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Dears Friends and Neighbors,
April is one of my favorite times of year. We begin to see trees budding and spring flowers bloom - small but powerful reminders that a new season is here. It’s a month filled with celebration and reflection, from Easter and Passover to Earth Day, and of course, a little fun with April Fool’s Day. April brings a sense of renewal and offers a chance to refresh our perspectives and look ahead with optimism.
This month has also been full of meaningful connections across our communities. I had the opportunity to present to the Wayzata, Spring Park, Excelsior, and Hopkins City Councils - sharing updates on the work of Hennepin County and, just as importantly, hearing feedback on how we can continue to collaborate on local priorities. These partnerships are essential to making sure we are meeting the needs of our residents.
Earlier this month, we hosted a well-attended Coffee with the Commissioner, where community members asked thoughtful questions about Hennepin Healthcare, property taxes, and how resources are used to deliver services. These conversations are incredibly valuable and help guide our work.
Another highlight was a visit to Vail Communities, an incredible organization supported by Hennepin County that serves residents with complex mental health needs. Their work, providing case management, life skills support, and a welcoming community - reminds us how important it is to ensure everyone feels connected, supported, and not alone. Many residents said how this organization helped bring them out of isolation and in so many ways have saved their lives.
The county continues to work closely with state legislators to secure ongoing funding for Hennepin Healthcare (HCMC), which is facing significant financial challenges. With just a few weeks left in the legislative session, which constitutionally ends on May 18, we remain hopeful that a bipartisan solution will come together to support this critical community asset.
As always, I encourage you to check out the updates below and please continue to invite us to your local events. We love highlighting your businesses, community initiatives, and projects. Strong partnerships and relationships are at the heart of effective government. At its core, government is about connecting people and being part of a larger ecosystem that helps our communities thrive.
As always, it is truly an honor to represent you on the Hennepin County Board.
 Heather Edelson
Hennepin County Commissioner - District 6
District 6 Highlights
Hennepin County Board Meetings
I am pleased to share several updates from the Hennepin County Board that will have positive impacts on our community. Recent items before the board include:
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Emergency Access Gate Repairs in Long Lake: I was proud to advocate for a one-time payment $7,318 from the County to the City of Long Lake to help repair a damaged emergency access gate between Highway 12 and Wayzata Boulevard, ensuring local EMS personnel can continue to use the shortcut for faster response times.
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Fiber Optic Collaboration with Wayzata Public Schools: The County will collaborate with Wayzata Public Schools align terms and structure with other public agency fiber agreements and further strengthen the county's ability to collaborate on future fiber infrastructure initiatives.
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Critical Infrastructure Improvements in Shorewood: The County is partnering with the City of Shorewood to fund critical infrastructure improvements at the intersection of CSAH 19 (Smithtown Road) and Shorewood Lane. This project, scheduled for construction in 2026, focuses on stabilizing nearby ravines and upgrading stormwater management systems. These efforts are designed to protect the local landscape from erosion and improve the resilience of the county’s transportation network against heavy rainfall and climate-related impacts. In addition, the County is contributing $186,000 towards the project.
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New Trail Construction and Improvements in Minnetonka: The County is partnering with the City of Minnetonka to invest up to $500,000 in the construction of a new multi-use trail, retaining walls, and safety enhancements along Minnetonka Boulevard (between Tonkawood Road and Williston Road) to improve accessibility and mobility for all travelers starting in 2026.
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Declaring May as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month: I was proud to offer this resolution on behalf of a constituent from Minnetonka who reached out to our office with this request. ALS is personal to my staff, as well, so it was meaningful to offer this item to bring awareness to this disease. Passing this resolution provides an opportunity to increase public understanding, support those affected, and advance efforts to find a cure.
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Expanding Employment Support for Residents with Disabilities: The County is extending its partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services through June 2027, securing an additional $1,033,726 in grant funding to help people with disabilities find and maintain competitive, community-based jobs.
Commissioner Edelson in the Community
City Council Presentations in District 6
Over the past month, I have traveled throughout our District to present to the city councils of Wayzata, Spring Park, Excelsior, and Hopkins.
I shared updates on how Hennepin County is supporting our communities, from roads and public safety to housing and human services. I also highlighted the critical role of Hennepin Healthcare (HCMC), our Level 1 trauma center serving the entire state.
I'm grateful for the continued collaboration with our District 6 cities to support residents.
Coffee with the Commissioner at the Hopkins Library
Thank you to all who attended my Coffee with the Commissioner event on April 3rd! We had a great turnout and productive conversation, with topics ranging from HCMC to the impacts of H.R.1 on counties. I so appreciated the curiosity and ideas from our attendees.
