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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.
Hennepin County Board of Commissioners assumes interim management of Hennepin Healthcare System
On August 12th, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners assumed interim management of the Hennepin Healthcare System (HHS). This decision reflects the County's unwavering commitment to preserving high-quality, accessible healthcare for all residents.
Despite years of collaboration and county investments, HHS's financial condition has become unsustainable. Under interim management, the Board will work closely with HHS leadership to stabilize operations, strengthen oversight, and develop a sustainable financial path forward.
As for day-to-day operations, there will be no immediate changes to services. Our main priority remains providing the best quality care to every patient that walks through HHS's doors.
We recognize the gravity of this decision and together, we will protect and preserve HHS as a vital healthcare resource for all Hennepin County.
Board approves Jodi Wentland as the new County Administrator
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners has recommended Jodi Wentland to become the next County Administrator, effective August 1, 2025, following a comprehensive internal hiring process that included input from county employees.
With over three decades of experience in county services and 15 years in executive leadership, Wentland served as Deputy County Administrator and Assistant County Administrator for Health and Human Services. Since joining Hennepin County in 2017, she has led transformative initiatives in budget strategy, labor relations, and employee engagement, all grounded in the county’s mission to reduce disparities and serve residents with integrity.
In addition to her appointment, Dan Rogan and Kareem Murphy will now serve as deputy county administrators. On behalf of the D1 office, congratulations!
Take a cooking class and receive 8 weeks of free groceries
Hennepin Health is launching a program for its members called Flavors of Health. Through this program, Hennepin Health members who take a cooking class at NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center or at Hennepin Healthcare Redleaf Center for Family Healing will receive 8 weeks of free groceries delivered to their home. To participate you must meet one of these criteria:
- Be pregnant
- Have diabetes
- Have congestive heart failure
There is no cost to participate.
To learn more, click here
Utilize Switch Together for solar panel installations
Hennepin County’s Climate and Resiliency department is partnering with nonprofit Solar United Neighbors to offer Switch Together, a group buying program to help residents save on the cost of solar installations. Switch Together offers residents a hassle-free way to lower their electric bills and reduce their carbon footprint by installing high-quality solar as well as optional add-ons including EV chargers and battery storage, for a competitive price.
Hennepin County in the news
Tues, Sep 16th: House District 34B Special Election
A special general election for Minnesota House District 34B (covering parts of Brooklyn Park and Champlin) is scheduled for Tuesday, September 16th. This election is a key opportunity for residents in District 1 to help shape their representation in the Minnesota Legislature.
Your Heart Beats for Generations hosted by Commissioners Conley and Lunde
Alongside Commissioner Conley, we co-hosted "Your Heart Beats for Generations." This event was centered the voices of West African women and featured various practitioners including researchers, nurses, and doulas.
To learn more about the program, check out this video
If you're interested in learning more about this program and ways to take care of your heart health, please connect with our office!
Get a free West Metro fire home safety survey
West Metro Fire-Rescue District provides free home safety surveys by a member of the fire department who walks through to identify hazards and improve safety. The survey includes:
- Information on developing a fi re escape plan and how to conduct a fi re drill.
- Verification that smoke detectors are properly located. This includes free
replacement of old smoke detectors, free replacement of batteries with 10-year lithium batteries and free additional smoke detectors where needed.
- Verification that a carbon monoxide detector is properly located, or provide a free digital carbon monoxide detector, if needed.
- A free fire extinguisher, if needed. Make an appointment by contacting the West Metro Fire-Rescue District at info@westfiremetro.com, 763-230-7007.
Wishing all students, families, and educators a happy, healthy, and safe start to the new school year, may it be filled with growth, discovery, and success!
The District 1 team is heartbroken by the tragic and horrific shooting that occurred at Annunciation Church and School in Minneapolis this past Wednesday. We extend our deepest condolences to the students, educators, families, and community members whose lives have been forever altered by this senseless act of violence.
Schools are meant to be sanctuaries, places where children learn, grow, and dream without fear. We stand in solidarity with all those affected and reaffirm our belief that violence has no place in our schools, our places of worship, or our communities.
To the families of Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, we grieve with you. Fletcher was known for his love of fishing, cooking, and sports. Harper brought joy and kindness to everyone she met. Their lives were radiant and full of promise. We honor their memory and hold their families in our hearts.
To the first responders who acted with urgency, care, and compassion, thank you for your unwavering service and bravery during this heartbreaking tragedy.
We must continue to advocate for safety, compassion, and meaningful change. Our hearts are with Minneapolis.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please don't face it alone. Reach out to Cope, a Hennepin County free resource offering counseling, crisis support, and community care. Whether you're a student, parent, educator, or neighbor, help is available. Healing takes time, and no one should have to navigate it without support.
Have you ever wondered where your city got its name? While, it's your lucky day, our team has the answers for you!
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Osseo got its name from the Ojibwe word waaseyaa, meaning “there is light,” and is also associated with the poetic title “Son of the Evening Star,” popularized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his poem The Song of Hiawatha. Longfellow is even rumored to have visited the area. Later, a nearby settlement called the “City of Attraction,” developed by A. B. Chafee, was absorbed into Osseo, helping shape the city as it exists today. To learn more about the city's history, click here.
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Crystal got its name from Crystal Lake Township, which was officially organized in 1860. The name likely derives from Crystal Lake and Crystal Prairie, two prominent natural features in the area known for their clear waters and fertile land. These landmarks were central to early settlement and development. To learn more about the city's history, click here.
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Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center got their names from Brooklyn, Michigan, the hometown of early settlers who migrated to the area. When the township was officially organized in 1858, they chose to honor their roots by naming it after their former community. Drawn by the fertile soil and access to the Mississippi River, these pioneers helped establish what we know today as the Brooklyn's. Learn more about Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center history.
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Robbinsdale was named after Andrew Bonney Robbins, a Minnesota State Senator, entrepreneur, and real estate developer. Captivated by the area's scenic rolling hills and lakes during his train rides north of Minneapolis, Robbins purchased 90 acres of land and, in 1887, established Robbinsdale Park, which gave the city its name. His vision helped shape the community that would grow around it. To learn more about the city's history, click here.
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New Hope got its name during a time of division and transformation. Originally part of Crystal Lake Township, the area was rich in farmland and home to many rural families. When the City of Crystal was incorporated in 1936, not all residents supported the move, especially farmers in the western half who opposed paying taxes for urban projects like street lighting and sewers. These residents broke away and formed a new township, choosing the name New Hope to reflect their desire for a fresh start and independence. Though annexation pressures continued, New Hope officially incorporated as a city in 1953 to preserve its autonomy. The name stands as a symbol of resilience and optimism during a time of change. To learn more about the city's history, click here.
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Contact us
Jeffrey Lunde
Commissioner, 1st District
612-348-7881
Richnetta Parker
Policy and Communications Aide
612-685-5489
Ingrid Kubisa
Policy Aide
612-386-1155
Emma Weilage
Asst. Policy Aide
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