Dear D6 Neighbors,

I hope you are doing well and staying warm amidst these chilly temperatures – Spring is thankfully just around the corner!

Our office has been busy meeting with residents, presenting at city council meetings across District 6, touring county buildings, attending community events, and hosting community members at our office. We have also been closely monitoring executive orders and ensuring our residents in Hennepin County will not see a disruption of services. 

See below for more updates from my office!

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Meet our New District 6 Team

Exciting news for District 6! I’m thrilled to introduce my incredible team: Raina Meyer, Policy Director (left), and Clara Wicklund, Assistant to the Commissioner (right)! Raina and Clara are dedicated to serving our community and ensuring our office is accessible and responsive. Whether you have questions, concerns, or ideas, they’re here to help.

Feel free to reach out:

• Raina Meyer, Policy Director – Raina.Meyer@hennepin.us
• Clara Wicklund, Assistant to the Commissioner – Clara.Wicklund@hennepin.us

It is an honor to serve District 6, and we look forward to working with you!

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District 6 Hosted the first High School Intern for a Day

Last week, our office had the privilege of hosting District 6 high school students for our Intern for a Day program! It was an exciting opportunity for them to experience firsthand how county government operates and the many ways we serve our communities.
Throughout the day, students met with:

• The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office: captains, deputies, and staff who shared insights into public safety and law enforcement.
• The Mosquito Control Board, which partners with counties to protect public health through proactive measures.
• Chris Magan, a Star Tribune reporter, who discussed the importance of local journalism in keeping residents informed.
• Latonya Reeves, a Hennepin Probation officer, on the importance of compassionate reintegration and accountability and what that looks like.
• Ben Schweigert, a County Attorney, who explained the role of the legal system in upholding justice at the county level.
• Jodie Wentland, Assistant County Administrator, to learn about extensive county services.

This hands-on experience gave students a glimpse into careers in public service, law enforcement, journalism, and public health. We hope this sparks their interest in shaping our communities in the future! A big thank you to our partners who made the day a success and to the students for their enthusiasm and great questions–we look forward to hosting our next group of interns in March!

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Met Council 2025 State of the Region

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Met Council's 2025 State of the Region event. They hosted an informative panel with local leaders and subject matter experts, and I valued the discussion on working to improve our interconnected systems, governments and agencies!

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D6 Office Tour of the Hennepin County Public Works Facility in Medina

Our office had the fantastic opportunity to tour our Hennepin County Public Works Office in Medina. It was impressive to learn firsthand about our emergency management services and how our county staff ensure that roads and bridges are built with sustainability and safety at the forefront. We also learned about the ways we address road traffic on county roads and were able to see our county fleet. Our Hennepin County public works team is impressive, and they are here when you need them!

If you ever have an issue on a county road or bridge, please email me to connect you to the right person at Heather.Edelson@hennepin.us.

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Commissioner Presentations at District 6 City Council Meetings

I have continued making a tour of our district’s city council meetings; recently, I presented to city council meetings in Orono, Tonka Bay, Spring Park, Long Lake, Minnetonka, and Woodland. I have now presented to 10 city councils with just 5 more cities to go!

It is so great to connect with local leaders and hear discussion on decisions that are being made in our community. Thank you to these city leaders for having me!

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Meeting with Congresswoman Kelly Morrison 

This past week, I joined a productive meeting with Congresswoman Kelly Morrison to discuss the critical federal funding Hennepin County receives for health and human services, housing, food supports, transportation, and infrastructure. These investments are essential to keeping our communities safe, thriving, and connected.

I am grateful for the partnership at all levels of government to ensure we’re delivering the resources residents need. Looking forward to continuing the work to build a stronger county for all!

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February is Black History Month and Heart Health Month

This month, we celebrate the rich history, resilience, and achievements of Black Americans who have shaped our nation and our communities. Here in Hennepin County, we recognize the contributions of Black leaders, past and present, who have paved the way for justice, equity, and progress in Hennepin County, Minnesota and across our great nation.

February is also Heart Health Month! Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and it is an issue that disproportionately affects women. This month, I encourage everyone to become more aware of the risks and symptoms of heart disease to raise awareness on how we can promote heart healthy lifestyles. Together, we can create healthier communities!

                 

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Minnesota Fun Fact: 

In Minnesota, daylight increases by nearly 3 minutes per day in February and March! By the end of February, we gain about 1 hour and 10 minutes of daylight compared to the start of the month.  

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Hennepin County Resources

Grants are available for schools to reduce waste and improve recycling

Grants are available for schools to start or improve programs to reduce waste and keep recycling and organic materials, including food and non-recyclable paper, out of the trash. Eligible organizations include preschools, K-12 schools, colleges and universities in Hennepin County.

Grant funding can be used to fund staff time for project implementation as well as to purchase equipment and supplies including recycling and organics recycling containers, sorting stations, reusable food service ware, and bulk condiment dispensers. Review the grant flyer (PDF) and the grant guidelines (PDF) for more information about the program.

The first round of funding will be available to two-year colleges, Head Start, and preschools and K-12 schools with at least 50% of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 27. Schools may apply for up to $20,000 in the first round.

Applications of up to $15,000 from any K-12 school, preschool, college, or university in the county will be accepted in the second round from March 18 through October 15, or until available funds are depleted. Visit the school recycling web page to learn more and apply.

Grants are available for multifamily properties to reduce waste and improve recycling

Hennepin County offers grants for multifamily properties to start or improve recycling or organics recycling, reduce contamination, prevent waste, and educate their residents on recycling and waste prevention. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until Monday, November 10, 2025, or until the annual program budget is exhausted, whichever occurs first.

Recycling grants

Areas of focus can include purchasing bins and compostable bags, paying for hauling costs, constructing waste enclosures or chutes, managing or preventing the waste of bulky items, and educating residents. Applicants may apply for up to $3,000 for bins and compostable bags and up to $20,000 for all other categories combined. Review the 2025 Multifamily recycling grant guidelines (PDF) and grant flyer (PDF) to learn more.

To receive application materials, submit a multifamily recycling grant inquiry form.

If you have questions about grants, contact the apartment recycling program coordinator at apartmentrecycling@hennepin.us or visit the apartment recycling webpage. 

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Stay Connected!

We want to ensure that our residents are as informed as they can be with County business. To that end, you can view our County Board and Committee meetings here, as well as view past meetings. Please reach out if you have any questions about viewing meetings online or in-person. As always, I encourage you to reach out to me with any other questions or feedback you’d like to share at heather.edelson@hennepin.us or 612-248-6885. You can also follow me on my official Facebook page for updates.

Sincerely,

Heather Edelson
County Commissioner - District 6

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About District 6

The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners consists of one commissioner from each of seven districts. I am proud to represent Deephaven, North Eden Prairie, Edina, Excelsior, Greenwood, Hopkins, Long Lake, Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach, northern Mound, Orono, Shorewood, Spring Park, Tonka Bay, Wayzata and Woodland.

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County Information

• Elected officials
• Hennepin County libraries
• Hennepin County Medical Center
• Hennepin volunteers
• Online services
• Phone directory
• Service Center information
• Southwest light rail
• Understanding your property tax

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Heather Edelson
Commissioner
6th District

Raina Meyer
Policy Director
612-348-3168

Clara Wicklund
Assistant to the Commissioner
612-248-6885