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Over the past month, I have been at the Capitol and in community working to save our safety net trauma center. As co-chair of our Intergovernmental Relations Committee, I have been speaking with state legislators, the attorney general and governor about the dire situation the hospital is in. We are close to a solution that will work.
Hennepin Healthcare has had an impact on all us - saving the lives of families, friends, and community. Every second counts and expert care makes all the difference. We remain committed to securing the funding necessary to keep our hospital operational for years to come.
AFSCME members testify at the Capitol
 HCMC Tour with Representative Frazier
 Press Conference with Congresswoman Omar, Rep. Agbaje, Rep. Jones and Julie Graves, good friend and survivor of the I-35 bridge collapse who received life saving care at HCMC.
 Red Alert Rally with the National Nurses Association
Meet the New HennepinCounty.gov
Hennepin County’s redesigned website puts users at the center to support an engaged, empowered, and informed community. It’s simpler to navigate, easier to understand, and built to help you quickly find the services and information you need. Thank you to the community members and expert partners who helped us reimagine and test the site so it can better serve everyone.
May 15 property tax due date reminder
The first half property tax payment for 2026 is due on May 15. If you have already made your payment, thank you.
You have subscribed to receive these property tax due date reminders. If you no longer want to receive them, please unsubscribe via the "manage subscription" link at the bottom of this email.
For payment options visit hennepincounty.gov/propertytaxpayments
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:
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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
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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.
Feed the soil that feeds us with organics recycling or backyard composting
 International Compost Awareness Week is coming up May 3 to 9 with the theme “feed the soil that feeds us” to raise awareness about the important role that composting food scraps plays in improving the soil that grows our food.
Food scraps and other organic materials you compost at home or in organics recycling programs are broken down by bacteria to create nutrient-rich compost. Compost is used in gardens, at farms, and in landscaping projects to add nutrients to the soil.
Get started putting your food scraps and other compostable materials to better use. Learn about organics recycling programs or register for a free backyard composting workshop.
Multifamily grants will open in the spring
 Hennepin County offers grants for multifamily properties to start or improve recycling or organics recycling (also called composting), reduce contamination, prevent waste, and educate their residents on recycling and waste prevention. Areas of focus can include purchasing bins and compostable bags, paying for hauling costs, constructing waste enclosures or chutes, and educating residents.
Applications will open in the second quarter of 2026 and be accepted on an ongoing basis until Monday, November 9, 2026, or until the annual program budget is exhausted, whichever occurs first.
Please feel free to contact us at apartmentrecycling@hennepin.us to start discussing your project so you are ready to apply when the grants open! Visit our website to learn more about the grants.
Furniture and building material donation events
Renovating? Just finished a big home project? Donate your quality used furniture, mattresses, and building materials for reuse to local organizations, Better Futures MN and Bridging at one of these events. All materials will be vetted onsite for quality and potential for resale and redistribution.
Upcoming Furniture and building donation events
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Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to noon at Robbinsdale Public Works, Robbinsdale
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Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to noon at Hennepin County Public Works, Medina
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Furniture only—Saturday, August 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at Donaldson Park, Richfield
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Saturday, September 12 from 9 a.m. to noon at Brooklyn Park Operations, Brooklyn Park
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Saturday, September 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. at St. Louis Park Municipal Service Center, St. Louis Park
National Therapy Animal Day
 Proclamation offered by Commissioner Greene and Commissioner Conley
 Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
 Proclamation offered by Chair Fernando. On May 5, the Lowry Avenue and the I-35W bridges was illuminated in red, gold, green and blue, as a visible tribute to AANHPI Heritage Month.
American Indian Heritage Month
Proclamation offered by Commissioner Goettel. While November is recognized nationally as Native American Heritage Month, Indigenous communities in Minnesota have also celebrated and recognized May as American Indian Month for more than 50 years.
  On May 1, Hennepin County's Indigenous ERG participated in the American Indian Month Parade Kick-Off
Other events
- May 5 - National Awareness Day of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives.
