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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.
As always, please reach out with questions, comments, or to learn more about how to get involved.
With Wellness,
Have a question or feedback? Check out our new feedback tool!
https://www.hennepin.us/en/your-government/leadership/4th-district
Hennepin Healthcare Update
On Tuesday, August 5th, during open forum which takes place ahead of committee meetings, the Board and County Administration heard from residents and Hennepin Healthcare System Staff their perspectives on the Hennepin County Board assuming temporary authority over the hospital in light of serious financial challenges that could jeopardize the future of this critical county, regional, and statewide safety net asset. In order to address the current financial crisis, the County Board is considering an action pursuant to its longstanding reserved powers to take a necessary, proactive step to provide immediate oversight and support during this critical period to stabilize HHS’s financial condition and ensure its long-term vitality. This action will ensure adequate oversight and transparency for any County, state or federal financial support, while the County Board develops a sustainable path forward with the HHS executive leadership. I am grateful for all those that came to the Board room on Tuesday and to all those that have reached out to my office with your ideas and insight from your experiences with the hospital. The feedback my office has received has been in large part supportive of the County Board’s operational oversight of HHS.
To hear recent testimony from residents, listen to Tuesday’s open forum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-5qlUBITi0
To hear more of my perspective on the County Board assuming oversight of HHS, listen here: https://hennepinmn.granicus.com/player/clip/5501
Metropolitan Mosquito Control Commission Meeting
 There is so much to love about Minnesota’s natural ecosystem, but the amount of mosquitos is not one of them! Serving on the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District Commission is not a role I expected to have when I first came into office, but it’s been fun addressing this aspect of resident safety!
Visit to Second Harvest Heartland
 My colleague, District 7 Commissioner Kevin Anderson and I visited the Brooklyn Park location of Second Harvest Heartland to learn about expanded services in light of impending federal cuts. We learned in the warehouse how they tailor their food and outreach to meet skyrocketing needs across the region.
Specific programs include:
- Kitchen Coalition, which provides culturally connected freshly prepared food;
- TEFAP, the distribution of Emergency Food Assistance;
- FOODRx, medically tailored nutrition boxes;
- Free Monthly Food Boxes for Seniors, a program that helps reduce food insecurity for seniors.
Second Harvest has a Care Center that provides 1-on-1 help with SNAP, obtaining groceries and referrals for other basic needs services.
New Hennepin County Administrator
 The Board meeting on July 30th was bittersweet, ushering in a new era for Hennepin County Government. We unanimously voted Jodi Wentland as Hennepin County’s new County Administrator! Kareem Murphy and Dan Rogan will serve as her Deputy Administrators. Thank you David Hough for 43 years of service.
Graduates from Recognition of Success
 It was joyful to once again host graduates of Hennepin’s Recognition of Success ceremony. We talked about my life journey, how the county functions, their career paths and self/community care. Connecting with these future leaders is truly one of my favorite aspects of this role.
Reproductive Health & Gender-Affirming Care Providers + Hennepin County Commissioners
 In 2022, Commissioner Fernando, Commissioner Greene, and myself authored a budget amendment during the budget amendment process that provided grant funding to organizations that provide reproductive health care and/or gender-affirming health care. Hennepin County continues its commitment to investing in services that expand accessible reproductive health care and gender-affirming health care for all.
Minnesota, and particularly the metro area, has quickly become a national hub for reproductive health care access. Following the repeal of Roe v. Wade by the United States Supreme Court, local health providers have seen an exponential increase in requests for their services, particularly from those seeking reproductive health care and gender-affirming health care.
My colleagues and I recently met with the organizations that have utilized these grant funds from Hennepin County to talk about updates on drastic changes and cuts coming down from the current federal administration and the challenges they are facing. Just as importantly, we learned from them how meaningful investments have helped expand their services.
Thank you to our partners!
Annex Teen Clinic
Family Tree, Inc.
NorthPoint Health and Wellness
Our Justice
Planned Parenthood (Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota).
Healthy Hearts Social Group
 I am are thrilled to announce the launch of the second NorthPoint Healthy Hearts Social Group! This initiative is aimed at improving heart health in our community and will support Black/African American and Indigenous women with a history of cardiac events and conditions or those at high risk for cardiac events.
When: Thursdays, starting August 7th - September 4th from 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Where: NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center; 2220 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
  This year we celebrated 90 years of National Association of Counties (NACo). The annual conference took place in the City and County of Philadelphia!
