Issues and Accomplishments
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2022
Funded Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care: This amendment creates a one-time $500K fund accessible to organizations that provide reproductive health care and/or gender-affirming health care in Hennepin County.
Statement on US Supreme Court Decision to Overrule Roe v. Wade — Hennepin County District 2
2023
Supported the Protect Reproductive Options Act: Every Minnesotan now has a fundamental right to make decisions about their own reproductive health, including the right to use or refuse reproductive health care, to continue a pregnancy and give birth, and to obtain an abortion.
2025
Assessment of Domestic Violence Services: 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.
Statement on the Third Anniversary of the Overturning of Roe v. Wade — Hennepin County District 2
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2019
Reoriented Housing Strategy Towards Deep Affordability (At or Below 30% AMI): As Chair of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, I led Hennepin County to adopt a new housing strategy prioritizing households at or below 30% Area Median Income, focusing housing on residents with the greatest need.
Launched a 10-Year, $91M Plan for Deeply Affordable Housing: Established the foundation for a $91M, 10-year strategy to build 1,000 deeply affordable homes with integrated services for people and families across Hennepin County.
Emergency Assistance for Housing: Advocated for Emergency Assistance program representatives to be regularly available at Housing Court. Also supported a person-centered, comprehensive study and redesign to improve processing time and quality of service for people seeking emergency housing funds.
Tenant Resource Center Pilot: Supported opening a two-month center in North Minneapolis, which offered assistance to Hennepin tenants. The pilot benefits communities by connecting people with important resources, while also uncovering ways Hennepin may be able to streamline processes.
Shelter Bill of Rights: Supported continuing conversation about a Shelter Bill of Rights, work organized through Street Voices of Change (SVOC), for the purposes of improving conditions within emergency shelters in Hennepin and advocating for the human rights of people experiencing homelessness.
Suburban Evictions Committee: Supported the work of researching the lasting impacts of housing insecurity and eviction, by contributing to a study in suburban Hennepin.
2020
[Updated] Statement on Planned Shelter at the Gordon Center — Hennepin County District 2
Statement on Unsheltered Homelessness and Tent Encampments — Hennepin County District 2
Expanded Deeply Affordable Housing Strategy During COVID-19: Continued implementation of the deeply affordable housing strategy launched in 2019, prioritizing households at or below 30% Area Median Income while remaining responsive to housing needs arising during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deployed Over $60M in Federal CARES Act Housing Stabilization Funds: Helped direct more than $60M in federal CARES Act funding toward housing stabilization, emergency assistance, tenant-based rental assistance, alternative living accommodations, and shelter operations to prevent displacement and reduce COVID-19 exposure.
Helped Launch the Indoor Villages Project: Partnered with the City of Minneapolis and the State of Minnesota to deploy federal and local funding to the Indoor Villages Project, creating 100 units of service-connected shelter with chemical and mental health services, as well as employment and career education services.
2021
Eliminated Pay-to-Stay in Hennepin Shelters: Supported the elimination of the pay-to-stay model in Hennepin shelters, ensuring homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring, and allowing residents to retain resources and build assets.
Expanded Renter Funding and Housing Supports: Expanded efforts that help residents maintain housing, such as an affordable housing stabilization fund, tenant-based rental assistance, and opportunities for counsel and representation in housing court.
Expanded Supportive Housing for Veterans: Partnered with Commissioner Anderson and the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans to implement a disposition strategy for vacant tax-forfeited land, in order to expand supportive housing with integrated services for veterans.
2022
Expanded Family Shelter Capacity: Invested $3.5M into expanding Family Shelter options in Hennepin County to meet a growing need.
Expanded Veterans Housing: Partnered with Commissioner Anderson to expand supportive housing options for veterans across the county, through partnership with MAC-V.
Initiated Homestead Outreach to Ensure Broader and Focused Property Tax Relief: Worked with Hennepin staff to reach out to 25,000 homeowners potentially eligible for homesteading, which would significantly reduce their property taxes, resulting in 3,000 new homesteads and property tax savings of up to $1,500 per year for homeowners.
