December
Apply by December 31 for citizen advisory board openings (December 17)
Applications close in two weeks for 28 citizen advisory board openings. Appointed members advise county commissioners on issues and programs, help set policy, and deal with a variety of topics of concern to the county.
Commissioners rename Hennepin County Library—Southeast in honor of Arvonne Fraser (December 11)
The board voted to rename Hennepin County Library—Southeast in honor of Arvonne Fraser, a long-time advocate for women's rights and local libraries.
County Board adopts 2019 budget (December 11)
The Hennepin County Board approved a 2019 budget of $2.4 billion at its meeting on Tuesday. The budget includes an $830 million net property tax levy, a 5.20 percent increase from 2018.
November
Homestead applications due December 15
Property owners in Hennepin County have until December 15 to complete a homestead application for 2019.
County board actions: recycling ordinance revisions, environmental education grant awards (November 27)
The board approved revisions to the county's recycling ordinance, awarded environmental education grants, accepted a grant to begin a cooking training program at the County Home School and more.
Hennepin County requires organics recycling for cities and certain businesses (November 27)
On Tuesday, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved revisions to the county’s recycling ordinance.
Hennepin County budget (truth in taxation) meeting is today (November 27)
Hennepin County will hold a public meeting on the proposed 2019 budget and property tax levy – commonly called the truth in taxation meeting – today, November 27.
World AIDS Day panel – learn how community can help end HIV epidemic (November 26)
Most Minnesotans living with HIV – 52 percent of them – reside in Hennepin County. Of those people, 26 percent are not accessing care and 35 percent have not had their virus suppressed.
Media advisory: Witness community conversation about racial disparities and homelessness
The community will kick off an initiative on Tuesday, November 27, to address racial disparities among people experiencing homelessness.
County board actions: Public hearing on transportation sales tax (November 21)
Hennepin County will host a public hearing to receive comments on proposed changes to the county's sales and use transportation tax implementation plan on Wednesday, December 5, 1 p.m. at the Hennepin County Government Center Board Room (A-2400)
News advisory: Witness National Adoption Day in Hennepin County (November 16)
On Saturday morning, 22 families will finalize adoptions of 38 Hennepin County children and teens
Hennepin County budget (truth in taxation) meeting is November 27 (November 16)
County will hold a public meeting on the proposed 2019 budget and property tax levy, commonly called the truth in taxation meeting, on November 27.
County advances Southwest LRT project with funding approvals (November 15)
At special meetings this afternoon, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners and Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority approved up to $435 million for early construction activities and other expenditures for the Southwest Light Rail Transit project (SWLRT).
Media Advisory: County to consider actions to advance Southwest LRT at special meetings today (November 15)
Yesterday, the Metropolitan Council received a Letter of No Prejudice from the Federal Transit Administration, clearing the way for construction to begin on the Southwest Light Rail Transit project.
Hennepin County accepting applications for citizen advisory board vacancies (November 14)
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners is recruiting volunteers for 28 citizen advisory board positions through its annual open appointment process.
Witness a special day for families – Hennepin County's National Adoption Day celebration (November 13)
On National Adoption Day, Saturday, November 17, 38 children will have a chance at a new beginning, and 22 families will embark on a new chapter in their lives together.
Event details for World War I armistice, November 11 (November 9)
The community will join in recognizing Veterans Day and the 100th anniversary of World War I armistice on Sunday, November 11, along Victory Memorial Drive and 45th Avenue North, at the flagpole plaza.
Hennepin County voter turnout results (November 7)
Unofficial election results were 100% reported for all of Hennepin County as of 2:43 a.m. In the 2018 election, 631,100 people cast a ballot in Hennepin County. Of these, 182,400 cast absentee ballots and 448,700 voted at their polling place on Election Day.
Special levies will fund water quality projects (November 6)
The board approved special levies for four watershed management commissions that do not have the ability to levy taxes on their own for water quality improvement projects.
