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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carolyn Marinan, Hennepin County, 612-348-5969
On Thursday, the Hennepin County Board approved a 2026 budget of $3.15 billion. It includes a net property tax levy totaling $1.13 billion, a 7.79 percent increase from 2025. Both the operating and the capital budgets are reflected in the budget and levy.
The 2026 budget focuses on disparity elimination and climate action across all lines of county business and invests in programs and services that aim to improve long-term outcomes for residents in the areas of connectivity, education, employment, health, housing, income, and justice.
“This budget focuses on stability and sustainability while maintaining our critical role as a safety-net provider and supporting our commitment to serving our residents,” says Board Chair, Irene Fernando.
Operating budget
The operating portion of the 2026 budget totals $2.78 billion, an increase of 9.0 percent or $229 million from the 2025 adjusted budget. The county’s operating budget funds the day-to-day services for residents, like plowing roads, library services and providing support for vulnerable residents. Property tax covers approximately 36 percent of the overall county budget. Federal and state sources, fees for services, and other revenues fund the remainder of the budget. The budget allocates approximately:
- 5.1 percent to Resident Services, including elections, libraries and services like driver’s licenses
- 6.1 percent to Public Works to for the transportation network and environmental initiatives
- 11.9 percent for capital improvement projects including county buildings and roads and bridges
- 13.8 percent for Operations and Disparity Reduction lines of business
- 15.0 percent to Law, Safety and Justice which includes Corrections, Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office
- 21.2 percent to Health including the Hennepin Health insurance program
- 26.8 percent to Human Services to support our most vulnerable residents
The budget addresses the current uncertainties from state and federal funding while continuing investments in communities, infrastructure and employees. Further changes or reductions in state and federal funding will put further pressure on local resources.
“We are in the midst of a multi-year strategy to manage financial pressures. This budget represents tough decisions, carefully managed growth, and diligent management in the face of uncertain funding conditions,” said County Administrator Jodi Wentland.
Capital budget
The capital budget includes investment in infrastructure like roads, transportation and buildings to meet current and future needs. The capital portion of the 2026 budget totals $374 million, which is $194 million less than the 2025 adjusted capital budget. The 2025 capital budget finances projects such as:
- The METRO Blue Line Light Rail Extension
- Assessing and maintaining roads and bridges
- Investment in environment and energy infrastructure
- Investment in Public Safety and Judiciary facilities and infrastructure
Budget process
The board approved the 2026 budget after more than nine months of preparations and hearings.
Most recently, the board made final budget amendments and held the annual Truth in Taxation hearing on December 2. Learn more on the Hennepin County budget webpage.
www.hennepin.us/budgets
Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news.
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