With the legislative session in full swing, I've been heavily focused on advocating for Hennepin County residents at the Minnesota Capitol and with our partners in DC. We know that there is a lot of uncertainty about how local governments are going to deliver services to residents who need them. My colleagues and I are working very hard to ensure that despite the uncertainty, the county maintains and improves the level of service you expect and deserve.
Hennepin County Priorities
Every year, the Hennepin County Board works with our Intergovernmental Relations team to develop a State Legislative Platform and a Federal Legislative Platform. These platforms provide clarity on what the county will be advocating for with our state and federal partners. I regularly visit the Minnesota Capitol to testify on behalf of the county's priorities.
If you'd like to read more about Hennepin County's 2025 legislative priorities, click here.
Meeting with Representative Kelly Morrison
This month, I joined Commissioner Edelson and Lunde in meeting with Congresswoman Kelly Morrison to discuss our work at the county. From Veteran services, investments in our youth, and our healthcare systems, we'll continue working with our federal partners like Rep. Morrison to serve our residents.
Legislative Conferences
The new year always brings some very important conferences. Our office has been preparing for the upcoming Association of Minnesota Counties legislative conference, and the National Association of Counties legislative conference. These events are an incredibly important way for us Commissioners to advocate for you at both the state and federal level. Stay tuned for more information on these events in the next newsletter!
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As I mentioned in my last newsletter, each year I make it a point to visit every city council in my district to give an update on what the county is working on in their communities. This year, I am focusing on public works projects and housing.
Below is our current city council meeting schedule for March. Feel free to stop by and say hello!
Champlin: March 10th at 7pm, Champlin City Hall
Maple Grove: March 17th at 7:30pm, Maple Grove Government Center
Independence: March 18th at 6:30pm, Independence City Hall
Greenfield: March 18th at 7pm, Greenfield City Hall
Maple Plain: March 24th at 7pm, Maple Plain City Hall
A Real ID or passport will be required for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. If you need to renew your license, take a few minutes to compare the standard license and Real ID. https://www.hennepin.us/residents/licenses-certificates-permits/drivers-licenses
Talk with Hennepin County staff and your neighbors about conservation and managing your farm and learn about financial and technical assistance for conservation projects on your property.
- Coffee and pastries on us!
- Learn about projects eligible for technical and financial assistance through Hennepin County’s Cost Share for Conservation program
- Sign up for the FREE soil health testing program
Upcoming Coffee Hour sessions:
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Wednesday, March 12, 10-11 a.m.
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Wednesday, March 26, 1-2 p.m.
All three sessions will take place at the Hy-Vee Market Grille, 8755 70th Way N, Maple Grove, MN 55311.
Questions? Contact us:
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Elevate Hennepin has provided transformational impact for businesses of all sizes through no-cost consulting, a growing foundation of group learning, and a curated hub of vital resources enabling small businesses to start, grow and scale.
The past year was an exceptional one for Elevate Hennepin with new resources, thousands of hours of support for businesses from more than 30 consultants, and another successful year for the growing CEO Growth Series of group-learning opportunities.
Over the past several years, we have provided:
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Expert consultants, serving over 1,200 entrepreneurs in 2024: Since inception in 2020, Elevate Hennepin advisors have supported more than 3,600 businesses with 41,000 hours of consulting.
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Peer-to-peer connection to help businesses expand both locally and regionally: In 2024, 40 new businesses graduated from the new CEO Start group-learning opportunity and 30 businesses graduated from our CEO Now program. A further 24 connected and worked through our longstanding CEO Next cohort, expanding the economic impact in the county and beyond.
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Community-lead programming: Based on community need, Elevate Hennepin staff piloted 10 new offerings including HR Next, customized HR support to attract and retain employees; CEO Start, fundamental training to help idea-stage entrepreneurs launch and grow; and CEO Now, strategic frameworks for growth-oriented businesses.
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More capacity for job creation: Advisors and consultants provided guidance and support for businesses to add more than 600 jobs in Hennepin County through financing since inception, and 283 new jobs in 2024 alone.
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Equitable access to capital: Advisors helped Hennepin County businesses secure over $35.8 million in capital to expand, start, or grow their businesses. Last year alone, Elevate Hennepin business owners secured $16.3 million in business financing.
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A launchpad for new businesses: Advisors provided guidance for more than 220 business across the county to launch. In 2024, 51 Elevate Hennepin businesses said this support helped them launch their new venture.
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Hennepin County’s healthy tree canopy grants will open for applications on Tuesday, February 25. Grant projects can include tree plantings, ash tree removals, tree inventories, outreach and more. Nonprofit organizations, schools, cities, and affordable housing properties are eligible to apply.
The grants aim to combat threats to trees from invasive insects and disease, educate the public on tree care and the importance of trees, and increase the diversity and resiliency of the tree canopy. Review the grant flyer (PDF).
Application documents are available now so you can start preparing your application. Applications may be submitted beginning February 25 and are due by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25. Registration on the Hennepin County Supplier Portal is required.
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Hennepin County will be accepting proposals for contracts with community-based organizations for prevention, response, and treatment/recovery of opioid use disorder. The proposals should emphasize disparity reduction with a focus on the most impacted, including the African American and American Indian communities.
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Request for Proposals (RFP) application is anticipated to open in March 2025.
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Contracts will be for two years (January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027).
There are three upcoming informational meetings to learn more about the RFP process. These meetings are open to all interested organizations and registration is not required.
Monday, March 3 Virtual and recorded
Wednesday, March 5 In-person, South Minneapolis
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Noon to 1:30 p.m., light refreshments provided
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Minneapolis American Indian Center, Grandparents Conference Room
1530 East Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, 55404
Friday, March 7 In-person, North Minneapolis
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Noon to 1:30 p.m., light refreshments provided
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NorthPoint: Conference Center Suite 5200
1256 Penn Ave North, Minneapolis, 55411
The 7th District serves the cities of
Champlin, Corcoran, Dayton, Greenfield, Independence, Loretto, Maple Grove, Maple Plain, Medina, Minnetrista, Southern Mound, Rogers,
St. Bonifacius, Hanover, Northwest Plymouth, and Rockford.
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Contact us
Kevin Anderson
Commissioner, 7th District
Ketki Varsha
Policy Director
612-559-4221
Clara Severson
District Director
612-596-9040
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