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Dear Neighbors,
It has been a truly difficult week for so many in our community. Last week, several people lost their lives to gun violence over the span of two days just blocks from each other- the first taking place near the corner of 25th street east and Bloomington ave and the other around the 2100 block of Cedar ave. S. I am holding all residents especially our Indigenous community close to my heart. May justice come swiftly and may our relatives see peace and healing as we collectively mourn these incomprehensible losses.
As always, our office is here in service to you.
With wellness,
Hennepin Board of Equalization
 
We are in the search for a District 4 appointee to the Hennepin County Board of Equalization! This is a very important role as members of this Board serve as a third party between residents who disagree with how their property was assessed and county/city assessors.
The convening of the County Board of Equalization will take place on June 16th 2025 and is anticipated to end the day after. Knowledge of the real estate market is helpful but not required. We encourage you to check this role out! Email my office for more information.
National County Government Month reflection
As we closed out National County Government Month in April, I shared an important reminder that Hennepin County is 173 years old and we still have a lot of work to do to increase public knowledge in what counties are for. But there are some recent successes that might fly under the radar that I want to share:
- Administered $13+ million in emergency rental assistance to prevent evictions
- Created 1004 new affordable housing units
- Launched 150 businesses since the start of our Elevate Hennepin program
- Provided 3,262 businesses with 1:1 advising
Get engaged with county government and commissioners to learn about what the institution does and all of the services available to you. If you don’t already, tune into our Board meetings on Tuesdays or catch the recordings here: County Board Meetings.
Washington DC Capitol Hill Visits
 Alongside my colleagues, we visited our Hennepin County congressional members at their home away from home offices.
Our advocacy at the federal level is to ensure that funding for core functions of county services that support the well-being and health of residents is not lost.
Proclamation - Black Maternal Health Week
Last month, I presented a proclamation for Black Maternal Health Week, April 11 - 17, 2025.
The Maternal Health Initiative continues to expand existing care and services to increase access and positive maternal health and birth outcomes.
One of the key metrics that has been tracked since starting the initiative includes the number of visits completed with patients including prenatal and postpartum OB-GYN, doula, and midwifery care. So far there have been:
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4,004 visits with providers
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373 visits with Maternal Health RN
Through this initiative Hennepin County is helping, in partnership with community, to reduce disparities.
Hennepin County Public Health made investments in birth justice strategies with over $3.8M invested into:
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Direct services, planning, and community education such as the postpartum support pilot program, African American HomePlace and American Indian Birth Center planning, cultural provider business supports, and advocacy; and
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Ongoing birth justice infrastructure, community governance and participation, coordination, project management, and cross-agency collaboration.
- Hennepin County Libraries hosted a Black Maternal Health panel in partnership with local non-profit Kiwi Care. The panel was a reflective conversation on Minnesotans' experience with pregnancy and healthcare- why Minnesota still has healthcare disparities and how we can provide high quality care for all Minnesotans.
I am very grateful for all the work being done across the county and with our community partners to address this critical issue.
Proclamation - Sexual Assault Awareness Month
 Last month, Hennepin County joined government agencies around the country in proclaiming April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Thank you to the Sexual Violence Center for reaching out to my office for this resolution. We are committed to continuous investment into prevention and supporting survivors.
Proclamation - Animal Therapy Day
 The Board had special guest stop by last month! Therapy animals make millions of visits every year to hospitals, nursing homes, schools, hospices and more to bring comfort and healing. We proclaimed April 30 as Therapy Animal Day in Hennepin. Chekhov and Midnight were the stars of the show!
 The project team hosted a pop-up at the FRNNG's Annual Duck Race this past Saturday on Neighborhood Day!
Share your feedback! Weigh-in on the proposed draft design concept for Park and Portland Avenues safety improvements project by leaving a comment on our interactive map.
Upcoming Pop-Up Events
- Friday, May 9 - Green Central Elementary School (3416 4th Ave S) Spring Festival from 4:30pm to 6:30pm
- Monday, May 12 - Phelps Field Park (701 E 39th St, near the playground along 39th Street) from 3:30pm to 6pm
To view more information, please visit the Park and Portland safety improvements project webpage here. Keep this page bookmarked to stay updated.
