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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.
As always, please reach out with questions, comments, or to learn more about how to get involved.
The county board has wrapped up its budget briefings and hearings for the duration of the budget season. Through these budget hearings, we’ve learned the depth to which the county’s budget has been burdened by severe and disappointing funding cuts that we are grappling with going into 2026.
Truth in Taxation is an annual meeting that provides space for residents to share their perspectives on the budget and levy. This year, it's happening Tuesday, December 2 at 6 p.m. in the Hennepin County Government Center, 24th Floor, 300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN.
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). Your voice matters. Let’s make sure it’s heard.
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.
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.
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.
I would also like to highlight the work that Hennepin County staff are already doing and have been doing for many years to address domestic violence.
For more than 30 years, Hennepin County has been providing direct services to individuals impacted by domestic abuse these services include
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the Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Intimate Partner Violence unit,
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No Wrong Door and the victim navigation services pilot overseen by the Safe Communities department,
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the county’s Safe Spaces initiative,
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the daily efforts of responding law enforcement officers, and resources provided by community service agencies; and
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the Domestic Abuse Service Center, which is operated by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, marked 31 years of operation on Oct. 11, 2025.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Commissioner Heather Edelson (District 6) offered a thoughtful proclamation to recognize the month of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With the passage of this proclamation, Hennepin County Board of Commissioners encourages all residents to:
- learn their personal risk and speak with a health care provider about screening;
- support friends, family, and neighbors impacted by breast cancer; and;
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champion local organizations that advance prevention, treatment, and survivorship.
Announcing the Hennepin County Student Art Contest!
 I’m thrilled to announce the launch of the Hennepin County Student Art Contest, created in partnership with the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)! This is a fantastic chance for young artists to showcase their talent and creativity, and I am proud to have established this contest through a Board Action Request in May.
This year’s theme is "Belonging Begins Here: Our Stories, Our County, and Our Pride." We are inviting students to explore and share what makes their community special, whether it’s their neighborhood, culture, or favorite local spot.
The contest is open to all students in grades 6–12 who either reside or attend school in Hennepin County. The winning art will be given the incredible honor of being exhibited at the Mia, sharing wall space with famous works!
The formal submission period runs from December 1, 2025, through January 4, 2026. Students can submit work in various categories, including Painting, Digital Art, Photography, and Sculpture.
You can view the full rules and find the link to submit artwork here: Hennepin County Student Art Contest. Please share with young people in your network who may be interested in submitting work!
Hennepin County Prince Library Cards!!!
 THIS Friday, November 7, at noon, Hennepin County Library will release a limited-edition Prince library card, honoring one of Minnesota’s most iconic and influential artists.
This release marks the start of a new annual initiative at Hennepin County Library. Each fall, we will introduce a limited-edition library card that celebrates familiar and light-hearted aspects of Minnesota life. The Prince card will be the first in this series, coinciding with the local excitement surrounding the pre-Broadway run of Purple Rain: The Musical in Minneapolis.
Cards will be available across all 41 library locations while supplies last. Patrons may choose the Prince design when signing up for a new library card or replacing an existing one.
Eliza Winston Exhibit Opening & Author Talk
Eliza Winston's story is such an incredible narrative of the first & only Black person to sue for her freedom (and win!) in Minnesota.
Our state, and the 4th District of Hennepin, is ripe with Black history that needs to be told.
On Saturday, October 11th, I attended a talk & reading with two authors who wrote of her life, SCSU professor Christopher P. Lehman and Mary Moore Easter. I even got my copy of It Took Courage: Eliza Winston's Quest for Freedom signed! Check out the exhibit now - October 2027 at the Hennepin History Museum!
Roots Birthing Center
 Last month, we celebrated the expansion of Roots Community Birth Center. Their model was an inspiration behind why I authored a $10 million investment into maternal and child health centering Black and Indigenous birthing people. Looking forward to opening day!