 Day 1 - It was an honor to Chair the Community, Economic & Workforce Development Committee where we started the conference with shaping our Federal platform. Our policy steering committees lead key policy priorities for our nation's 3,069 counties, parishes & boroughs.
Day 2 - I attended the Women of NACo Business Meeting where I had the pleasure of talking with Commissioner Alisha Bell, Chairwoman from Wayne County Board in Michigan, who is now the new 2nd Vice President of NACo. Commissioner Bell has been a long time member of NACo for 21 years, and a former President of women of NACo.
In 2002, Commissioner Bell has become the youngest African American woman to be elected to a county board in the country.
Day 3 - I joined my peers at the National Organization of Black County Officials (NOBCO) & the National Association of Black County Officials (NABCO) luncheon. Supervisor Holly Mitchell from Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors gave a powerful speech on the current issues LA County, and many other counties, are facing this year in these unprecedented times.
 Day 4 - On the last day of the conference, we had our NACo Annual Business Meeting. In this meeting, we finalized our policy resolutions for our federal platform and elected a new slate of leaders and our new 2nd Vice President, Alicia Bell, for the 2025-2026 term. James Gore from Sonoma County, California ended his productive and energetic year as president of NACo.
I was reappointed as Chair of the Community, Economic and Workforce Development Committee by the incoming president of NACo, J.D. Clark, county judge of Wise County, Texas.
For the 2025- 2026 term in NACo, I was appointed to the following positions:
- Chair, Community, Economic and Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee
- Member, Healthy Counties Innovation Council
- Member, Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC)
Our Saviour’s Housing Emergency Shelter Re-Opening Celebration
 A BIG congratulations is in order for Our Saviour’s Community Services for their newly improved and expanded emergency shelter space! Years ago I was an intern at this shelter. It is truly a joy to see needed improvements and to have the space on 2219 Chicago Ave reopen soon.
Inside Out 4 Block Party & Grand Opening of Pillsbury Creative Commons
 I was excited to celebrate alongside Pillsbury United Communities as they enter a new chapter! Welcome Pillsbury Creative Commons to 35th and Chicago, a new hub for artists and storytellers to invest in their talents and career pursuits. Hennepin is a partner and first in supporter.
Wadaag Commons Grand Opening
 Last month, I attended the grand opening of Wadaag Commons. Wadaag, the Somali word for “share” is the name of new housing in the Seward neighborhood! Wadaag Commons is a dignified project that provides deeply affordable units, housing for larger families, and supportive services.
Thank you Nawal Noor of Noor Companies for your vision! A big thank you to all of our partners that came together in completing this project- Redesign, Inc., and all of our state and local colleagues. Thank you to the community and partners for bringing joy to this celebration!
Renaming of Edmund Boulevard
 City of Minneapolis, Ward 12 Councilmember, Aurin Chowdhury has been tirelessly working with a neighborhood coalition, Reclaiming Edmund, to Rename Edmund Boulevard to Lena Smith Boulevard. We heard this item during the planning commission meeting this past Monday, August 4th. This boulevard and what it represents is a key part of district 4. I was proud to vote in support of this name change and it passed unanimously. Thank you neighbors and community members who attended to show support.
Who is Edmund G. Walton?
The namesake, Edmund G. Walton (1865-1919)became the first developer in the area to apply racially restrictive covenants to the properties he sold, which introduced racial covenants as the legal way of segregating Minneapolis. There has been a lot of support from the 12th Ward for this effort.
Who is Lena Olive Smith?
Lena Olive Smith (August 13, 1885 – November 6, 1966) was the first Black woman licensed to practice law in Minnesota, admitted to the bar in 1921 soon after graduating from Northwestern College of Law (now part of Mitchell Hamline). Motivated by her earlier work as a real estate agent, where she witnessed racial housing covenants and discrimination, she dedicated her legal career to civil rights advocacy. From 1926 to 1930, she chaired the NAACP’s Legal Redress Committee in Minneapolis and made history in 1930 as the first woman elected president of the local chapter, serving through much of the 1930s.
If you have any questions please reach out to Ward12@minneapolismn.gov
The project team hosted an Open House on June 26th to display the final design. To view the Open House Board, click here.
The interactive comment map is now closed. We’re grateful to everyone in the community who took the time to review and provide feedback on the draft design concepts earlier this spring and summer. Your input is helping shape a stronger, more responsive final design, which the project team is actively working on now.