My office is partnering with the project team to host a Park and Portland Community Event later this month. Keep an eye out for more information!
Seward Community Meeting
 Thank you to everyone who stopped by our Seward meeting at Matthew’s Park last month. In addition to updates from Council Member Robin Wonsley - Minneapolis Ward 2 and 3rd Precinct Inspector Gomez, I shared updates on road projects, our recent DC visit, and new housing in the neighborhood.
The People's Way Screening
Last month, I had the honor of moderating a Q&A on the opening night of 'The People's Way' at The Main Cinema.
A riveting and poignant documentary following three women I call friends after May 25 2020. A must see film of truth telling and love.
Learn more about the film here:
Healthy Hearts Social Group
 I joined the NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center’s Healthy Hearts Social Group! Composed of tailored health coaching, nutrition education, and sisterhood to support Black and Indigenous women with a history of cardiac events or those at high risk.
Having serious heart problems can be scary. NorthPoint offers support and
resources for African American, Black, and Indigenous women who've had heart attacks, strokes or been diagnosed with heart disease.
Longfellow Spring Gathering
 The importance of convening with neighbors is high these days and we felt that at Longfellow's Spring Gathering on April 10th. It was great to give county updates and speak with residents about the power that neighborhood level grassroots organizing has.
Stay up-to-date with the neighborhood events and board meetings here.
People Serving People
 Our team visited People Serving People (PSP) to learn about how they are providing space, comfort and resources to families seeking shelter. PSP is the largest emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness in Minnesota. The organization is filling a critical need in the Twin Cities and are embarking on new ways to be in service to people in need of immediate housing.
To learn more about their programs and services, click here.
CANDO Board Meeting
I met with the Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO) Board of Directors and a lot was covered! We talked about the county’s opioid response, B line service, Park and Portland safety improvements and all the ways CANDO is helping central residents grow and gain access to healthy foods through their Plant-Grow-Share program.
Visit to the Tamales y Bicicletas urban farm
I connected with José Luis at his urban farm, Tamales y Bicicletas, in East Phillips to learn about his steadfast efforts to address food insecurity in our community. I would encourage you to visit and support this treasure! I left with cilantro, cucumbers, and increased gratitude.
Tamales y Bicicletas is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening our communities through bike projects, urban farming, and environmental justice.
Check out their upcoming annual bike and plant sale event below!
Social Action Day at Roosevelt High School
 Senator Omar Fateh and I were invited to participate in Roosevelt High’s Social Action Day last month. We answered their sharp questions and talked about our pathways to elected leadership, what we love about our work, and how we affect change. Thank you teacher Joelle for the invitation!
NENA Community Earth Day Clean-Up
 Spent a Saturday morning with Nokomis East Neighborhood Association & my neighbors across the lake for their annual earth day clean up. Every day is a beautiful day to honor the earth!
Opening Reception For A Showcase of Riley Bruce
I stopped by Listen2Us Studio to see the debut of community photographer Riley Bruce’s “Nature Protests With Us”.
Thank you King Demetrius Pendleton for providing space for artists to share their masterpieces. This exhibit is open through May, check it out at Studio C in George Floyd Square.
NACC + Wellington Groundbreaking
 A project that is close to my heart broke ground and I couldn't be more proud! The Native American Community Clinic (NACC) affordable housing development will offer culturally rooted healthcare and needed housing. This community deserves this investment and reclamation of land.
City of Minneapolis Neighborhood Day Recap
Our team spread out through the District to celebrate Neighborhood Day! We started in GFS for a morning clean up, cheered on ducks in the annual Minnehaha Creek duck race, went to Seward Neighborhood’s annual meeting, visited Phillips for games and art.