- May 21 & 22 - Hennepin County Outreach and Community Supports is hosting two MMIR Honoring Our Relatives Healing Circles.
- June 3 - Hennepin County partners are also supporting the Sacred Waters, Shared Futures campaign, supporting the Mississippi River, everyone is welcome to join the Planting Seeds, Protecting Water event at the Four Sisters Farmer’s Market.
National Foster Care Month
In a few weeks, our Children and Family Services staff will also be hosting an appreciation event for foster families, including a picnic and resource fair.
takes many people working together to provide these children with love, support, and stability. I want to extend once again our sincerest thanks to our staff, volunteers, community partners, and especially, our foster providers.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month
 Proclamation offered by Commissioner Edelson. The Lowry Avenue Bridge was lit red on April 30 in honor of ALS Awareness Month
Connecting with Minneapolis College students
It was a pleasure to meet with a Public Policy class at Minneapolis College! I had the opportunity to share my journey to becoming a Hennepin County Commissioner and discussed key issues like affordable & healthy produce, transit, and mental health. Appreciated the students’ thoughtful questions on leadership, barriers, and having tough conversations.
Thank you Professor Lena Jones for the invitation. Grateful for the chance to connect with a group of future leaders!
Race Equity Advisory Council (REAC)
Last month, I joined Hennepin County Government's Race Equity Advisory Council for their first meeting of the year. I gave a history of the committee from its inception in 2019 and they discussed their charge, efforts to date and introduced new members to the work of disparity elimination in our County. Grateful to this group and the hard work they put in to ensure equity is at the forefront of all that we do!
Medical Examiner's Office Tour
 My team joined Commissioner Debbie Goettel's office and staff from Disparity Elimination on a tour of the new Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office.
Opened in late 2021, Hennepin County Medical Examiner facility is about 64,000 sq ft, two-wing building located at 14300 County Road 62 in Minnetonka, MN. This facility replaced the old Minneapolis office with improved autopsy suites, specialized coolers, and environmental protections.
The medical examiner investigates all unexpected deaths in Hennepin, Dakota and Scott counties.
District Day in Stadium Village
Sip of Silk
 Our District Day was spent in Stadium Village where we had some time to connect with sisters Hanan and Danya at their cafe Sip of Silk. They strived to create a cozy, inviting business that became a reality last year. Stop by there to study, work, or share a MN Chai and a Palestinian panini.
OkiDoki Sushi
 We walked a few doors down to grab a bite at OkiDoki Sushi. There is something for everyone on the menu. Featuring all-you-can-eat, lunch specials, creative rolls, bento box and more!
OkiDoki Sushi received the BusinessRate Top 10 Award for Sushi Restaurant in 2025.
Such a charming space with amazing fresh sushi. Perfect for grabbing a quick bite or dining in for date night.
Kyle Garden Square Grand Opening
 Staff from Hennepin County
Proud to celebrate the grand opening of Kyle Garden Square! This new affordable housing development creates 59 units of deeply affordable supportive housing, with 48 of those units dedicated to people exiting chronic homelessness. All of those 48 units are leased through the county’s Coordinated Entry System with the help of case managers, social workers, shelter advocates, and street outreach teams who identify and locate people in need, support them through the process, and ensure documentation and verifications are completed.
Annual Little Earth Residents' (LERA) Board Meeting
 Had the chance to catch up with the Little Earth Residents Association at their annual board meeting on April 15th! I provided updates on our hospital advocacy but the star of the show was all of the incredible work they're up to!
From counseling, youth empowerment and adult and family engagement to urban farming, these incredible folks are changing the Southside for the better. Thank you for having me and for all you do for the Little Earth community and beyond!
NENA Annual Meeting & Volunteer Celebration
If you didn't know, Nokomis East Neighborhood Association has been up to some amazing things! I stopped by their annual meeting and volunteer appreciation event on April 22nd to bask in all the ways our community shined over the last year. From the work of their environment, housing and community engagement committees, to all their mutual aid efforts and urban gardening, I'm always impressed at how our neighbors show up for each other!