Event will recognize World War I a century later (November 6)
The community will join in recognizing Veterans Day and the 100th anniversary of World War I armistice on Sunday, November 11, along Victory Memorial Drive.
Hennepin County to share voter turnout results early November 7 (November 6)
Hennepin County will share unofficial voter turnout results after all precincts in the county from all 45 cities are 100% reported.
Hennepin County weekly voting progress (November 5)
Each week, Hennepin County will provide the latest stats on absentee voting progress. The county has more than 766,000 pre-registered voters for the Minnesota general election. Voters can register at their polling place on Election Day, November 6.
Media Advisory: Find Election Day stories in Hennepin County (November 5)
Visit Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Minneapolis and Plymouth. Hennepin County anticipates high turnout across our 418 precincts.
October
Hennepin County weekly voting progress (October 29)
Each week, Hennepin County will provide the latest stats on absentee voting progress and pre-registered voters for the 2018 Minnesota general election. Absentee voting in Minnesota began Friday, September 21. Ballots issued since Monday, October 22 – 25,200.
County board actions (October 25)
The board accepted funding to direct people in crisis away from the criminal justice system, accepted funding to support student success inside and outside of school, appointed the executive director of Hennepin Health and more.
Vote early October 30-November 5 (October 24)
Eligible voters will place their ballots directly into a ballot counter when voting in person October 30-November 5.
Hennepin County weekly voting progress (October 22)
Each week, Hennepin County will provide the latest stats on absentee voting progress and pre-registered voters for the 2018 Minnesota general election. Absentee voting in Minnesota began Friday, September 21. Total ballots received and accepted (mail and in-person absentee voting) – 52,000. Ballots received and accepted since Monday, October 15 – 20,700.
Hennepin County weekly voting progress (October 15)
Each week, Hennepin County will provide the latest stats on absentee voting progress and pre-registered voters for the 2018 Minnesota general election. Absentee voting in Minnesota began Friday, September 21
County board actions: lead poisoning prevention, behavioral health triage (October 9)
The board accepted a grant to expand outreach in communities at risk of lead poisoning, approved the initial design for a mental and chemical health triage space, accepted funding to provide housing and services to residents of the Minneapolis homeless encampment and more.
Hennepin County weekly voting progress (October 8)
Each week, Hennepin County will provide the latest stats on absentee voting progress and pre-registered voters for the 2018 Minnesota general election. Absentee voting in Minnesota began Friday, September 21.
“Getting to the Heart of the Matter, A History of Cardiac Care” on display in Hennepin Gallery (October 3)
The Hennepin Medical History Center will present an exhibit, “Getting to the Heart of the Matter, A History of Cardiac Care,” in the Hennepin County Government Center Government Gallery. The exhibit is on display October 3 through November 28.
Hennepin County weekly voting progress (October 1)
Each week, Hennepin County will provide the latest stats on absentee voting progress and pre-registered voters for the 2018 Minnesota general election. Absentee voting in Minnesota began Friday, September 21.
September
County board actions (September 25)
The board approves maximum tax levies for 2019, designates funding for tree canopy improvement grants and more.
Public parking unavailable at Government Center October 1 – November 19 (September 24)
The Hennepin County Government Center parking garage will close to the public October 1 – November 19 for a planned construction project.
County administrator proposes 2019 budget (September 18)
On Tuesday, Hennepin County Administrator David Hough proposed a 2019 budget of $2.4 billion to the Hennepin County Board.
Absentee voting for 2018 election begins Friday (September 17)
Vote early September 21 – November 5. All eligible voters in Hennepin County can vote absentee — either in person or by mail — beginning Friday, September 21.
License/ID services unavailable September 28 – 29 (September 10)
All Hennepin County service centers will be unable to process driver’s licenses, instruction permits and state ID transactions on Friday, September 28, and Saturday, September 29.
