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Dear Neighbors,
We recently received an announcement from the federal government that the surge of ICE agents in Minnesota will be ending and that many of the additional federal officers will be leaving our state. This is welcome news, and this announcement brings a measure of relief to communities across Hennepin County. I also understand any mistrust that residents might have regarding the follow-through on this drawdown. Please know that I am continuously working to hold federal officials accountable to the commitments made in this announcement.
Additionally, it is clear that the human and financial impacts of the past several weeks will not disappear overnight. The fear experienced by families, students, workers, and business owners has been real. Clinics reported fewer visits. Schools saw attendance drop. Restaurants and small businesses struggled. Many residents raised serious concerns about enforcement tactics and whether constitutional protections were being respected. The ripple effects have touched every corner of our county and state.
We have important work ahead to rebuild trust, restore stability, and support the communities that were most affected. This moment is also a reminder that extremes, in policy or enforcement, can have profound consequences for families and local economies. Our strength as a state comes from steady leadership, respect for the rule of law, and a commitment to human dignity.
February may be one of the shortest months of the year, but it always brings with it a sense of hope for spring and brighter days ahead.
It was an honor to join the Deephaven Mayor and City Council this month for the ribbon-cutting of the newly improved Village Hall Park hockey rink. With NHL-size boards, better lighting, and important infrastructure upgrades, this rink is ready for years of winter fun. I’m proud that Hennepin County invested $300,000 through our Youth Activities Grant program to help make these improvements a reality. Here’s to making wonderful memories on the ice!
I also had the opportunity to attend a University of Minnesota Extension meeting with 26 dedicated extension educators to discuss our ongoing partnership to ensure all residents have access to fresh, healthy produce. Their work makes a real difference across our communities.
If you’ve ever considered becoming a University of Minnesota Master Gardener, now is the time! Last year, this impressive program grew and donated more than 16,000 pounds of fresh food to local food shelves. Training runs from August through October 1. You can learn more and sign up HERE.
All District 6 second grade teachers also received information about the “Flowers for Pollinators” program, where the University will visit classrooms between March and June to teach students about the importance of pollination and protecting our ecosystem.
And please mark your calendar for the Annual University of Minnesota Extension Plant Sale on May 16 at the Hopkins Pavilion. Details can be found HERE.
Regarding Hennepin County Medical Center - as our board has been acting as the Hospital Board since August - we continue to work urgently to address the significant financial challenges facing Hennepin Healthcare. Last month, the hospital made difficult budget reductions to address an urgent $50 million shortfall, including eliminating approximately 100 staff positions and reducing inpatient capacity by 100 beds (from 490 to 390). Several services were reduced or eliminated to stabilize operations. These cuts only address some of the financial pressures - with even more substantial cuts needed.
HCMC serves as a critical safety-net provider, meaning we care for anyone who walks through our doors, regardless of their ability to pay. A significant share of our patients are uninsured or enrolled in Medicaid, which is our largest payer. However, Medicaid reimbursement, even with supplemental directed payments, does not fully cover the cost of care. That structural gap requires ongoing support from Hennepin County taxpayers and philanthropic partners to sustain essential services and even that at this point is unsustainable so we are seeking state legislative help this session.
Legislative Call to Action: As the legislative session begins, the hospital board and county board are seeking a one-cent sales tax through an extension of the existing ballpark sales tax, with funds dedicated to sustaining Hennepin Healthcare. These funds are urgently needed to keep this critical Level I trauma center open and serving our state. A bill is being drafted and jacket - if you wish to help, I respectfully ask residents to contact your state lawmakers and urge them to support legislation to save HCMC. A bill should be introduced shortly, and you can find out who represents you at the state level HERE.
We are also continuing to support our communities as many residents, students, teachers, and businesses recover from the impact of recent federal immigration actions. Local restaurants and small businesses are feeling the strain. Please consider dining out, shopping locally, and tipping well. Our downtowns and neighborhood corridors thrive when we show up for them.
I am wishing you peace and healing in the weeks ahead. May the coming of spring bring renewed energy and positive momentum for our county, our cities, and our state.
With gratitude,
Heather Edelson
Hennepin County Commissioner, District 6
Hennepin County Board of Commissioners Meetings
I am pleased to share several updates from the Hennepin County Board that directly impact our district - from enhancing public safety to investing in the vibrant future of our community spaces like the Southdale Library. Recent items before the Hennepin County Board include:
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Transparency for Law Enforcement at County Facilities: The Board voted to update facility policies to prohibit law enforcement or security personnel from wearing face coverings for the purpose of concealing their identity while inside County-owned or leased buildings.
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Art at the New Southdale Library: We voted to allocate $406,500 for public art at the Southdale Library replacement project. By designating these funds specifically for art, we are lowering the general construction bond request by the same amount, ensuring the new space is both welcoming for residents and supportive of local artists.
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Regional Auto Theft Prevention: To combat rising vehicle thefts, the Board voted to advance a three-year cooperative agreement (2026–2028) between Hennepin County and the cities of Edina, Minnetonka, and St. Louis Park. This partnership allows our local police departments to share resources and coordinate more effectively to keep our cars and neighborhoods safe.
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Minnetonka Boulevard Reconstruction: We voted to approve a contract amendment to move forward with the final design and engineering for the reconstruction of Minnetonka Boulevard (CSAH 5) between Xylon Avenue and Vernon Avenue in St. Louis Park. This investment ensures the project stays on track through 2029 to improve road safety and infrastructure for all commuters.