If you live in Nokomis East be sure to sign up for their newsletters so you can be part of all the amazing things happening at NENA!
Cultural Wellness Center - 2026 Cultural Conclave
 It was an incredible honor to receive the Long-term Guardianship For The Community award by The Cultural Wellness Center School of Elders. This recognition is meaningful in so many ways. As Elder Atum and I discussed, wellness is an ecosystem and we must always center community well being, in addition to our own. Thank you so much for this heartfelt and heartwarming recognition.
Team D4 hit the streets to join our neighborhood organizations and associations on their earth day clean ups. Thank you everyone who took the time to tend to our earth.
Standish-Ericsson Neighborhood Association (SENA)
 Seward Neighborhood Group (SNG)
Neighborhood Day fell on Saturday, May 2nd and it was full of great people, beautiful weather, and tons of fun activities!
Midtown Farmers Market
 First market of the season! Saturday was Midtown Farmers Market opening day. Stopped by and grabbed a treat from Quiet Cat Bakery.
Midtown Farmers Market will be open every Saturday, from 9 AM - 1 PM from NOW - October.
Prospect Park
 Next I swung over to Prospect Park for their Annual Meeting!
Duck Race at Minnehaha Creek (FRNNG)
 Field Regina Northrop Neighborhood Group (FRNNG)
 Music, games, and food in the park after the race!
Longfellow Community Council (LCC)
 Grabbed some baked goods and plants from Greater Longfellow.
All proceeds will go to the Greater Longfellow Neighbor Relief Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/Greater-Longfellow-Relief-Fund
Seward (SNG)
 Nokomis East Neighborhood Association (NENA)
Mary Ann Key Book Club Discussion: The Serviceberry
 When: Tuesday, May 12th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Hosmer Library; 347 E. 36th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
The Mary Ann Key Book Club uses reading as a catalyst for intercultural conversations around understanding and addressing past and current injustices that impact Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
Join your neighbors in a discussion of our 2026 season selection: "The Serviceberry" by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
Copies of the book can be reserved; eBooks and eAudiobooks are available through www.hclib.org.
STEAM Activity - Franklin Library
 When: Every Wednesday from 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Where: Franklin Library; 1314 E. Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Drop in for fun and creative STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) experiments and projects! Materials provided.
Led by Franklin Library’s STEAM Squad.
Mary Ann Key Book Club Watch Event: A Virtual Conversation With Robin Wall Kimmerer
When: Wednesday, May 13th from 6:00 - 7:45 PM
Where: All My Relations Art Gallery; 1414 E Franklin Ave #1, Minneapolis, MN
The Mary Ann Key Book Club uses reading as a catalyst for intercultural conversations around understanding and addressing past and current injustices that impact Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
Join your neighbors to watch the live stream of the author talk and have a discussion of our 2026 season selection: "The Serviceberry" by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This watch party takes place at All My Relations Arts Gallery.
Reception starts at 6 p.m. Livestream starts at 6:30 p.m. Free copies of the book available at the event for attendees while supplies last. eBooks and eAudiobooks are available through www.hclib.org.
Can't attend the watch event in-person? Sign up to stream the live author talk here: https://bit.ly/2026MAK-Online
Register for event
East Lake Art Club
 When: Every Thursday from 2:30 - 4:30 PM
Where: East Lake Library; 2727 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Adult Art and Craft Meet-Up. Work on your own projects in a supportive atmosphere – no pressure, no critique. A few minutes' introduction, then we work with quiet conversation or music.
Please only bring/use non-toxic supplies and materials – ink, pencils, charcoal, watercolor, pastels, gouache, collage, needle and thread. Sharing and discussing work with other participants is optional. No registration required.
