January
Partnership aims to keep kids from drowning (January 31)
Hennepin County is partnering with the USA Swimming Foundation on a pilot project to connect underserved youth and communities throughout the county with swimming lessons.
County board actions (January 24)
Votes Tuesday approved funding for projects along the Southwest Light Rail Transit corridor and awarded grant funding for clean up of contaminated sites, environmental education and natural resources projects.
Sign up for Citizens Academy, a behind-the-scenes look at Hennepin County (January 11)
Learn how county government works to serve its residents by enrolling in Hennepin County Citizens Academy, a free, eight-week series that takes you up close to the people, places and processes that make our county a great place to live.
County board reinvests $1 million to support additional transit-oriented development projects (January 4)
Four transit-oriented development (TOD) projects will split $1,050,000 in funding allocated through Hennepin County’s TOD Program.
County board actions (January 3)
This Tuesday, four Hennepin County Commissioners took office and the Hennepin County Board reappointed Jan Callison, District 6, to serve as its chair for 2017.
February
County board actions (February 23)
Votes expanded a community policing partnership to the City of Crystal, approved the county's federal legislative platform, appointed members to citizen advisory boards and approved participation in a system that will save thousands on affordable housing costs.
Participate in Geo:Code 2017, a free open data forum (February 16)
Geo:Code, a community-generated conference connecting residents with Hennepin County and open data, has expanded for 2017.
County board actions (February 7)
Votes Tuesday funded 40 percent of Bottineau LRT engineering, accepted funding to resolve issues of family safety and permanency, accepted funding to help patients transition from mental health facilities to community settings and approved emergency management software upgrades.
"Celebrating the Voting Rights Act in Minnesota" on display in Hennepin Gallery through February 27 (February 3)
The exhibition by the Hennepin History Museum features a series of panels focusing on local advocacy on behalf of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
March
Potent drug, carfentanil, new factor in opioid epidemic (March 30)
A powerful new opioid, carfentanil, has already caused at least five overdose-related deaths in Minnesota this year.
County board actions (March 28)
- Wentland appointed as Human Services director
- Funding will prevent spread of aquatic invasive species
- Contract awarded for Hennepin County Library – Edina remodel
- 2017 spring Youth Sports grants awarded
- Minneapolis Farmers Market will return to Government Center
- Board lays over resolution on proposed new sales tax
- Comment on plan to use housing and community development funds
- Board approves declarations supporting crime victims and prevention efforts
Volunteers sought for two citizen advisory boards (March 28)
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners is accepting applications for vacancies on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Board and on the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District Board.
Dozens of organizations will recruit employees at next week's career fair (March 27)
Job-seekers can connect with actively-recruiting companies at a career fair Monday, April 3, sponsored by Hennepin County Work and Economic Resource Center.
Hennepin County starts 2017 road and bridge construction (March 23)
Monday, March 27 marks the beginning of Hennepin County’s transportation construction season.
County board holding public hearing on county transportation and transit tax plan (March 21)
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners hosted a public hearing today before the Public Works Committee to take public comment on the imposition and potential uses of a new sales tax.
News: View county transportation and transit tax plan (March 17)
Hennepin County has outlined potential uses of a proposed new transportation and transit sales tax.
County board actions (March 14)
Votes Tuesday approved a public hearing to gather feedback on transportation and transit tax, approved an agreement that will help secure resources for the homeless, renewed funding that helps teen parents, approved agreements relating to road reconstruction in Medina and appointed candidates to citizen advisory boards.
Added staff will work with local, county and state agencies to combat youth sex trafficking (March 14)
Hennepin County is adding two employees dedicated to aggressively investigating and prosecuting youth sex traffickers and purchasers.
Community leaders celebrate grand opening of Cedar Riverside Opportunity Center (March 12)
Community leaders and residents held a grand opening celebration for the Cedar Riverside Opportunity Center—a pipeline for jobs and educational resources with a special focus on the neighborhood’s East African community.
County launches new resources to stay green this spring (March 9)
After spring cleaning, residents can visit Hennepin County's new Choose to Reuse website for easy ways to keep usable stuff out of the trash and find quality items without buying new.
“Real People, Real Conversations, Real Solutions” exhibit on display in Hennepin Gallery March 2 – March 30 (March 2)
Community Mediation & Restorative Services, Inc. (CMRS) presents “Real People, Real Conversations, Real Solutions,” an exhibit highlighting the different service areas handled through mediation or restorative services.