We look forward to sharing updated details with you later this year. In the meantime, you can review the current project layout and engagement summary and reach out to the project team with questions or comments.
To view more information, please visit the Park and Portland safety improvements project webpage here. Keep this page bookmarked to stay updated.
August is national Black Business Month! We encourage you to support Black owned businesses in the District by learning about how they came to be and purchasing their services and goods. Some Black owned local businesses our team members and I have supported lately include The Dripping Root, SunBean Coffee, Shega Foods, and Fades of Gray!
Also for anyone who is interested in starting their own business, Elevate Hennepin is your resource! Hennepin County's small business support initiative, has been serving entrepreneurs and business owners for nearly five years.
Elevate Hennepin has impacted the Hennepin County business community by creating new pathways to entrepreneurship, and providing business owners with the tools and specialized consulting expertise they need to grow and thrive.
Fireside Chat on Heart Health
 Save the date for a district team up on Heart Health!
I will be joining District 1 Commissioner Jeffrey Lunde for a Fireside Chat in continuation of our “Your heart beats for generations” campaign.
Please join us for this gathering to talk about heart health, a conversation that will center the experiences and insights of West African women.
We'll have panelists from the West African diaspora joining us from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), The Association of Nigerian Nurses in Minnesota, and hospitals in the region.
Hope to see you there!
When: Saturday, August 16th from 2:15 - 3:15 PM
Where: Brooklyn Center Middle/High School; 6500 N Humboldt Ave, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
County Household Hazardous Waste Collection event
 When: Friday and Saturday, August 8th and 9th from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: South High School (enter off 21st Ave S); 3131 19th Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55407
Guidelines
- Be prepared to show you driver's license or other proof of county residence.
- Secure products so they don't tip over or leak.
- Follow the signs and stay in line.
- Event will be shut down during indement weather.
- Residents arriving via bicycles and walk-ups are welcome.
Sabathani Block Party
 When: Saturday, August 9th from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Sabathani Community Center; 310 E 38th St Minneapolis, MN 55409
A summertime celebration you don't want to miss!
Join Sabathani Community Center and our neighbors at Seward Community Co-op to mark the 10th anniversary of their Friendship Store with music, food, and good vibes flowing all day.
This isn’t just a block party, it’s a celebration of us. Our community. Our culture. Our joy. Let’s come together for an afternoon of fun, connection, and celebration on the Southside.
Sixth Annual Black Entrepreneur State Fair
 When: Sunday, Aug. 10th - Saturday, Aug. 16th from 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily
Where: Outside Midtown Global Market; 920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Cost: $10
Come for the food, Stay for the Culture! This year, the Black Entrepreneur State Fair is returning to LAKE STREET with a full week of family fun, incredible food, and shopping with 50 Black-owned businesses, all to live music entertainment hosted by the one and only Ashli Henderson.
Bring your friends and family for this powerful celebration of black excellence, creativity, and culture. Follow @blackstatefair on Instagram for news and updates on this year’s programming.
Dinkytown Pedestrian Improvements Open House
When: Tuesday, August 12th from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Where: Arvonne Fraser Public Library, 1222 4th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN
The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department invites you to an open house to learn about the Dinkytown Pedestrian Improvements project!
Drop in to view the final concept layout, see how the new median-protected bike lanes and accessibility upgrades will enhance safety, and discuss the plans with City staff.
We encourage all community members to attend this informative event.
Longfellow Garden Club Potluck
 When: Wednesday, August 13th at 6:00 PM
Where: 2543 38th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Join fellow gardeners for an outdoor potluck supper. Share pictures and stories of your gardening successes and challenges while enjoying good food and conversation with neighbors.
The gathering will be hosted by LGC member Pat Rosaves (2543 38th Ave S.) in Seward. Her yard showcases many varieties of trees, bushes, and flowers plus a wooded wild area. Bring a dish to share (ideally using your own or locally grown produce), folding chair, and your own plate and utensils for a zero-waste event. Ice water will be provided.
This free event is open to everyone! Learn more at tinyurl.com/LGCminnesota or email Longfellowgardenclubmail@gmail.com.
36th ART Community Potluck Under the Bridge
 When: Thursday, August 14th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: River Memory murals; 2707 36th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Join your neighbors for a community potluck under the Greenway bridge on 36th Avenue! The event runs 5-8 pm with a brief program at 5:30pm.
