One of my responsibilities as your commissioner is to represent you at both the state and national level. This month, my colleagues and I attended the National Association of Counties Annual Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. where we reconnected and build new friendships with county leaders across the United States, and we determined how we'd like NACo to advocate for county priorities at federal level.
 Within NACo, there are many different committees on which one can serve. I am a vice chair for the Health Committee.
This year, the Health Committee passed 8 interim policy resolutions during our business meeting. Additionally, we had two emergency resolutions including a letter to Congress regarding the impact of cuts to Medicaid across the country, including hearing from a Senate Finance Committee lead staffer on the ranking member’s point of view on the detrimental cuts that would be felt nationwide. I wrapped up my time in D.C with meetings with the offices of Representative Underwood and Senator Wyden to discuss the Health Committee policies.
 Of course, Minnesota county leaders couldn't pass up an opportunity to get together. Thanks to the Association of Minnesota Counties for hosting a gathering of our folks from Minnesota!
Two weeks ago, I joined State Senator John Hoffman, State Representative Kaela Berg, and Congresswoman Kelly Morrison at the Magnus Veterans Foundation for a conversation about the future of healthcare for veterans.
 Thank you so much to Dr. Shawn Alderman and the Magnus board of directors for hosting such an important discussion.
So far this year, I've made it to eight city council meetings to share information about county priorities, and to answer questions from cities and residents.
Below is April city council meeting schedule. Feel free to stop by and say hello!
Minnetrista: April 7th at 7pm, Minnetrista City Hall
Rockford: April 8th at 6pm, Rockford City Hall
Loretto: April 8th at 7pm, Loretto City Hall
Medina: April 15th at 7pm, Medina City Hall
St. Boni: April 16th at 7pm, St. Bonifacius City Hall
A Real ID or passport will be required for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. If you need to renew your license, take a few minutes to compare the standard license and Real ID.
Be on the lookout for your 2025 property tax statement to come in the mail. It will have the unique enrollment code you can use to sign up for electronic property notices.
Did you know that nearly 80 percent of school waste is recyclable or compostable?
Schools are required by state statute to have a recycling program. In Hennepin County, approximately half of the K-12 schools voluntarily divert additional waste from the trash by having an organics recycling program.
School recycling programs educate youth about the importance of waste reduction, recycling, and environmental stewardship. Recycling can also help schools save on disposal costs and taxes associated with solid waste disposal.
Hennepin County has grants, free container signage and technical assistance available to help schools start or improve recycling programs. Click here to request assistance.
Learn more here: School waste prevention and recycling | Hennepin County
Have questions about conservation or managing your farm and livestock? This open house is your opportunity to ask Hennepin County conservation staff about it.
Date: Tuesday, April 15
Time: 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Join us at 4:30 p.m. for a presentation about pasture management from Dr. Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota equine extension specialist and program leader.
Freebies you can get at the open house:
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Sign up for the new *FREE* soil health testing program!
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Native seed packets
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Limited supply of free basswood tree seedlings
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Pizza! (Pick what kind you want when you RSVP.)
Questions? Contact Roz Davis, conservation specialist:
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The Repair + Grow program is the county’s one-time response to nationally recognized challenges in affordable housing operations. This year, it awarded $17.3 million to nine nonprofit affordable housing developer-owners with barriers to developing more housing due to the economic impact of the pandemic. The program is the result of extensive engagement, research, and analysis around the root causes of these challenges, and what it will take to stabilize properties and remove barriers to increased affordable housing production.
“This funding will allow us to continue offering the essential supportive housing services we provide,” said Caroline E.R. Hood, president and CEO of RS Eden, one of the award recipients. “As owner, operator, property manager, and service provider, we need to ensure both the physical spaces nd essential services we provide are adequately resourced. Without this funding, it puts this work in jeopardy, and therefore, the lives of hundreds of people and families.”
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Applications are due by May 1, 2025
Environmental Response Fund (ERF) grants are available for the assessment and cleanup of contaminated sites, or brownfields. Grants are available to cities, local public entities including economic development agencies and housing and redevelopment authorities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses.
Applications for the next grant round are being accepted until May 1. Prior to applying, contact brownfields@hennepin.us to discuss your project and funding needs. More information: hennepin.us/brownfields.
ERF grants awarded in February 2025
In February 2025, Hennepin County awarded seven grants totaling $2,165,055. The grants will fund asbestos and lead-based paint abatement, vapor mitigation, and contaminated soil assessment and cleanup. More info about the ERF grants awarded: hennepin.us/brownfields
Hennepin County provides funding to organizations to actively educate, engage and motivate residents to become environmental stewards and make positive behavior changes. Eligible organizations include schools and school districts, early childhood family education programs, nonprofit organizations, community groups, congregations, and park districts.
About the three Green Partners programs
We have updated the criteria for all three Green Partners programs for 2025. Applicants should review the information available on the Green Partners website to ensure they apply for the program type that best fits their project.
Environmental Action program
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Open for applications. Due by 3 p.m. on April 3. These projects focus on motivating adults to make environmental changes at home and on-the-go.
Youth Environmental Education program
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Open for applications. Due by 3 p.m. on April 17. Youth Environmental Education projects engage youth in elementary and middle school in environmental education and outdoor nature experiences.
Youth Environmental Leadership program
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Opening for applications on April 2. Due by 3 p.m. on May 1. Youth Environmental Leadership projects encourage environmental leadership and/or exposure to green jobs for young people in high school up to age 24.
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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