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Dear neighbors,
Preparation for the County’s 2026 budget began last month and will conclude December 11th. The 2026 proposed budget is in large part shaped by funding cuts from both federal and state government, which has had a drastic impact on the amount of costs that will now be shifted to the county.
As we go through the budgets of each area of the county, it is my priority that we center our work in the well-being and safety of residents. I remain committed to ensuring we are forward thinking, innovative, finding new revenue streams, and unwavering in our values even as we weather disappointing cuts to county services and infrastructure.
Funding cuts like we’ve seen this year force local governments to make challenging decisions about how to move forward, especially as we anticipate that we are just seeing the beginning of undue pressures from the federal government.
Please continue to reach out with your thoughts and ideas on what county services and initiatives are important to you.
In partnership,
Property tax makes up approximately 36 percent of the overall county budget. Federal and state sources, fees and services, and other revenues fund the remainder of the budget. The levy increase is driven by a $33.8 million increase in Law, Safety and Justice departments, a $21 million increase in debt service, and funding for the 2026 election and consolidated assessment providing savings for larger cities in Hennepin County.
 Previous Budget Hearings
- Monday, September 29: Disparity Elimination
- Wednesday, October 1: Public Works and Law, Safety, Justice
- Monday, October 6: Sheriff's Office and County Attorney's Office
Additional information
2026 proposed budget and the Administrator’s proposed budget memo are now available. Budget hearings will take place before a final budget and levy is adopted on December 12th. You can attend budget hearings in-person, watch online, and view proposed budgets at hennepin.us/budgets.
Property taxes are your share of the total cost of local government. Taxes help support a variety of resources in the county, cities and schools. Hennepin County commits to managing our share wisely and transparently. More information about property taxes can be found at hennepin.us/propertytaxes.
Homeowners may qualify for a homestead market value exclusion. Learn more and apply online at homestead.hennepin.us.
Reach out to me with your thoughts, questions, and feedback on services and values the budget should reflect. Thank you for your partnership, looking forward to hearing from you!
60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act
 This year we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act which eliminated barriers to voting that suppressed Black voters. Last month, Ginny Gelms, our Elections Director presented a Hennepin Highlight to celebrate this anniversary.
"We celebrate not only the progress achieved but also recommit to safeguarding the right to vote for all. The legacy of the Voting Rights Act reminds us that democracy thrives when every voice is heard. Let this milestone be a call to action: to defend voting rights, to engage our communities, and to ensure that the promise of democracy is fulfilled for generations to come."
Mighty Mississippi Challenge
 Goodhue County presented Hennepin County Commissioners with a Certificate of Achievement award for the most well-attended clean-up event during the 2025 Mighty Mississippi Cleanup Challenge! In total, Hennepin County had over 2,800 volunteers attend cleanup events which resulted in 20,500 lbs of trash collected. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s challenge and made this possible!
Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month
 Last month, I presented a proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month, observed between September 15th - October 15th, 2025.
Responsible Contractor Policy
 On September 30th, I introduced a directive that creates a Responsible Contractor Policy shaped with unions and other stakeholders. This ensures maintenance and security companies Hennepin contracts with have safeguards against wage theft, are committed to prevailing wage and more.
County administration will bring a draft policy for Board consideration by March 2026. I’m grateful to SEIU Local 26 for helping guide this action and my colleagues for their unanimous approval.
Staff Highlight!
Our office is a BIG fan of Elevate Hennepin, and Patricia Fitzgerald, Director of Economic Development, leads the Elevate Hennepin program.
Because of Patricia's work at Hennepin County, she was nominated for the Radical Pioneer award at the 2025 Radical Leadership Awards. This category honors a seasoned entrepreneur who has been committed to doing the most good in their community for more than three years.
It was a joy to join Patricia and our colleague, Lily Shaw, in honoring changemakers at the Coven.
What is Elevate Hennepin?
Elevate Hennepin provides access to customized, professional resources that support business owners in every stage of development. An essential platform for a wide range of businesses in Hennepin County, one that connects business owners to a robust group of tools, professional resources, and guidance from experts in various fields.
Homeless to Housing
 Homeless to Housing recently reached the milestone of housing over 2,100 people, including 247 families, since its inception! Thank you to those who make this happen.