Come celebrate the new Seward/Longfellow gateway and beautiful River Memory murals while connecting with neighbors over food, music, and fun. Bring a dish to share, folding chair, and beverage if you can.
RSVP by August 10th to 36thART@gmail.com or text 612-618-0334.
Open House on new Hiawatha Links Design Concepts
 When: Thursday, August 14th from 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Where: Lake Nokomis Community Center; 2401 E Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Come to Lake Nokomis Community Center to see new proposed designs for Hiawatha Park and Golf Course debut during an Open House and talk with the project team.
They’ll talk about various topics, including ecology, water resources, golf, architecture and historic resources, summer and winter recreation, and how they interface.
Large-format graphics will be displayed for each of the three concepts, including plan view and 3D renderings.
No formal presentation is planned. Light refreshments, as well as a kids activity table, will be available.
Sabathani Blood Drive
 When: Friday, August 15th from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (by appointment)
Where: Sabathani Community Center; 310 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Sabathani Spring Blood Drive: Save Lives, Donate Today
Join us for Sabathani Community Center’s Summer Blood Drive, presented in partnership with the American Red Cross. Your donation can make a life-saving difference for those in need, especially within the Black community.
Why Your Donation Matters
Sabathani, a Black-founded and led organization serving all of South Minneapolis, encourages everyone to donate. However, Black donors are especially needed because their blood is often the best match for people living with sickle cell disease. Your contribution could be a lifeline for someone in a sickle cell crisis. Whether or not you could carry the sickle cell trait, you could be eligible to donate.
What to Expect
- Appointments take 30 minutes to one hour
- Free health screening before donation
- Snacks after donating
Bonus Incentives
All presenting donors will receive:
- 1x $15 gift card to a merchant of choice (delivered via email within 4 weeks of presenting to donate)
- 1x $20 Amazon gift card (delivered via email within 4 weeks of presenting to donate)
- Red Cross T-Shirt (assorted, while supplies last)
- A1C Testing (results available on Red Cross donor app or via donor account within 2 weeks of donating)
Click here to register now.
Questions about eligibility? Call: 1-800-RED-CROSS
Back to School Drive
 When: Saturday, August 16th from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Where: Elliot Recreation Center; 1000 14th St, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Come out for a fun and family-friendly day as we gear up students for a great school year!
- Free backpacks & school supplies
- Free BBQ
- Face painting
- Bouncy houses
- Free haircuts & styles
Because every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and set up for success!
Open Streets CedarFest
When: Sunday, August 17th from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Cedar Avenue between 15th Avenue and 6th Street; plus Riverside Avenue between Cedar and 19th Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
Open Streets transforms major Minneapolis corridors into car-free community celebrations, and this year it's coming to our backyard! Will be closed to cars and opened for neighbors to walk, bike, and explore together.
Open Streets CedarFest will feature live music and performances on multiple stages, local food vendors, a hot wing eating contest, camel rides, a local artisan market, and the third annual Wienery Wiener Dog Race!
It's a free, family-friendly celebration of our diverse West Bank community. Come experience the tremendous diversity of local businesses and artists at the ultimate neighborhood street party
38th & Chicago, Re-Envisioned: Streets & Infrastructure
 When: Tuesday, August 19th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Chicago Ave Shops; 3736 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
- Light snacks will be served
In response to a legislative directive from the Minneapolis City Council, the City’s Public Works Department is evaluating the feasibility of a pedestrian mall concept layout and the establishment of a new ordinance for a pedestrian mall along Chicago Avenue, between 37th and 38th streets.
This concept, which represents an alternative concept from the design previously shared with the community, would restrict through traffic and create a cul-de-sac and public plaza near 3744 Chicago Avenue (also known as The Peoples’ Way).
To inform this work, Public Works is undertaking a rigorous effort to gather information for the design, operations, maintenance, deliveries, loading, emergency vehicle access, transit access, snow removal, and related costs that may be required to establish a new ordinance per state statute.
The engagement feedback and findings of this evaluation will be presented to the City Council’s Climate and Infrastructure Committee on Dec. 4, 2025, for discussion and consideration.
Learn More About the Project
The Visioning and Priorities report provides an overview of the city’s work in 2024, including an overview of the right-of-way concepts considered (see page 30 for street concepts). For more information about the project, you can also visit the 38th & Chicago Re-Envisioned project webpage.