See how residents are using data to connect with county government (March 2)
Attend Geo:Code 2017 on March 4 or 5 to see how civic-minded residents, geographers, technology developers and Hennepin County officials are using data to improve public services.
April
Hennepin County celebrates Arbor Day (April 26)
Arbor Day is a great time to get involved planting and caring for trees.
County board actions (April 25)
Votes Tuesday will aid transit-oriented development, prepare youth for college and careers, declare Drug Take-Back Day and declare Correctional Officers Appreciation Week.
Hennepin County works year-round to conserve energy and resources (April 19)
This Earth Day, Hennepin County highlights four focus areas that staff are implementing to help protect the environment.
Downtown Minneapolis Job Fair will feature up to 60 hiring employers (April 18)
Residents can network with hiring employers and connect with community resources at next week’s Downtown Minneapolis Job Fair.
Celebrate Earth Day and make a difference in Hennepin County (April 17)
Events, volunteer opportunities and programs are happening across Hennepin County in honor of Earth Day, which is Saturday, April 22.
Temporary Webber Park Library closing soon for move to new location (April 13)
As the new Webber Park Library opening draws near, the temporary location, at 4203 Webber Pkwy., Minneapolis, will close permanently at 5 p.m., Saturday, April 29.
County board actions (April 11)
Votes Tuesday will provide funding to fight homelessness, prevent truancy and rehabilitate the Lake Street Bridge.
Downtown Minneapolis Job Fair will feature up to 60 hiring employers (April 11)
Residents can network with hiring employers and connect with community resources at next week’s Downtown Minneapolis Job Fair.
Hennepin County provides resources for homebuyers (April 10)
Spring home buying season is here. Hennepin County has resources for house hunters to enhance, inform and supplement the home buying process.
Volunteers needed to monitor wetlands (April 7)
Hennepin County is seeking volunteers to monitor wetlands as part of its Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP).
Funding awarded to prevent youth drowning (April 6)
Organizations will use more than $35,000 of grant funding to provide swimming lessons to Hennepin County youth.
"Hennepin County: A better way. Lived here." on display in Hennepin Gallery through May 26 (April 5)
An exhibit featuring the people and places that make Hennepin County a great place to live, work and play.
Residents can take strides to better health during Step to it challenge (April 4)
Residents can now register for Hennepin County’s Step to it challenge, open to people of all ages and abilities who want to get moving while connecting with family, friends and neighbors.
May
Free career fair will connect job-seekers with recruiting employers (May 30)
Job-seekers can connect with actively-recruiting companies at a career fair next week sponsored by the Hennepin County Work and Economic Resource Center.
Schedule of free outdoor movies at Target Field Station announced (May 25)
Hennepin County is hosting free movie nights this summer at Target Field Station in partnership with the Minneapolis Downtown Council and the Minnesota Twins.
Visit the Health and Safety Fair June 6 (May 24)
The public is invited to visit more than 25 exhibitors who will share a wealth of resources, demonstrations and activities at the Health and Safety Fair.
County board actions (May 23)
Votes Tuesday will set an additional public hearing for new transportation and transit sales tax, provide funding to support small businesses, approve an application for $5 million to conserve and restore natural areas, approve an agreement to reduce violent crime in Minneapolis and award a contract for criminal justice adult diversion services.
Volunteers sought for Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed District Board (May 23)
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners is accepting applications for two vacancies on the Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed District Board.
Carfentanil causes five more overdose-related deaths in the area (May 19)
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner has confirmed that five more people have died of carfentanil-related overdose, bringing the total to 10 deaths in the medical examiner's jurisdiction.
Celebrations for Webber Park Library's grand opening kick off today (May 18)
Today, May 18, Hennepin County will celebrate the opening of its newest library. After more than a year of construction, the new Webber Park Library will open about a quarter mile west of the park that shares its name.
Law enforcement to replace U.S. flag in Government Center (May 12)
During a ceremony next week, more than 30 local law enforcement officers and veterans will retire and then replace the 20-by-30-foot flag hanging in the Hennepin County Government Center skyway.
