County board reappoints Commissioner Marion Greene as chair (January 4)

The Hennepin County Board has reappointed District 3 Commissioner Marion Greene as chair. 

Hennepin County signs on to opioid settlement (December 21)

Hennepin County has agreed to participate in a nationwide settlement of claims brought against opioid distributors and manufacturers. Together with the proposed bankruptcy settlements of two opioid manufacturers, participation in the nationwide settlement could bring up to $50 million to Hennepin County to address the opioid crisis.

METRO Blue Line Extension seeking members for Anti-Displacement Workgroup (December 20)

The METRO Blue Line Extension project is seeking applications from community members for a new Anti-Displacement Workgroup. Members will help guide anti-displacement strategies and policy development by providing personal insight, local expertise and direct connections to communities impacted by the project.

County board adopts 2022 budget (December 14)

On Tuesday, the Hennepin County Board approved a 2022 budget of $2.46 billion. The budget includes an $899 million property tax levy – an increase of $30 million from the 2021 budget. The approved budget and levy include both the operating and capital budgets.

Hennepin County encourages residents to take COVID-19 safety steps this holiday season (December 7)

Getting vaccinated is the most important step that Minnesotans can take to protect themselves against COVID-19, including variants like Omicron. In addition to first and second doses, Hennepin County is offering booster doses at its vaccine events and clinics. People who receive a COVID-19 booster or other vaccine dose at a Hennepin County event or clinic are eligible for a $50 Visa gift card, while supplies last.

Temporary access changes at Government Center during upcoming Kim Potter trial (November 22)

During the upcoming State vs. Kim Potter trial, there will be temporary changes in how to access the Hennepin County Government Center. The building will remain open to the public.

Hennepin County launches childhood immunization campaign (November 17)

The county is launching a new ad campaign and employing outreach strategies to connect families to childhood immunization resources.

Federal funding will modernize and protect technology, maintain safe facility ventilation (November 16)

The board accepted federal funds to meet new technology needs and maintain facility air quality. Funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Hennepin County budget (Truth in Taxation) meeting is November 30 (November 16)

Hennepin County will hold a public meeting on the proposed 2022 budget and property tax levy – commonly called the truth in taxation meeting – on Tuesday, November 30.

Disparity Reduction Vision and Priorities Report and website (November 8)

Since 2013, thousands of committed county employees have focused on developing innovative strategies and creating powerful solutions around seven interconnected disparity domains: education, employment, income, health, housing, justice and transportation.

Local artists will showcase their work in upcoming digital Hennepin Gallery exhibit (November 1)

Forecast Public Art and Hennepin County will host an online gallery exhibit highlighting the work of Twin Cities artists Kprecia Ambers, Philipo Dyauli and Connor Rice.

County designates federal funding to strengthen public health capacity (October 26)

The Hennepin County Board has designated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to strengthen public health capacity in Hennepin County to meet the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, and address the ever-present need to prevent, protect and promote the health of all residents.

County designates federal funding for equitable economic recovery, new shelter facility (October 5)

The board designated federal funds for economic recovery and a new emergency shelter. Funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act.

METRO Blue Line Extension project selects CURA to lead anti-displacement work (September 22)

Hennepin County Board of Commissioners took action to approve a contract with the Center of Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) on September 21, 2021, to establish an Anti-Displacement Workgroup related to the design and construction of the METRO Blue Line Extension light rail. This action to invest in anti-displacement is intended to support corridor residents, businesses, and equitable development in the corridor.

Board approves 3.5% levy increase in 2021 budget (September 21)

The board voted Tuesday to approve an $899.6 million maximum property tax levy. This is an increase of 3.5% from the adjusted 2021 budget.

County designates federal funding to connect people to jobs, combat hate incidents and more (September 23)

The county board has designated American Rescue Plan Act funding to connect people to jobs, combat hate crimes and incidents and more.

Hennepin County administrator proposes 3.5% levy increase in 2022 budget (September 14)

On Tuesday, Hennepin County Administrator David Hough proposed a 2022 budget of $2.4 billion to the Hennepin County Board. The proposed net property tax levy is $899.6 million — an increase of 3.5% after holding the budget flat for 2021.