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Approved Appointments to Chief Healthcare Innovation and Strategy Officer and Chief Children and Family Services Officer: Hennepin County is lucky to have Dr. Charles Chima stepping into the role of Chief Healthcare Innovation and Strategy Officer. Dr. Chima brings impressive experience from his past service at the Washington State Department of Health and as Public Health Director. We are also lucky to have Kwesi Booker stepping into the role of Chief Children and Family Services Officer. Kwesi has 26 years of dedicated child welfare experience and has served families in New York City, Philadelphia, Georgia, and Washington. I am excited to welcome Dr. Chima and Kwesi into these new roles!
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Commissioner Edelson in the Community
Presenting to Deephaven City Council
It was a pleasure to speak at the February 2nd Deephaven City Council meeting. I had the opportunity to share progress on several infrastructure projects in the Deephaven area, discuss the 2026 Hennepin County budget, and more. Thank you to the Deephaven City Council for having me!
Minneapolis Downtown Council & Downtown Improvement District 70th Annual Meeting
I had the pleasure of attending a great lunch celebrating our downtown businesses at the Minneapolis Council Improvement District! We heard about the investments businesses are making and the strong collaboration underway to revitalize downtown. Restaurant owners also shared that they are still facing challenges, so be sure to dine out, attend a show or game, and shop local. Our downtown thrives when we show up for it!
Ramadan Market in Edina
It was an honor to attend the Ramadan Market hosted by the Edina Muslim Community and the Edina Multicultural Collaborative. Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. From dawn to sunset, Muslims fast to deepen faith and grow in compassion for others. I am grateful for opportunities like this, which highlight and celebrate the many cultures and traditions practiced in our community!
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Deephaven’s New Hockey Rink
It was great to join a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly improved Village Hall Park hockey rink! I joined Deephaven Mayor Kent Carlson, City Council members, and community members to celebrate the new hockey rink upgrades: NHL-size boards, better lighting, and more! I am proud that Hennepin County invested $300,000 from a Youth Activities Grant to help make these improvements a reality. Here’s to winter fun and lots of memories.
February "Intern for a Day" Session
It was such a fun and full day at the Government Center last week with a big group of students for our office's February Intern for a Day session!
These incredible students from Edina, Eden Prairie, Orono, Wayzata, Minnetonka, and Hopkins got a behind-the-scenes look at how county government works. They met with:
- The Sheriff’s Office and asked great questions about patrolling Lake Minnetonka
- Alex from the Mosquito Control District to learn how we address public health challenges and collaborate across counties with mosquitoes
- Chris Magan from the Star Tribune about the essential role journalism plays in transparency and accountability
I’m always inspired by the curiosity, thoughtfulness, and leadership of our young people. The future of Hennepin County is bright!
NorthPoint Can Help Even if You Can’t Come In
NorthPoint is here to partner with you. If you cannot come in-person, you have options:
- We offer phone and video visits for most types of appointments. Call 612-543-2500 to check your options.
- Need a prescription? Send someone to our Pharmacy to pick it up for you. They'll need payment, your date of birth, and your address.
- Need groceries? Send someone to our Food Shelf to pick them up for you. They'll need the number of people who live in your home.
If you have questions or need additional assistance, call 612-543-2500
Grants for Environmental Projects
Hennepin County offers a variety of funding opportunities to help residents and partners implement projects that protect the environment.
Grants are available to:
- Provide youth environmental education, encourage youth environmental leadership, and foster environmental action through the Green Partners program.
Create Connect Care (CCC) Art Contest
I am excited to share an opportunity from Partners for Healthy Kids at Wayzata Public Schools! Create Connect Care (CCC) is an art contest in which young people (ages 11 through 18) can submit art related to mental health. Creating art helps reduce stress and anxiety and while reducing some of the stigmas surrounding mental health. Students are able to include a summary with their artistic submission to explain the connection to their mental well-being. The deadline to submit pieces is March 31, and you can see the flyer below for additional information. Thank you to Leah, a volunteer club representative with Partners for Healthy Kids, for sharing this opportunity with us!
MNDot Study Complete: Hwy 7 Hopkins to St. Bonifacius
MNDot has completed a planning study for an 18-mile stretch of Hwy 7 from St. Bonifacius to Hopkins. They conducted this study to understand travel experiences of those walking, biking and driving on Hwy 7, identify the needs in the study area, and inform future transportation safety and mobility improvements on Hwy 7. The recommendations from this study will inform the design of a pavement resurfacing project planned for 2029 from the Hennepin/Carver County line in St. Bonifacius to Christmas Lake Rd. in Shorewood/Greenwood. Over the past two years, MnDOT worked with local partners and heard from community members to understand transportation needs and identify opportunities for future improvements.
Read more about the study findings, recommendations and next steps on the study website here.
Stay Connected!
We want to ensure that our residents are as informed as they can be with County business. To that end, you can view our County Board and Committee meetings here, as well as view past meetings. Please reach out if you have any questions about viewing meetings online or in-person. As always, I encourage you to reach out to me with any other questions or feedback you’d like to share at heather.edelson@hennepin.us or 612-348-6885. You can also follow me on my official Facebook page for updates.
Sincerely,
Heather Edelson
County Commissioner, Hennepin County District 6
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners consists of one commissioner from each of seven districts. I am proud to represent Deephaven, north Eden Prairie, Edina, Excelsior, Greenwood, Hopkins, Long Lake, Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach, northern Mound, Orono, Shorewood, Spring Park, Tonka Bay, Wayzata and Woodland.
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Heather Edelson
Commissioner
6th District
Raina Meyer
Policy Director
Clara Wicklund
Assistant to the Commissioner
Office Phone Number: 612-348-6885
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