Fix-it Clinics have kept 26,123 pounds of stuff out of trash (May 11)
Since 2012, residents have fixed 3,901 items with the help of Fix-it Clinic volunteers.
Century Plaza will close after business hours Friday, May 12 (May 10)
Residents can find the services they need at any Hennepin County human service center. Each center provides access to the full range of financial, social and public health services the county offers.
County board actions (May 9)
The county board awarded $2.7 million of funding for affordable housing, $2.2 million for development along transit lines and funding to continue help for chronically homeless families.
Community celebrating library opening on Thursday, May 18 (May 3)
After more than a year of construction, the new Hennepin County Library – Webber Park will open about a quarter mile west of the park that shares its name.
June
Go Outside this July for free events (June 30)
Go Outside with Hennepin County is featuring free events and activities throughout the summer. See event listings for Government Center South Plaza and Target Field Station.
Child well-being director appointed to lead new child protection focus (June 27)
The board appointed Michelle Farr to guide county staff carrying out the county’s new child well-being focus.
Primary elections now open in Bloomington and St. Louis Park (June23)
Starting June 23, Bloomington and St. Louis Park Ward One voters can vote in the 2017 municipal primaries for city council races.
Step to it challenge winners announced (June 15)
During the Step to it challenge this May, participants tracked more than 1.1 billion steps, exceeding last year's step count by more than 129 million.
Board approves new sales tax for transit and transportation (June 13)
The board voted 5-2 to terminate the joint powers agreement establishing the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) and impose a half-cent sales tax in Hennepin County supporting the county’s transit and transportation projects.
Hennepin County takes next steps toward increased funding for transit (June 12)
Following last week’s public hearing, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners will vote tomorrow on a proposed sales tax increase supporting county transit and transportation projects.
Celebrate Juneteenth at the library (June 11)
Hennepin County Library invites the community to join us to celebrate Juneteenth, one of the oldest African American celebrations of the end of slavery.
New human service center and mixed-use development in South Minneapolis (June 8)
Attend the grand opening of the new mixed-use development including retail, the Midtown Farmers Market, a transit hub for the METRO Blue Line and Lake Street buses, homes for hundreds of people and the new Hennepin County Human Service Center.
Relief from the summer heat: online map shows places to cool off (June 9)
Heat waves like the one the National Weather Service predicts for this weekend can be dangerous, especially for those at risk for heat-related illness.
County board seeks volunteer for Human Resources Board (June 6)
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners is accepting applications for one vacancy on the Human Resources Board. Al Giraud-Isaacson has resigned from the board.
Additional public hearing set for new sales tax (June 5)
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners will hold an additional public hearing on Tuesday, June 6, at 1:30 p.m., to obtain public comment on the imposition of a new sales tax of up to one-half cent and the potential uses of that revenue for transportation and transit projects.
Hats Off to Hennepin County (June 5)
Mary Tyler Moore was famous for tossing her hat to the wind, but many local celebrities, civic employees, and residents were smart enough to actually hold on to them – we tend to be practical here.
Go Outside with Hennepin County (June 2)
Hennepin County is partnering with the Minneapolis Downtown Council to offer a variety of free, family-friendly events this summer.
July
Hennepin County to kick off 100-Day Challenge on Youth Homelessness (July 31)
Throughout the next 100 days, Hennepin County will join numerous community partners and four other U.S. communities in a challenge to combat youth homelessness.
Free career fair will connect job-seekers with recruiting employers August 7 (July 31)
Job-seekers can connect with actively-recruiting companies at a career fair next week sponsored by the Hennepin County Work and Economic Resource Center. The event is free and open to the public.
August 8 primary election in Bloomington and St. Louis Park uses iPads at check in (July 27)
Bloomington and St. Louis Park Ward One voters will cast their ballots in the 2017 municipal primary on Tuesday, August 8, for city council races.
Volunteers sought for vacancies on Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Board (July 25)
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners seeks applicants for two vacancies on the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Board.
County board actions (July 18)
Funding will expand bicycle and pedestrian network, continue multilingual phone line and improve sidewalk accessibility. Observing July 16-22 Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Appreciation Week.
Limited services available at service centers July 20 – 22 (July 6)
Later this month, there will be interruptions to motor vehicle and driver’s license services at Hennepin County service centers.