Controversial Compositions: When Music Challenges the Norm
 When: Friday, May 15, 22, & 29th from 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Where: Nokomis Library; 5100 34th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55417
May 15: When Music Challenges the Norm
May 22: When the Government Can’t Stand the Noise
May 29: When the Public Resists Music
In this interactive music appreciation class series, explore music that caused a stir with audiences, governments, or religious institutions for various reasons. Learn about music that challenged societal expectations, from 13th century church music to Loretta Lynn’s “Rated X," and more. Part of a three-part series, "Controversial Compositions." Attendance at all three sessions not required. Collaborator: MacPhail Center for Music. This program is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Letter Writing Social Hour
When: Saturday, May 16th from 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Where: Arvonne Fraser Library; 1222 4th St. SE, 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.
Author Talk: Lupe Castillo and Teresa Ortiz
 When: Thursday, May 21 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Where: Nokomis Library; 5100 34th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Meet Twin Cities’ poetesses Lupe Castillo and Teresa Ortiz who will be reading from their new book, Alma Y Corazon: Writing in the Rhythm of Life. The new book brings together two decades of work as Latino spoken-word artists, including their work with the poetry collective Palabristas. Books will be available for purchase.
STEAM Activity: Jewelry Making
When: Friday, May 29th from 3:45 - 4:45 PM
Where: Roosevelt Library; 4026 28th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Drop in for fun and creative STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) experiments and projects! Materials provided. Collaborator: Roosevelt Library's STEAM Squad.
Childhood Immunization Clinic
 When: Saturday, May 30th from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Hosmer Library; 347 E. 36th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Hennepin County Public Health is hosting a free childhood immunization clinic for children birth-18 years old.
Heart Health Walk with Commissioner Conley
When: Saturday, September 27th from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Sabathani Community Center (310 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN 55409)
Walk, Stroll or Roll - Join us for an opportunity to connect with neighbors and learn about the warning signs and ways to prevent heart attacks! This event is part of Hennepin County's "Your Heart Beats for Generations" Healthy Hearts initiative.
Take care of your heart by getting routine care from medical providers you trust, taking steps to prevent heart disease and knowing the signs and symptoms of heart health problems.
Black/African American and Indigenous women in Hennepin County disproportionately face poor heart health, which is why Hennepin County launched its women’s heart health initiative.
All abilities and ages welcome. We’ll start and end at Sabathani Community Center and have plenty water, snacks, and heart health T-shirts and tote bags.
To RSVP, view full route, details, and agenda are available on the eventbrite.
Please join us and bring a friend! We look forward to seeing you there!
CANDO Neighborhood Meeting
When: Wednesday, May 13th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Park Avenue United Methodist Church; 3400 Park Ave, Minneapolis
Councilmember Soren Stevenson and I will be back for another Central Neighborhood Meeting at CANDO's new office inside Park Avenue United Methodist Church.
Women's Heart Health Event
 When: Tuesday, May 19th from 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Where: Minneapolis American Indian Center; 1530 Franklin Ave E, Minneapolis, MN 55404
This event is bridging the gap by bringing together African American/Black and Indigenous women who have experienced heart health issues for discussion, learning, and community. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is requested. Food will be provided.
Visit here to register for the event.
Nokomis East Community Forum
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When: Thursday, May 21st from 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Where: New Branches; 5011 S 31st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417
With a zoom option for virtual participation.
Join us for a Community Forum with elected officials. This is an opportunity for community members to ask questions, chat with elected officials, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the Nokomis East Neighborhood.
Submit your questions here: https://forms.gle/GpYPuQSfvWYWkvLG6
If your question is not addressed during the meeting, we will email it to the representatives and post their responses within the next two weeks on our website.
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East Lake Street Clean Ups
 Join us on one Friday each month to clean up East Lake Street! All materials will be provided.
When: Fridays, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
May 15 – Lake/Chicago
June 12 – Lake/Bloomington
July 10 – Lake/Hiawatha
August 14 – Lake/4th Ave
September 11 – Lake/12th Ave
October 9 – Lake/Bloomington
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Kali Pliego, Crime Prevention Specialist; kali.pliego@minneapolismn.gov
Free Mother’s Day fish fry: T.O.U.C.H. Outreach
 When: Saturday, May 9th from 2:30 - 5:30 PM
Where: Midtown Farmers Market; 2225 E Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN
In honor of all Mother’s on this Mother's Day weekend. Touch Outreach wants to dedicate our annual FREE Community Fish Fry to all of you.