Read more about the person-centered approach that makes it work: https://www.hennepin.us/.../hennepin.../powered-by-people
Towards Zero Death Action Plan
 Transportation safety is critical to the health and quality of life for the communities we serve. Hennepin County hasn't updated our plan to end deaths on county roadways in over a decade. That changed earlier this week when we voted to approve the Toward Zero Deaths plan for our county.
This Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) Action Plan is rooted in Hennepin County’s People First approach and solid commitment to making our transportation system safer for all people.
Each life lost along our roadways is tragic and preventable through a holistic approach of improving driving behavior, creating a safer road environment, enhancing vehicle safety, and providing efficient emergency medical and trauma services.
As a part of the Safe System Approach, the county plans to draws on the five E’s of roadway safety: Education, Enforcement, Engineering, Emergency Response, and Engagement.
Track the progress of the plan and share feedback here:
You can learn more https://beheardhennepin.org/toward-zero-deaths
Opioid Response Campaign
 Black/African American communities in Hennepin County face high rates of opioid overdose deaths and hospital visits, mainly from fentanyl and fentanyl-laced drugs. Fentanyl is linked to 95% of opioid deaths in Hennepin County.
The campaign tagline, Right Now for Radical Futures, came from the focus group asking: What are we doing right now for a better tomorrow?
‘Right Now’ calls up the sense of urgency that is needed to address the crisis: Right now, we need resources. Right now, we need treatment. Right now, we need empathy. Right now, we need action.
We teamed up with Blackbird Revolt to connect with the Black community and develop a campaign for culturally relevant treatment and recovery support. Residents voiced the need for compassion, stigma elimination, and community connection to end the opioid crisis.
Contact
Learn about Hennepin County's Opioid Response: hennepin.us/opioid or email us at opioidresponse@hennepin.us.
Learn more at Hennepin.us/right-now
3rd Cohort - Healthy Hearts Social Group
 When: Thursdays, 5:30 - 7:00 PM; 10/2/25 - 11/6/25
Where: NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center (Main Campus); located on the 2nd floor. (2220 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411)
Join us at NorthPoint for an empowering new platform designed for African American, Black, and Indigenous women who have experienced heart attacks, strokes, or heart disease.
Learn important heart health tips from local experts and connect with others on similar journeys.
Childcare available & dinner provided!
 Interim safety improvements coming in 2025
Hennepin County is planning to make safety enhancements on Park and Portland avenues (County roads 33 and 35) in 2027. However, based on community input and crash data, interim safety enhancements will be installed this fall at three intersections on Park and Portland avenues similar to the current project layout.
- Portland Avenue and 25th Street
- Park Avenue and 25th Street
- Park Avenue and 33rd Street
These interim modifications may inform future corridor design. Additional intersections may also be considered for interim safety enhancements in the future.
More information on the safety project and interim enhancements is available on the project website. Read more about these changes
Black and Brown Birthing Summit
 On a beautiful Friday afternoon, I ended my week at the Black and Brown Birthing Summit hosted by the African American Babies Coalition. I enjoyed speaking along side my sisters in the work how we resist resistance to needed investments, especially in the areas of maternal health, birth justice, and heart health.
New Office Art!
 Loving our newest addition to the office wall art! Thank you to local photographer Terry Barczak and the woman owned framing studio, Bauhaus Framing Studio Inc, on 48th and Chicago.
Hennepin County Attorney's Office Mental Health Event
 Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and I co-hosted a timely mental health focused gathering in Powderhorn to talk mental health data, Extreme Risk Protection Orders & Red Flag Law, our Behavioral Health Center and services for adults and families. Thank you to those who attended and thank you to Manny’s Tortas for sharing great food!
Powderhorn Porchfest
 Are you finding your joy? We did! Took the family to the annual Powderhorn Porchfest last month and got ourselves full from good music, good food, good company, good vibes and abundant joy. We always enjoy the great Southside get together!
Little Earth Resident Association Fall Festival
Had a great time at the Fall Festival in Cedar Field Park hosted by Little Earth Residents Association! Got updates from their urban farm, ate homemade soup made with fresh produce from that farm, and got caught up on the MPRB Cedar Field redesign (more info below!)
