|
Greetings! We hope our newsletter serves as a resource for staying connected to Hennepin County activities and staying updated on county news and services.
As always, please reach out with questions, comments, or to learn more about how to get involved.
This past July was a time of transition for the county. I am excited to announce that the Board has appointed Jodi Wentland as the new County Administrator, and I am so grateful for all the expertise and dedication that she is bringing into this new role. She brings more than three decades of experience in county government, including 15 years in executive leadership roles. This is also bittersweet, as our outgoing Administrator David Hough retires from his long career as a public servant. I am so grateful to David for his innovative, steadfast, and unwavering leadership. Read more about his legacy at Hennepin County here.
 |
Statement on Proposed Hennepin Board Action to Dissolve the HHS Board
Recent discussions have made it clear that to ensure the hospital remains open, direct operational oversight and expedited decision-making are necessary. The proposed action is about ensuring operational continuity of the last public safety net hospital in Minnesota – HHS management has identified the operational risk of hospital closure at the end of 2025, and the HHS Board has prioritized workforce reductions and program divestment as its primary solutions. In service to the continued operations for the hospital, I will be voting in favor of the proposed action when the time comes.
On the Future of the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC)
In response to the urgency expressed on the HERC closure, I will advocate for Hennepin County to begin reducing total trash burned at the HERC in four predictable quarters. Since City of Minneapolis organized hauling represents 22% of what is delivered to the HERC, then concluding the City’s HERC contract in February 2026 will be an impactful first step to ending waste incineration in Hennepin County.
Housing Statement: We Need Leaders Who Invest in Outcomes over Optics
In this moment, we need elected leaders who share credit to address community needs, rather than seek credit for individual recognition.
The bottom line is: the City of Minneapolis absolutely should be doing much more for affordable and deeply affordable housing. Residents deserve a Mayor who will fund shelter operations, fully levy for MPHA, and uplift the community leaders doing housing justice work.
The Federal Approach to Immigration and the Current Crisis of Democracy
Let me be clear: what is happening at the federal level is not immigration policy. It is state-sponsored violence, and it is politically motivated and rooted in hatred. As the proud daughter of immigrants, I am appalled at the dehumanization and mistreatment taking place across the county. In this moment, I will not choose silence.
To our immigrant communities: I will never stop fighting for your safety, dignity, and your right to belong. To every mayor, commissioner, or local elected official: if you are not actively cutting local ties with ICE, you are enabling what comes next.
History will remember who protected people—and who protected unchecked power.
|
Press Conference on SNAP and Medicaid Cuts
On July 10th, I spoke alongside Ilhan Omar and fellow local leaders on the harm that SNAP and Medicaid cuts will bring upon our Minnesotan communities. Watch my remarks here.
|
Building Housing Stability
-
Approved $1.56 million in federal HOME funding for affordable housing.
- Expanded support for Tasks Unlimited Lodges, adding three new supportive housing sites and extending services through 2030.
- Renewed our partnership with the National Health Care for the Homeless Council.
Protecting Our Water and Environment
-
We set 2026 funding levels for four major watershed commissions: Bassett Creek: $2.5 million, Elm Creek: $630,000, Shingle Creek & West Mississippi: $950,000+ combined
-
These funds will support flood reduction, water quality restoration, and resilient environmental infrastructure across our region.
-
The Board approved $15M for the purchase of medical equipment on behalf of Hennepin Healthcare.
-
We updated our agreement with Northpoint Health & Wellness Center in North Minneapolis, located in the heart of District 2. This ensures continued community-centered healthcare and wellness services that meet people where they are.
-
A new Senior Veteran Social Worker will focus on connecting veterans to income and benefits.
-
A $300,000 partnership will enhance housing services for veterans experiencing homelessness.
-
The Board approved a $1 million amendment to the 2023 HUD Annual Action Plan. This will create or preserve a total of 151 units of affordable housing, including 38 units for households at or below 30% of the area median income.
Justice and Reentry Services
-
A $716,878 agreement with the MN District Court will fund Drug and Mental Health Courts in Hennepin County, offering specialized and treatment-based alternatives to incarceration for those in chemical dependency or mental health crises.
-
The County approved a $3.78 million contract with the MN Department of Corrections to provide community-based support for individuals transitioning out of prison and reentering society. Includes employment and housing supports.
|
Hennepin County is advancing bold climate strategies to reduce emissions, build community resilience, and reinvent the solid waste system. Here’s what we’ve achieved so far in 2024:
-
12,000+ tons of organics collected from residents (across 27 cities)
-
26,000+ tons of food waste composted by businesses and County buildings
-
1,820 items repaired through Fix-It Clinics
-
12,000 tons of single-use plastics avoided through the Plastic-Free Challenge
-
375+ tons of building materials reused/recycled via grants
-
41,000+ residents and 5,000+ youth engaged through climate outreach
Our climate goals are clear:
-
45% emissions reduction by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
-
Long-term transformation of the solid waste system, shifting from a linear to a circular economy. Solid waste = 1.3 million tons/year – enough to fill Target Field 11 times annually.
Hennepin Health, Hennepin County’s managed care organization, is more than just health insurance, it invests in innovative health projects that benefit its members and the community
One of these projects is Flavors of Health, a program that gives Hennepin Health members 8 weeks of free groceries after they take a healthy cooking class at NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center or at Hennepin Healthcare’s Redleaf Center for Family Healing. Members who have congestive heart failure, diabetes, and/or are pregnant are eligible for the program. Participants receive education and groceries tailored to their health needs.
Since its launch in February 2025, 31 members have completed the program (taken a cooking class and received their groceries) and 16 members are currently in the program.
Check out this new video for a look inside the kitchen!
The phrase, "it takes a village" came up several times during the recent grand opening of Rayaf Health.
Dr. Farhiyo Abdulle, co-founder and lead medical practitioner, said the journey to opening Rayaf Health in south Minneapolis leaned heavily on Elevate Hennepin support to fulfill the mission of a holistic, people-centered, and culturally competent women’s health clinic focused on providing care to diverse women.
See how the South Minneapolis clinic got started with support from several Elevate Hennepin advisors and a business bootcamp.
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.
Market in the Valley Farmer’s Market
Every Sunday this month you can find fresh produce at the Golden Valley Farmer’s Market, from 9am – 1pm at 7800 Golden Valley Road.
Free Kids Fest
The City of Plymouth is set to hold the annual Kids Fest event from 5 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 21st at the Hilde Performance Center at 3500 Plymouth Blvd.
The event features inflatables, games and entertainment held on the Hilde stage and surrounding lawn. The event is free and open to the public.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase from food trucks at the event.
Please reach out to us, and if you have an event, initiative, or update that should be included in future newsletters, email makena.fitzpatrick@hennepin.us.
Contact us
Irene Fernando
Commissioner, 2nd District
612-348-7882
Akhilesh Menawat
Communications and Policy Aide
612-348-5335
Bill Emory
Constituent Services and Policy Aide
612-348-3526
|