2023
Expanded Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Housing Options: Hennepin County continued expanding SRO housing, having acquired five properties and assisting in purchasing a sixth. Hotels purchased and used by the County during the pandemic were rehabilitated and converted and are now at the stage of selling to trusted property managers to launch the properties as SRO Housing.
Assisted in Increasing Homeownership for Populations Who Experience Barriers: Hennepin launched its first designated fund for homeownership assistance to support first-time homebuyers, especially those who face systemic barriers to ownership. This program provides capital funding and down payment assistance to address racial gaps in homeownership.
2024
Effectively Ended Veteran Homelessness in Hennepin County: Had the Federal Government certify that Hennepin County is meeting their benchmarks for effectively ending homelessness among veterans in Hennepin County, as our commitment is for homelessness to be rare, brief, and nonrecurring.
2025
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 of this year. 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.
Housing Statement: We Need Leaders Who Invest in Outcomes over Optics — Hennepin County District 2
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2019
Statement on 44th/Penn/Osseo Intersection — Hennepin County District 2
Statement on Upcoming Wheelage Tax Vote — Hennepin County District 2
[Updated] Statement on 37th Ave. NE & University Ave. — Hennepin County District 2
Statement on Callison 1: Proposed 2020 Budget Amendment — Hennepin County District 2
Launched the Public Works Paint Pilot: Initiated a new approach to testing traffic flow and safety innovations, creating space for community voice alongside engineering and traffic models to improve roadway outcomes.
Advanced a Wheelage Tax Increase to Fund Infrastructure: Advocated to double the county wheelage tax from $10 to $20 per vehicle, generating approximately $10M annually for maintaining and improving Hennepin County’s aging transportation infrastructure.
2020
Ensured a New Direction for the Blue Line Extension: Helped ensure a new direction for the Blue Line Extension when the proposed route could no longer proceed, ensuring continued progress toward transit access and economic investment in North Minneapolis and northern Hennepin County.
Statement on New Direction for Blue Line Extension Light Rail Project — Hennepin County District 2
2021
Statement on Lowry Ave NE Reconstruction — Hennepin County District 2
Established an Anti-Displacement Workgroup within the Blue Line Extension Light Rail Transit (BLRT) Project: Co-led the creation of a first of its kind anti-displacement initiative that will center community voices in developing actionable strategies and policies that maximize benefits to current corridor residents and prevent residential, economic, and cultural displacement.
Funded a Study for Highway 55 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): Advocated for $250K from the State of Minnesota to study service needs and safety improvements along the Highway 55 corridor, including Bus Rapid Transit connections between Medina and downtown Minneapolis.
2022
Announced a New Route Recommendation for Blue Line Extension Light Rail Transit (BLRT) Project: Announced a new proposed route for the BLRT project that better serves North Minneapolis residents, connecting workers to jobs, students to education, patients to healthcare, and families to resources while linking the corridor to the regional transit network.
Implemented Blue Line Extension Anti-Displacement Working Group Sessions: Partnered with the Metropolitan Council and the U of M’s CURA to lead a community based Anti-Displacement Working Group to find solutions that will mitigate residential, business, and cultural displacement along the Blue Line Extension corridor.
Funded Outreach for Existing Economic Development Programs in the Blue Line Extension Light Rail Transit (BLRT) Corridor: Co-authored a budget amendment with Commissioner Lunde to allocate $30K to connect BLRT corridor businesses with existing Hennepin programs, such as CEO Next Institute or Elevate Business, supporting business along the corridor.
Funded Community Investment Initiative for the Blue Line Extension Light Rail Transit (BLRT Corridor): Co-authored a $500K budget amendment with Commissioner Lunde to place funds into the Community Investment Initiative to fund economic development, stimulate investment, and advance anti-displacement initiatives along the BLRT corridor. The funding seeks to prevent and mitigate residential, economic, and cultural displacement.
2023
Concluded First Round of Community Engagement and Anti-Displacement Work for the Blue Line Extension: Completed a 1.5-year engagement process with the communities surrounding the planned Blue Line extension to prevent displacement, and the Anti-Displacement Work Group came up with 17 recommended policies for the Blue Line extension agencies to consider, build upon, and implement.