Sign up for updates
Have friends or neighbors interested in this topic? Forward this newsletter or encourage them to sign up for future updates.
To learn more about the City's efforts at George Floyd Square, visit the program webpage.
Cedar Riverside Community Health Fair
 When: Thursday, August 21st from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Brian Coyle Center; 420 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454
Join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly day focused on health, wellness, and community! Whether you’re looking for helpful resources, free health services, or just a great time with neighbors, we’ve got something for everyone:
FREE giveaways & activities including:
- Bike giveaway – 3 chances to win!
- Backpack giveaway
- Henna & face painting
- Kids’ activities
- Free haircuts
- Live music & DJ
- Halal food truck
Free health services on-site:
- Health screenings
- HIV testing
- COVID-19 testing & vaccinations
- Plus, helpful health & wellness resources
Don’t miss it – bring your family, friends, and neighbors!
Questions? Contact us: Awol Windissa: AwolW@pillsburyunited.org | 612-876-9330 Aliazar Eliyas: AliazarE@pillsburyuniyed.org | 612-876-9326
Bike to Farm United Phillips
 When: Saturday, August 23rd from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: 1000 Midtown Greenway, Minneapolis, MN 55407
We invite you to the second annual bike-to-farm guided bike tour around the Phillips neighborhood, where we are given tours of the small gardens and beautiful urban farms in the neighborhood, how they operate, and how you can get involved.
Beginner bikers are welcome to join, all bikers must register to attend. We'll end the bike ride with a community meal!
Southside Heroes Wall Unveiling
 When: Thursday, August 28th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Sabathani Community Center, 1st Floor; 310 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN
Join us for an inspiring evening honoring the people who shaped South Minneapolis. The 2025 Southside Heroes Hall Unveiling celebrates community legacy through stories, music, and connection – uplifting the voices of Black leaders whose impact continues to resonate today.
This free, family-friendly event includes a social hour with refreshments, an educational museum experience, community tributes, and a special performance by Sounds of Blackness.
Honoring Our 2025 Inductees:
- Pete Rhodes & Kimberly Bedell Rhodes
- Dr. Ralph Crowder
- Doris Hines
- Congresswoman Ilhan Omar
- Ed Solomon
Event Schedule:
6:00–7:00pm | Social Hour + Exhibit Browsing
Enjoy sips and nibbles while exploring new additions to the Southside Heroes Hall exhibit, located in the South Corridor near Sabathani’s administrative offices.
7:00–7:30pm | Program Begins
- Welcome & opening remarks
- Presentations honoring each inductee
- Live performance by the legendary Sounds of Blackness
7:30–8:00pm | Wrap-Up + Ways to Support
Continue to browse, shop event merch, and learn how you can support ongoing efforts to preserve and share South Minneapolis history.
Come celebrate with us. Honor the past, uplift the present, and inspire the future.
Black August Queer Film Festival
 When: Sunday, August 31st from 12:00 - 5:00 PM
Where: Pillsbury Creative Commons; 3501 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
The Black August Queer Film Festival is curated by Danez Smith and Tish Jones and features free screenings of short films, features, and web series alongside a community fair with food, local vendors, and organizations supporting wellness, justice, and education.
Each screening will open with performances by the filmmakers and close with intimate Q&A sessions. For more information and to RSVP, click here.
Somali Dance Classes
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Traditional Dance Classes
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When: Saturdays – August 16, 23, & 30
at 5:00 PM
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Where: Tapestry Folk Dance
3748 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN
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Ages 13+ | Learn Somali dance styles such as Jaandheer, Dhaanto, and Shirib in a welcoming community space.
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When: Fridays – August 15, 22, & 29
at 5:00 PM
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Where:Tapestry Folk Dance
3748 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN
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Ages 13+ | Explore Somali women’s poetic traditions through Buraanbur—rhythm, movement, and voice.
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Men Restoring Men
 When: Now! The series began on July 30th, but it's not to late to join!
Where: MAD DADS Minneapolis; 3026 4th Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55408
We are committed to ending violence in our community, which means having bold & meaningful conversations, and taking action to help those directly impacted by gun violence.
On July 30th we kicked off our 12-week conversation journey focusing on men who have been impacted by gun violence, directly or indirectly, whether they have been perpetrators or victims.
Our focus isn't the incident--our focus is how those incidents affect us and how we can all heal and forgive to create peace in our community.
