Election Day is November 5, but you don't have to wait to cast your ballot – early voting is underway.
What to do before you vote
Now is the best time to take a few steps to make your voting experience as smooth as possible.
Vote absentee:
Fill out your absentee ballot application and email or mail it to Hennepin County Elections. You can also fill out the online application.
Vote early in-person:
Have more questions? Need help? Visit hennepin.us/elections.
Important election dates
- September 20: Absentee voting begins for the general election
- October 15: General election deadline to pre-register to vote
- November 4: In-person absentee voting closes at 5 p.m.
- November 5: General Election Day (polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
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On Tuesday, September 17th, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a maximum increase of 4.5% to fund county operations and an additional 1% to support Hennepin Healthcare Systems for a total 5.5% for the 2025 budget. This maximum levy increase will ensure the continuation of critical county operations and services, including investments in housing and infrastructure and also ensure our safety net hospital can continue to provide high quality care to the community.
The proposed 2025 budget reflects strategic planning in response to the expiration of federal pandemic response funds, and it represents an investment in the county's employees, infrastructure, and essential services. Between now and December, the Board of Commissioners will be actively seeking feedback from county staff and the community to finalize the budget. This period provides an opportunity for residents to engage with the budget process and voice their opinions on how county resources should be allocated.
I hear from constituents every day about how they want to see Hennepin County show up in their community. There must be a balance between the increased need for services, and the impact on property owners. The coming months are the opportunity for me to see how the county is planning on addressing the needs of residents in District 7.
Community members are encouraged to reach out to me with comments, questions, or concerns regarding the proposed budget and levy. The Board will take this input into account before making a final decision in December.
I encourage you to visit Budgets | Hennepin County to learn more. I will also be hosting four Coffee and Conversation events (listed in the next section) this fall aimed at talking about the budget with residents. Residents can also visit my Facebook page for meeting specifics.
Kevin Anderson
Hennepin County Commissioner
As the county works toward approving a final 2025 county budget, I'd love to hear from you! I have four meeting opportunities coming up in my district. I hope to see you in the coming weeks.
*This Upcoming* Monday, September 30th
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Maple Grove Library, 8001 Main Street North, Maple Grove
Friday, October 11th
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Mocha Monkey, 4080 Tower Street, St. Bonifacius
Wednesday, October 30th
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Maple Plain Library, 5184 Main Street East, Maple Plain
Thursday, November 14th
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Just Love Coffee Cafe, 11611 Theatre Drive North, Champlin
Please reach out to District Director Clara Severson at clara.severson@hennepin.us with questions.
Grants for Play areas and equipment are available now! Applications accepted through October 1, 2024.
Apply now on the Hennepin County Supplier Portal
- Play Area grants: awards up to $300,000
- Equipment grants: awards up to $10,000
Questions? Need technical assistance? Contact Sarah Breyette, Grant Coordinator, at youth.grants@hennepin.us or 612-348-8172.
Elevate Hennepin advisors have been busy for another quarter.
In the second quarter of 2024, advisors spent 4,243 hours supporting business and entrepreneurs with everything from legal questions and business planning to marketing and operational insights.
Since Elevate Hennepin began in 2020, it has delivered more than 35,668 hours of professional consulting for 2,912 businesses and entrepreneurs at no cost. Advisees report 608 new or retained jobs, 186 new businesses launched, and $28.4 million in financing to grow their businesses.
Explore all the second-quarter impacts at Elevate Hennepin.
Ripple Effect Brewing opens in Rogers with support from Elevate Hennepin
 On his drive home, Chris Guttormson would pass a vacant fast-food building on County Road 144 in Rogers and think to himself that it would make a perfect spot for a microbrewery.
That dream has become a reality for Guttormson and his business partner Leanne Ritz. Ripple Effect Brewing opens its doors thanks in part to a wide range of support from Elevate Hennepin.
“Chris and I are both people who love to problem solve. I think that makes us good candidates for starting our own business,” Ritz said. “But we also recognize that we haven’t done this before. We had to ask a lot of good questions and have good expertise to help fill the gaps.”
See how the founders leaned on Elevate Hennepin advisors for restaurant specific insights and business fundamentals.
ripple-effect-brewing-opens-in-rogers | Elevate Hennepin
Hennepin County is developing a comprehensive plan to eliminate serious injuries and deaths along Hennepin County roads. Now through the end of fall, we are engaging with residents to gather feedback as we develop a plan to improve safety for all people walking, riding, rolling, using transit or driving.
There are two ways you can share your feedback using BeHeard Hennepin
Applications are due by November 1, 2024, at 3 p.m.
Hennepin County is now accepting applications for the Environmental Response Fund (ERF). The grants are used to fund the assessment and cleanup of contaminated sites in Hennepin County.
The improved properties benefit us all by:
- Increasing the tax base
- Enhancing green space
- Keeping the community in place to enjoy the improvements
- Creating permanent jobs
- Creating affordable and moderately priced market-rate housing
- Prior to applying for an ERF grant, contact brownfields@hennepin.us to discuss your project and funding needs.
Application materials are available through the Supplier Portal.
Questions? Visit Hennepin.us/brownfields
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
Ketki Varsha
Policy Director
612-559-4221
Clara Severson
District Director
612-596-9040
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