Funded Future of Blue Line Extension Project: The Board approved $75M for the Blue Line Extension project to keep work moving ahead on this critical project through 2024 and beyond.
2024
Advanced the Blue Line Extension Project through Municipal Consent: Led the efforts to achieve “Municipal Consent” for the Blue Line Extension project in Hennepin and the four cities along the route.
Funded Future of Blue Line Extension Project: The Board approved $173M for the Blue Line Extension project to keep work moving ahead on this critical project through 2025 and beyond.
2025
Advanced the Blue Line Extension Project through Federal Environmental Review: Successfully supported the Met Council in advancing the Blue Line Extension project alongside community and agency partners; completing the federal environment review process and achieving the 60% design milestone.
Administered First in the Nation Anti-Displacement Initiative: 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.
Transit Access Expansion for Marshall St NE — Hennepin County District 2
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2020
Statement on Hennepin County State of Emergency and COVID-19 — Hennepin County District 2
Appointed to the Hennepin Healthcare Board: Was one of the two commissioners appointed to the Hennepin Healthcare board, and formally added Health Equity as a value for the organization. This reaffirmed our commitment to providing responsible healthcare that is responsive to community need, equitable in distribution, and invested in fighting racial disparities.
2021
Funded Black Maternal Health: Supported Commissioner Conley’s initiative to secure $10M for Black maternal health.
2022
Expanded Family Based Recovery Services: Supported the allocation of $1M to Family Based Recovery services to provide early intervention and diversion services for families with parental substance abuse.
2023
Expanded Access to NARCAN (naloxone) to County Employees: Ensured all first responders and necessary county employees have access to overdose-reversing naloxone and the training to administer it, supporting opioid overdose prevention efforts.
Invested in a Culturally Responsive Mental Health Campaign: Hennepin County launched the “See Mental Health” campaign, a year-long multimedia campaign designed to advance the importance of mental wellness in our diverse communities, particularly for young people under the age of 24.
2025
Brought Stability to Hennepin Healthcare System (HHS or HCMC) through Bold and Responsive Governance Action: After the risk of hospital closure this year, Hennepin County worked closely with Hennepin Healthcare System to ensure it remains a strong, sustainable institution and that it will continue to serve as a critical safety net for our region.
Statement on Proposed Hennepin Board Action to Dissolve the HHS Board — Hennepin County District 2
Statement on HHS Financials and the Hennepin Governance Vote — Hennepin County District 2
Invested in Response to the Opioid Crisis: This year, the County has invested $3.9M towards opioid response work, including contracts with 39 community providers to help reach our community where they are at. Hennepin has seen a 31% decrease in opioid overdose deaths, and our Opioid response team distributed over 75,000 Naloxone doses to ensure robust community access to this life-saving medication.
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2019
Piloted a 911 Embedded Social Worker Program: Initiated a pilot embedding a social worker within the Plymouth 911 dispatch center to better align emergency response with behavioral health and community needs.
2020
Established a 911/Mental Health Task Force: Established a 911/Mental Health Task Force to research and report best public safety practices, and provide residents with meaningful intervention, prevent recidivism, and reduce the disproportionate number of people of color and persons struggling with mental illness in our criminal justice system.
2021
Expanded the Embedded Social Worker Program: Expanded the Hennepin County Police Embedded Social Worker Program to additional cities, embedding social workers in 911 dispatch centers to improve emergency response and make recommendations on the types of responders best equipped to respond to calls from residents.
Funded Gun Violence Prevention Efforts: Secured $5M to use a holistic approach to reduce gun violence by adopting evidence-based policies and programs that improve outcomes for communities impacted by gun violence, and implemented immediate responses to reduce and mitigate gun violence with this action.
2022
Expanded the 911/Embedded Social Worker Program: Further expanded this initiative by allowing Hennepin cities to opt-in and join this program to reduce unnecessary law enforcement interactions with residents in crisis.
