program of the Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI). As a gallery, AMRA is one of the few Midwest hubs for contemporary Native art and an integral place for advancing the careers of Native artists. AMRA is a national platform for the elevation of contemporary Native artists and provides continued support for artists and art professionals.
To learn more about All My Relations Arts and view upcoming exhibits, click here.
Somali Museum of Minnesota
 After stopping by All My Relations Arts, we visited the newly expanded Somali Museum of Minnesota inside of Midtown Global Market! We are lucky to have these places that honor the rich culture and history within our district and beyond.
"The Somali Museum is the home of traditional Somali arts in Minnesota. Displaying a collection of over 700 pieces, and offering educational programs about Somali traditional culture that are not offered anywhere else. The Somali Museum offers an unrivaled opportunity for Minnesotans of all backgrounds to encounter and learn about Somali traditional culture." Learn more here.
Park and Portland
 Join us at the upcoming Open House to learn more about the project draft-design concept Park and Portland Safety improvements. Please share with neighbors and we look forward to receiving your feedback!
 When: Friday, January 31, 2025 from 10:00am–12:00pm
Where: Franklin Library; 1314 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Learn about your health and connect to the care you need in this drop-in program! Meet with the Native American Community Clinic (NACC) to take a free, private Rapid HIV test, learn about HIV prevention and care, and get help connecting to treatment and medical services. The University of Minnesota Mobile Health Initiative (MHI) will also offer free help and supplies related to wound and footcare. No registration required.
Collaborators: Native American Community Clinic, University of Minnesota Mobile Health Initiative.
Maternal Health Matters
 When: Saturday, February 1st, 2025 from 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Where: Sabathani Community Center (310 E 38th St Suite 120, Minneapolis, MN 55409) Banquet Room
Celebrate the launch of Maternal Health Matters, Sabathani’s new program dedicated to supporting Black maternal and infant health during the perinatal journey.
What to Expect:
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Community connections and meaningful conversations.
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Valuable information about maternal and infant health.
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Inspiration from guest speakers – to be announced soon!
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Special presentation: A short film screening.
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Enjoy a delicious meal: Catered lunch provided.
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Raffle prizes: Win a gift to take home!
All are welcome – free to attend! Register in advance to save your spot:
Or to register by phone or email, contact Naomi Abraham at nabraham@sabathani.org or 612-821-235
The Black Excellence Experience - Call for Artist
Sabathani is offering a one-week residency for Black artists to showcase their work, create on-site, and connect with the community. Open to emerging artists of all ages. Apply by February 5.
When: Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 1:00pm–3:00pm
Where: Hosmer Library; 347 E. 36th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
The Streets to Housing team provides trauma-informed, housing-focused services that reduce barriers and identify safe, appropriate alternatives to living outside, including emergency shelter and permanent housing. Streets to Housing can offer housing assessments, including Coordinated Entry Assessments. No appointment necessary.
Collaborator: Hennepin County Streets to Housing Program.
Community Safety Center
When: Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: Matthews Park; 2318 29th Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55406
Come get a progress update on the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center and Lake Street Safety Center. Hear about services and resources in the centers and how your feedback is being used to shape plans. There is one more update session left of this series.
City staff will be available for a Q&A after the presentation. Community members can also learn more about other safety programs in the city.
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Watch a previously recorded online session.
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Read a summary of frequently asked questions from previous sessions.
- Find more information on the safety centers.
State of the Neighborhood - Nokomis East
Nokomis East - State of the Neighborhood
 When: Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Where: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88180189045343
Join Nokomis East Neighborhood Association for their annual State of Our Neighborhood meeting with local officials to learn more about our community.
We will listen to them speak then go into breakout rooms so each community member can ask questions and speak to them personally.
Please use this Zoom link for the meeting.
Phillips West Neighborhood Organization - Winter Social
 When: Thursday, February 6th, 2025 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: American Swedish Institute; 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
There’s a chill in the air and (some) snow on the ground which means it’s time for the Phillips West Neighborhood Organization (PWNO) Winter Social! Come warm up at the American Swedish Institute, make a zine with us, and learn about what PWNO has planned for the year! You can also wander into the Castle during ASI's free Thursday night!
