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Greetings!
As we reflect on the blessings of the recently concluded month of Ramadan, let's carry forward the spirit of giving, gratitude, and personal growth that it inspired. Ramadan served as a powerful reminder of the importance of reflection and connection, while Eid allowed us to come together in celebration with our loved ones and communities. For those that observed Ramadan, we hope you were able to embrace the joy and renewal that came with the month.
As we move into the season of spring, we’re excited to share ways to “spring into action” with Earth Day on the horizon. We're excited to share ways you can get involved in local sustainability efforts, green initiatives, and events that help make a positive impact on our planet.
We hope this newsletter inspires you to reflect, celebrate, and take action—whether through the meaningful connections you shared during Eid or by contributing to a healthier Earth!
As always, please reach out with questions, comments, or to learn more about how to get involved.
Recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility
Chair of the Board, Commissioner Irene Fernando, offered a proclamation to recognize March 31st as Transgender Day of Visibility. By observing the Transgender Day of Visibility, Hennepin County recognizes, admires, and celebrates transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary people in all their joy and resilience.
Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event observed on March 31 that celebrates and raises awareness of transgender people worldwide. This annual event provides a platform to acknowledge and uplift the contributions and achievements of transgender people and nonbinary people, empowering them to live authentically while also drawing attention to the discrimination and violence the community faces.
National Public Health Week
 Last month, I presented a proclamation for National Public Health Week, April 7 - 13, 2025. Marking 30 years of celebrating National Public Health Week, this year's theme is “It Starts Here” highlighting the importance of Hennepin County making a difference in our community, home and state.
Hennepin County Public Health recognizes racism as a public health crisis, and has committed to reducing health disparities and advancing health equity. This week is to celebrate the efforts of public health staff and partner organizations, and encouraging continuous improvement for the future.
As a part of National Public Health Week, I will be attending a Healthy Hearts Social Group. To find more information on the Healthy Hearts Social Group, please look in the Upcoming Community Events below.
National Food Waste Prevention Week
 Commissioner Debbie Goettel, offered a resolution to proclaim April 7 - 13, 2025 as National Food Waste Prevention Week.
The Board had the opportunity to hear from Jenny Kedward, food waste prevention specialist with our Environment and Energy Department. Jenny shared details about the County's efforts to prevent wasted food and celebrate Food Waste Prevention Week.
 Nearly 40% of all food in the U.S. goes uneaten. In Hennepin County, about 2.3 pounds of edible food goes to waste per person each week. The average family of four spends more than $2,500 a year on food we don’t eat.
Jenny presented an eye opening comparison: "That’s like going to the grocery store and buying 5 bags of food, but as you walk out, you dump two bags in the trash."
We’re also focusing on advancing a zero-waste future and connecting to our local communities. Follow along with Hennepin Environment on Instagram, Facebook, or X for tips throughout Food Waste Prevention week, and visit TrashorCash.org to see how to save food and money, get tips from local chefs, download helpful resources, and sign up for Fridge Check Friday email reminders.
 As a part of Women's History Month we highlighted our very own southside women owned businesses! What makes this list below special is that these women leaders have utilized Hennepin County’s Elevate Hennepin services to help advance their enterprises. We appreciate their unique contributions to the District and beyond!
- Bad Daisy Landscaping LLC- Gardening
- Constellation Acupuncture & Healing Arts- Health and healing
- Curry Diva LLC- Food / catering / popups
- DesignWell Studios- Health and wellness
- Diamonds Home Health Care, INC- Healthcare
- Lutunji's Palate Bakery & Cafe- Food
- Master of Massage LLC- Wellness /massage
- Mayhem Games- Creative arts / game / comedy
- Minneapolis Meat Collective- Food / Culinary classes
- Molly Feigal Parenting Support
- Nice Time Market + More- Food market
- Odigo Properties + Odigo Wellness- Health and healing
- Queermunity Collaborative, LLC- community /Co-working / café
- Sister's Sludge- Coffee Shop
- Spark & Stitch Institute- Education and Creativity
- Terra Soma, LLC- Strategic planning services
- Yirii Dance Studio- Arts / Dance
Comment on Park/Portland Ave. Designs Through Interactive Map
Share your feedback! You can weigh in on the proposed draft design concept for Park and Portland Avenues safety improvements project by leaving a comment on our interactive map.
