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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 last 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.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
If you grew up watching TGIF lineups, collecting Beanie Babies, and burning mix CDs, it's time to get screened.
The Hennepin County Board has declared October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you're in your 40s or older, regular mammograms are one of the most powerful tools for early detection.
Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the U.S. and catching it early can make all the difference. The American Cancer Society recommends women aged 40 and up should talk to their doctor about when to begin an annual screening.
So, again, if you remember dial-up internet, Lisa Frank folders, and the thrill of a mall photo booth, you're in the age group that should be prioritizing your breast health.
Schedule your mammogram. Encourage your friends. Save lives.
Hennepin County Budget Process
The county board has wrapped up its budget briefings and hearings, including setting a proposed maximum property tax levy of $1.13 billion—a 7.79% increase from last year. Now it’s time for the public to weigh in.
The Truth in Taxation meeting is your chance to share thoughts on the budget and levy. It’s happening Tuesday, December 2 at 6 p.m. at the Hennepin County Government Center (300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis). You’re welcome to attend in person, or you can submit comments ahead of time by voicemail (612-688-3545 on December 1) or email (budgetcomments@hennepin.us).
This budget directly impacts services we all rely on—like libraries, public safety, and human services. The proposed levy increase reflects growing financial pressures from changes in state and federal support. Your voice matters. Let’s make sure it’s heard.
Resources as SNAP resources are ending
Due to the federal government shutdown, residents will not receive November SNAP payments, due to a lack of funding. The state will be updating their federal shutdown webpage for SNAP. You may find useful information there. You can find it at dcyf.mn.gov/federal-shutdown.
Hennepin County staff are continuing to work with people to process cases without issuing benefits and to connect them to community resources for immediate help.
If you need help finding food, there are resources available to you:
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If you have children 5 and younger, you may be able to get help through the WIC program. Visit Hennepin.us/wic for information.
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You can also call the Minnesota Food Helpline at 1-888-711-1151 or you can call United Way 211.
FOOD SHELVES
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Marketplace Food Shelf (PRISM – 1220 Zane N, Golden Valley 55422)
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CEAP (7051 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429)
- Caring For All Inc (CFA – 6000 Bass Lake Rd, Crystal, MN 55429 I 612-704-8468)
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Shiloh Cares Food Shelf (SCFS – 1201 W Broadway, Minneapolis, MN 55411)
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CAPI (5930 Brooklyn Blvd, Osseo, MN 55429)
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Loaves and Fishes (7200 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429)
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NEAR (5209 W Broadway, Crystal, MN 55429)
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Groveland Food Shelf (Hosted in the basement of Plymouth Congressional Church - 1900 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405 - Mon/ Wed/ Fri: 9:30AM - 12PM I Tues/ Thurs: 3PM - 5:30PM)
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NorthPoint Food Shelf (2220 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55422 - Mon/ Wed 10AM - 4PM I Tues/ Thurs 10AM - 6PM)
Additional Resources
- FREE Community Meals every Thursday at The Center for Changing Lives (2400 Park Ave S, Minneapolis, MN)
- Find a Community Meal Here
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This national observance, which began in 1987, aims to raise awareness of this issue and its devastating impacts, and to honor survivors.
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners declared October 2025 as DVAM in Hennepin County at the October 14 board meeting. The resolution reaffirms the county’s commitment to supporting survivors, preventing abuse, and strengthening community partnerships to address domestic violence.
In addition to the board recognition, Lowry Bridge was lit purple on Oct. 20 to honor DVAM.
It's estimated that one in four women and one in nine men are victims of domestic violence in their lifetime. Last year alone, nearly 7,200 domestic violence incidents were reported in Hennepin County. Now is a critical time to expand awareness to improve prevention and intervention efforts.
Yard Sign Recycling Drop Off: Nov. 12-26
Hennepin County is offering special drop off for yard signs after the 2025 election season wrap ups. Check with the campaign or organizations first to see if they are collecting yard signs for reuse.
If the yard sign can’t be reused, drop off for recycling yard signs will be available at five locations from November 12-26, 2025. The signs will then be brought to Choice Plastics, where they will be turned into pellets and then recycled into new material.
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Hennepin County drop-off facilities in Bloomington (1400 West 96th Street) and Brooklyn Park (8100 Jefferson Highway), open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, required
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Minneapolis North Transfer Station (2710 Pacific Street North) Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, collection container will be outside of the gate
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Minnetonka/Hopkins Recycling Center (11522 Minnetonka Blvd.), open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
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St. Louis Park Recreation Outdoor Center (3700 Monterey Drive), open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., collection container will be inside the front entrance by the service counter
Expanding Affordable Housing in South Minneapolis
Last week, Lupe Development Partners broke ground on a county-funded, 95-unit affordable housing project in the Hiawatha neighborhood. The project, called Snelling Yards, will focus on family-friendly two- and three-bedroom units. Snelling Yards was awarded $900k from the county’s Affordable Housing Incentive Fund and $500k from our Environmental Response Fund. "One of the things we hear all the time as funders is, 'We need more family housing,'" said Commissioner Angela Conley at the event. "This truly is a diverse range of residents that will be living in this space."