Join the Hi-Lake Mural artist for community paint parties and mosaic make days
 Artists Natchez Beaulieu, Pablo Kalaka, Greta McLain and Daniela Bianchini will be installing a new mural at the Hiawatha Lake Bridge Underpass. Participate in free events and help create the mural, which will be installed this fall.
Mosaic Mondays in August
When: Mondays in August 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Semilla Center for Healing and the Arts; 2742 15th Ave S, Minneapolis
Midtown Farmers Market
When: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM; Saturdays, July 26th and August 2nd
Where: 2225 East Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Makoce Indigenous Collection Celebration
 When: Saturday, August 9th from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Franklin Library; 1314 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Celebrate the expanded Makoce Indigenous Collection at Franklin Library! Housed in the heart of Minneapolis’ American Indian Cultural Corridor, the Makoce Collection contains a variety of materials of interest and importance to American Indian community members. Originally established in 1970, this collection was redefined in 2023 with help from members of the American Indian community and guidance from Hennepin County’s Mni Sota Native American Advisory Council.
Event Schedule
9 – 11 AM
- Author event with Nicolas DeShaw (Loaf the Cat Goes to the Powwow) and Roxanne Gould (Murphy, the Boss Cat of Little Earth). For youth and families.
- What is Harm Reduction? A conversation with library partners Native American Community Clinic, Indigenous Peoples Task Force, and Mobile Health Initiative.
11 AM – 2 PM
- Visit and learn about Ojibwe ponies with Humble Horse on the Franklin lawn.
2 – 4 PM
- Author event with Mona Susan Power (A Council of Dolls). For adults.
- Making dreamcatchers with Roger Roan Eagle. Max 20 participants, while supplies last.
Enjoy music, refreshments, button-making, and scavenger hunts throughout the day! Materials provided.
Careful, May Fall Apart: An Art Reception With Lauren Callis
 When: Saturday, August 9th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Hosmer Library; 347 E 36th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
When things fall apart, it's nice to have something to do with your hands. Join Lauren Callis in completing a quilt during this artist reception. Materials provided. Share stories or simply sit in the company of others. No participation required.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view Callis' community art display Careful, May Fall Apart through August 30
Extreme Plants
 When: Thursday, August 14th from 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Where: Roosevelt Library; 4026 28th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Entering grades 1-5. Embark on a journey through some of Earth’s wildest habitats! In this exploration, we’ll discover the strange and fascinating world of extreme plants and the lengths they will go to survive in harsh conditions. Collaborator: University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Plantmobile.
Registration Required: https://hclib.bibliocommons.com/events/6818b5ee075f772800792b4f
Read With an Animal
 When: Saturday, August 16th from 2:30 - 4:30 PM
Where: Nokomis Library; 5100 34th Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55417
Grades 1-3. Cuddle up with a certified therapy animal and practice reading aloud. Most libraries host dogs and you can call ahead to see if other animals will be visiting. Sign up when you arrive for a 15-minute slot. Collaborator: Reading Education Assistance Dogs.
Letter Writing Social Hour
When: Saturday, August 23rd from 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Where: Arvonne Fraser Library; 1222 4th St. S.E., Minneapolis MN 55414
Suffering from screen fatigue? Rediscover vintage social media with us and establish a fun, new writing practice! We’ll supply stickers, stationery, neighborhood postcards, fun pens, letter-writing inspiration, and more! Bring an address, a friend, or just yourself. Sponsor: Friends of the Hennepin County Library.
Bikes & Botany
 When: Saturday, August 23rd from 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Where: Hosmer Library; 347 E 36th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Join us in our reading garden for a free bike tune-up clinic with Full Cycle, then visit with Plant-Grow-Share staff and receive fresh produce grown right in the neighborhood. No registration required. Collaborators: Plant-Grow-Share (Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization), Full Cycle.
Take a look inside Flavors of Health Kitchen
Hennepin Health has a free program called Flavors of Health. Through this program, Hennepin Health members who take a healthy cooking class receive 8 weeks of free groceries delivered to their home. To participate, Hennepin Health members must be pregnant, have diabetes, and/or congestive heart failure. Learn how the program helps improve health outcomes through nutrition. https://hennepinhealth.org/cooking-class
Check out this video for a look inside the kitchen! https://lnkd.in/gJzHSGpp
Utilize Switch Together for solar panel installations
Hennepin County’s Climate and Resiliency department is partnering with nonprofit Solar United Neighbors to offer Switch Together, a group buying program to help residents save on the cost of solar installations. Switch Together offers residents a hassle-free way to lower their electric bills and reduce their carbon footprint by installing high-quality solar as well as optional add-ons including EV chargers and battery storage, for a competitive price.