Hennepin County and City of Minneapolis launch Hennepin Homeownership Preservation Program (September 14)

Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis announced today they have partnered with Minnesota Homeownership Center to create and administer the Hennepin Homeownership Preservation Program (HHPP). HHPP is promoting foreclosure prevention advising to Hennepin County homeowners, and limited financial assistance may be available under certain circumstances.

County administrator to propose 2022 budget (September 14)

Today, Hennepin County Administrator David Hough will propose a 2022 budget to the county board.

Hennepin County commits $20M to meet increasing need for behavioral health services (September 7)

The county has set aside $20 million to increase equity and access to mental health supports.

Hennepin County invests $10M to improve maternal health (September 7)

Hennepin County has set aside $10 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to support critical maternal and child public health activities, create community-initiated solutions, and evaluate programs to improve maternal health outcomes for people and communities experiencing poor outcomes, especially Black and Indigenous mothers in Hennepin County.

Face coverings again required inside county buildings (August 3)

Face coverings will again be required inside Hennepin County buildings starting Wednesday, August 4, due to the highly transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19 spreading in our community.

Hennepin County joins coalition of Minnesota employers requiring COVID-19 vaccinations (August 17)

Today the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners adopted a requirement for employees, contractors, and volunteers to attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status and show proof of vaccination by October 1, 2021 or to comply with regular, mandatory COVID-19 testing.

County commits almost $74M to equitable housing relief and recovery activities (August 18)

On Tuesday, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners voted to allocate $73.7 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to support short- and long-term pandemic recovery efforts that will increase affordable housing, reduce homelessness and support renters at risk of eviction.

Hennepin County increases investment in incentives to sustain momentum on vaccinations (August 19)

On Tuesday, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved an additional $650,000 for Hennepin County’s vaccine incentive program, bringing the total funding allocated to $1 million.

Hennepin County offering COVID-19 vaccine incentives (July 1)

On June 15, 2021, the Hennepin County Board authorized the use of $100,000 in federal funding for COVID-19 vaccine incentives.

Hennepin County board authorizes $10M toward eliminating digital divide (July 20)

On Tuesday, July 20, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners authorized the use of up to $10 million in federal funding to continue the county’s efforts in eliminating the digital divide. A newly created Office of Broadband and Digital Inclusion will take action to reduce disparities in access to broadband internet and support for digital literacy.

Hennepin County and Hennepin Healthcare to co-locate services in South Minneapolis (June 28)

Later this year, Hennepin County and Hennepin Healthcare will co-locate services and find new ways of serving residents at the South Minneapolis Human Service Center.

Wayzata Sailing partners with artists to educate about aquatic invasive species (June 26)

Wayzata Sailing, a US Sailing Community Sailing Center, received an aquatic invasive species prevention grant from Hennepin County to work with artists to create sails to educate the public about aquatic invasive species (AIS).

Government Center to temporarily close to public Friday (June 24)

The Hennepin County Government Center will be closed to the public this Friday, June 25, in preparation for the sentencing of Derek Chauvin.

Hennepin County helps keep public beach water safe for recreation and swimming (June 21)

Each summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Hennepin County Public Health samples and analyzes the water at local public swimming beaches at least once per week. Beach water inspections help prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses and keep beaches safe for recreation and swimming. The county has the authority to close contaminated beaches.

Hennepin County changes face covering requirements in county buildings (June 16)

Visitors and employees who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear face coverings in Hennepin County buildings. Visitors and employees who are not fully vaccinated remain required to wear face coverings. Fully vaccinated is defined as 14 days after the last dose in a person’s vaccine series. Children under 5 years of age are exempt from this requirement.

County service closures for Juneteenth holiday (June 15)

Most Hennepin County offices and service areas will have different hours this week due to the Juneteenth holiday.

Hennepin County hosts marriage license event (June 4)

Hennepin County is hosting a marriage license event at two service center locations, Ridgedale and Brookdale, Saturday, June 12 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Hennepin County establishes Juneteenth as a paid holiday for staff (May 18)

On Tuesday, county commissioners established Juneteenth as a paid holiday for Hennepin County employees.

Plan ahead for in-person appointments (May 13)

Slots are filling up quickly for marriage and driver's license services

Hennepin County approves record $17.1M for affordable housing projects (May 12)

On Tuesday, May 11, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners, acting as the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, approved $17.1 million to support 27 affordable housing and development projects — the largest amount of funding ever awarded by the board at once to support affordable housing.