Grants awarded to businesses and organizations to reduce waste and increase reuse and repair
 In September, the county awarded 12 business waste prevention grants totaling over $165,000. Grant projects will take place in five cities.
The grants will:
- Help businesses reduce waste by purchasing reusable items like dishes, cups, and cleanroom gear.
- Support creative reuse projects that turn recycled plastics and salvaged goods into useful products.
- Teach people useful skills like sewing and mending so they can fix things instead of throwing them away.
- Make eco-friendly upgrades like fixing water systems or collecting pottery waste.
Review a full list of awarded grants and project details.
Indigenous People's Day
Indigenous People’s Day fell on Monday, October 13th, this year. Every year, that day is an opportunity to reflect on the role Native peoples have played in our history as a state and county, and recognize their resilience and contributions to our community.
Not just on Indigenous People’s Day, but at the start of every board meeting, we acknowledge that our institutions are located on the homelands of the Dakota people, and this commemoration supports our efforts to build stronger relationships with our Native communities and promote education, representation and reconciliation.
Native American Heritage Month
Today, I brought forward a proclamation to officially recognize November as Native American Heritage Month in Hennepin County.
It is so important that we continue to celebrate the diverse American Indian cultures in our community, while we also promote practices and policies that deepen our partnership and connection to the indigenous communities in our county.
Hennepin County Libraries: Celebrate Native American Heritage Month (for Kids & Families)
 Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with stories celebrating members of indigenous communities. Click the link to view recommendations!
A Community Anchor Expands its Reach
 Mary LaGarde, executive director of the Minneapolis American Indian Center, outside the center’s George Morrison mural.
The Minneapolis American Indian Center (MAIC) in south Minneapolis has seen a significant increase in visitors and interest in its diverse array of programming since reopening after its major renovation and expansion project.
The center recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a fundraising gala. It’s one of the first and largest urban Native American community centers in the country. Before the expansion, the center served approximately 4,600 people through its programs each year. Since opening, that number has surged to 9,600 people.
“Overall, I’d say we’ve definitely seen a major increase in the number of participants in all of our programming since the renovation,” said Mary LaGarde, executive director of the MAIC and member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwa.
The center reopened in the spring of 2024 after the completion of the two-year, $32.5 million renovation project. Hennepin County contributed a total of $1 million toward the renovation project through Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) and Community Investment Initiative (CII) programs. The CII was designed to advance economic recovery and increase long-term economic opportunity in Hennepin County communities significantly impacted by the pandemic.
Read more about the center's impact.
American Indian Opioid Response Forum
 Last month, I spoke at the American Indian Opioid Response Forum at Minneapolis American Indian Center (MAIC).
American Indian residents of Hennepin County continue to experience the highest rates of opioid-related overdose deaths. The forum was an opportunity to advance the county’s commitment to eliminating racial disparities.
We had a powerful turnout and created a meaningful space to uplift community voice, leadership, lived experience, and culturally grounded partnerships!
The topic of how the county can best support community providers garnered a lot of great feedback. Sometimes government gets in the way of real community impact and we need to trust communities to craft their own goals, and provide support as they see fit.
LERA Farm Visit w/Lt. Gov. Flanagan
 Last week, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan and I had a chance to tour the Little EarthFarm. This community hub produced 3200 lbs of food this season! At the heart of the farm are youth ages 6-17 who are paid stipends to spend time learning how to harvest, distribute and cook nourishing food.
 October 8 - 10 was the annual symposium of the National Association of Counties Large Urban County Caucus! County leaders from across the country convened in Milwaukee County with breakouts on everything from behavioral health, water resiliency, public markets, housing & the impact of federal cuts on big counties. County Executive David Crowley and Mayor Cavalier Johnson were incredible hosts!
Snelling Yards Groundbreaking
 I loved celebrating the groundbreaking of the Snelling Yards project on East 44th (Hiawatha neighborhood). 95-unit affordable housing project in the Hiawatha neighborhood. The project 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. Thank you to our county project team, partners at the City of Minneapolis, Allianz, and Lupe Development for getting us here.