2023
Fully Expanded the 911 Social Worker Program: Expanded the Hennepin County 911 Embedded Social Worker program to include all cities in the county, reducing unnecessary law enforcement contacts with the integration of social workers into emergency response, and raising quality of life for individuals through ongoing stability in their community.
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2019
Funded Universal Legal Representation for Immigration Defendants: 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.
2020
Advocated for Refugee Resettlement in Hennepin County: Advocated for the continuation of refugee resettlement in Hennepin County after federal order required local governments to provide consent to resettle refugees in their jurisdictions.
2025
Protecting Residents from ICE Raids: The Constitution asserts the right to due process for all people in this country. The Federal government is using Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to target vulnerable populations through unethical raids, arrests, and overt kidnapping. Hennepin made operational changes to make it clear to ICE that Hennepin will fight for the safety of our residents and that Hennepin property may only be used for county purposes and cannot be used as a staging ground for civil immigration activities, particularly in County parking lots.
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2019
Expanded Investment in Tree Canopy and Urban Forestry: Supported $500,000 in annual funding for tree canopy grants to improve air quality, manage stormwater, and expand access to green spaces across Hennepin County.
2021
Created Hennepin County’s First-Ever Climate Action Plan: Supported adoption of the county’s first Climate Action Plan, addressing the inequitable impacts of climate change along lines of race and income.
Created a Workgroup to Research Watershed Impacts on Developable Land and Hennepin Priorities: Led the creation of a workgroup that researches our watersheds, floodplains, and the future of land use in Hennepin County, with a particular focus on the impact watersheds will have on developable land over the next 50-100 years.
2022
Invested in our Watershed: Supported the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission investments in important water quality and climate resilience projects from Medicine Lake to the Mississippi River.
2023
Initiated Plan for HERC Closure: Co-authored a resolution directing county staff to create a closure plan for the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) between 2028 and 2040, and I believe there is a path to stop burning trash as soon as 2028.
[Updated] Statement on Board Action to Create a HERC Closure Plan — Hennepin County District 2
2024
Remain Committed to Concluding Trash-Burning at the HERC: The County intends to convert the HERC facility to a recovery and reuse center. My office worked with policymakers from all levels to ensure they are investing in zero-waste efforts so Hennepin can responsibly conclude trash-burning at the HERC.
2025
Advanced Efforts Toward Achieving a Zero-Waste Future: In 2025, the County advanced our zero-waste policy by setting a target to cut the amount of edible food discarded in half and finalizing a Wasted Food Prevention Plan.
On the Future of the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) — Hennepin County District 2
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2019
Launched Transition-Age Probation Unit for Young Adults: Supported the creation of a new probation model for young people ages 18-24, using data-informed practices that recognize the distinct developmental needs of this age group.
2020
Allocated $4M in Federal CARES Act Funding for Youth Educational Supports: Supported the allocation of $4M for youth educational supports, including tutoring and broadband access, to assist distance learning for students across Hennepin.
2021
Created a Workgroup to Connect Youth Education to Future Ready Hennepin: Led the creation of a workgroup that will evaluate Hennepin’s current and future job needs, as well as evaluate the types of recruitment, skills, and training needed for various positions. The work group will identify the educational attainment needs for these vital roles, and the barriers to hiring, with the intent to initiate efforts and establish programs that both improve outcomes for Hennepin residents and youth, and to create pathways to Hennepin County jobs.
2022
Invested in Youth Employment: Supported Commissioner Conley’s budget amendment to allocate $400K for youth employment.
2024
Behavioral Health Care Facility & Support for County Involved Youth: Invested $15M in capital funds and $7M in ongoing operational funds to develop a regional youth crisis stabilization center at our Behavioral Health Center, 1800 Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis.
2025
Invested in Long-Term Solutions for Youth by Opening the Youth Stabilization Center: At the end of 2024, the Board of Commissioners approved two board actions to construct and develop this new space and service for youth who have significant needs and di culty accessing appropriate care due to multiple compounding factors. This service is needed for youth with some of the most complex needs. Hennepin created a new physical environment, specific to the needs of these youth in crisis. The County invested in a program co-developed between the county and community providers, informed by national best practices, sta expertise, community voice, and youth decision-making because our youth need more from us.