 Pop-Up Events
- (past) Tuesday, April 1 - Ebenezer Park Apartment (2700 Park Avenue) from 11:30am to 1pm
- Saturday, April 26 - Midtown Greenway Coalition (2834 10th Avenue S) at Venture Bikes from 10:30am - Noon
- Saturday, May 3 - FRNNG's Minnehaha Creek Duck Race (17th Ave & Minnehaha Parkway) from 11am to 2pm
To view more information, please visit the Park and Portland safety improvements project webpage here. Keep this page bookmarked to stay updated. To view the preliminary design timeline, check out my February Recap Newsletter.
As upcoming events happen, my office will continue be present and keep you updated.
Lake Street Lift Project Celebration
 Last month, I attended the grand opening of East Lake Ice Rink & Sauna, one of the many highlights of the Lake Street Lift Project! This celebration would have not been possible without the work of Redesign, Inc, the Graves Foundation and Representative Aisha Gomez, who led the initial investment.
It was a joy connecting with local businesses, artists, and residents as we continue to revitalize Lake Street. To stay up to date with upcoming fun events on Lake Street, check it out here: https://www.visitlakestreet.com/events
Visit with Catholic Charities
 I had the amazing opportunity to tour two Catholic Charity locations in District 4, The Mary F. Frey Opportunity Center and Endeavors Residence
We began at the Opportunity Center, an adult shelter that provides daytime services to people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. There I learned that provides showers and laundry services to individuals experiencing homelessness are available Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
We went on to tour Endeavors Residence, a Permanent Supportive Housing site that offers housing and onsite services for single adults and veterans who have experienced homelessness. Placements at Endeavors Residence go through the Coordinated Entry system. Visit Hennepin County’s website to complete an assessment.
Prospect Park Community Meeting
 At the Prospect Park Community Meeting last month, hosted by Council Member Robin Wonsley (Ward 2), I joined MPD 2nd Precinct Inspector Nick Torborg and City of Minneapolis Crime Prevention Specialist Teila Zoller, and representatives from the Prospect Park Association and Tower Hill Committee. Community members received updates for the area regarding environmental services at Hennepin County, encampment response at the city, diversifying public safety staff and recruitment strategies, and discussing street-level commercial spaces.
Midtown Annual Celebration
 As a previous member of my neighborhood organization, I love joining District 4 neighborhood organization meetings! They’re built by volunteers that advocate for the well-being of residents. I attended Midtown’s annual meeting and celebration which kicks off a new year of organizing. So happy to be with neighbors in the community that raised me!
Connecting with Scott Redd at Sabathani Community Center
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I visited with Scott Redd, CEO & President of Sabathani Community Center, where I learned about all the new and expanded programs and services that are offered.
Sabathani Community Center is a staple Southside community hub, full opportunities to engage with residents.
I encourage people to stop by to learn more about maternal health resources, violence interrupters, food distribution, and youth & senior program.
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Big News! Sabathani Food Distribution & Clothing Services
To better serve our community, Sabathani Community Center is transitioning their food & clothing services to an appointment-only system starting Monday, April 7.
What does this mean for you? Starting April 7, you will need an appointment to pick up food and clothing.
Why appointments? Scheduling in advance helps us provide a smoother experience with shorter wait times. It allows us to better manage our capacity, avoid early closures, and ensure we have enough supplies to serve everyone who visits.
Important: Until April 7, the Food Distribution Center and the Clothing Closet will continue with regular walk-in hours. As always, please check the top banner at sabathani.org before coming in to confirm we haven’t closed early due to high demand.
Here are the direct links to sign up:
Hennepin County Kiosk at the U of M East Bank Campus
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I was on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities East Bank Campus for an event and was reminded that students told me years ago that food security was a top priority!