"We value your strength, love, sacrifice, and guidance that help shape and uplift our neighborhoods every single day. We appreciate you, and want to celebrate the powerful role you play in building stronger, healthier families and communities."
So come out & enjoy a variety of good fried fresh fish. All are welcome, come enjoy great food, good music, connect with one another, and access a variety of helpful resources on-site.
25th Annual Mother's Day Powwow
 When: Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th
Where: Cedar Field Park; 2500 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Grand entries at 1p.m. and 7p.m. and a feast at 5p.m. on Saturday.
Grand Entry at 1p.m. on Sunday.
This special gathering is an opportunity to honor the incredible mother figures in our lives, celebrate Native traditions, and strengthen our community. It will be a day filled with culture, connection, and gratitude, and we would love for you to be part of it.
Marvel Jackson Cooke, a life in Journalism: Gathering and Panel Discussion with Q & A
 When: Thursday, May 14th from 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Where: Prospect Park United Methodist Church; 22 SE Orlin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414 - Community Room
Join us on May 14, 2026 for the in-person community gathering and panel discussion with Q&A: Marvel Jackson Cooke, A Life in Journalism.
Doors open at 4:30pm CST. Light meal served.
Reconnect with neighbors, family, and friends for a special evening of conversation and reflection.
Sponsor: The Jackson Family Project Committee
Elliot Park Neighborhood Mini Clean Up
 When: Thursday, May 21st from 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Where: Elliot Park Recreation Center; 1000 E 14th St, Minneapolis, MN 55404
6th Annual Rise & Remember
When: Saturday, May 23rd - Monday, May 25th
Where: George Floyd Square; 38th St & Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Join us for the 6th Annual Rise & Remember Festival.
Taking place at George Floyd Square, this multi-day event brings together community, art, music, and meaningful conversation in honor of George Floyd’s legacy and the continued pursuit of justice and equity.
Featuring live music, food vendors, and local and international artists.
We hope to see you there.
Perry Talks 2026
 When: Sunday, May 24th from 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Where: Christ Church International; 3015 13th Ave S #2, Minneapolis, MN
Join us for Perry Talks 2026, a symposium exploring the intersection of racial justice and First Amendment rights.
The program includes:
• 2:00PM to Short Stories
• 3:00PM to Keynote Speech
• 3:30PM to Panel Discussion + Q&A
Tickets: General Admission: $20; Students & Seniors: $10
We invite you to join us for an afternoon of meaningful conversation, reflection, and community engagement.
PAWS @ the Park
 When: Wednesday, May 27th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Lake Hiawatha Park; 2701 E 44th St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Every dog has their day and today is their day at Lake Hiawatha Park!
For the dogs there will be: an "off leash" area for ball and frisbee fun, wading pools to cool their paws, and water stations to quench their thirsts!
And for the humans we will have: a food truck, face painting, make and take craft, an MPRB naturalist and water quality educator and dog rescue groups.
All dogs must be on leash and well behaved.
Vintage Voices in Concert; The Power of We
 When: Thursday, May 28th at 6:00 PM
Where: Sabathani Community Center; 310 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN
Join us for an uplifting evening of music that reminds us of the strength we find in one another. Through soaring harmonies and soul-stirring melodies, The Power of We explores the profound bonds that connect us — the neighbors who show up, the hands that reach out, and the voices that rise together in times of joy and need.
This concert features beloved songs of compassion, togetherness, and hope — a musical journey through the moments that remind us we are never alone. From tender anthems of friendship to powerful choruses of solidarity, every note is a testament to what we can achieve when we stand as one. Come ready to be moved. Come ready to belong.
Learn more here.
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