Seward Community Support Program (CSP)
 On September 25th, the County Board passed a proclamation led by District 6, Commissioner Heather Edelson, recognizing Oct. 6-12 as Mental Illness Awareness Week.
On September 26th, I visited the Seward Community Support Program to celebrate its reopening after a brief closure and 30 years of direct support to those living with mental illness!
Heart Health Walk
 Thank you to everyone that joined our “Your Heart Beats for Generations” heart health walk last month!!
From Sabathani Community Center through George Floyd Square, Powderhorn Lake, and back! We walked a full 5K together and it felt great. Grateful to our Hennepin County Public Health team for providing resources & goodies, and Kevin Anderson - Hennepin County Commissioner District 7 for joining us.
1MN History Makers: Latine Heritage Month
 In celebrating Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month, it was a joy to witness 1MN History Makers - the launch of a new initiative led by the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs that honors Latino heritage in Minnesota. Thank you Gwen Walz for her remarks and visiting District 4, and Centro Tyrone Guzman for hosting! Thank you La Michoacana Purepecha for feeding us!
Kari Dziedzic Bridge Dedication
 The dedication of the 10th Ave bridge in memory of Kari Dziedzic was truly symbolic of Kari as a bridge builder in life. She was sincere in her work and her commitment to what is good will benefit generations to come. Thank you to the Dziedzic family for sharing Kari with us.
3rd Cohort Healthy Hearts Social Group
 We kicked off the 3rd Cohort of the healthy hearts social group at NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center last Thursday. We're saving our lives by understanding warning signs of cardiovascular disease, finding our joy, setting boundaries and loving each other.
Interested in joining? View the flyer above!
Tour of Hennepin Healthcare's Center for Addiction Medicine
 Thank you Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-05) for joining our tour of Hennepin Healthcare’s Center for Addiction Medicine. Hennepin Healthcare provides life saving addiction care that isn’t found in too many other places. This new center advances service integration and dignity in recovery to new heights.
Community Panel on Homelessness
 When: Tuesday, October 21st from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Hook and Ladder, Theater & Lounge; 3010 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis
Join us for an insightful discussion on tackling homelessness in our community.
Panelist
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Angela Conley - Hennepin County Commissioner, District 4
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Danielle Werder - Senior Department Administrator, Office to End Homelessness, Hennepin County
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Jason Chavez - City of Minneapolis Councilmember, Ward 9
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Kelly Matter - CEO, Avivo
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Richard Bahr - CEO Threshold to New Life
We will learn:
- What is currently being done to improve the Homeless situation
- How accountability is being addressed
- What programs are in place, what is successful and what is not
- What is the role of the county and the city, and how do they work together
Attendees will be encourages to participate in the discussion and ask questions of the panelist.
Native American Opioid Response Forum
 When: Wednesday, October 22nd from 5:00 to 7:30 PM
Where: Minneapolis American Indian Center; Grandparents Conference Room; 1530 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
You are invited to the American Indian community forum hosted by Hennepin County Outreach and Community Supports and Opioid Response. We are gathering to focus on cultural healing, highlight community partnership, and center people with lived experience. We also would like you to do welcoming remarks and provide some comments on the Opioid crisis in community and the Native American community.
American Indian residents of Hennepin County continue to experience the highest rates of opioid-related overdose deaths. The forum is an opportunity to advance the our commitment to eliminating racial disparities.
We hope you will join us in honoring tradition, celebrating our partners, and uplifting community voice!
Ingebretsen's Fall Sale
 Don't miss out on Ingebretsen's annual in-store Fall Sale begins NOW through Saturday, October 11th.
A Lesson in Love - Pillsbury House + Theatre
 On stage now through October 19th,
Pillsbury House + Theatre; 3501 Chicago Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55407
What does the world need now? Joy, laughter, and the chance to come together to explore love in all its forms.
From The Best Man to Love and Basketball, Black rom-coms have long shown us that love is not a single story. They remind us that connection can be tender, funny, and deeply human.
Audiences are already loving the world premiere of A Lesson in Love by Nubia Monks — a stirring new play that brings this tradition to the stage with humor, heart, and vulnerability.