Swap your unneeded garden tools
When cleaning out your storage this spring, hang on to unused yard tools and gardening items. Bring unwanted tools to an upcoming garden tool swap. You can bring or take – or both. Or you can drop off your tools at the Brian Coyle Center by May 16
- Saturday, May 10: South and Southwest Minneapolis
- Friday, May 16th: Central Minneapolis - Brian Coyle Center
The times and additional activities vary by location. Find times, locations and instructions for this year’s garden tool swaps on the City website.
Standish Ericsson Neighborhood Day
 Stop by SENA's Garden Tool Swap! The event will include a garden tool swap, "Ask a Gardener" sessions with local expert Roxanne Stuhr of Green Space, and other activities & refreshments planned.
United Phillips Community Cleanup Day
When: Saturday, May 10th, 2025 from 10am - noon
Where: Community University Health Care Center (2001 Bloomington Ave Minneapolis, MN 55404)
Let's come together to make our neighborhood a cleaner and greener place! Join our community clean-up with the Community University Health Care Center (CUHCC). This will be a clean-up of the neighborhood around CUHCC.
We’ll provide gloves, bags, and trash pickers!
Little Earth Mother Day's Powwow
When: Saturday, May 10th, 2025
Where: Cedar Ave Field Park, 2500 Cedar Ave Minneapolis, MN 55404
Join the annual Mother’s Day Powwow. Grand entries at 1pm and 7pm. Feast by the Family of Julie Ortiz: 5pm
We are excited to celebrate with a day full of cultural activities and community spirit. Save the date and bring your family and friends for a memorable experience.
Prospect Park Annual Meeting
Join in the Prospect Park Association (PPA) Annual Meeting!
When: Monday, May 12th at 6:30pm
Where: Pillars of Prospect Park, 22 Malcolm Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
One South Connect: Imagining Sustainable Future
Neighborhood organizations are integral to the heartbeat of our community. They share vital resources and information, organize beloved events for thousands to attend, and advocate for their neighbors. Although invaluable, the impact of this effort has not always been sustainable.
Join in asking ourselves: What could a sustainable future look like for South Minneapolis neighborhood organizations? One South Connect: Imagining Sustainable Futures gathers us to:
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Celebrate all that neighborhood organizations have accomplished over the past four decades
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Understand the present day challenges that affect the effectiveness of neighborhood organizations
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Identify collaborative opportunities and systems to better sustain the work of neighborhood organizations
Your voice is valuable to this discussion. One South Connect is an opportunity for residents, organizations, and business owners in South Minneapolis to share their input. There will be food catered by Soul Bowl, and live music and movement led by Bomba musician/dancer Tearra Osso. The event is free.
You are invited to help find a more collaborative, efficient, and effective path forward to support community wellbeing for the next decade and more! Register now.
Seward Commons Social
 When: Thursday, May 15th, 2025 from 4pm - 7pm
Where: 2200 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Meet your neighbors and join Redesign, Inc. at the Verna and Focus Arts Buildings for the Seward Commons Social. Enjoy hyperlocal arts, hands-on activities, and more. Learn more about what makes up Seward Commons here and stay tuned for more event details.
Midtown Arts & Music Festival
When: Friday, May 16th - Sunday, May 18th from noon to 8pm
Where: 920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Midtown Global Market is hosting their first-ever Arts & Music Festival. Enjoy live music, vibrant art, and non-stop fun throughout the market, with multiple stages and activities for everyone.
The event will be packed with performances, workshops, and immersive activities, all celebrating the diverse cultures represented in the Market's community
Minneapolis Bike to Work Day
The City of Minneapolis will celebrate Bike To Work Day Friday, May 16. There’s no better time than the present to make your daily commute healthier, greener and more fun.
Four group rides to downtown will meet up at 7:30 a.m. across the city. Meet at:
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Farview Park (intersection of Lyndale Avenue and 26th Avenue North)
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Great Northern Greenway (intersection of Fifth Street and 18th Avenue Northeast)
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38th Street Station (intersection of Hiawatha Avenue and East 38th Street)
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Lyndale Farmstead Park (intersection of Bryant Avenue South and West 40th Street)
Join elected officials, public works leaders and fellow bike commuters for free coffee, donuts, and more on the Hennepin County Government Center Plaza from 7:00-9:00 a.m.