Community Panel on Homelessness
 I had the chance to join a valuable conversation centering the housing continuum- housing stability, eviction prevention, dignified and service rich shelter, and affordable housing. Thank you Hook & Ladder Theater and Rotary Community Core @ Lake Street for hosting us!
SD 62 Legislators Community Meeting
We declare with conviction that evil will not prevail.
Inspire Change Clinic Open House
 It is pure joy to celebrate new holistic clinics in our district! Inspire Change Clinic led by Munira Maalimisaq offers services including preventive care, chronic disease management and motherhood and women’s health circles. Whole person care is the Healthcare we need more of.
60B Town Hall
 At last week's, town hall with State Representative Noor and Senator Clark at the Brian Coyle Neighborhood Center- whose food shelf serves over 100 families a day- we talked about the impacts of federal cuts and shutdown on services. In better news, we also talked about the future reconstruction and expansion of Brian Coyle! Thank you Oasis Mediterranean Grill for sambusas and tea.
Meeting with Unidos
 It was great to end the month by catching up with the Unidos MN team! Their work is deeply thoughtful and never fails to meet the moment. Organizations like Unidos need our support more than ever. Tune into their trainings and support how you can: https://unidos-mn.org/our-story.
Unveiling of Lena Smith Boulevard
 Last Saturday, we unveiled Lena Smith Blvd, replacing the name of a man who introduced racial covenants in Minneapolis. Lena challenged his horrendous legacy by fighting segregation as a lawyer. Thank you Ward 12 Councilmember Aurin Chowdhury, Mapping Prejudice, and everyone involved for leading this change!
Expanding Affordable Housing in South Minneapolis
Hennepin County was 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.
Community Conversation w Representative Anquam Mahamoud
 When: Monday, November 10th from 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Where: Phillips Community Center; 2323 11th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Join State Representative Anquam Mahamoud and I to talk about county and state updates! County staff across several departments will also be there to get residents connected to resources. Come meet other neighbors and share small bites. See you then!
Walk to End the Silence
 When: Thursday, January 22nd from 7:00 - 9:30 AM
Where: Mall of America; 60 E Broadway, Huntington® Bank Rotunda, Bloomington, MN 55425
January is Human Trafficking and Exploitation Awareness Month in Minnesota. This event aims to uplift, support and empower survivors and their families, while educating the community on how to identify and prevent human trafficking and sexual exploitation. We’ll highlight the county’s ongoing efforts to address this important issue.
Register to receive more event details.
Registration link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/v7kvvrd
Native Author Program: Public Readings
 When: Friday, November 7th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Free and open to all
Where: All My Relations Arts; 1414 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Join us for an inspiring evening as we proudly present the 2025 Native Authors Program cohort in an intimate public reading of their works-in-progress. This talented group of emerging Native authors has spent months immersed in a rigorous and enriching program, diligently honing their craft under the expert guidance of renowned mentor Art Coulson.
The program has provided a dynamic and supportive environment for the cohort to flourish. Through intensive peer-to-peer reviews, lively discussions with esteemed guest speakers, and in-depth advice on navigating the complexities of the publishing world, these authors have been meticulously developing original pieces of writing. Each work is a unique reflection of their individual experiences, rich cultural heritage, and diverse perspectives, offering powerful and authentic narratives that resonate deeply.
Featuring readings from: Carla Drumbeater, Genevieve Lane, Ron Leith, Kirsten Wittmann, and Wakaya Wells.
This is a rare opportunity to hear their powerful voices and compelling stories firsthand. Come and meet the cohort, engage with their creative journey, and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Native literature.