Pick-Your-Price tickets ($5–$45): pillsburyhouseandtheatre.org
Soomaal House Residency Welcome
 When: Friday, October 10th at 12:00 PM
Where: InFlux, Regis East E110; 405 21st Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Join us this Friday as we welcome the 2025-26 Soomaal House artists-in-residence, launching the new collaborative initiative Aragti Wadaag: A Framework for Arts Organization-University Collaboration.
“Aragti Wadaag,” which translates to “Shared Vision,” brings together Soomaal House of Art and the Department of Art to reimagine how institutions and communities partner. Through workshops, dialogues, and a public symposium, Somali artists and Department faculty/students will co-create a framework for ethical collaboration, centering diaspora voices in decision-making
Phillips Clean Sweep
 When: Saturday, October 11th from 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Where: Check-In: Welna Ace Hardware Parking Lot; 2438 Bloomington Ave S
9 am: Breakfast and Check In! Grab your supplies, get this year’s t-shirt, eat breakfast, and enjoy music from our brass band.
9:30 am - Noon: Trash Pick Up! Meet your neighbors, pick up litter, and help clean our neighborhood
Noon - 1:30 pm: Lunch and Resource Fair! Celebrate your hard work with some lunch (free!) and stroll through the resource fair. Don’t forget to grab your Clean Sweep bingo card for raffle prizes!
One South Connect
 When: Saturday, October 11th from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Coliseum Building; 2708 E Lake St Minneapolis, MN
One South Connect: Building Sustainable Futures in October seeks to deepen the conversation that has already begun. Community members are asked to reflect on and identify strategic opportunities and collaborative systems that may better serve neighborhood organizations in the long run.
The event will be catered by Caffrey’s Deli and Subs, a beloved, family-owned, local deli that has served Minneapolis for over 20 years. Caffrey’s specifically uplifts and supports the work of neighborhood organizations through catering programs and discounts, creating access to thoughtful, homey foods fit for any occasion. Gluten free and vegan options available.
The event will not only be united through meaningful discussion, but through song. The Give Get Sistet, represented at One South Connect by Jayanthi Rajasa, Kenna Cottman, and Sarah M. Greer, will offer powerful entertainment rooted in community, Black sisterhood, and improvisation. Using a cappella singing and vocal improvisation, the Give Get Sistet educates and empowers audiences while singing with generosity and daring. Their music serves to ground the space and conversation while offering participants connection and hope.
Registration Required; please register at www.corcoranmpls.org/events
Nokomis Neighborhood Cleanup Day
When: Saturday, Oct 11th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Oxendale's Market; 5025 S 34th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Come eat donuts and help us clean up our neighborhood. We can't wait to celebrate community with you by making our neighborhood even better. We bring snacks and supplies, you bring the smiles.
10th Annual Posters for Parks Showcase
 When: Saturday, October 11th from 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Where: The Minnehaha Park Pavilion next to Sea Salt Eatery
Tickets: Free entry, register at the link below!
Posters: $50 each
Posters for Parks is an annual show featuring limited-edition posters created by Twin Cities artists and designers, each inspired by Minneapolis parks and the people, plants, and animals that make them so special!
Each poster sold supports both the local artist who created it and our much-loved parks, with 50% of each purchase going to the artist and the other 50% supporting the Minneapolis Parks Foundation’s People for Parks Fund. Click here for more information.
Native Reel Takes: Native Short Film Festival Rescheduled
 When: Saturday, October 11th from 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Where: All My Relations parking lot; 1414 E Franklin Ave #1, Minneapolis, MN
Join us as we screen six films by five Native American local and national filmmakers. Jada Brown and Colin Monette kick off the evening with a musical performance, followed by screenings from emerging and established filmmakers.
This event takes place outdoors in the parking lot of All My Relations Arts and street food will be available for festival goers. Limited chairs are available. Guests are welcome to bring their own seating and warm attire.
Music at 6:30; screening at 7:15pm. Screening run time approximately 75 minutes. Free and open to the public.
EPNI Seed Saturday
When: Saturday, October 11th at 11:00 AM
Where: East Phillips Community Garden; 2428 17th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Help maintain and take care of the East Phillips community garden! This is a space to learn and ask questions about the East Phillips Urban Farm project while also getting your hands in the dirt.