Spring Garden Kick Off Celebration
When: Saturday, May 17th, 2025 from 10am - 2pm
Where: Rose Garden, 1900 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Celebrate spring with us at the Rose Garden with planting, face-painting, crafts, food, music, and more!
NACC Open House
Hennepin Healthcare - Teddy Bear Clinic
When: Saturday, May 17th, 2025 from 9am – 1pm
Where: Hennepin Healthcare Clinic & Specialty Center, 715 S. 8th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415
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.
FREE community event
More information: hennepinhealthcare.org/teddy
Facebook event: facebook.com/events/672471565196438
Annual Bike & Plant Sale
 When: Saturday, May 17th, 2025 from 10am to noon
Where: 2820 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Tamales y Bicicletas is hosting their annual plant and bike sale at the urban farm. Stop by to try vegan and non-vegan Mexican food, as well as community workshops and information sharing!
NENA Food Truck Rally
Doors Open Minneapolis 2025
When: Saturday, May 17th - Sunday, 18th, 2025 from 10am - 5pm
This annual event invites the public to several locations throughout the city where all the magic happens.
Elliot Park Annual Social
East Bank Community Meeting
 When: Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 from 6pm - 7:30pm
Where: University Lutheran Church of Hope; 601 13th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN
Hear updates from County Commissioner Angela Conley, Council Member Robin Wonsley, 2nd Precinct Inspector Nick Torborg, and the East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership.
This meeting is open to all residents and community members in the East Bank area (Como, Dinkytown, Marcy-Holmes, University, Stadium Village, and East Bank)
Rise & Remember - The People Have Spoken
 When: Friday, May 23, 2025
Where: Quincy Hall, Minneapolis, MN from 5:45 PM to 12:00 AM
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Night of Honor - This elegant evening will be hosted as a sneaker ball and award ceremony to honor community members who continue to fight for racial justice. To register for the Night of Honor, go to: https://riseandremember.org/festival/
When: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Where: George Floyd Square from 10 AM to evening
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Street Festival - This year's street festival will feature several local vendors, food trucks, local artists, mutual aid, art exhibits, the self-care fair, and a kids zone. Our featured artists will be DEE-1.
If you would like a vendor booth, please sign up here: https://riseandremember.org/festival/festival-vendors/
Where: Sunday, May 25, 2025
Where: George Floyd Square Time from 11 AM to evening
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Sunday Service hosted by Worldwide Outreach for Christ Ministries from 11 AM - 1 PM
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Street Festival Continued from 2 PM - 6 PM
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Gospel Concert from 6 PM - 8 PM - Join us for a powerful 2-hour gospel concert featuring Sounds of Blackness as we prepare our hearts for the 5-year angelversary candlelight vigil.
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Candlelight Vigil from 8 PM - 9 PM - We invite the community to gather in solidarity with George Floyd’s Family.
We will then march to Say Their Names, being led by Brass Solidarity as we close out the night with a beautiful candlelight vigil. We welcome your presence for any and all of the events if you are able to make it.
Volunteers can sign-up here.
We also have a few slots left for local artist performances. Artists can sign up here.
Thank you for being such an important part of our activist community in the Twin Cities as we collectively fight for racial justice.
FRNNG Annual Board Meeting
 When: Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 from 6pm - 7:30pm
Where: McRae Recreation Center; 906 E 47th St Minneapolis, MN
Your voice and participation are essential to our neighborhood organization at our community's Annual Meeting & Board Election. The event includes a FREE community dinner and childcare with our wonderful park staff! Please note that Board Election voting will be in-person only so come help elect the next FRNNG Board.
Our featured speakers include Eric Roper and Melissa Townsend from the Star Tribune. They’ll share how they came to create their Ghost of a Chance podcast, which explores the history of Harry and Clementine Robinson, a Black couple who lived in Eric’s South Minneapolis home a century ago.
Join the Board: donate your time and talents to our community! Learn more about joining the board below.