Office Visit to Vail Communities in Hopkins
My office had a great visit to Vail Communities earlier this month, an incredible Hennepin County organization supported by Hennepin County, which creates connection and support for residents with complex mental health needs.
From housing support and case management to shared meals, games, and daily life skills, Vail offers a welcoming space where people can come as often as they need and always feel they belong. One community member shared that Vail saved her life by turning isolation into friendship. That’s the power of community.
I am grateful to meet so many amazing people and see Hopkins City Council Member Heidi Garrido, who also serves on the Vail Communities Board!
Viewing the Minnehaha Steamboat in Excelsior
Our office had the utmost pleasure of viewing the Minnehaha Steamboat, which is stored in Excelsior! It’s an extraordinary story, starting in the early 1900s, when we still had a robust streetcar (and streetcar boat!) system in the Twin Cities.
Over the years, the Minnehaha has been beautifully restored and was still taking passengers around Lake Minnetonka until 2019. Now, the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society is trying to raise funds to construct a launch and preservation facility to house this beautiful steamboat.
Thank you to Liz, Susan, and Steve for such a delightful and informative visit today! You can get in touch with them at https://www.lakeminnetonkahistory.org/ to learn more about supporting this worthy cause.
 Recognizing the Work of National Public Safety Telecommunicators
In April, we recognized National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, which was especially timely because my office had the pleasure of shadowing our exceptional Hennepin County public safety dispatchers this month. Their work is often unseen, but it is absolutely essential - guiding first responders, supporting those in need, and helping keep our communities safe every single day. Thank you for your commitment, professionalism, and lifesaving service!
When an emergency happens, here are a few helpful reminders for calling 911:
✅ Stay calm and speak clearly
✅ Share your exact location first, if you can
✅ Describe what’s happening as best as possible
✅ Answer all questions from the dispatcher, they’re there to help
✅ Don’t hang up until you’re told it’s okay
Knowing what to do in those critical moments can help first responders get to you faster and provide the care you need.
Celebrating Earth Day at Ridgedale Library
What a great Earth Day celebration at the Ridgedale Library!
It was wonderful to see families come together to learn about our natural resources and simple ways to make a difference. Loved the hands-on activities like planting with the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners to fabric weaving while learning about our watershed. It was an honor to help kick off this excellent programming; my thanks to library staff and those who attended.
Upcoming Community Events
The University of Minnesota Extension is hosting a Beekeeping for Veterans program on May 3rd from 2-4pm! This event is for Minnesota Veterans with any level of beekeeping experience (including no experience). Particpants will deepen our knowledge of honey bee biology and our connection to these incredible pollinators.
All workshops are free, but space is limited and pre-registration is required for most events. Participants must be 18 years or older. Learn more about this awesome event here!
In-home Family Child Care Licensing Resource Fair
The County is building a diverse and inclusive child care community with people like you! Our resource fair is for in-home family child care providers and those interested in becoming licensed to learn more about the licensing process and connect with community resources that can help you improve and market your business.
- Application fees waived for new applicants!
- Saturday, May 16, 1 – 3 p.m.
- Ridgedale Library Community Rooms, 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka
Join us for resources, refreshments, and more. Get your fire extinguishers serviced for a fee.
Visit this website to learn more.
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2026 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events
Events will take place Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates:
- May 1 and 2 at the Minnetonka Public Works Department
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July 10 and 11 in Minneapolis at Jenny Lind Elementary School
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August 7 and 8 in Minneapolis at Sullivan STEAM School
- October 2 and 3 in Orono at the Hennepin County Public Works Orono Shop
Before you go, check the website for safety guidelines and the list of acceptable materials.
City Cleanup Events + Donate Building Materials
Have used building materials and tools laying around. Don't throw them out - Donate!
The following city clean up days are also an opportunity to donate usable building materials to Better Futures MN. They will be onsite to vet all materials for quality and potential resale.
Events are open to city residents.
Upcoming City cleanup + donate building materials events
Visit city websites for guidelines and contact information.
Last Chance to Apply for a Spring Youth Activities Grant
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Play areas: awards up to $300,000
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Equipment: awards up to $10,000
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Arts & music: awards up to $25,000
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Lifeguard services: awards up to $50,000
Approximately 1.3 million dollars have been allocated for this grant cycle. The number of awards will be based on requests received and availability of funding.
Applications close May 7.
All grant opportunities have been combined into one RFA and one grant application form.
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