We will start at 11 and work for a few hours, with the end time determined by how long that day’s garden tasks take to get done!
East Phillips Park for S'mores and Cider
 East Phillips Park: Draft vision plan is ready for your review and comments!
When: Sunday, October 12 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM
Where: East Phillips Park Cultural and Community Center; 2307 South 17th Avenue Minneapolis, MN
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) thanks everyone who shared in developing the 10- to 20-year vision for East Phillips Park!
Following feedback on the three initial concepts shared earlier this year, the project team has released one final draft plan for the park.
This plan incorporates favorite elements from those earlier three concepts, based on community feedback – check out a summary of what what we heard during this phase of engagement – as well as staff input, maintenance and site considerations, and goals from MPRB’s Parks for All comprehensive plan.
Ten Thousand Things Theater
 When: Tuesday, October 14th at 1:00 PM
Where: Sabathani Community Center Banquet Room (2nd Floor); 310 E 38th St Minneapolis, MN
Ten Thousand Things Theater, a celebrated professional theatre in the Twin Cities is performing an 85-minute production of the Shakespeare comedy TWO GENTS.
The story: Two best friends—one, Valentine, who resists love and one, Proteus, who falls headfirst into it—separate to find their way in life. On their journeys, each is struck by cupid’s arrow, but as friendship and love soon cross, it’s up to the “objects” of their affections to set things right. In this reimagined Shakespeare comedy, lovers, servants, suitors, and outlaws all collide in an identity-swapping, rip-roaring, clown-around comedy with a feminist heart.
Adger Cowans: Seen & Unseen
 Public Program & Reception:
When: Tuesday, October 14th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Conversation with the artist from 6-6:45 PM, followed by a reception.
Where: Quarter Gallery, Regis Center for Art (East); 405 21st Ave S, Minneapolis
A solo exhibition by legendary American artist Adger Cowans, featuring thirty gelatin silver prints spanning six decades of photography. Cowans’ work, some never before exhibited, captures the rhythm and spirit of American life through a poetic lens.
Exhibit: October 14th - November 8th, 2025;
Gallery Hours: Tue-Sat, 11 AM - 5 PM
Free & open to the public
Black Women Elders: What’s Wisdom Got to Do with It?
 When: Wednesday, October 15th from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Where: Sabathani Community Center - Banquet Room; 310 E 38th St
Black women, girls, and femmes deserve to be safe — and your voice can help make that happen.
For too long, Black women, girls, and femmes have been failed or further harmed by state agencies, emergency services, and community organizations. The Justice in Institutions for Black Women, Girls, and Femmes (J4BWGF) Survey is the first b of its kind, designed to center their needs, safety, and trust in support systems.
Why Participate?
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Be part of a statewide movement to end violence against Black women, girls, and femmes.
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Shape real change. Your input will directly inform county-funded programs in Year 2 of the initiative.
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Receive a thank-you gift. Survey participants will receive a $20 e-gift card for their time and expertise.
Zero Burn Coalition Workshop
 When: Wednesday, October 15th from 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Where: Elliot Park Rec Center; 1000 E 14th St
HERC Myth or Truth? Time to Move Beyond Burn and Bury
Join the Zero Burn Coalition to learn how to distinguish fact from misinformation about the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC), and leave equipped with the knowledge to advocate for a zero-waste future that doesn't burn trash. After 36 years of incineration in our neighborhoods, it’s time to stop polluting and move beyond burning and burying. Learn, share, and take action!
We want to hear your thoughts before the event! Please take a few minutes to complete this brief pre-forum survey. Your input will help guide the conversation and ensure community priorities are at the center. The link to the pre-survey is HERE.
Community Fest & Feast: Family Edition
 Community Fest & Feast: Family Edition
When: Thursday, October 16th from 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Where: The Historic Coliseum Building | 2708 E Lake St, Minneapolis (Enter on Lake Street at the east corner of the building)
You’re invited to Community Fest & Feast: Family Edition, a free, family-friendly celebration of fall, flavor, and community!
Join Redesign, the Longfellow Community Council, and your neighbors for an afternoon filled with warmth, laughter, and connection during MEA break.