Medicare Counseling
 When: Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 from 12:45pm - 3:15pm
Where: Arvonne Fraser Library; 1222 4th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Get free help answering your Medicare questions with Senior LinkAge Line.
Registration is required and can be done at https://trellisconnects.org/get-help/medicare/. Choose to make an in-person appointment, select Arvonne Fraser Library and a date/time. Or call Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433. Registration closes four days before the date.
Collaborators: Trellis, Minnesota Senior LinkAge Line.
MPH Children Book Distribution Event
 When: Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 from 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Where: East Lake Library; 2727 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Minneapolis Public Housing Authority is hosting a children's book distribution event in collaboration with Book Rich Environment. The books are free, high-quality, diverse, and culturally appropriate for ages 0-18.
Read With An Animal
 When: Saturday, May 17th from 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Where: Nokomis Library; 5100 S 34th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Grades 1-3. Cuddle up with a certified therapy animal and practice reading aloud. Most libraries host dogs and you can call ahead to see if other animals will be visiting. Sign up when you arrive for a 15-minute slot. Collaborator: Reading Education Assistance Dogs.
Bilingual Story Hour - Arabic
 When: Saturday, May 24th, 2025 from 12:00pm - 12:45pm
Where: Franklin Library; 1314 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Children ages birth to 5 and their families. Join us for Bilingual Story Hour: Arabic. Children’s author Fatma Al-Lawati will read her book, “The Adventures of the Ten Fingers,” in Arabic and English, followed by crafts, play, and and book signing. There will be stories, songs, and activities in both Arabic and English.
The Evolution of Music: Past, Present and Future
 When: Saturday, May 24th, 2025 from 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Where: Hosmer Library; 347 E. 36th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
From the 50’s to present day, music has been ever-changing – whether it’s faded away, crossed over, or fused past and present into new styles. Join COMPAS Teaching Artist Soli Hughes with song, history discussions, and music participation. Learn inside details about The Beatles, record empires and their influences, changes in music technology, how songs got their names, and much more! Collaborator: COMPAS. This program is funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Salvage Crawl
This May, join treasure hunters and DIY enthusiasts to shop at local salvage retailers and win prizes. Participate in Hennepin County’s Salvage Crawl and get to know 12 home improvement thrift stores in the Twin Cities.
Salvage retailers offer a wide variety of building materials, hardware, tools, and other home improvement items. From old growth lumber to vintage light fixtures and everything in between, you’ll be sure to find both inspiration and quality materials for your next project.
Visit participating salvage retailers from May 1 to 31 and check in using the QR code on the Hennepin County Salvage Crawl poster near the checkout counter to be entered into a drawing to win prizes. Find a list of retailers, interactive map, and description of prizes at hennepin.us/salvage.
Making our transportation system safer together
Hennepin County is in the process of creating a safety action plan with a focus on saving lives along our transportation system. We are committed to hearing from you as our partners to improve safety.
Visit BeHeard Hennepin’s Toward Zero Deaths to learn more, take a short survey and provide feedback. Your safety is important to us and your input is valuable for us to complete this plan.
Green Tip: How organics recycling works
About one-third of what we throw away is organic materials like food, napkins, paper towels, and certified compostable products that can be put to better use as compost.
When you participate in organics recycling, your food scraps and compostable products become part of the organics recycling cycle that creates valuable compost that improves soils, reduces erosion, and decreases the need for chemical fertilizers.
The Organics Recycling Cycle
- You separate your food scraps, coffee grounds, paper towels, and certified compostable products into a certified compostable bag in your home.
- You put your bagged organics into your organics recycling cart at home or at a drop-off site.
- Your hauler picks up your organics recycling and brings it to a commercial composting facility. There, the organics are mixed with yard waste to get the right mix of carbon- and nitrogen-rich materials. The materials are then laid out in piles, aerated to introduce oxygen, and left to compost and cure. In just a few months, bacteria have worked to heat up the pile and break down materials to create nutrient-rich compost.
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Compost is used in gardens, at farms, and in landscaping projects to add nutrients to the soil to help plants grow.
Learn about organics recycling programs and what's accepted
2025 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events
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
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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