Hennepin County partners with over 29 organizations on vaccine events (May 10)

Hennepin County is partnering with community organizations to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. Since March, the county has partnered with over 29 organizations to host more than 17 community vaccination events, administering thousands of doses of the vaccine.

Hennepin County adopts climate action plan (May 4)

On Tuesday, the county board adopted the county’s first Climate Action Plan that outlines how the county will act boldly on climate change. The plan prioritizes disparity reduction and serves as a strong foundation for a coordinated approach to planning, policy development and response to climate change.

Hennepin County continues mask distribution (April 29)

Hennepin County continues to distribute free cloth masks to people and organizations in the county who need them most. Our goal is to ensure that everyone in the community who needs a mask can get one.

After Chauvin trial some service options changing at Government Center (April 23)

Hennepin County remains committed to providing services to residents during the ongoing pandemic and following the trial of Derek Chauvin.

County will activate outdoor warning sirens during Severe Weather Awareness Week (April 12)

April 15 is the day of Minnesota’s statewide tornado drill. Hennepin County will participate by sounding outdoor warning sirens twice, once at 1:45 p.m. for those in schools or businesses and a second time at 6:45 p.m. for families.

County Board Chair sends personal thanks to President for $240 million of COVID-19 aid (March 25)

Hennepin County Board Chair Commissioner Greene is acknowledging President Joe Biden for his support in helping address challenges brought on by COVID-19.

Board action aims to address racial disparities in employment and business (March 23)

Hennepin County is working to increase employment and business opportunities for people of color.

Hennepin County looks to raise minimum wage to $20 for employees (March 16)

Hennepin County Board Chair Marion Greene introduced a measure today that would raise the hourly minimum wage for county employees from $15 per hour to $20 per hour.

Government Center services to relocate during Chauvin trial; pandemic service changes continue (February 26)

Hennepin County remains committed to providing services to residents during the ongoing pandemic and during the upcoming trial of Derek Chauvin, who is charged with murder in the death of George Floyd.

Statement from Hennepin County Board Chair Marion Greene on Security Preparations for Trial of Derek Chauvin (February 22)

In preparation for the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with murder in the death of George Floyd, security measures are being taken, including secured fencing around the Hennepin County Government Center. The County provides facilities for Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District, which is the venue for this trial.

County board reappoints Commissioner Marion Greene as chair (January 5)

On Tuesday, the Hennepin County Board voted to reappoint District 3 Commissioner Marion Greene as chair for 2021.

Working toward a better future for exploited youth (January 27)

Youth who are sexually exploited, trafficked or at risk of being exploited will have hope for a better future with improved access to education, health care, child protection, emergency shelter and housing. They also will benefit from an improved partnership between victim and survivor service providers and law enforcement.

December

Hennepin County begins vaccinating first responders (December 29)

Starting at 7:30 a.m. this morning, Hennepin County began vaccinating first responders with the county’s initial shipment of the Moderna, Inc. COVID-19 vaccine.

Elected officials will take office Monday, January 4 (December 28)

The following Hennepin County elected officials will begin their terms Monday at a virtual oath of office ceremony.

County board adopts 2021 budget (December 15)

On Tuesday, the Hennepin County Board approved a 2021 budget of $2.2 billion. The budget includes an $869 million property tax levy — unchanged from the 2020 budget.

County board actions (December 15)

• Board adopts 2021 budget
• $25 million for additional small business relief
• NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center campus expansion moves forward
• Establishing 911/Mental Health Task Force
• Funding for youth behavioral health
• 2021 Youth Sports awards

Hennepin County accepting applications for citizen advisory board vacancies (December 14)

The Hennepin County Board is recruiting volunteers for 23 citizen advisory board positions through its annual open appointment process.

Hennepin County distributing tens of thousands of masks per month (December 14)

Hennepin County continues supplying masks to people and organizations in the county who need them most. The county is distributing tens of thousands of masks per month with a goal of ensuring that everyone in the community who needs a mask can get one.

A return to art! Hennepin Gallery reopens with digital exhibit exploring cultural heritage (December 2)

Cultural heritage is explored in vivid color by two artists in Hennepin Gallery’s latest exhibit opening December 1, Principles of Posterity.