Update from Child Well-Being Advisory Committee (September 7)
At today’s Hennepin County Board briefing, members of the Child Well-Being Advisory Committee presented highlights from the first full year of work to flip child welfare from a crisis-response system to a child well-being model.
County board actions (September 6)
The board accepted a grant to permanently preserve natural areas, set a public hearing on proposed revisions to the county's recycling ordinance and more.
$2 million in transportation safety projects will respond to community concerns (September 6)
Hennepin County is investing $2 million to address transportation safety concerns voiced by residents of urban, suburban and rural communities across the county.
Child Well-Being Advisory Committee update (September 5)
Members of the Child Well-Being Advisory Committee will update the Hennepin County Board at a briefing Thursday morning. Committee members, including Commissioner Mike Opat, will report to the board.
Volunteer sought for vacancy on Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Board (September 4)
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners seeks applicants for a vacancy on the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Board.
August
County board actions (August 21)
The board awarded bikeway grants, accepted funding for a study on disparities within health care and criminal justice systems, approved a contract to provide legal representation for people facing deportation and more.
Find Election Day stories in Hennepin County (August 13)
Hennepin County anticipates high turnout across our 418 precincts.
Hennepin County weekly voting progress (August 13)
Each week, Hennepin County will provide the latest stats on absentee voting progress for the 2018 Minnesota primary.
Hennepin County responding to cyberattack (August 9)
A sophisticated email cyberattack accessed employee email accounts by using credentials obtained through phishing emails that began arriving at the end of June.
Probationers will gain job skills working on library, parks construction projects (August 7)
The board approved contracts that provide jobs for people on probation, voted to accept funding to help people with serious mental and chemical health challenges re-enter the workforce and more.
Hennepin County weekly voting progress (August 6)
Each week, Hennepin County will provide the latest stats on absentee voting progress and pre-registered voters for the 2018 Minnesota primary.
Vote early for state primary August 7-13 (August 2)
Hennepin County eligible voters can directly place their ballots into a ballot counter when voting in person the week before the Minnesota primary.
Go outside with Hennepin County for fitness, family fun and more (August 2)
Join in Go Outside with Hennepin County events this August for fitness classes, family fun, the Minneapolis Farmers Market, piano performances and more. There is no cost to attend any of the following events.
Go shopping and save the environment with Choose to Reuse coupons (August 1)
Now through October 31, redeem Choose to Reuse coupons to save money, support local businesses and protect the environment.
July
County Board Actions (July 24)
The board voted Tuesday to approve the initial design for the regional medical examiner's facility, a feasibility study on a mental health housing option, a lease to operate a restaurant at the South Minneapolis Human Service Center and more.
Hennepin County weekly voting progress (July 23)
Each week, Hennepin County will provide the latest stats on absentee voting progress and pre-registered voters for the 2018 Minnesota primary.
Lawsuit agreements keep Southwest Light Rail project moving forward (July 19)
The Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) held a special meeting Thursday to consider approval of agreements related to settlement of a lawsuit by a freight rail company. Twin Cities & Western Railroad Company was challenging property transfers proposed for the Southwest LRT project.
Board to consider agreements related to Southwest LRT freight lawsuit settlement (July 18)
Meeting to consider authorizing the HCRRA Chair to execute consent to construction and co-location agreements between the Metropolitan Council and Twin Cities & Western Railroad Company, Thursday, July 19, 2018, immediately following an 8:30 a.m. closed legal briefing with the board on this matter.
Hennepin County weekly voting progress (July 16)
Each week, Hennepin County will provide the latest stats on absentee voting progress and pre-registered voters for the 2018 Minnesota primary.
July 24 is pre-registration deadline for Minnesota primary (July 12)
From now until Tuesday, July 24, eligible voters can save time by pre-registering to vote for the Minnesota primary, which will occur Tuesday, August 14.
June
County board actions (June 26)
The board adopted a plan to mitigate disasters, approved a new structure to meet demand of child protection court cases and approved a contract to expand early learning spaces in libraries.