After listening to their concerns, I had a kiosk added in Coffman so students could easily apply for SNAP and other supports through Hennepin County Government.
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Visit to Andersen United Middle School
 "Why can't we send the trash to space?"
"Why did we build it if it hurts people?"
"How can we do our part?"
Solid questions from 7th Graders today at Anderson Middle School! A couple of months ago these students chose an environmental justice issue as part of a science project. The issue: the HERC - the County's trash incinerator.
Part of that project included emailing policymakers.
I got to visit with them, thank them for their advocacy and organizing and share ideas on what we can do together to build a zero waste future sooner rather than later.
Big thanks to Teacher Shoshi, Joe Vital from Hennepin Environment and all the students who sent emails, asked thoughtful questions and committed to continued organizing to get organics recycling in all Minneapolis schools!
The 10th Annual Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/Cleanup, Boom Island Park, Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the only National Park offering scenic views of the Mississippi River! Bee with us for our 10th Annual event! For more details, click here.
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Earth Day Cleanup
- Saturday, April 19, 2025
- 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
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The Earth Day Clean-Up is the largest community service event in Minneapolis, with over 40 clean-up sites across the city. Since its inception in 2008, more than 23,000 residents have come together to remove over 165,000 pounds of garbage
How to Get Involved in 2025
The 2025 Earth Day Clean-Up is a drop-in volunteer activity — no need to pre-register! Simply choose a clean-up site that works for you. Each site will have a coordinator to check you in, distribute equipment, and provide instructions.
31st Annual Minneapolis Earth Day Cleanup: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities-events/events/earth_day_cleanup/
East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership (EBNP) Cleanup
Nokomis East Neighborhood Association (NENA) Cleanup
- Saturday, April 26, 2025
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- 5342 25th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55417
About the event
NENA's Earth Day Neighborhood Clean-up is a great way to honor the earth and celebrate spring. Join your neighbors for a feel-good day of cleaning up and giving back to the place we all call home.
A limited amount of clean up supplies will be available for pick up at the Triangle. Clean up around Lake Nokomis or in your own neighborhood! And if that weren’t enough, we'll have coffee & donuts to kick things off (while they last!)
Minneapolis Arbor Day Festival
 The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Forestry Department and its network of community partners invite everyone to come out and enjoy a festival celebrating Minneapolis' wonderful tree canopy!
Help plant a tree at the park, learn about tree care, and enjoy a unique variety of tree-themed activities, education, and entertainment for all ages:
- Harnessed tree climbing under the supervision of MPRB Forestry professionals
- Tree-sized lawn games like chess, checkers, mancala and kubb
- Ask an Arborist booth giving out free advice on tree care questions
- Nature play area made from reused tree limbs
- Tree-themed activities by MPRB Environmental Education staff
- Information and activities from environmental organizations and the Kenny Neighborhood Association.
- Local food trucks
More information, view the event page.
 The Mississippi River, and all of the lakes, rivers, and streams in Hennepin County, make this a great place to live. We have been challenged by our downstream neighbor, Goodhue County, to participate in the Mighty Mississippi Cleanup Challenge. Help us showcase the commitment to keeping the environment healthy by picking up litter in celebration of Earth Day.
- Step 1: Get outside and clean up trash any time between April 15 and May 15. You could join a cleanup event, organize your own cleanup, or sign up to Adopt-a-Drain and report your drain cleanout. To learn how to sort the litter you clean up, refer to the waste sort guide for litter cleanups (PDF).
- Step 2: Snap a photo of your group.
- Step 3: Share your results through our online form.
Download the Mighty Mississippi Cleanup Challenge flyer (PDF).
 Save the date for a Seward Community Meeting! I will be joining Council Member Robin Wonsley - Minneapolis Ward 2 and MPD 3rd Precinct Inspector José Gomez to share updates, answer questions, and hear your priorities. All Seward residents and community members are welcome. Hope to see you there!
UMN Environmental Justice Summit
 This event is to connect university students with community members and organizations within the greater Twin Cities area focused on environmental justice and climate action.
Friday, April 4th, 2025
10:00 AM to 2:30 PM
For more information, to register, or view the schedule.
Healthy Hearts Social Group
  Join a social group at NorthPoint for an empowering new platform designed for African American, Black, and Indigenous women who have experienced heart attacks, strokes, or heart disease.
I will be attending the session on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. I am looking forward to learning important heart health tips from local experts and connect with others on similar journeys.
Southside Community Health Services
 When: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Where: Hosmer Library; 347 E. 36th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Meet with providers from Southside Community Health Center to learn about their services and receive assistance in enrolling for MNsure insurance. Se habla Español.
The People's Way - Film Screening at The Main Cinema
 Join us at the historic neighborhood theater, Main Cinema for a film screening of the People's Way.
Directed by Ashley Tyner & William Tyner. Produced by Michael Tyner.
When: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 7:00 PM to 9:00PM
Where: Main Cinema (115 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN 55414)
This film is a documentary feature, with a duration of 87 minutes.
Description:
At the intersection of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, three community organizers—Jeanelle Austin, Toshira Garraway, and Robin Wonsley— embark on interweaving journeys after George Floyd’s murder to care for their communities, find inner healing, and forge a path towards black liberation.
For these activists, this fight is vital to reimagining Minneapolis and changing decades-long issues that have resulted in violence and poverty in the Black community. Austin is a memorial caretaker at George Floyd Square, a place of protest that remembers George Floyd and others killed unjustly from state-sanctioned violence, and and she hopes that her work archiving Black history will be a living monument; Wonsley decides to run for city council and strives to change the city’s corrupt police department; and Garraway is the leader of Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence, trying to bring justice to the victims’ families. The People’s Way is both a record of their work at this critical juncture and a clarion call to action.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Cedar Avenue Reconstruction - Open House
 Hennepin County, in partnership with the City of Minneapolis, is advancing the plans to reconstruct Cedar Avenue (County Road 152) between Lake Street (County Road 3) and 24th Street East.
Join us for an upcoming open house to view the final design and learn more about what to expect in construction – including road closures, detours and local access during construction in 2026.
When: Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 5 – 7 PM
Where: Little Earth Gymnasium, 2501 Cedar Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN. (enter through the double doors closest to the parking lot)
We will host the open house on Thursday, April 10, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Little Earth of United Tribes (2501 Cedar Avenue) in the gymnasium.
Over the last two years, community has shared what they would like to see on Cedar Avenue. With the help of everyone's feedback, the project team developed an initial concept for the corridor that has been approved by the Minneapolis City Council and is now the final design.
The final design reflects community developed project goals, including maintaining tree canopy, increased separation of travel modes and enhancing comfort and safety for people walking, rolling and biking.
Spring Gathering - Longfellow Community Council
 Get to know your neighbors and have a voice in your neighborhood organization at Longfellow Community Council’s Spring Gathering and Board Elections.
All in attendance will have a chance to hear from and vote on incoming board members. Food will be provided free of charge. This is a family-friendly event. All are welcome!
Wall-E, A Clean and Geen Movie Night
When: Friday, April 11, 2025 from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Where: Longfellow Recreation Center (3435 36th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406)
Cost: $5 resident/ $10 non-resident | All Ages
Join us for an indoor Earth Day celebration! We'll transform our gymnasium into a cozy theater, screening the inspiring environmental film -WALL-E on a large screen. Feel free to bring your pillows and blankets for comfortable floor seating. Each registration includes a delicious snack pack featuring your choice of a beef or vegan hot dog, a beverage, popcorn, and a sweet treat. Before the movie, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM, engage in Earth Day-themed activities designed to educate and inspire all ages. It's a perfect opportunity to honor Mother Earth and enjoy a memorable evening with family and friends.