November

Grants will fund projects targeting mental wellbeing, housing stability (November 30)

Hennepin County’s Community Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP) has awarded grants to community organizations to work on projects that target mental wellbeing and housing stability.

Hennepin County budget (Truth in Taxation) meeting is December 1 (November 25)

Hennepin County will hold a public meeting on the proposed 2021 budget and property tax levy — commonly called the truth in taxation meeting — on Tuesday, December 1.

Hennepin County Ryan White program celebrates its 25th year with a virtual event on December 1 (November 24)

Hennepin County’s Ryan White program is marking its 25th year as an essential lifeline for people living with HIV/AIDS in Hennepin County and statewide.

County board actions (November 18)

• COVID-19 saliva testing events
• Supporting bars and restaurants impacted by COVID-19
• Supporting food security
• $2.1 M for development projects that enhance transit use
• Special levies for water quality improvement projects
• Funding to divert people from jail to behavioral health services

Hennepin County awards mini grants to individuals with a plan to improve community mental wellbeing and housing stability (November 16)

Hennepin County’s Community Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP) has announced the recipients of its second round of cross-sector innovation initiative (CSII) mini grants in 2020. Grants were awarded to six community members who submitted a project proposal that addresses the impact of COVID-19 on community mental wellbeing and housing stability.

Hennepin County delivers 1 million masks and counting (November 14)

Hennepin County has delivered more than 1 million masks to Hennepin County residents as it continues to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Hennepin County voter turnout results (November 13)

Hennepin County certifies election results for the 2020 state general election.

County canvassing board meeting tonight at 6 p.m. (November 13)

The Hennepin County Canvassing Board will meet to take actions related to the 2020 State General Election.

Hennepin County & Minneapolis Regional Chamber Launch Elevate Business HC to Support Economic Growth (November 12)

Today Hennepin County and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber announce the launch of Elevate Business HC, a public-private initiative offering pro-bono services to businesses located in Hennepin County.

Hennepin County accepting applications for citizen advisory board vacancies (November 12)

The Hennepin County Board is recruiting volunteers for 23 citizen advisory board positions through its annual open appointment process.

County board actions (November 3)

• Celebrating National Adoption Month
• Task force to support affordable housing
• Laptops for people affected by COVID-19
• Safety measures for youth sports

Election Week media resources/info (November 2)

Members of the media are invited to attend question and answer sessions with Hennepin County Elections Manager Ginny Gelms.

October

Commissioner Johnson to retire from county board and work with nonprofit Can Do Canines (October 30)

Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson will leave the county board in early December to serve as Executive Director at Can Do Canines, a nonprofit organization that raises and trains service dogs for people with disabilities.

Update: Extended Stay America hotel in Bloomington

Hennepin County has decided not to proceed with the purchase of the Extended Stay America hotel in Bloomington. Due to timing constraints associated with CARES Act funding and the complexity of a deal of this size, Hennepin County has determined the allocated resources would be more impactful if used in other ways to protect and support residents during the pandemic.

As we have since the beginning of the pandemic, Hennepin County remains committed to providing protective housing and safe alternative accommodations for people experiencing homelessness who are at high-risk of dangerous complications from COVID-19. 

Opat to leave Hennepin County Board November 7 (October 27)

District 1 Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat will leave the county board on November 7, two months before the end of his current term. He did not seek re-election this year.

Hennepin County starts counting ballots (October 22)

The process of counting mail-in and early in-person absentee ballots is underway in Hennepin County. Minnesota law allows the counting of cast ballots to begin two weeks before the election.

County board actions (October 21)

• Hotel purchase for protective housing
• Indoor Villages shelter program
• Low-barrier housing program
• Staff to operate protective housing at hotel sites
• Emergency assistance for affordable housing property owners
• Business recovery network
• Emergency shelter for women
• Disavowing discriminatory covenants
• Ending Hennepin County leases

Local and state leaders: Come inside — more spaces becoming available this winter for people experiencing homelessness (October 20)

Partners from the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County and State of Minnesota are coming together to encourage people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Hennepin County to come inside as winter weather arrives.

Media availability with Hennepin County Elections Manager Ginny Gelms (October 8)

Voting for the 2020 general election is in full swing in Minnesota. As of Monday, October 5, Hennepin County had issued 417,900 absentee ballots and accepted 127,600 of them.