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2019
Advanced Historic County Investment in the 2020 Census: Proposed $1.2M for census outreach and secured $320,000 in the 2020 budget – the first time Hennepin County allocated meaningful local funding to ensure an accurate and inclusive census count, which determines how $675B of federal funds is appropriated over the next 10 years.
Statement on Hennepin County’s Work toward the 2020 Census and My Role — Hennepin County District 2
2020
Completed the 2020 Census: Hennepin County’s census self-response rate reached 79.6%, and represents a crucial step in securing federal funds over the next 10 years.
Distributed $5.7M in Federal CARES Funding for Voting Resources: $5.7M was allocated toward the 2020 election for COVID-19 related investments, including increased absentee voting resources, paid seasonal staff, and safety measures at polling places.
2021
Expanded Voter Access Countywide: Secured $1.3M to support voter registration, absentee voting education, and the purchase of an additional high speed absentee ballot scanner, prioritizing populations with high barriers to voter registration.
2023
Implemented Automatic Voter Registration and Restore the Vote Changes: Worked with Elections and County Administration to implement historic changes to voter registration including the notifying of residents who have had their vote restored and implementing automatic registration.
Supported Restore the Vote: Minnesotans who are not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction can now vote, strengthening our society by reintegrating people who have completed their sentences.
2025
Responding to Federal Funding Cuts: The Federal Government is drastically cutting local government funding. Hennepin County is dedicated to ensuring a continuity of services by investing in creative solutions and eliminating disparities by supporting vulnerable populations through unique programs and purposeful funding. Hennepin County is working to keep property taxes manageable while ensuring no change in the level of service residents receive. Through legal action, the county has obtained court orders that currently protect approximately $170M in federal grants. We are actively working with local, state, and national partners to ensure service continuity on behalf of our mission.
Remarks: Cutting Medicaid is Not an Option — Hennepin County District 2
Promoting Safety through Prevention: Hennepin’s Adult Representation Services (ARS) saw a 66% increase in prevention services this year, ensuring equitable outcomes for clients through early and expanded access to holistic legal services. ARS provides civil legal advice and counsel on behalf of residents. By providing prevention services, ARS is reducing barriers to stability and success for those experiencing extreme poverty in Hennepin County.
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2019
Established the Racial Equity Advisory Council: Supported the creation of a council bringing residents directly impacted by racial inequities into county decision-making processes.
Set New Standards for Gender-Inclusive Facilities: Advocated for all-gender and single-occupancy restrooms to become the standard in future Hennepin County facility projects and major renovations.
2020
Statement on the Murder of George Floyd — Hennepin County District 2
Letter to County Attorney Freeman on the Murder of George Floyd — Hennepin County District 2
Declared Racism a Public Health Crisis: Co-authored and passed the county declaration recognizing racism as a public health crisis, shifting county approaches toward addressing systemic and structural drivers of racial disparities.
Disavowed Discriminatory Racial Covenants: Advocated for Hennepin to disavow discriminatory property covenants intent on deepening racial disparities, including a County-wide acknowledgement from the Recorder’s Office and the waiving of associated fees.
Supported Employee Non-Discriminatory Gender Identity Policy: Supported the expansion of the Non-Discrimination and Respectful Workplace Policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or gender expression.
Advocated to Add Juneteenth as a County Holiday: Advocated to add Juneteenth as a permanent paid public holiday for Hennepin County staff.
2021
Established Juneteenth as a County Holiday: Worked with Commissioner Conley to make Juneteenth a permanent paid county holiday for Hennepin employees.
Funded Anti-Hate Initiative: Supported Commissioner Lunde’s initiative to secure over $1M to fund anti-hate initiatives.
2022
Statement on the Murder of Amir Locke — Hennepin County District 2
Statement on Racist Comments by Minneapolis Councilmember Rainville — Hennepin County District 2
Authored and Passed Gender-Affirming Board Action: Renewed and codified Hennepin’s responsibility to affirm the gender identity and expression of residents, workers, and clients receiving county services. This resolution also initiated a review and revision of policies to ensure contract partners affirm gender identity and expression.