Free career fair will connect job-seekers with recruiting employers (July 3)
Job-seekers can connect with actively-recruiting companies at a career fair next week sponsored by the Hennepin County Work and Economic Resource Center. The event is free and open to the public.
August
Enjoy a day of free health and wellness activities at Fit4Fun (August 24)
Enjoy a day of laughter, movement and play at the sixth annual Fit4Fun event Saturday, September 9, hosted by NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center.
County board actions (August 22)
Funding to reduce lead paint hazards in at least 300 homes and to connect housing to the homeless.
New cleaning stations help prevent spread of AIS (August 21)
Today at the Spring Park public boat access on Lake Minnetonka, Hennepin County unveiled a new solar-powered, user-operated watercraft cleaning station that gives boaters the tools needed to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).
Hennepin County Library eclipse events (August 16)
Hennepin County Library is turning the Monday, August 21, partial solar eclipse into an out-of this-world event, with viewing parties at 11 libraries,and STEM programming for kids and teens.
Most Epic Family Day hosted Sunday at Target Field Station (August 11)
This year's Most Epic Family Day will feature water-themed activities for kids, an outdoor showing of "Moana" with a character meet and greet, and more.
County recruiting volunteers to become tree stewards (August 10)
Hennepin County, in partnership with the University of Minnesota and the City of St. Louis Park, is hosting classes this September for those interested in becoming tree stewards.
Food rescue operation at Minneapolis Farmers Market (August 9)
Observe as chefs, partners and volunteers prepare leftover fresh vegetables to freeze for food shelves this winter on Sunday, August 13.
Zero Waste Challenge will help households slash their trash (August 9)
Hennepin County is looking for households to participate in its Zero Waste Challenge beginning this fall, an opportunity to get hands-on help to make low-waste lifestyle changes.
County board actions (August 8)
Environmental education grants awarded to 11 organizations, grants will improve water quality of lakes Ardmore and Independence, and candidates appointed to Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed District Board.
Go Outside August events (August 3)
Go Outside with Hennepin County continues to feature free events and activities throughout the summer. See below for August event listings.
Hennepin County begins 100-day challenge to combat youth homelessness (August 2)
Hennepin County has joined numerous community partners and four other U.S. communities in a 100-day challenge to combat youth homelessness.
Hennepin County employee art on display in Hennepin Gallery Aug. 1 - 29 (August 1)
The Hennepin County employee art show is on display in the Hennepin Gallery from now until August 29.
September
Connect with employers at free career fair (September 29)
Learn about current job openings in a variety of sectors by attending a free career fair next week. This event is open to the public and sponsored by the Hennepin County Work and Economic Resource Center.
County board actions: board approves 2018 maximum tax levies (September 26)
The board approved a $796.9 million maximum tax levy for 2018, along with a Regional Railroad Authority maximum levy of $36 million and a maximum Housing and Redevelopment Authority levy of $8.5 million.
Absentee voting for 2017 election begins September 22 (September 21)
All eligible voters in Hennepin County can vote absentee—either in-person or by mail—beginning Friday, September 22.
Hennepin County seeks feedback on strategies to reach goal of zero waste to landfills (September 19)
Draft Solid Waste Management Master Plan available for public comment.
County administrator proposes 2018 budget (September 13)
Hennepin County Administrator David Hough on Tuesday proposed to the Board of Commissioners a 2018 budget of $2.4 billion. The operating portion of this budget totals $1.9 billion dollars, an increase of $180.9 million dollars from the adjusted 2017 budget.
County board actions: housing for Native Americans experiencing homelessness, funding to reduce infant mortality (September 7)
The board accepted funding to help Native Americans exit homelessness, accepted funding to reduce infant mortality, approved an agreement that will help people transition from correctional facilities to the community, approved a contract to administer career pathways, approved funding to replace the Fremont Avenue Bridge and more.
Five years of Fix-It Clinics save nearly 4,200 items from trash (September 6)
Since 2012, Fix-It Clinic participants have diverted more than 28,000 pounds of trash with the help of handy volunteers.
Attend free Alchemy yoga classes at Target Field Station (September 5)
Grab your mat and head to Target Field Station this September for free yoga classes led by Alchemy yoga studio instructors.
Enjoy a day of free health and wellness activities at Fit4Fun (September 5)
Enjoy a day of laughter, movement and play at the sixth annual Fit4Fun event Saturday, September 9, hosted by NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center.