Hennepin County's role in contact tracing after private fundraising event for President Trump (October 2)

Hennepin County Public Health is aware that the President participated in a fundraising event that took place at a residence in the county, during his infectious period. We learned about this event through the local media. From media reports it appears that a number of people may have had close contact with the President that may have resulted in exposure to COVID-19.

September

County board actions (September 29)

• Board approves 0% levy increase in 2021 budget
• Hennepin Healthcare’s response to COVID-19
• Purchasing alternative living spaces for people experiencing homelessness
• Technology for households impacted by COVID-19
• Preserving community ownership of damaged properties
• Property tax relief for damaged properties
• Reimbursement to Sheriff’s Office for overtime
• Ending Hennepin County leases

Media availability: Early voting begins on Friday (September 17)

Absentee voting begins in Minnesota on Friday, September 18, for the 2020 presidential/general election.

Join Hennepin County Elections Manager Ginny Gelms for an update and questions and answers on absentee voting.

Hennepin County administrator proposes zero percent levy increase in 2021 budget (September 15)

On Tuesday, Hennepin County Administrator David Hough proposed a 2021 budget of $2.2 billion to the Hennepin County Board. This is a total decrease of more than $300 million dollars from the proposed 2020 budget.

County administrator to propose 2021 budget (September 15)

Today, Hennepin County Administrator David Hough will propose a 2021 budget to the county board.

County board actions (September 1)

• Preventing COVID-19 spread at long-term care facilities
• Mitigating COVID-19 spread at emergency shelters
• Providing emergency relief for human services organizations
• Additional resources for absentee voting

August

30 days left to make sure everyone is counted in the 2020 Census (August 31)

At a press conference Monday morning, community members and local leaders from Minneapolis, Hennepin County and the State of Minnesota discussed their concerns about making sure everyone is counted by the September 30 census deadline.

Media advisory: Hennepin County could be undercounted in the census (August 28)

Community members and local leaders from Minneapolis, Hennepin County and the State of Minnesota discuss their concerns about making sure everyone is counted by the September 30 census deadline.

Absentee ballot numbers (August 14)

Voters in Hennepin County cast more votes in this year’s primary election than in any primary election for the past 30 years.

Absentee ballot numbers (August 11)

County board actions (August 11)

• COVID-19
  • Emergency housing assistance
  • Technology for households impacted by COVID-19
  • Additional materials for library e-collection
  • Americorps members to assist at hotel sites
• Juneteenth

News: Prepare for Primary Election Day tomorrow (August 10)

New for the 2020 State Primary, Hennepin County elections will report results on election night and continue to update the results until all accepted ballots have been counted by Friday, August 14, 2020.

Project partners announce new direction for METRO Blue Line Extension (August 3)

After years of unsuccessful discussions with BNSF Railway regarding colocation of light rail transit and freight rail in the Bottineau Corridor, BNSF Railway remains unwilling to allow the METRO Blue Line Extension (Bottineau Light Rail Transit) project to be built on its property. Hennepin County and the Metropolitan Council now feel it is time to work with agency and community partners to explore opportunities to advance this critical project without using BNSF Railway right of way.\

July

Hennepin County board passed additional CARES Act funding (July 29)

On July 28, the county board approved CARES Act funding to support housing stabilization, low barrier emergency shelter, and a public information campaign.

Hennepin County awards grants to improve community mental wellbeing and housing stability (July 22)

Hennepin County’s Community Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP) announced this week the recipients of its first ever cross-sector innovation initiative (CSII) mini grants. The grants were awarded to eight individuals in the community who submitted a project proposal that addresses the impact of COVID-19 on community mental wellbeing and housing stability.

Hennepin County weekly voting progress for the 2020 primary election (July 13)

Each week, Hennepin County will provide the latest stats on absentee voting for the 2020 Minnesota primary election. Absentee voting began Friday, June 26. If you’d like to receive these weekly updates in your inbox, sign up for our elections newsletter.

June

County board actions (June 30)

• Board declares racism a public health crisis
• Naloxone distribution at county jail and high-risk communities
• Citizen advisory board appointments

Hennepin County: Racism is a public health crisis (June 30)

Today, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution declaring racism as a public health crisis.