We were thrilled to join in the celebration of the grand opening of The Valiance, an affordable housing development in the Hiawatha neighborhood. The project includes permanent supportive housing (a mix of Single Room Occupancy units, studios, and 1-bedrooms) paired with a new emergency shelter for women. 44 of the 50 total units will be reserved for households with incomes at or below 30% of the area median income (AMI), which will provide homes for our lowest-income neighbors. The county supported the Valiance with $1m in Supportive Housing Strategy capital, $77k in ongoing assistance for supportive housing services, and $263k for operation of additional winter shelter capacity.
Check out the Mississippi Gateway Regional Trail!
Looking for a fun place to check out the fall foliage? The Mississippi Gateway Regional Trail just opened last month. The park offers various trails and is the perfect place to walk along the river and enjoy the beautiful fall colors!
10360 West River Road
Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
https://www.threeriversparks.org/MississippiGatewayRegionalPark
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4th!
With Election Day coming up on November 4, I want to make sure everyone in our community feels confident and prepared to vote. Hennepin County’s elections team works year-round to make voting secure, accessible, and straightforward.
You have options: vote early, either by mail or in person, starting 46 days before the election. If you’re voting by mail, return your ballot with enough time for it to arrive by 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can even track your ballot online through the Secretary of State’s website to make sure it’s been received and accepted.
On Election Day, polls across Minnesota will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can look up your polling location and preview your ballot ahead of time to see which local, state, and federal offices you’ll be voting on. Hennepin County also offers a great overview of what’s on the ballot so you can learn more about the races and questions specific to your precinct.
Every voter has the right to cast their ballot without intimidation or interference. If you need support at the polls, whether it’s language assistance, curbside voting, or help marking your ballot, resources are available on the county’s website.
If you have questions, reach out to Hennepin County Elections at 612-348-5151 or hc.vote@hennepin.us. You can also visit beheardhennepin.org to explore how your vote helps shape our future.
Repaving work on West Broadway begins November 3 in Brooklyn Park
Be alert for single-lane traffic, flaggers
In September, we repaved West Broadway (County Road 8) from Bottineau Boulevard (County Road 81) to Cloverdale Avenue in Brooklyn Park, Crystal, and New Hope.
On Monday, November 3, our crews will be back to do final repaving work on West Broadway from Lakeland Avenue North to the Goodwill Driveway in Brooklyn Park. This work will last through Tuesday, November 4 and is weather dependent.
West Broadway will be reduced to a single lane in each direction where crews are working. Watch for flaggers to guide you around the work area where the road is reduced to a single lane. Please be alert and allow for extra travel time.
Questions? Contact transportation@hennepin.us
International Men's Day 2025
Celebrate Your Great Neighbor!
The City of Crystal is hosting its 10th annual Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors Awards to celebrate outstanding community members. If you know a neighbor who goes above and beyond—whether by helping with chores, caring for pets, lending tools, assisting in emergencies, or volunteering—consider nominating them.
Key Dates & Details
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Nomination Period: January 1 – February 20
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Where to Nominate: City Hall, Community Center, or https://www.crystalmn.gov/
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Award Ceremony: April 14 during the City Council meeting, part of National Volunteer Week
Honorees will be recognized by the city council and featured in local media.
Fee Assistance for Park and Rec Activities
Brooklyn Park residents facing financial challenges can access fee assistance for
Recreation and Parks activities. No income proof needed! Enjoy up to 75% off program fees, with additional reductions for homeless families up to $400 per person annually.
Learn more about fee assistance online athttps://www.brooklynpark.org/recreation/scholarships-and-fee-assistance/ or call 763-493-833
Trick or treat, facts are neat! These Halloween facts are back from the dead to haunt your inbox...in the best way possible ;)
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Anoka, Minnesota, proudly claims the title “Halloween Capital of the World” and it’s not just a nickname. In 1920, Anoka hosted one of the first organized Halloween celebrations to prevent pranks and mischief, and Congress officially recognized the title in 1937.
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Minnesota holds the record for one of the snowiest Halloweens in U.S. history. In 1991, the infamous Halloween Blizzard dumped over 28 inches of snow in parts of the state, turning trick-or-treating into a frosty adventure.
- In 2023, Travis Gienger from Anoka, Minnesota grew a record-breaking pumpkin weighing 2,749 pounds, the heaviest ever recorded in the U.S. Nicknamed “Michael Jordan,” this giant gourd earned top honors at the World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in California and carved Minnesota’s name into pumpkin-growing history.
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
Policy Aide
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