Neighborhood Chili Cookoff (5–7 PM) Taste your way through unlimited homemade chili (vegetarian, vegan, and halal options available!) and vote for the best chili in the neighborhood. Want to compete? Sign up to bring your best pot!
Hope Community Fall Harvest Fest
 When: Thursday, October 16th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Where: 1900 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN; the Rose Garden
Join us for face-painting, crafts, dinner, and gardening, and check out the new mural we painted on the side of the shed this summer. Help us put the gardens to bed, plant garlic, and celebrate the end of another season.
Nokomis Blood Drive
 When: Friday, October 17th from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Nokomis Tattoo; 4933 S 34th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Minnesota blood center declared a blood emergency due to shortages, and we are here to fix that.
Nokomis East Neighborhood Association is teaming up with Nokomis Tattoo and Memorial Blood Centers to bring a blood drive directly to our neighborhood.
we mention All Square Food Truck will be outside serving up delicious grilled cheeses? Saving lives and good food just go together, you know?
Every two seconds in the U.S., someone needs blood. Cancer patients, trauma survivors, and people living with chronic illnesses depend on these donations. Right now, supplies are at historic lows, making the need greater than ever.
Anyone age 17+ can donate (16 with parental permission). Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular donor, you’re invited to join this life-saving effort.
Click Here to sign up!
Seniors Fair
When: Wednesday, October 22nd from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Diamond Lake Lutheran Church; 5760 Portland Ave S Minneapolis, MN
Save Oct. 22 for a free seniors fair!
The fair is tailored for our senior community members and caregivers. The day will feature workshops, an elected officials panel, a resource fair, and a free breakfast and lunch. The workshops will cover yoga and meditation, City services, public safety and connecting with community.
Schedule
- 9:00 AM. - Welcome and breakfast
- 10:00 AM - Morning workshops: Community Safety: When to Call 311 vs 911, Building Community through Art: Legos activity
- 11:00 AM - Resource fair and lunch
- Noon - Panel discussion with local elected officials including City Council Members Andrea Jenkins, Emily Koski and Aurin Chowdhury. More to be announced.
- 1:00 PM - Afternoon workshops: Election Services and Ranked Choice Voting, Technology and Fraud
Lake Street Mural Day
 When: Saturday, October 25th from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Midtown Farmers Market; 2225 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN
Celebrate the beauty of Lake Street’s public art during the second-ever Lake Street Mural Day!
During this free, family-friendly event, please stop by our table at the Midtown Farmers Market for a printed mural map and play our mural game!
A guided mural tour will be given at 12 pm. If you'd like to join, please grab a ticket now! This will help us create the best experience for every Lake Street mural enthusiast. If tickets run out, we'll add more times and/or tour guides!
Flu Shot Free Clinic at Pillsbury House + Theatre
 When: Tuesday, October 28th from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Where: Pillsbury House + Theatre; 3501 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
No Appointments Necessary
FREE for ALL – with or without insurance
Vintage Crawl Fest: October 1st - 31st
 This October, visit women-owned vintage shops, get a discount, and raise funds for a good cause during the second annual Vintage Fall Crawl!
From October 1 through October 31, The Vintage Fall Crawl features fourteen women-owned vintage stores. Shoppers with a Vintage Fall Crawl Passport will receive a one-time 10% off discount at all fourteen shops.
You can find all of the shops in three distinct neighborhoods of the Twin Cities: South Minneapolis, Northeast Minneapolis and Saint Paul. These shops offer an array of vintage goods, including clothing, home decor, furniture, jewelry, accessories, art and more! Each with a unique perspective and specialization, but bound together by their passion for vintage and support for one another as women business owners. Check out this year’s participating shops!
East Lake Local History Day: Researching the History of Your Home
 When: Saturday, October 11th from 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Where: East Lake Library; 2727 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Learn about the historical resources at the library and across the county that will help you piece together a history of your Minneapolis house, neighborhood or property.
Staff from Hennepin County Library's Special Collections will explain and demonstrate resources, emphasizing online resources in the Digital Collections that will allow you to jump-start your research from home – including permit records, maps, city directories, newspapers, photos and more.
This class is best suited for researching properties located in the city of Minneapolis, though some county-wide resources will be discussed.
