Current governing priorities
Six areas shape our office's work right now. For each one: what we believe, what we delivered most recently, and what we are still working on.
Defending Democracy
With the undeniable crisis of democracy in our country, leadership in this moment means naming the crisis honestly and acting with courage. I believe we must absolutely refuse to normalize the erosion of our rights and we must choose to be brave together so that shared humanity will prevail.
Responding to federal funding cuts
In response to federal funding cuts, Hennepin County is taking action to ensure the continuity of services by protecting vulnerable populations, maintaining service levels, and working to keep property taxes manageable. Through legal action, the County has secured court orders protecting approximately $170M in federal funding.
Protecting democratic access by ensuring people can exercise their rights and navigate public systems
Strengthened Adult Representation Services to expand early, holistic civil legal support, helping residents facing poverty, housing instability, or harmful federal enforcement actions access due process and prevent crises.
Protecting Residents and Immigrants
I will always govern with the understanding that public systems should protect people from harm, keep families together, and ensure that no one is dehumanized or stripped of their fundamental rights. To our immigrant communities: I will never stop fighting for your safety, your dignity, and your right to belong.
Protecting residents by codifying legal use of county property
Hennepin made operational changes to make it clear to all governing entities that Hennepin will both fight for the safety of our residents, and that Hennepin property and parking lots may only be used for county purposes and cannot be used as a staging ground for civil immigration activities.
Protecting immigrant residents through universal legal protection
Supported funding to provide universal legal representation to immigration defendants, regardless of case merits, and advocated for this support to be included as ongoing funding in future annual county budgets.
Housing and Homelessness
I believe that housing is a fundamental human right, and I look forward to living in a society where policies and resources align with this belief.
Continued to lead on homelessness response and shelter funding
This year, Hennepin County helped to house 352 families, reducing the family shelter census by 15% from January 2025. This is a 62% reduction from 529 families in shelter in January 2024. Hennepin County is the only local government in the state to consistently fund shelter operations, investing $37M in 2025.
Building deeply affordable housing for those with the greatest need
In 2019, Hennepin County reoriented the County's housing strategy toward households at or below 30% Area Median Income (AMI), establishing a 10-year, $91M plan to expand deeply affordable and service-connected housing across Hennepin County.
Transit & Infrastructure
I approach transit and infrastructure as long-term public investments that must expand access and opportunity while protecting communities from displacement and harm.
Administered the first anti-displacement initiative of its kind in the nation
Situated among the Blue Line Extension project and the community-led Anti-displacement Community Prosperity Program (ACPP) Board, Hennepin administered $2 million to support housing stability, land acquisition, and economic development, ensuring that residents can remain and thrive in the communities they call home.
Advancing the Blue Line Extension with a community-centered, anti-displacement framework
Helped reset the direction of the Blue Line Extension and led a multi-year, community-centered approach that integrates anti-displacement strategies, economic investment, and equitable access into one of the region's largest transit projects.
Healthcare & Public Health
I approach governing for healthcare and public health by protecting essential safety-net institutions and addressing systemic disparities to ensure dignity and access for all.
Brought stability to Hennepin Healthcare System through bold and responsive governance action
Hennepin County worked closely with Hennepin Healthcare System to ensure the only safety net hospital in the region will remain open and is in good financial condition, as the hospital was at risk of closing this year.
Protecting and strengthening Hennepin County's public healthcare safety net
Was appointed to the Hennepin Healthcare Board in 2020 and helped formally embed health equity as a core organizational value, while advancing investments in maternal health, recovery services, overdose prevention, and culturally responsive mental health care.
Domestic Violence & Reproductive Justice
Safety from harm and full bodily autonomy are inherent human rights, and I govern with that lens. People must be able to trust public systems to protect them and support their choices, regardless of whether they have taken formal steps within those systems.
Authored a resolution prioritizing efforts to address domestic violence
Alongside Commissioner Conley, I authored a resolution that directed staff to produce a report that outlines Hennepin's current efforts to address Domestic Violence. Hennepin County is focused on long-term strategies for preventing, reducing, and mitigating the impact of Domestic Violence on survivors, their families, bystanders, and our community-at-large.
Protecting bodily autonomy and access to care through ongoing funding
Advanced county investments and state protections to ensure access to reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare, including securing funding for local providers and supporting Minnesota's Protect Reproductive Options Act.
The longer record
These priorities sit on top of eight years of governing. The full accounting, by year and by issue, is published in our reports.
Eight Years of Results Governing Reports