Hi-Lake Mural Dedication
 When: Saturday, November 8th at 10:30 AM
Where: Hiawatha Avenue underpass on Lake Street (between Target and the Lake Street/Midtown transit station)
Join us in celebrating a new public artwork, a mural at the redesigned Hi-Lake intersection. This new mural is grounded in the medicine wheel, a symbol used by Indigenous communities around the world. We will also celebrate the conservation and reinstallation of “Crossroads” by Seitu Jones.
The new Hi-Lake mural is by artists Daniela Bianchini, Pablo Kalaka, Natchez Beaulieu and Greta McLain.
The event will feature artist remarks, refreshments, and performances by local artists including the Brass Messengers.
See more about the mural project on the City website.
Nokomis Urban Craft and Art Fair
 When: Saturday, November 8th from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Lake Nokomis Community Center; 2401 E Minnehaha Parkway, Mpls
It's the annual Urban Art & Craft Fair featuring over 30 local Indie crafters and artists. Come check it out!
Shop, meet your neighbors, find some treasures. Handmade Gifts. Art. Jewelry. Ceramics. Paper Goods. Woodworking. Textiles. Glass. Sweets and Treats. Soaps and more!
Cranksgiving: A Minneapolis Mutual Aid Bike Ride
 When: Saturday, November 8th from 12:00 - 4:00 PM
Where: Angry Catfish Bike Shop; 2900 E 42nd St Minneapolis, MN 55406
Cranksgiving is a food drive on two wheels. Part bike ride, part madcap scavenger hunt. All you need is a bicycle, a lock and a bag!
This event is FREE, but you'll need $15-$20 to purchase food. Donations will support Groveland Emergency Food Shelf and Sanctuary Supply Depot. Pedal the streets and trails of your town as you search for specific ingredients that make up a Thanksgiving dinner. Once you've collected all items and arrived at the finish, this feast will be donated to our town's most needy.
Smore's & Cider - East Phillips Park Plan
 When: Saturday, November 8th from 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Where: East Phillips Park Cultural and Community Center; 2307 S 17th Ave
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is looking for East Phillips community members to weigh in. MPRB will be sharing the draft final vision plan for East Phillips Park in the coming weeks.
Stop by this Saturday for s'mores & cider, and more:
- View the design
- Meet project staff
- Ask questions and share feedback
More options are coming this fall and winter! The project team will be out and about in the community to share the draft design and collect feedback. We will share details on additional opportunities when they are confirmed.
Tower Hill Brass Quintet
 When: Saturday, November 8th at 7:00 PM
Where: Prospect Park United Methodist Church; 22 Orlin Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN, United States, Minnesota 55414
This concert is FREE to attend, with 100% of proceeds from a freewill offering benefiting our neighbors at Pratt.
ABOUT THE CONCERT - Brass Favorites for Fall! This concert is a sampler of styles and musical periods from Gilbert & Sullivan to Lennon & McCartney, and from the romantic classics to showtunes and jazz!
Featuring: Derek Nelson - Tuba, Marilee Johnson - Euphonium, Bob Garnett - French Horn, K Powell & Jake Gysland - Trumpet
Trivia Night at OSCS
 When: Thursday, November 13th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Our Saviour's Community Services; 2315 Chicago Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55404
Trivia Mafia will lead six engaging rounds of trivia questions that will test your knowledge, including rounds related to our work.
Gather a team of your smartest friends or register solo and we will assemble a team for you!
You can join in this event either in person or online: we will have teams competing both at the Hospitality Center at 2315 Chicago Ave in Minneapolis and online via Zoom.
There is no cost to register, though we suggest a donation of $10 per person, or $50 for a team of 4-6 players. All proceeds will support Our Saviour’s Community Services.
The winning team will receive prizes, including a game of mini golf with our Executive Director, Mike Huffman!
Questions? Please reach out to jennifer@oscs-mn.org for more information about the event. See you there!
Rise & Remember Town Hall
 When: Monday, November 10th at 6:00 PM
Where: Pillsbury House + Theatre; 3501 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Join Rise and Remember for an open community town hall as we share updates and plans for the year ahead. This gathering will be a space to connect with our community, supporters, and partners, and restating our mission and upcoming initiatives.