Registration required: Register for event
East Lake Local History Day: Pioneers and Soldiers Cemetery With Sue Hunter-Weir
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When: Saturday, October 11th from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Where: East Lake Library; 2727 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Join us for a presentation and discussion on the individuals buried in the Pioneers and Soldiers Cemetery located at Lake Street and Cedar Avenue.
Local historian Sue Hunter-Weir spent many years researching the cemetery – founded in 1858 and considered “full” in 1919 with over 27,000 individuals buried at the site. Hunter-Weir will share her work and stories.
Registration required: Register for event
Drop In Weaving Social
 When: Tuesday, October 14th from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Where: Franklin Library; 1314 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Bring a friend, your family, or meet someone new to learn the basics of tapestry weaving while engaging in an “exquisite corpse” style weaving collaboration. Throughout the activity, you will be encouraged to trade your work with another person. Once the weaving has filled, take home your “community tapestry” as a token of the new friendships you’ve made!
Materials provided. All ages welcome.
Drop-in Felting Fun for Families
 When: Wednesday, October 15th from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Where: Hosmer Library; 347 E 36th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Children and their caregivers. In this intergenerational fiber experience, you will have the opportunity to experience the joy of felting! This accessible wet felting activity uses gross motor skill movement to apply friction to wool roving, transforming it from loose, fluffy fiber to strong fabric with the aid of warm, soapy water. Materials provided.
Banned Book Club
 When: Thursday, October 16th from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: Roosevelt Library; 4026 S 28th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Are you concerned about book bans? Join our discussion about book banning and censorship as we read titles that have faced challenges over the years. Lending copies may be picked up at the service desk prior to each meeting. eBooks or eAudiobooks are available through www.hclib.org.
The book club meets in the Roosevelt Library Meeting Room.
Baile latino para niños / Latin Dance for Kids
When: Friday, October 17th from 10 AM - 10:45 AM
Where: Arvonne Fraser Library; 1222 4th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Los niños y sus cuidadores estrecharán sus lazos a través de la participación en bailes latinos como la salsa, la bachata y el merengue. Este programa de baile fomenta el movimiento y la autoexpresión, y crea recuerdos imborrables para las familias. El programa está dirigido a familias con niños de 2 a 6 años (los hermanitos son bienvenidos). La clase se impartirá en español e inglés.Colaborador: Nela Dance. Este programa es financiado por el Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Children and their caregivers will bond by engaging in Latin dances such as salsa, bachata, and merengue. This dance program encourages movement and self expression, and creates core memories for families. The program is intended for families with children between the ages of 2-6 (siblings welcome). The class will be taught in Spanish and English. Collaborator: Nela Dance. This program is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Author Talk: Naomi Yaeger
When: Saturday, October 18th from 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Where: Nokomis Library; 5100 S 34th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Author and Duluth journalist Naomi Yaeger presents "Blooming Hollyhocks: Tales of Joy During Hard Times."
Written in the style of narrative nonfiction with the intimacy of memoir, the book tells the true story of young Janette Minehart, growing up in Minnesota during the Great Depression and World War II. Through her eyes, readers glimpse an era when family, community, and faith carried people through both hardship and hope.
This story honors the resilient spirit of a bygone era and reminds us of the lessons it still offers today. Special treat: Naomi’s husband, Terry, will bring the spirit of the era to life with American folk favorites on banjo.
Period photos and maps will also be shared. Q&A to follow. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Putting the Garden to Bed / Taller de preparar el jardín para el invierno
When: Saturday, October 18th from 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Where: Hosmer Library; 347 E 36th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Do you miss your garden in the winter? We certainly do! Join Plant-Grow-Share and Hosmer Library for a hands-on workshop in the Reading Garden to winterize your space!
¿Echas de menos tu jardín en invierno? ¡Claro que sí! ¡Únete a Plant-Grow-Share y Hosmer para un taller práctico en el Jardín de Lectura para preparar tu jardín para el invierno!
Collaborators/Colaboradores: Plant-Grow-Share (Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization), Minnesota Translator and Interpreter Cooperative.
 Join the Active Transportation Committee
Apply online by October 31
If you are interested in helping shape the future of walking, biking and rolling in Minneapolis and the West Metro, consider joining Hennepin County’s Active Transportation Committee. We are looking for new committee members to represent Hennepin County Districts 3, 4 and 6. As part of the committee, you will:
- Share and apply your experience and knowledge of biking, walking and rolling in your community to transportation projects as they are planned.