Absentee voting for 2020 primary election is open (June 29)

The 2020 primary election kicked off on June 26 with the start of absentee voting. This year, Hennepin County is emphasizing the ability to vote by mail to ensure all eligible residents can safely participate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

County board actions (June 11)

• $3.5M CARES Act funding to support absentee voting
• $1.7M for multidisciplinary approach to combat COVID-19
• Request for aid to restore, rebuild properties damaged during civil unrest
• $1M of CARES Act funding to support summer youth programs
• Distance learning resources for youth

MSP counties, private sector leaders unite to support small businesses affected by COVID-19 (June 9)

Today, a broad coalition of Twin Cities counties, chambers of commerce, community development agencies and other partners are announcing Business4Business Minneapolis-Saint Paul (B4B MSP), a regional coalition that aims to build a local support network to help small businesses survive and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges facing our small business community.

Cooling centers available (June 8)

In a normal year, more than 600 Americans die of complications from overheating. Young children, senior citizens and people who are sick or overweight are most vulnerable.
To escape the heat, view our interactive map to find cooling centers throughout Hennepin County.

Floyd autopsy report (June 3)

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner, with the consent and cooperation of Mr. George Floyd’s family and their legal representatives, is releasing the autopsy report for Mr. Floyd. This is being done in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 13.83, Subd. 7, which requires a court order to release an autopsy report to the public.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner cannot expound upon, or respond to any questions about, the contents of the autopsy report. To do so at this time would potentially taint any future criminal or civil litigation related to Mr. Floyd’s death.

Please direct any media inquiries to Carolyn Marinan, Hennepin County Communications, at carolyn.marinan@hennepin.us.

Under Minnesota state law, the Medical Examiner is a neutral and independent office and is separate and distinct from any prosecutorial authority or law enforcement agency.

• Floyd, George Perry – Autopsy report (PDF)

County board actions (June 2)

• Small business relief investment reaches $25 million
• Culturally specific support for people experiencing homelessness
• Job search tools for those impacted by COVID-19
• Remembrance, reflection or service employee leave

May

County board actions (May 19)

• Hennepin County COVID-19 preparedness plan
• Federal CARES Act allotment
• New Hennepin County Library director appointed
• Housing and community development plans

18 housing and development projects receive $9.6 million in county funding (May 13)

Acting as the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the County Board has awarded $9.6 million to help fund 18 affordable housing, development and infrastructure projects.

County board actions (May 5)

• Testing and support for long-term care facilities
• Helping small businesses respond and recover
• Council on COVID-19 business recovery
• Emergency Rental Assistance
• Supports for youth involved with county services
• Request to extend government services waivers
• Updated board meeting calendar

Hennepin County providing services (May 4)

Hennepin County continues to evaluate our services to comply with the governor’s order. Assistance is available by phone or online for most county programs, and we continue to develop new ways to safely serve residents.

April

County board actions (April 21)

The board approved several items in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Small business and housing relief
• Partnering with local shelters to stand up more hotels for people experiencing homelessness
• Abatement of property tax penalty for certain taxpayers
• Budgeting for COVID-19 response

Hennepin County providing essential services (April 9)

Hennepin County continues to evaluate our services to comply with the governor’s order. Assistance is available by phone or online for most county programs, and we continue to develop new ways to safely serve residents.

County board actions (April 8)

• Additional funding for COVID-19 response
• Aquatic invasive species prevention
• Director appointment

Third hotel shelter dedicated to isolation spaces for people experiencing homelessness (April 3)

This week, Hennepin County stood up a third temporary shelter location at an area hotel to provide alternate accommodations for people experiencing homelessness in response to the continued spread of COVID-19.

March

Statement on COVID-19 related death (March 27)

Very sadly, we have learned of the first COVID-19 related death in Hennepin County.

County board actions: Update on COVID-19 response and more (March 26)

• Update on COVID-19 response
• Accepting COVID-19 funding
• Labor agreements

Hennepin County sets up drop-off locations for critical materials (March 22)

Hennepin County has created drop-off locations for items needed to protect people responding to the COVID-19 crisis.

130 people experiencing homelessness moved to alternative accommodations in response to COVID-19 (March 21)

Providing alternative accommodations for people experiencing homelessness who are at especially high-risk of COVID-19 (including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) has been a top priority for Hennepin County this week. Yesterday, staff moved 130 people out of congregate shelter settings into alternative living arrangements at area hotels.