Immigrants Telling Their Life Stories (September 1)
Green Card Voices will have two exhibits on display in the Hennepin Gallery from now until October 29.
October
Find your next job at free career fair (October 30)
Connect with employers hiring for jobs in transportation, customer service, healthcare, sales, maintenance and more.
Hennepin County voters to check-in using iPads on Election Day (October 26)
Elections officials will check-in voters using a secure e-poll book system in all Hennepin County cities that have elections.
County board actions (October 24)
The board approved a contract to begin design of the proposed regional medical examiner's facility; appointed a new director of community corrections and rehabilitation; approved an initial design for Hennepin County Library - Hosmer; approved an agreement that will advance commercial clean energy; and more.
County board actions (October 10)
The board approved an action that keeps the county on track to pay off Target Field debt by 2027, authorized negotiation of a purchase agreement to sell property next to U.S. Bank Stadium and accepted grant funding to help young parents prepare for careers.
Teen birth rates decrease again in 2016 (October 5)
Teen births in Hennepin County decreased 12.4 percent last year, at a rate higher than the 11.3 percent statewide decrease.
Pre-register to vote by October 17 (October 4)
Get ready to vote in the 2017 election. Voters who meet the October 17 pre-registration deadline will save time at the polls on Election Day, November 7.
November
County board actions (November 28)
The board approved a name change of Lake Calhoun to Bde Maka Ska, accepted a plan focusing on partnerships with corrections clients and the community, adopted a plan to reach the state's goal of zero waste to landfills, continued a partnership that connects kids to water safety lessons and more.
Holiday music at the Hennepin County Government Center (November 27)
Hennepin County will continue its annual tradition of winter performances. Concerts are free and open to the public, noon - 1 p.m. unless otherwise noted, on the Government Center Skyway Level.
More than 230 youth secure housing during 100-day homelessness challenge (November 27)
During Hennepin County’s 100-Day Challenge on Youth Homelessness, the community exceeded its goal of assisting 150 youth in finding housing, with 236 youth obtaining safe, stable homes.
$1.7 million awarded for development along transit lines (November 22)
Voting Tuesday as the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the Hennepin County Board awarded $1.7 million to support four transit-oriented development projects.
Hennepin County budget (truth in taxation) meeting is November 28 (November 16)
Hennepin County will hold a public meeting on the proposed 2018 budget and property tax levy – commonly called the truth in taxation meeting – on November 28.
Hennepin County accepting applications for citizen advisory board vacancies (November 16)
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners is recruiting volunteers for 24 citizen advisory board positions through its annual open appointment process.
County board actions (November 14)
Board meeting date changes, programs to help workers gain employment, National Adoption Day and county to develop program evaluation framework.
Check in with iPads on Election Day—Tuesday, November 7 (November 6)
Election Day is one way voters can make their voices heard. Hennepin County elections officials will check-in voters using a secure e-poll book system in all Hennepin County cities that have elections.
Find your next job at free career fair (November 3)
Connect with employers hiring for jobs in transportation, customer service, healthcare, sales, maintenance and more.
Minneapolis Water Works Celebrating 150 Years: 1867 – 2017 on display in Hennepin Gallery through Nov. 29 (November 2)
In 1867, the Minneapolis City Council authorized the establishment of Minneapolis Water Works to supply water to the Minneapolis Fire Department.
December
Hours extended to prepay 2018 Hennepin County property taxes (December 26)
Hennepin County has extended hours for residents to prepay their 2018 property taxes in person at the Hennepin County Government Center. The extended hours are a response to an unprecedented number of taxpayers wishing to prepay their property taxes following recent federal tax law changes.
Board adopts 2018 budget (December 12)
On Tuesday, the Hennepin County Board voted to approve the county’s 2018 budget of $2.4 billion, $285.7 million more than the 2017 adjusted budget.
County board actions (December 12)
Youth Sports program reaches $20 million milestone, crime lab budget amendment returned for review.
Find your next job at free career fair (December 4)
Connect with employers hiring for jobs in transportation, customer service, healthcare, sales, maintenance and more.
“Water Connects Us All” is on display in the Hennepin Gallery through January 17, 2018 (December 4)
This exhibit includes 2- and 3-dimensional sculptures arranged in vignettes, and features puppets from In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre.