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As the state legislature works through budget balancing efforts, I want to make residents aware of serious concerns as they relate to the effects on local governments. Current proposals would shift significant costs onto counties and cities without changing the legal requirements to provide critical services. If these proposals move forward, local governments - including ours - would have no choice but to raise property taxes to meet these obligations.
Stable state investment has allowed us to achieve major milestones, such as effectively ending veteran homelessness in Hennepin County. Proposed cuts to homeless prevention programs, mental health services, and healthcare funding now put that progress - and the well-being of many residents - at risk.
I am urging lawmakers to find solutions that don't simply shift the burden from the state to local taxpayers. Our community deserves thoughtful budgeting that protects essential services without forcing steep increases in property taxes.
I will continue advocating for District 7 residents and will keep you updated as this issue unfolds.
If you'd like to weigh in on this issue, please reach out to my office here.
Thanks to the Champlin and Dayton residents who came to Hennepin County's April 15th open house regarding Dayton River Road safety improvements.
Your experiences paired with the county's data collection will ensure that improvements on the corridor reflect the community's needs. Keep an eye out for another opportunity for public engagement this summer, incorporating your feedback into the construction plans.
More project information can be found here: https://beheardhennepin.org/dayton-river-road
If you missed the open house tonight but want to share your thoughts on the roadway, please email project manager Amber Klein at amber.klein@hennepin.us.
MMCD Expands Drone Program to All Seven Counties
Spring is here and the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District is out in neighborhoods and parks on a mission to protect residents from mosquitoes and make the outdoors better. MMCD’s control program focuses on mosquitoes in their larval stage in stagnant water with materials applied via the ground, helicopter, or backpack. In 2025 MMCD will be using drones to control mosquitoes in all seven metro counties.
Check out KARE 11’s Story on How Drones will Control Mosquitoes This Year
Spring Mosquito Forecast and Midsummer Surge Expected
Crews are already hard at work targeting spring mosquito species that are in the water and getting ready to emerge. The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District is projecting that spring of 2025 might have a slower start than previous years because of less rain and snowmelt than 2023 and 2024. However, the model that projects cattail mosquitoes, a unique species that overwinters as larvae in the water and emerges around the 4th of July, will be more abundant than any of the past 4 years.
Read MMCD’s Spring Mosquito Update and Forecast for 2025
Kids are invited to bring their Teddy Bears for a free and special Teddy Bear Clinic. Teddy Bears will be “admitted” and after being examined may have a variety of procedures performed including blood pressure and heart rate checks, injections, stitches, x-rays, or a splint or bandage placed on their paws. Our Teddy Bear Clinic will also feature teddy bear repairs and sew-ups, prevention activities, and ambulance and fire truck tours. Free parking available in the building's underground garage - entrance is at 821 Park Ave. Take elevator to first floor for event.
DATE: Saturday, May 17 from 9am – 1pm
LOCATION: Hennepin Healthcare Clinic & Specialty Center | 715 S. 8th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415
More information: hennepinhealthcare.org/teddy
Facebook event: facebook.com/events/672471565196438
Hennepin County is holding four community collection events in 2025 to give residents more convenient, local disposal options for unwanted garden and household hazardous wastes.
Events will take place Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates:
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May 2 and 3 at the City of Minneapolis Equipment Storage building
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June 27 and 28 at St. Louis Park Middle School
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August 8 and 9 at South High School in Minneapolis
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September 19 and 20 at the Hennepin County Public Works Orono Shop
Hennepin County Service Centers now offer marriage ceremonies. Get your marriage license and complete your ceremony in one visit to the Service Center.
Calling all Minnesota musicians! MNspin, a free streaming music service from Hennepin County Library, is accepting new submissions through May 17.
Minnesota musicians and bands of all genres are invited to visit the MNspin submission page and upload one song for consideration. A panel of local music experts and library staff will review all submissions and invite selected artists to make one album available through the online platform. Selected artists will be offered a license agreement and receive $250.
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Lovable places don’t just happen. Think of that city or neighborhood that you love to visit – Paris, Charleston, South Carolina, or closer to home, downtown Robbinsdale or the Minneapolis riverfront.
These places often have a variety of housing options and neighborhood essentials like parks, libraries, and grocery stores all within comfortable walking distance, and they don’t just happen overnight.
Having a small area plan in some form, as well as code requirements that allow the sorts of desired uses, buildings, infrastructure and that promote walkability can be instrumental in achieving success. Plans and zoning requirements serve as enforceable tools for city staff and elected officials, and if done well, can be helpful guides for community members and developers to know what’s allowed and desired.
Hennepin County supports such planning efforts through the Hennepin Planning Grants program and invests in infrastructure and development projects in these areas through other programs, such as the Business District Initiative and Transit Oriented Communities programs.
Read more about the impact of this work.
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Applications are due by May 1, 2025
Environmental Response Fund (ERF) grants are available for the assessment and cleanup of contaminated sites, or brownfields. Grants are available to cities, local public entities including economic development agencies and housing and redevelopment authorities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses.
Applications for the next grant round are being accepted until May 1. Prior to applying, contact brownfields@hennepin.us to discuss your project and funding needs. More information: hennepin.us/brownfields.
ERF grants awarded in February 2025
In February 2025, Hennepin County awarded seven grants totaling $2,165,055. The grants will fund asbestos and lead-based paint abatement, vapor mitigation, and contaminated soil assessment and cleanup. More info about the ERF grants awarded: hennepin.us/brownfields
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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