2024 Recycling Progress Report
 Hennepin County’s 2024 Recycling Progress Report provides an update on the county’s progress toward waste diversion goals, implementation of the Solid Waste Management Plan, and results from waste reduction and recycling programs.
Hennepin County has established a zero-waste goal of diverting 90% or more of waste from landfills and incinerators and tracks progress on key metrics through the zero-waste dashboard. Although we’ve made incremental progress, significant changes in waste management systems and individual behaviors are needed to meet that goal.
Become a Community Recycling Ambassador
 Become a trusted resource and volunteer in your community as a Hennepin County Community Recycling Ambassador!
Community Recycling Ambassadors are trained on waste prevention, recycling, composting, and effective communication skills through a six-week course, with one class each week, taught by industry experts and community leaders. This training program is free to participants.
Once training is complete, participants commit to 30 hours of volunteering putting their skills to work on projects and activities that minimize waste and provide waste reduction, recycling, and composting education.
Apply for the fall 2025 class
The fall 2025 class will be held in-person every Tuesday from September 9 through October 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the St. Louis Park Library.
Applications for the fall class will be accepted from Tuesday, August 5 to Tuesday, August 26.
Learn more about the program and sign up to be notified when the application is open.
File a police report in person at the Lake Street Safety Center
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The Lake Street Safety Center now offers a new service. Residents and community members can file a non-emergency police report in person.
City staff are available to help file report incidents including:
You can file reports in person until one hour before the safety center closes.
You can also file non-emergency reports by calling 311 or filling out a form online.
Learn more about the services and resources at the safety center on the City’s website.
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Phillips Traffic Safety - Project Overview
 Many car crashes happen on the streets of Phillips that cause serious injury or death. The aim of the project is to reduce speeding and improve traffic safety. By meeting these goals, the street will be safer and more comfortable for people who walk, roll, or drive.
Project goals
- Reduce speeding cars & dangerous driving.
- Improve safety of crossing the street.
- Improve access to neighborhood destinations.
- Make bike lanes safer & more comfortable.
More important project information can be found on the project web page:
Phillips Traffic Safety - City of Minneapolis (minneapolismn.gov)
Riverside Avenue bridge closure began Monday, August 4th
 If you use the Riverside Ave. bridge over I-94 in Minneapolis, make sure to include extra travel time to take a detour starting Aug. 4.
The Riverside Ave. bridge will be closed to motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians through Mon, Aug. 18.
You can bypass the closure using the 25th Ave. South bridge.
The closure is necessary to allow crews to safely complete bridge maintenance work along eastbound I-94.
We appreciate your patience while we make these improvements. Plan ahead by checking 511, and give yourself additional time to reach your destination.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule permitting and subject to change.
Please drive with care in work zones:
- Slow down when approaching every work zone, then navigate with care and caution.
- Stay alert; work zones constantly change.
- Watch for workers and slow-moving equipment.
- Obey posted speed limits. The fine for a violation in a work zone is $300.
- Minimize distractions behind the wheel.
- Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
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More about this project
We are doing maintenance and repair work on five bridges along I-94 in Minneapolis. These bridges include:
- I-94 bridge (Dartmouth Bridge) that spans the Mississippi River
- Riverside Ave. bridge over I-94
- I-94 over Cedar Ave.
- I-94 over the Light Rail Transit (Blue Line)
- I-94 over Hwy 55/Hiawatha Ave.
When construction is completed, five bridges along I-94 will have a smoother and safer riding surface. Construction began in October 2024 and is anticipated to be complete in November 2025.
For more information, visit the I-94 project webpage. If you have questions, please contact the project team.
Care Center - Second Harvest Heartland
 The Care Center can help you with:
The Care Center is staffed with a knowledgeable team that makes navigating food resources—like food shelves and SNAP assistance—easier and less time consuming. Our food navigators are not directly affiliated with state and federal systems, but instead confidentially walk you through the process step-by-step.
Contact us
Angela Conley
Commissioner, 4th District
Binta Kanteh
Policy Director
612-348-5204
Natasha Rice
District Director
612-348-3204
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