County board actions: declaring continued local emergency, other actions related to COVID-19 (March 17)

• Declaring continued local emergency
• Agreement to provide quarantine and isolation spaces
• Support for Hennepin County employees
• County closures and service disruptions

Hennepin County closes public-facing services (March 16)

Hennepin County Board Chair Marion Greene declared a state of emergency in Hennepin County on Monday evening, March 16. This gives county leaders flexibility in our powers to make necessary and immediate decisions that protect the health and safety of our residents and employees.

County board actions (March 10)

• School-based mental health services
• Natural resources grants
• Changes to board meeting open forum
• Southwest Light Rail Transit
• Testing sexual assault kits
• Public hearing

“Your Table is Ready: Dining Out in Hennepin County through the Decades” in Hennepin Gallery March 4 through May 26 (March 4)

Hennepin Gallery is celebrating our love of food and fine dining in the new exhibit, “Your Table is Ready: Dining Out in Hennepin County Through the Decades.”

Absentee voting in the presidential nomination primary: If the candidate I voted for has dropped out, can I change my vote? (March 2)

If the voter’s absentee ballot has already been accepted, there is no way to vote again. At this point, that includes everyone who has already voted absentee in person.

Hennepin County weekly voting progress for presidential nomination primary (March 2)

February

Witness the absentee ballot counting process (February 26)

Hennepin County weekly voting progress for presidential nomination primary (February 24)

Minnesota’s presidential nomination primary to take place March 3 (February 21)

County board actions (February 18)

• Peer support to help pregnant moms recover from substance use disorders
• $2M to preserve naturally occurring affordable housing
• Protecting and restoring land in Minnetrista and Independence

Hennepin County weekly voting progress for presidential nomination primary (February 18)

Hennepin Health and Hennepin Healthcare get top prize in Healthcare Innovation awards program (February 12)

Hennepin Health and Hennepin Healthcare earned first place in the 2020 Innovator Awards Program presented by Healthcare Innovation.

Hennepin County weekly voting progress for presidential nomination primary (February 10)

County board actions (February 4)

• Black History Month
• Funding to clean up contaminated sites
• Healthy tree canopy grant awards
• Federal legislative platform

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder: Celebrating 85 years in Hennepin Gallery through February 28 (February 3)

Hennepin Gallery joins in celebrating the 85th anniversary of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) with a month-long exhibit. MSR is the oldest Black-owned newspaper in Minnesota and one of the longest running, family-owned newspapers in the country.

Hennepin County weekly voting progress for presidential nomination primary (February 3)

January

a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNHENNE/bulletins/2793a00">Pre-register to vote by February 11 for Minnesota’s presidential nomination primary (January 31)

Get ready to vote in the 2020 presidential nomination primary. Voters who meet the February 11 pre-registration deadline will save time at the polls on Election Day, March 3.

Weekly voting progress for presidential nomination primary (January 27)

Each week, Hennepin County will provide the latest stats on absentee voting for the 2020 Minnesota presidential nomination primary. Absentee voting in Minnesota began Friday, January 17.

Hennepin County accepting applications for new Race Equity Advisory Council (January 23)

Applications are now being accepted for Hennepin County’s new Race Equity Advisory Council. The 16-member council will advise both the county board and county administration on their vision and strategy, which focuses on confronting and overcoming barriers that impact many residents, especially those of color.

County board actions (January 21)

• $1.8M for affordable supportive housing
• Board approves contractor for regional medical examiner's facility
• County to replace assistive voting devices
• Updated: Ways to view board meetings

Absentee voting for the Minnesota 2020 presidential nomination primary begins January 17 (January 17)

All eligible voters in Hennepin County can vote absentee — either in-person or by mail — beginning Friday, January 17, for their party’s 2020 presidential nominee.

County board actions (January 7)

• Leadership appointments
• Refugee resettlement action

Government Center building and plaza rules (January 3)

Hennepin County buildings are public spaces. Established rules keep our employees and visitors safe, and ensure that business runs smoothly.

News advisory: Partners to discuss resource center for Drake Hotel fire survivors, share other updates (January 2)

Officials from the American Red Cross, the City of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Foundation and Hennepin County, will discuss the current status of the response to the December 25 fire at the Drake Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.