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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.
$2 million secured for food insecurity organizations
Food assistance available
Too many Hennepin County residents don’t have the resources to feed their families. In response to the federal shutdown, the Hennepin County Boad approved a request for up to $2 million to support local food banks, food shelves and food rescue organizations serving Hennepin County residents. Read the story from November 6.
The county is now in the process of distributing that funding to partner organizations to support ongoing community needs.
Additional assistance available
Programs like SNAP and WIC can help, too.
WIC is a nutrition and breastfeeding program that serves pregnant people, new mothers, babies and children up to age 5. In addition to nutrition education and breastfeeding counseling, WIC provides nutritious foods. Learn more at https://www.hennepin.us/wic.
Both programs are accepting applications.
'Love Local' businesses this season
This is the season to celebrate and support the small businesses that make Hennepin County such a great place to live.
We encourage everyone to shop, eat, and have fun at your favorite local businesses this holiday shopping season and all through the year.
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners took a moment at a recent meeting to celebrate our local businesses this season and how we support them all year with Elevate Hennepin.
Robbinsdale awarded exterior improvement grants!
Budget Meeting (12/02)
Next Tuesday at 6PM at the Government Center, we will be holding our budget meeting. If you have any input about the county's proposed budget and levies, please attend!
Share your voice and help shape local government policies
Apply to a Hennepin County community advisory board!
The Hennepin County Board is recruiting volunteers for positions on 10 advisory and watershed district board through its annual open appointment process.
Each fall, the board accepts applications from residents interested in volunteer service positions on advisory boards, commissions, councils and special task forces. Board members will advise commissioners and help set policy on a variety of topics important to the county.
Community advisory board openings:
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Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council
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Birth Justice Community Advisory Board
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Capital Budgeting Task Force
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Community Action Partnership Board
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County Extension Committee (UMN Extension)
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Race Equity Advisory Council
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Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act Board
Watershed board openings:
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Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Board
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Starting January 2025 – the county board will conduct interviews.
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First quarter of 2025 – the county board will appoint volunteers to the positions.
Homestead status can save you money on your property taxes
Attend a free event to talk with a county representative about homestead, delinquent taxes, property transfer basics, and more.
You may qualify for homestead status, if:
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You or one of your relatives live in the home
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You own the home in your name and not as a business entity
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You have a Social Security number or an ITIN
Apply online at homestead.hennepin.us
Deadline to homestead your property: December 31, 2025
Learn more at hennepin.us/homestead
Get your limited-edition Prince library card
Hennepin County Library has released a limited-edition Prince library card celebrating one of Minnesota’s most iconic artists. The card is available at all library locations while supplies last. Choose the Prince design when signing up for a new library card or when replacing your existing card! Details at hclib.org/prince.
Library cards are free, yet one of the most valuable cards you can carry. Discover millions of books and audiobooks, research tools, creative spaces, and services that support learning for you and your family at every stage of life.
Walk to End the Silence on January 22nd
January is Human Trafficking and Exploitation Awareness Month in Minnesota.
Uplift, support and empower survivors and their families at Walk to End the Silence at the Mall of America. The event will also educate the community on how to identify and prevent human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Walk to End the Silence Thursday, January 22, 2026 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Mall of America® -- Huntington® Bank Rotunda 60 East Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
Calling student artists: Participate in Hennepin County's Student Art Contest
Hennepin County is sponsoring a student art contest in partnership with the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Students in grades 6—12 who live or attend school in Hennepin County are invited to enter the contest. Winning art will be honored and exhibited at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
This year’s theme - Belonging Begins Here: Our Stories, Our County, and Our Pride – invites students to explore the meaning of belonging through a personal and local lens.
The program encourages participants to reflect on their identities, communities, and shared spaces that foster inclusion and connection. Students will highlight stories, landmarks, and cultural touch points within their districts that bring people together or represent sources of pride.
Contest submissions are being accepted now through January 4.
For more information, a full list of contest guidelines, and to enter visit
Enjoy seasons at the Historic Eidem Farm
The farm is a welcoming place open year-round, that invites community to get hands-on in nature, connect to the local food system and learn about our shared heritage. The cold weather doesn't stop the fun! An Eidem Farm Christmas
This festive all-ages event features carolers, a winter makers market, tours of the historic farmhouse and more!
Sunday, December 7
12:00-3:00PM
Nature Preschool Day Camp
Campers will get to use all five senses to
explore the barnyard, cozy up around the
bonfire for story time, build forts and more!
December 29-30
9:00-11:30AM
Snow Many Traditions
Join Brooklyn Center to celebrate and discover a world of winter cultural traditions. Capture memories with a family photo with Santa, enjoy holiday crafts. entertainment and refreshments. The event is free!
To learn more check it out here: Brooklyn Center Snow Many Traditions (FREE) – Family Fun Twin Cities
Free Home Energy Squad Visits
FREE Home Energy Squad visits are available to Robbinsdale residents again in 2025! The Squad will check your insulation levels, do a blower door test,
install weather stripping and energy-saving products, and more to help you save on energy costs. Schedule your visit today by calling 651-328-6220 or visiting
https://www.mncee.org/robbinsdale?energy-audits.
If you’re scheduling through the website, answer the prompts and select “continue on to scheduling,” and your visit will be free!
Come join in on the holiday festivities with the City of Robbinsdale!
Happy Holidays!
From all of us at the D1 office, we extend our warmest wishes for a safe, healthy, and joyful holiday season. May this time be filled with peace, celebration, and moments that bring you happiness as we look forward to the year ahead.
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Minnesota consistently ranks as the top turkey-producing state, raising about 39–42 million turkeys each year, which accounts for nearly 18% of all U.S. turkeys.
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The turkey industry generates over $1 billion annually in cash receipts for Minnesota farmers.
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Many turkey farms in Minnesota are family-owned, with generations of farmers raising birds across the state.
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With around 46 million turkeys eaten every Thanksgiving in the U.S., chances are high that your holiday bird came from Minnesota.
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Minnesota turkeys don’t just stay local. About $104 million worth of turkey products are exported globally each year
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Minnesota has sent 13 turkeys to the White House over the years, making them stars of the annual ceremony.
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In 2024, President Joe Biden pardoned two Minnesota turkeys named Peach and Blossom, who now live peacefully at Farmamerica in Waseca, Minnesota
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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