Community Connections Conference
When: Saturday, February 8th, 2025 from 9:00am - 4:00pm
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center, first floor, Hall E 1301 Second Ave S Minneapolis, MN
Theme: Participation is Power: Speak, Act, Grow – this years theme invites people to:
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Speak: Voice their opinion about important upcoming projects and decision-making.
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Act: Take action by voting, joining a neighborhood organization board or a City appointed board.
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Grow: Learn skills and information they can use to improve their neighborhood, community and lives.
This annual free conference connections Minneapolis residents, community groups, neighborhoods and local government.
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People from all communities should feel welcome in City spaces.
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It should be easy for everyone to get involved and influence important decisions.
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People from all communities should get information about programs and policies in language they understand.
Seeding the Stars: A Celebration of Public Art and Community
 When: Saturday, February 8th, 2025 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Where: Hosmer Library; 347 E. 36th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Join us to celebrate the installation of Seeding the Stars, a mosaic mural by local artist Olivia Levins Holden. In addition to remarks by library staff and the artist, the event will include family-friendly art activities, musical performances, and an exhibit of Central neighborhood archives. All are welcome!
Midtown/Lake St. Light Rail Redesign Second Open House
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 When: Tuesday, February 11th, 2025 from 6:00pm–7:30pm
Where: Coliseum Building; 2708 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
After 20 years of use, a renovation of the METRO Blue Line Lake Street/Midtown Station is coming soon. Changes are being made to provide more consistent and reliable access for all users, including:
- New, larger elevators that will be closer to Lake Street bus stops.
- Wider stairways, removing escalators.
- A new, outage-proof pedestrian ramp from the street level to the station on the south side of Lake Street.
These proposed renovations will impact market plaza. As market goers, this is your opportunity to stay informed and share your voice about the development. Please join to learn more about the design and how feedback was incorporated.
Please view project information here.
Questions? Contact Metro Transit:
HiLake@metrotransit.org
612-248-0642
Are you REAL ID ready?
Federal enforcement begins May 7, 2025
Beginning May 7, 2025, Minnesotans 18 years of age or older will not be able to use their standard driver's license or identification card to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. Instead, they will need one of three options:
- Minnesota REAL ID driver's license or identification card.
- Minnesota Enhanced driver's license or identification card.
- Other federally-approved forms of identification. They are listed online here, but include:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
- U.S. Department of defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
If you are not sure which license type is right for you, use Help Me Choose a Type of License or ID.
Resources for Immigrants
Minnesota Welcome Center: Provides information and services to help immigrants. Located at 3921 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN ~ Phone: (218) 673-1836.
Protection from heat being shut off
The Cold Weather Rule is now in effect. The Cold Weather Rule helps Minnesota residents keep their heat on during the coldest months. The Cold Weather Rule means that if you can’t pay your home heat bill, your heat can’t be shut off Oct. 1-April 30. If you get a notice about disconnecting your primary heat source, make sure to immediately contact the utility and set up a payment plan. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission's Consumer Affairs Office can help you work with your utility to keep the heat on.
ICE Raid Guidance for Homeless Service Providers: What to do before, during, and after a raid
This guide is intended to help homeless shelter organizations be prepared to address and respond to immigration enforcement in a way that advances client privacy, safety, and opportunity. It includes a 4-part step-by-step guide on dealing with ICE enforcement efforts:
- What facility management should do before an enforcement action (Page 2)
- What to do during an enforcement action (Page 9)
- What to do with an enforcement information request (Page 11)
- What to do after an enforcement action (Page 11)
Help with heat bills
Minnesota homeowners and renters can apply for energy assistance to help keep their homes warm this winter.
By applying for Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program, homeowners and renters may also qualify for Minnesota’s Weatherization Assistance Program and receive free home improvements to help save energy and ensure a warm, healthy, safe home.
Waypoint - Shelter, Housing, and More
 The Waypoint application is an easy-to-use online tool designed to support people experiencing homelessness and facing financial hardships. The application connects people to shelter, housing, food assistance, clothing, public restrooms, Veteran’s, substance use disorder, and other resources that are near them. Waypoint makes it easier for people to find the essential support services they need.
Visit Hennepin.us/Waypoint to get connected.
Contact us
Angela Conley
Commissioner, 4th District
Binta Kanteh
Policy Director
612-348-5204
Natasha Rice
District Director
612-348-3204
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