Our response to disparities

A proactive approach

Our proactive approach to making long-term impact and improving life outcomes focuses on the following interconnected domains.

 

 

Education

Educational attainment significantly affects the trajectory of a person’s life, impacting their future employment, income, health, and ability to maintain stable housing.

How the county is responding to education disparities

We’re investing in resources to improve school stability and consistency for youth connected to county programs.

 

 

Employment

People of color are overrepresented in low-paying jobs, and are often the first laid off and the last to return to the work world.

How the county is responding to employment disparities

We’re leading as an employer as well as partnering with private sector and nonprofit organizations to match talent, training and market needs.

 

 

Health

Communities of color tend to have greater disparities in health outcomes due to racism, lower incomes, lower education attainment, lack of health care access and more.

How the county is responding to health disparities

We’re addressing food insecurity, advancing maternal and child wellness, and increasing access to county services.

 

 

Housing

Nearly one-third of Hennepin County households pay more than 30% of their income toward housing, putting them at risk of being unable to afford to meet other basic needs like health care, food, transportation, and education. People of color are disproportionately impacted.

How the county is responding to housing disparities

We’re creating and preserving affordable housing across a continuum of housing types according to income levels.

 

 

Income

Significant gaps exist in median household incomes for Black, Indigenous and Latino households, which means lifelong disparities in access to economic opportunity and wealth creation.

How the county is responding to income disparities

We’re improving income and increasing financial wellness of residents and employees, increasing diversity in contracts and expanding support for small businesses.

 

 

Justice

A multitude of regional and national studies have documented that persons of color are overrepresented in the U.S. justice system. Victims of violent crime are also disproportionately people of color.

How the county is responding to justice disparities

We’re working toward equal access to justice, supporting community-led early intervention and prevention, and advancing reforms that support the whole person so people can successfully exit the justice system and move forward with their lives.

 

 

Transportation

Disparities exist around transportation and transit options, accessibility and safety. In addition, some communities are more heavily experiencing the impacts of climate change and the digital divide.

How the county is responding to transportation disparities

We’re advancing transit, walking and biking, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and working toward eliminating the digital divide.