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As we close out the year, I want to reflect on what this work has meant for District 7, and where we're headed next.
This year, the County Board navigated a challenging environment marked by rising costs, shifting state and federal funding, and increasing demands on county services. Through it all, we stayed focused on practical investments that keep our communities strong and functioning. In District 7, that meant continued progress on long-awaited transportation projects like the Highway 610 Extension project in Maple Grove, ongoing road and pedestrian safety improvements, and sustained support for our cities, parks, and local partners.
We also made important strides in prevention focused work that saves money and reduces harm over time - whether that's investing in youth mental health supports, expanding public safety strategies that connect people to services instead of systems, or continuing our response to the opioid crisis. We know these investments are working. For example, in 2024, Hennepin County saw a 31% decrease in opioid overdose deaths from 2023. These are real policy goals and investments that reduce long-term costs and improve quality of life for families across the county.
In August of this year, the County Board assumed direct governance responsibility for the Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), strengthening oversight and accountability for Minnesota's most important safety-net hospital. As health care costs rise and funding pressures increase, this step was taken to help ensure HCMC remains financially stable and able to continue providing high-quality care to everyone who needs it.
Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs remains a key part of building strong local economies. Through the county's Elevate Hennepin program, the county has helped thousands of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses, creating jobs and keeping dollars circulating in our communities. These investments support long-term economic resilience across Hennepin County and District 7.
At the same time, I've been clear that the years ahead will be fiscally challenging. Counties are increasingly expected to absorb costs once covered by the state and federal government, and that reality requires discipline, transparency, and tough decision-making. My commitment is to approach those decisions with a clear eye toward what delivers real value for District 7 residents.
And in the final days of this year, I want to take a moment to honor the lives of Melissa and Mark Hortman and their dog Gilbert, and continued prayers for Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. The violent attack on their lives this summer was shocking and heartbreaking. Speaker Hortman dedicated her life to public service and to improving the lives of Minnesotans, including her close work with counties. We honor her legacy by continuing to show up, govern responsibly, and reject political violence in all forms.
With that, thank you to everyone who reached out this year, showed up to meetings, asked hard questions, and stayed engaged. Good local government depends on that engagement, and I'm grateful to serve a district that takes it seriously. We'll see you in 2026!
If I thought November was busy, holy smokes December has been a whirlwind of activities across the county!
 One of my favorite events of the year took place this month - the Association of Minnesota Counties' Annual Conference. I served as parlimentarian during the business meeting, dazzling everyone with my festive cheer.
 My family and I loved the Minnetrista Tree Lighting. The communities in District 7 know how to get residents in the holiday spirit.
 I am always blwon away by MACV's Home for the Holidays event, where they connect veterans with a wide variety services and a hot meal.
 Hennepin County has been a longtime partner of the Twins Stadium, so we stopped by for a tour with ballpark and county staff. A little bit of snow didn't stop us from checking out the dugouts.
 It wouldn't be the end of the year without a stop by the CCX studio for a Newsmakers segment. Shannon Slatton and I talked about budget hurdles, how we can save money through prevention work, and the new Youth Stabilization Center.
 Thank you to the City of Dayton and Hennepin's Elevate Hennepin team for bringing business supports to District 7!
On December 13th, volunteers from across the county came together to put their skills toward fixing items brought in by residents. I had a few pillows that needed fixing and a very wonderful volunteer stitched them up for me. The best part? This service is completely free!
108 people stopped in with 188 items that needed fixing, and 159 items were fixed or on their way/in progress. That is an 85 percent repair rate, and 787 pounds of potential garbage was kept out of the trash.
This is honestly one of the highlights of my year. I walked away from this event so proud of Hennepin County for organizing this service, the skilled volunteers who do the repairs, and the community for recognizing that sometimes we need just need a small repair instead of throwing something in the garbage.
To find an upcoming Fix It Clinic, visit hennepin.us/fixitclinic.
Hennepin County and the Minneapolis Institute of Art are partnering for a student art contest running now through January 4. A selection of submissions will be honored and exhibited at MIA in spring 2026.
This is a great opportunity for students grades 6-12 who live or attend school in Hennepin County to have their creativity on display at one of the regions premier art institutions.
Young people are our future and I’m excited to see what creative expressions will come from this contest with the theme of “Belonging Begins Here: Our Stories, Our County and Our Pride.”
There is a contest website with more details, and all art can be submitted online: Hennepin County Student Art Contest.
Please email clara.severson@hennepin.us with questions.
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:
· Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council
· Birth Justice Community Advisory Board
· Capital Budgeting Task Force
· Community Action Partnership Board
· County Extension Committee (UMN Extension)
· Human Resources Board
· Library Board
· Race Equity Advisory Council
· Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act Board
Watershed board openings:
· Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Board
Application process:
· Now through December 31 – apply at hennepin.us/advisoryboards.
· Starting January 2025 – the county board will conduct interviews.
· First quarter of 2025 – the county board will appoint volunteers to the positions.
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 to 9:30 a.m.
Mall of America® -- Huntington® Bank Rotunda
60 East Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
Register online
Hosted by Hennepin County’s No Wrong Door program.
The Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority has approved $225,000 to invest in small business districts throughout the county as part the of Economic Development team's Love Local Storefronts façade improvement program.
The funding will support storefront upgrades in business nodes in the cities of Deephaven, Dayton, Hopkins, Medina, Robbinsdale and St. Louis Park.
The program aims to enhance the vibrancy, walkability, and cultural identity of commercial districts while supporting locally owned small businesses. Funds may be used on public facing building improvements, such as new windows, tuck pointing, lighting, and repairs, with business owners required to provide a dollar-for-dollar match.
Read more about Love Local Storefronts.
Q: Where does a snowman get the weather report?
A: The winternet.
The 7th District serves the cities of
Champlin, Corcoran, Dayton, Greenfield, Independence, Loretto, Maple Grove, Maple Plain, Medina, Minnetrista, Southern Mound, Rogers,
St. Bonifacius, Hanover, Northwest Plymouth, and Rockford.
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Contact us
Kevin Anderson
Commissioner, 7th District
Clara Severson
District Director
612-596-9040
Tristan Voegeli
Policy Aide
612-267-0416
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