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Greetings! We hope our newsletter serves as a resource for staying connected to Hennepin County activities and staying updated on county news and services. Our newsletter comes out the first Friday of each month.
Have content you'd like added? Contact my policy aide Emma Weilage at Emma.Weilage@hennepin.us
We are always looking for resident feedback on ways to improve Hennepin County's service offerings. If you have an idea, please don't hesitate to reach out. As an elected official, I answer to you.
Brookdale Library building project
A part of the 2025 capital budget and 2025-2029 capital improvement program, the Board approved the remodel of the Brookdale library.
Learn more about the project here
Share your questions or comments on this project via Ask Us.
Subscribe to Brookdale Library Updates to get updates about this project by email.
$14.8 million awarded for affordable housing, homeownership
On May 13th, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners voted to approve $14.8 million for affordable housing. Together, these awards will create or preserve 1,130 affordable housing opportunities. This action was approved in the Administration, Operations, and Budget Committee and by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA). The board will vote on final approval at the regular board meeting on May 20, 2025.
Despite facing challenges, including fluctuating market forces and rising construction and land costs, these affordable units will open doors to new neighbors, end resident homelessness, and reduce racial disparities in homeownership.
 (Above) An illustration of the Community Corner project in Brooklyn Center.
Hennepin County awards $2M for six transit-oriented community projects
On May 13th, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners, acting as the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), awarded $2 million in Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) program funding to six development projects that prioritize walkable, mixed-use communities that leverage high-quality transit service.
Transit-oriented communities have wide-ranging benefits. They are more resistant to climate change, improve connections to jobs and services, and lower combined housing and transportation costs for residents. The TOC program has been a key lever in the county’s efforts to reduce disparities by race, place, and income and promote vibrant and sustainable communities.
"By providing gap funding for projects that otherwise would not be financially feasible, the TOC program generates investment in, and driven by, communities that have historically experienced disinvestment," said Hennepin County Economic Development Director Patricia Fitzgerald.
These compact, walkable communities are also more economically productive. For example, for every $1 a community earns in property taxes per acre on a typical residential property or $7 in property taxes for a single-story commercial strip mall, communities earn over $100 per acre in a three-story, mixed-use business district or over $400 per acre in a six-story, mixed-use district.
Funding for the six projects will support 110 new or retained jobs and create a combined 149 housing units and 48,800 square feet of commercial space, including five affordable commercial spaces. TOC funding will leverage approximately $80 million in total investment value and improve connections to rail transit, bus rapid transit, and within the high-frequency bus network.
Learning for fun through the summer is important! There are many ways youth and their caregivers can participate in summer learning at Hennepin County Library. We have opportunities for youth on summer break, as well as those enrolled in summer school or other structured learning programs.
Join us for literacy games and reading practice this summer. No registration required, simply drop by a Let’s Read location during program hours to participate.
Let's Read is intended for students in grades K-5.
Find more information and a list of Let's Read locations.
Boost your nonprofit’s recycling and organics recycling efforts with free bins and compostable bags
Hennepin County is offering free resources, technical assistance and support to small businesses and nonprofit organizations to start and/or enhance their recycling and organic waste recycling programs. Select up to $3,000 worth of containers and compostable bags from the county's product list to help you get started. Check out the grant guidelines (PDF) and flyer (PDF) for details on container and bag options.
Start the application process now
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until Friday, November 14, 2025, or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first. Visit the business recycling web page to learn more and begin the process to get your bins and compostable bags.
Embrace the summer fun with Go Outside with Hennepin County
Get ready to soak up the sun and make the most of your summer! Go Outside with Hennepin County will return to the Government Center and Target Field Station, starting June 3! Free activities include movies, pet rescue visits, fitness classes, live music performances, tasty giveaways and more.
Learn more and view the full calendar of events: Go Outside. Please note: All events are subject to cancelation in the event of inclement weather.
At the Government Center North Plaza
Go Outside summer sessions Select Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Take your lunch break outside this summer to listen to live music from local musicians, enjoy giveaways, treats, and take part other free activities.
Special activations include partners from: Underdog Rescue MN, Save-A-Bull, Twin Cities Pet Rescue, Sing United Choir, Alley Creations Chalk Art, and Minneapolis Aquatennial.
Pianos on Parade Every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m.
Listen to live piano performances by local artists and try your hand at playing the piano. More performances available in other locations.
Outdoor movie nights Select Thursdays at 7 p.m.
Enjoy family-favorite movies on the big screen and treats from local vendors for free at Target Field Station.
Outdoor fitness classes Select Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m.
Get a workout in with free outdoor classes led by CorePower.
Congratulations to all the 2025 graduates!
Crystal Cove Aquatic Center reopening
Just in time for the warmer weather, the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center is reopening this June!
To learn more about it click here
Crystal Airport Father's Day open house and fly-in
The Crystal Airport Father's Day open house and fly-in will take place on Sunday June 15 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Crystal Airport. The event is open to the public and will include airplane and helicopter rides, aircraft displays, children's activities and fly-overs. Breakfast will be served by the Westphal American Legion from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
For additional information, please visit https://crystalairportopenhouse.com/
Tater Daze Parade
Start your day at the Tater Daze Parade cheering on your favorite school teams, local community organizations, and public safety vehicles. This year we have returners: Tyler the Magician, Hijinks Stilters, Lions Drum and Dance, and TKO Drumline.
See the full list of parade units
Saturday, May 31
10:00-11:00 AM
Parade Route: 101st – Regent – Oak Grove Pkwy
For additional information, click here
Your input is needed! Please review and comment on the Blue Line Extension Community Engagement Framework.
We are always looking for ways to most effectively engage communities on this project. The Community Engagement Framework builds on the existing engagement and communications work.
Hennepin County's Sherriff's Office Ribbon Cutting
Yesterday, Commissioner Lunde alongside his fellow commissioners, elected officials, and county sheriffs celebrated the grand opening of the Hennepin County Sherrif's Office in Plymouth!
Open House
When? Saturday, May 31st. 2025 from 10 AM - 2PM
Where?1345 Shenandoah Lane N. Plymouth, MN 55447
What? Join Hennepin County's Sheriff's Office to tour their new public safety services headquarters
Contact us
Jeffrey Lunde
Commissioner, 1st District
612-348-7881
Ingrid Kubisa
Policy Aide
612-386-1155
Emma Weilage
Asst. Policy Aide
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