Dinkytown: Then and Now
 When: Wednesday, April 16,2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Where: Liberal Arts Engagement Hub 120 Pillsbury Hall (315 Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, MN
Explore Dinkytown history and student movements through shadow puppets, a film preview, and small group discussion. Preview clips from the Legacy Grant funded film in progress "A Day in Dinkytown: Crossroad of the Counterculture" will focus on excerpts from the 50's, 60's and the Red Barn Occupation in the 1970's - a period when was Dinkytown was an influential locus of the movements of the times."
This event is co-sponsored by Preserve Historic Dinkytown, the Office of Public Engagement, and the Liberal Arts Engagement Hub.
Reimagining Smith and Bituminous Workshop
 When: Monday, April 21, 2025 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM
Where: East Phillips Park Cultural & Community Center (2307 17th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404)
What are your dreams for the future of Smith and Bituminous? Little by little, we’re transforming Phillips into a community-driven vision, shifting away from outside corporate control. We want to hear from YOU—especially those who live closest to Smith and Bituminous. Join us for interactive workshops where we’ll brainstorm and dream together about how to best use this land for our children, grandchildren, and plants and animals. Plus, there’ll be delicious, free food at every workshop! Come shape our future.
English Workshops with Spanish/Somali Translation
Nicollet Island Spring Market
 When: Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Where: Nicollet Island Pavilion (40 Power Street, Minneapolis, MN).
Join us for the Nicollet Island Spring Market, a celebration of artisanal wonders and handmade crafts! Immerse yourself in a world of creativity at the charming Nicollet Island Pavilion.
Discover snugly knitwear, enchanting decor, and one-of-a-kind treasures that are perfect for gifting your loved ones (and treating yourself!) this spring season.
Don't miss the opportunity to join us for a delightful day of shopping, community, and the joy of giving.
NENA Annual Meeting
When: Monday, April 28, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: 5015 35th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55417
About the event
The Nokomis East Neighborhood Association (NENA) Annual Meeting is a time to hear about what NENA has been up to for the past year, elect and re-elect Board Members, vote on organizational changes, and share a free community meal with your neighbors!
Applications to join the Board opened on April 1st and will run until April 18th. Apply Now! Online voting will begin April 22nd and continue until the day of the Annual Meeting on April 28th where in person voting will also happen.
Learn how to be an Apartment Recycling Champion!
 Become a recycling leader in your building as an Apartment Recycling Champion!
Champions help educate neighbors about recycling and composting and motivate everyone to reduce waste.
Champions will be paid $187.50 per month for a three- to six-month term based on the size of your property. The time commitment is approximately six hours per month.
Who can participate?
No prior recycling knowledge is needed to apply, just enthusiasm for waste reduction and recycling! You must be 18 years or older and live in an apartment or other multifamily building with five or more units in Hennepin County. Your property manager must agree to your participation.
Apply now! Learn more and apply by April 8 at hennepin.us/apartment-recycling-champions
Ventura Village & Solar Energy Co-op
Ventura Village has partnered with the Solar Energy Co-op that is putting a solar farm on the roof of the new Allina parking garage. Any individual who has an Xcel bill can apply. Joining the co-op will reduce monthly Xcel bills. The application deadline is April 29th. You can apply on-line through the link below.
https://www.cooperativeenergyfutures.com/ventura-village
Metro HRA waitlist opening in April 2025
Metro HRA is hosting a lottery to join the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) waitlist. Applications will be available online from 9 a.m., Wednesday, April 9 through noon Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
Applicants can use any computer, tablet, or smartphone to apply, including free computers at public libraries and community sites throughout the metro area.
Metro HRA will also host an information session for service providers and community partners on Wednesday, March 26 at 1:00pm on Zoom. Register here for the Zoom information session.
More information on the waitlist application & lottery process is available on Metro HRA’s website. You can also reach us at WaitList@metc.state.mn.us or 651-602-1428 for any questions related to the process or accommodations an applicant may need, including language translation services.
Please help us spread the word to encourage people to share with their networks and apply from 9 a.m., Wednesday, April 9 through noon Wednesday, April 16, 2025
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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