Key Discussion topics will include:
- Vision for the year ahead
- George Floyd Memorial Design Competition
- People's Way Proposal
- 6th Annual Festival and more!
Light on Lake: Community Art-Making Session
When: Sunday, November 16th from 12:00 - 3:00 PM
Where: Venture Bikes Midtown, 2834 10th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Admission: Free with RSVP
Come create with artists Boo McCaleb, Erica E Warren, and Rachel Quast — the selected artist behind Light on Lake, a new public art experience lighting up the Midtown Global Exchange building this January — at a hands-on community art-making session this November.
Ready Camp: Emergency Prep Training
 When: Wednesday, November 19th rom 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Where: Roosevelt High School; 4026 28th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Sign up for a free training that will teach you and your family how to prepare for emergency situations. The training is hosted by the Minneapolis Emergency Management Department.
You will learn how to:
Be resilient during an emergency.
Prepare and recover from a natural or human-caused disaster.
Check out the event details here!
Nicollet Island Fall Market
 When: Saturday and Sunday, November 29 - 30th from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Nicollet Island Pavillion; 40 Power Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Kick off your holiday shopping at the Nicollet Island Fall & Winter Markets! Featuring 70 local makers and artists, this cozy market brings together some of the Twin Cities’ best creators inside the Pavilion and heated tent.
Browse handmade gifts, artisan foods, and winter treasures — then stay for live music and delicious food and beverages available for purchase from Mintahoe.
It’s the perfect place to shop small, enjoy the riverfront, and soak in the festive spirit of Downtown Minneapolis.
Free admission and parking.
Winter Coat Drive
 When: November 13 - December 13, 2025
Give from the Soul This Holiday Season
OMG Media Solutions and Sabathani Community Center are teaming up to collect coats and cold-weather gear for individuals and families in need.
Help keep our neighbors warm by donating new or gently used coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and winter clothing for all ages. All donations will benefit families served by Sabathani Community Center and partner organizations.
Drop-Off Locations:
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Sabathani Community Center – 310 E 38th St, Minneapolis
Lower level, Monday–Thursday, 9:30am–3pm.
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OMG Studios – 550 Vandalia St, Ste. 220, St. Paul
- Cheesecake Funk Bakery – 2419 MN-7, Excelsior
Recycling Exists: Explore the epic journey of recyclables to become something new
 Creatures like dragons, unicorns, and merpeople are used to being called myths. But recycling? That’s for real.
Your recyclables go on an epic journey after they leave your home. Hennepin County is teaming up with six other metro counties to spread the word about this quest to become something new.
Milk jugs and detergent bottles are recycled in Paynesville, Minnesota and get turned into decking and landscaping products. Glass bottles become new food and beverage bottles and jars in Shakopee.
Your paper and cardboard? They get made into new boxes and packaging in Becker, Minnesota! And the metal cans you recycle go on a grand adventure – some become new cans while others become parts for cars and appliances.
Order free resources, including a recycling guide flyer (PDF) or magnet and container labels, to make sure you are recycling the right things in the right way.
Recycling exists! Learn more about the journey at RecyclingExists.com.
Multifamily recycling grants are closing soon!
Hennepin County offers grants for multifamily properties to start or improve recycling or organics recycling, reduce contamination, prevent waste, and educate their residents on recycling and waste prevention. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until mid-November 2025, or until the annual program budget is exhausted.
Areas of focus can include purchasing bins and compostable bags, paying for hauling costs, constructing waste enclosures or chutes, managing or preventing the waste of bulky items, and educating residents. Applicants may apply for up to $3,000 for bins and compostable bags and up to $20,000 for all other categories combined.
Boost your business’ recycling and organics recycling efforts with free bins and compostable bags
Provide Your Feedback!
https://www.hennepin.us/en/your-government/leadership/4th-district
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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