- Advise county commissioners and staff on matters relating to biking, walking and rolling.
- Contribute to the growth and enhancement of a nationally recognized biking system.
How to join
To join the committee, you will need to:
To learn more about the Active Transportation Committee, visit our website.
Support Businesses Cutting Back on Plastic During the MNimize Fall Food Tour
 Participate in the MNimize Fall Food Tour from October 1 to 31 to support local food spots that are cutting back on single-use plastic. From coffee shops to breweries and bakeries, vegan fare to Somali cuisine and darn good burgers, MNimize businesses have something to offer every appetite, with less plastic on the side.
How to participate
Look for the Fall Food Tour poster near the checkout or entrance. Scan the QR code to enter a drawing for a gift card to a participating business of your choice. Want bonus entries? Post a photo from your visit on Facebook or Instagram and tag @mnimizeplastic.
About MNimize
MNimize is a program of the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation and Hennepin County that provides support, rebates, and recognition to food businesses working to reduce single-use plastic waste.
Pre-construction work on Franklin Avenue begins this fall
 Hennepin County, in coordination with the City of Minneapolis, is making it safer and easier to travel on Frankin Avenue (County Road 5) in South Minneapolis.
In the weeks ahead, our construcon crews will be out on Franklin Avenue between Lyndale and Chicago avenues doing pre-construction work. Crews will be surveying, installing temporary poles, and removing some trees in preparation for construction scheduled to begin next year. We strive to preserve trees whenever possible and will be planting nearly three trees for every one that we remove. None of the trees we remove are on private property.
You will also see private utility company crews doing utility work this fall and winter. Hennepin County does not do utility work. Instead power, gas, telecom, phone, and cable service providers complete this work. You can contact your service provider for more information on utility work.
2026 – 2027 construction
Starting in spring 2026, crews will reconstruct Franklin Avenue between Lyndale Avenue (County Road 22) and LaSalle/Blaisdell Avenue, and between First and Chicago avenues. This work will last through fall 2026.
In 2027, crews will reconstruct Franklin Avenue between LaSalle and First avenues.
Dates are tentative and subject to change
Pots & Pans Drive
 Help Youth Build a Home—Give Your Kitchenware a Second Life
When: October 1–21
Where: Sabathani Community Center; 310 E 38th St Minneapolis, MN
Sabathani Community Center is collecting new and lightly used household essentials, including cups, plates, pots, pans, cooking utensils, and silverware, to support youth who are newly housed.
Why donate?
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Help young people get started in their new homes.
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Clear out items you no longer use.
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Contribute to Sabathani’s mission of community care.
How to participate:
Bring your donations to the Food Shelf (Room 19, Lower Level) during open hours, Mon–Thurs, 9:30am–2:30pm, October 1–21. Please ensure all items are very clean before donating.
Together, we can turn unused items into essentials for someone’s fresh start!
Questions?
Contact our Housing Team members:
Krystal Fountain: kfountain@sabathani.org
Aden Osman: aosman@sabathani.org
Our Saviour's Community Services
 After several months of construction, Our Saviour's moved out of the temporary shelter location at the end of July, and are settling back into their renovated and expanded building.
After giving time to adjust to our new space, to hire and train new staff, and for their shelter leaders to have a little rest after years of planning this expansion, they hope to begin increasing our shelter’s capacity in the next few weeks.
Before they start to welcoming more guests to the space, additional in-kind donations are needed to help serve more people.
High priority items include:
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Dinner plates (between 20-40 plates)
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Cereal/soup bowls
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Twin XL flat and fitted sheets
See the full list of items they are still looking for on their shelter expansion page. In-kind donations may either be ordered via the online wish list for our shelter, or brought to their shelter after making an appointment on their in-kind drop off form.
If you’ve never voted before and need to register, now’s the perfect time. If it’s been more than four years since you last voted, or you’ve moved or changed your name since you last registered, you’ll also need to re-register.
 What you need to know before you vote
If you plan to vote early, take a look at the vote early guide offered by Hennepin County elections.
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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