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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 first 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.
Hennepin County awards $400,000 in Youth Activities Grants
Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants Program Spring 2025 grant cycle awarded more than $400,000 of Equipment and Arts & Music Grants.
Project awarded included the following projects in our district:
City of Brooklyn Center: $9,410 for Centennial Park soccer goals
City of Robbinsdale: $1,500 for Crystal Community Center and Manor Park
To learn more about the grants, visit here
Community Zero Waste Grants awarded in 2025
African Career Education and Resources (ACER), Minneapolis
$35,000 to make the annual Shingle Creek Center Fair in Brooklyn Center a low waste event, including promoting low waste and recycling education that goes beyond the event.
Help shape Hennepin County Public Health's strategic plan
Hennepin County Public Health is developing its next strategic plan. This plan will guide decision making, name priorities and help the department align with community and County partners.
The plan will guide Hennepin County Public Health’s work from 2026-2028.
 The Coven co-founders in their shared office space
Exploring The Coven learning library
The Coven is best known as a coworking space for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking for office space, but the organization has also developed a massive library of on-demand learning resources to help entrepreneurs learn and grow.
Elevate Hennepin, through an investment from Hennepin County, is pleased to partner with The Coven to offer this digital resource, meaning any Hennepin County business owner, entrepreneur, or resident exploring a business idea can tap into The Coven’s online training, discussions, and connect with others at no cost.
“All Hennepin County business owners are eligible for free virtual memberships,” said Liz Giel, a co-founder and partner in The Coven. “So, they can be part of our thriving Coven community, and access the whole library of educational content that we've developed.”
 Pizza Karma cofounder Rajesh Selvaraj
Arranging the ABCs of business in CEO Now
When Pizza Karma cofounder and "chief pizza officer" Rajesh Selvaraj joined CEO Now, things were going well for the Edina-based company. But Rajesh knew he and the leadership team had to work on consistency and the underlying structure of the business to meet their big goals.
He said the CEO Now curriculum and deep conversations with fellow business leaders transformed how he and the rest of the leadership team organized the company.
"It was kind of like re-learning alphabets from A to Z," said Rajesh. "I knew all the 26 letters, but everything was scrambled. We had the fundamentals like financial forecasting, strategic planning, long-term goals, three-year goals; but we didn't have a structure. CEO Now helped slice those down into yearly and quarterly goals for all those things." Read the full story at: Arranging the ABCs of business in CEO Now | Elevate Hennepin
Connecting with local non-profits
This past month, Commissioner Lunde had the opportunity to connect with various non-profit organizations dedicated to serving the people of District 1!
Annex Teen Clinic
The Annex which is located in Robbinsdale is dedicated to serving young people by providing them with equitable, accessible, and confidential sexual health services and education.
To learn more, visit https://annexteenclinic.org/
Legacy Family Center
Legacy Family Center located in Brooklyn Park supports West African refugee and immigrant families by offering culturally appropriate services that help them succeed. Their work focuses on education, workforce development, wellness, and social connections. By reducing barriers to self-sufficiency, the center empowers families to thrive in their homes and communities.
To learn more, visit https://www.legacyfamilycentermn.org/
Crystal Police Chief Stephanie Revering Retiring
After 28 years of dedicated service, Crystal Police Chief Stephanie Revering is retiring today. District 1 extends a heartfelt thank you and congratulations for her leadership and commitment to our community. Wishing her all the best in this next chapter!
Whiz Bang Days
When? July 10-13
Where? Robbinsdale - various locations
What? Join Robbinsdale in their annual community get together! There is a variety of activities such as a parade, fireworks, softball, and more!
To learn more, visit Robbinsdale Whiz Bang Days
Crystal Frolics
When? July 24-27
Where? Crystal- various locations
What? The Crystal Frolics is a community tradition, bringing families together for a fun-filled celebration while supporting local organizations. There will be live entertainment, sport tournaments (softball & pickleball), food vendors, and activities for all ages!
To learn more, visit 2025 Frolics
Entertainment in the Park
When? Tuesday, July 22nd & August 12th @ 7pm
Where? Centennial Park Amphitheater (6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy)
What? On July 22nd, Sawyer's Dream will be shown and on August 12th, Salsa del Soul. There will be food trucks, crafts, vendors, and a variety of fun activities to make these nights unforgettable. Bring your friends and family out to enjoy the music, food, and community spirit!
Happy Hour on the Farm
When? Friday, July 25th from 4:30-8 PM
Where? Historic Eiden farm (4345 101st Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443)
What? Enjoy an outdoor evening with a cold beer from Heavy Rotation Brewery (4:30-8 PM), yard games, food from La Cocina food truck, and live music by Flannel (5-6:30 PM).
Final Environmental Impact Statement
The Metropolitan Council and the Federal Transit Administration have prepared a Supplemental Final Environmental Impact Statement (SFEIS) for the METRO Blue Line Extension project. This document lays out the benefits and impacts of the project including its effects on the environment, noise, pollution, etc., while providing measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, or mitigate potential negative impacts.
To learn more, visit SFEIS
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the families and friends of Speaker Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman. My hope and prayers are for a speedy recovery to Sen. Hoffman and his wife. To the family of Speaker Hortman and her husband, Mark, I extend my deepest condolences. I hope that their love and memories will live forever.
Throughout my entire career in elected office, I have had the privilege of working alongside both John and Melissa. They were always there to take calls and support the needs of our community. They are and always have been true partners and exemplary public servants in every sense.
Extreme heat safety
As we head towards higher temperatures, it's important to keep cool and stay safe. Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States.
Remember drink plenty of water, apply sunscreen every 2 hours, wear lightweight clothing, and take regular breaks in the shade. While anyone can be affected by heat, it's important to check in with those most vulnerable such as children & infants, pregnant women, older adults, and those with chronic conditions.
To learn more, click here
Contact us
Jeffrey Lunde
Commissioner, 1st District
612-348-7881
Ingrid Kubisa
Policy Aide
612-386-1155
Emma Weilage
Asst. Policy Aide
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