Board requests update on use of ketamine (June 25)
Hennepin Healthcare System will give an update to the Hennepin County Board on use of the sedative ketamine Tuesday, June 26, board meeting convenes at 1:30 p.m., board room (A-2400), Hennepin County Government Center, 300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis.
Absentee voting for 2018 primary election begins June 29 (June 21)
Vote early through August 13. All eligible voters in Hennepin County can vote absentee—either in-person or by mail—beginning Friday, June 29.
“Hennepin History Museum: Celebrating 80 years” on display in Hennepin Gallery through August 16 (June 21)
The Hennepin Gallery exhibit of photos, artifacts, and archival items shows the diverse history of Hennepin County. All seven county districts are represented.
County board actions (June 12)
The board approved a grant for a new NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center dental clinic, reappointed the county surveyor, approved a contract to build office space at the Penn-Plymouth intersection in Minneapolis and more.
Schedule of outdoor movies, trivia at Target Field Station (June 7)
Hennepin County is hosting free movie and trivia nights this summer at Target Field Station in partnership with the Minneapolis Downtown Council and the Minnesota Twins.
Volunteers sought for Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed District Board (June 6)
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners is accepting applications for two vacancies on the Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed District Board.
New county leader will guide work to reduce disparities for residents (June 5)
Hennepin County’s director of disparity reduction, Alex Tittle, began his role this spring.
Election judges needed in Hennepin County (June 4)
Serving as an election judge is a great way to learn about the elections process and provide an important service to the community.
Hennepin County to hold 2018 Health and Safety Fair (June 4)
Hennepin County experts and more than 25 exhibitors will share resources on health and safety topics. Attendees can learn tips for staying safe at work and at home.
May
Votes keep Southwest Light Rail project moving (May 31)
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners held special meetings today to discuss the METRO Green Line Extension (Southwest LRT) project and hear from the public.
County board actions (May 22)
The Hennepin County Board approved funding to support families, named a new county highway engineer, accepted funding for withdrawal management services and more.
How healthy are we? Hennepin County Public Health seeks data and solutions (May 14)
Between May and September 2018, 40,000 randomly selected Hennepin County households will receive the 2018 SHAPE survey in the mail.
County board actions (May 8)
The board approved initial designs for Eden Prairie Library renovations and funding agreements to help small businesses grow, recognized correctional officers, awarded funding for affordable housing and transit oriented development projects and set the date for a public hearing on the solid waste management fee.
April
Autonomous shuttle demonstration this weekend on Midtown Greenway (April 27)
Hennepin County is partnering with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and other agencies and community organizations to demonstrate use of the EasyMile EZ10 electric autonomous shuttle on a two-block section of the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis this weekend, April 27-29.
Minneapolis Farmers Market returns Tuesdays to Government Center (April 25)
The Minneapolis Farmers Market will return to the Hennepin County Government Center South Plaza from May – October.
County board actions (April 24)
The board approved an action aiming to reduce contracting disparities, awarded grants to improve recycling in public spaces, approved a lease agreement for temporary youth library services at Sabathani Community Center and more.
Campaign furthers work to end HIV epidemic (April 23)
Hennepin County is among the first U.S. government agencies to join an international campaign to share new information about how HIV treatment also prevents its spread.
Autonomous shuttle demonstration on Midtown Greenway rescheduled (April 20)
Due to the recent spring snowstorm, Hennepin County’s autonomous shuttle demonstration on a two-block stretch of the Midtown Greenway, originally planned for this weekend, has been rescheduled for next weekend, April 27 to 29.
Communities hosting Earth Day, Arbor Day events across county (April 19)
While the wintry weather may have changed some springtime plans, many Earth Day and Arbor Day events are happening this April and May across the county.
County kicks off 2018 construction season (April 12)
This week marks the beginning of Hennepin County’s transportation construction season. During 2018, the county will deliver on several projects designed to get residents around safely and efficiently.
County board actions (April 10)
The board awarded Hennepin Youth Sports grants, approved an initial design for a juvenile probation office in north Minneapolis and more.
State of the County address describes community’s successes, challenges (April 10)
At the State of the County address Tuesday morning, County Board Chair Jan Callison detailed how the county is responding proactively to challenges in multiple areas, including affordable housing, public safety, transportation, human services and health and workforce challenges and opportunities.
County will activate sirens during Severe Weather Awareness Week (April 9)
As part of a statewide tornado drill, the county will activate outdoor warning sirens at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. on April 12.
Citizen scientists needed to monitor wetlands (April 5)
Interested adults and families can now register for the Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP). As part of this program, volunteers will work with other citizens on a team from their area to monitor bugs and plants in wetlands.
County Board Chair Jan Callison to give State of the County Address Tuesday (April 4)
Hennepin County Board Chair Jan Callison will give an address on Tuesday summarizing the county's successes, innovations and challenges.
Residents can build healthy habits during Step to it challenge (April 4)
Registration is now open for Hennepin County’s Step to it challenge, a physical activity program that encourages people of all ages and abilities to become more active.
“The Americans in Tours: 1917-1919” on display in Hennepin Gallery April 3 through May 30 (April 2)
Minneapolis and representatives from Tours, France, a Minneapolis Sister City, are proud to present “The Americans in Tours (les américains à tours): 1917-1919,” an exhibit commemorating the 100th anniversary of World War I that will be on display in the Hennepin Gallery at the Hennepin County Government Center.
March
Hennepin County chief medical examiner receives international recognition (March 28)
Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Andrew Baker recently garnered recognition from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) for his contributions to the forensic pathology profession.
County board actions (March 27)
The board awarded grants to prevent the spread of AIS, accepted a grant to fight opioid abuse among people experiencing homelessness and more.
See how residents are connecting with open data at Geo:Code 2018 (March 22)
People of all backgrounds and skills will use open data to develop solutions to community challenges at Geo:Code 2018.
County board actions (March 13)
Program will help cities improve building energy efficiency and project to improve safety of Highway 252 enters next phase.
February
25 Drug Court graduates celebrate recovery (February 23)
During a commencement ceremony Friday, Hennepin County Drug Court recognized 25 graduates who overcame addiction and abstained from repeating the behaviors that brought them to court.
County board actions (February 22)
Voting Thursday, the board approved funding to continue combatting youth sex trafficking, approved an agreement for an autonomous shuttle test, approved funding for free home health and safety inspections and more.
25 to graduate from Hennepin County Drug Court (February 22)
Hennepin County Drug Court is hosting a commencement ceremony for 25 graduates. This court works with offenders to complete drug treatment programs.
County accepting applications for citizen advisory boards (February 7)
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners is recruiting volunteers for the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Board and Lower Minnesota River Watershed District Board.
County board actions (February 6)
The board approved designs for an expanded NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center and Hennepin County Library - Southeast and awarded grants for natural resources projects and clean-up of contaminated sites.
January
Super Bowl to alter some county service hours and locations (January 25)
Hennepin County remains open for business during Super Bowl events, although some services may be limited or moved to other locations.
County board actions (January 23)
Pilot program aims to keep more North Minneapolis residents in their homes.
“Minnesota Black History 101: A celebration of Black life, history and culture in Minnesota” on display in Hennepin Gallery through March 28 (January 19)
The exhibit features artifacts, memorabilia and narratives offering a unique glimpse into the lives of Minnesota’s pioneering African Americans.
Super Bowl to alter some county service hours and locations (January 17)
Hennepin County remains open for business during Super Bowl events, although some services may be limited or moved to other locations.
Board reappoints Commissioner Jan Callison as chair (January 2)
At its annual organization meeting on Tuesday, the Hennepin County Board unanimously voted to reappoint District 6 Commissioner Jan Callison as chair for 2018. Commissioner Callison has served as chair since 2015.