Statement on Gender-affirming Actions Led by My Office This Year — Hennepin County District 2
Recognized Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR): By observing TDOR, Hennepin County recognizes, admires, and celebrates transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary people in all their joy and resilience.
2023
Implemented Anti-Racism Initiative: Supported an anti-racism initiative led by Commissioner Conley that dedicated $300K to support ongoing community building, healing, and anti-racism work, including through neighborhood outreach and conversations.
2024
Ensured continued funding for Reproductive and Birth Justice, Gender Affirming Care, and Anti-hate crimes work: My office worked with Hennepin Public Health and Budget staff to ensure the continued funding of much needed programs that serve residents.
Being a Safe Space LGBTQIA+ Community: The Board declared Hennepin a Safe County for the transgender, gender nonconforming, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, intersex, and allied community. This declaration reaffirms Hennepin’s dedication to protect the gender identity and expression of all.
2025
Evolved Goals from “Disparity Reduction” to “Disparity Elimination”: Hennepin County is no longer focused solely on reducing disparities – instead the County is committed to eliminating them. This commitment is demonstrated through practical and measurable steps that are rooted in strong data that point us toward a more equitable future.
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2021
Increased Minimum Wage to $20/hr for Hennepin Employees: Supported Commissioner Greene’s initiative for a $20/hr minimum wage for Hennepin employees.
Expanded Benefits for Non-Unionized Hennepin Employees: Increased the amount of Paid Parental Leave for Hennepin employees from 3 weeks to 6 weeks and improved Bereavement Leave.
Ensured Commitment to Addressing the Benefits Cliff: Highlighted the need to understand and address the Benefits Cliff, where small wage increases can result in loss of benefits eligibility.
Expanded Flexibility and Support for Workers: Supported 16 hours of employee leave in remembrance and reflection of the death of George Floyd or in service to community healing or restoration.
2022
Increased Parental Leave: Supported Commissioner Greene’s action in extending parental leave for Hennepin employees to 12 weeks.
2023
Initiated Student Loan Repayment Assistance for Hennepin Employees: Introduced a new benefit that assists Hennepin employees in navigating the student loan forgiveness process available to public employees, aiming to limit the growing financial burdens for our workforce.
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2019
New Approach to Tax-Forfeited Properties: Advanced a new approach to the rehabilitation and disposition of tax-forfeited properties, to create contracting opportunities for small businesses and promote permanent affordable home ownership for residents.
2021
Supported Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs: My leadership supported small businesses, entrepreneurs, and our local economy through the Small Business Relief fund, Elevate Business resource, and Certified Access Academy training, including supporting advancing certification for women of color business owners to contract with government and corporate entities.
Expanded Community Asset Transition Fund into North Minneapolis: Awarded $3M in the Community Asset Transition Fund to Pillsbury United Communities, supporting the building of equitable wealth for Black, brown, Indigenous, immigrant, poor, and working class families.
2022
Funded Pandemic Relief via the Community Investment Initiative: Granted $10M in investments to business incubators and nonprofits across Hennepin County, including in District 2.
2023
Expanded the Scope of the Workforce Leadership Council and Elevate Hennepin: The Workforce Leadership Council and Elevate Hennepin continued providing county businesses with tools, support opportunities, and resources to strengthen their organizations and take the next step.
2024
Elevate Hennepin & Small Business Support: Elevate Hennepin offers 25 hours of no-cost, on-demand consulting to eligible entrepreneurs and small businesses. Hennepin staff and advisors have served over 3,100 businesses, facilitated more than $31M in capital funding, and supported the launch of 203 new businesses. Over 70% of the new businesses were launched by entrepreneurs of color and over 60% by women, demonstrating our impact toward closing gaps in business ownership. Additionally, many Elevate Hennepin advisors are local entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds and expertise.
2025
Continued Elevate Hennepin & Somali Business Support: Hennepin County continued to support our local business community through our Elevate Hennepin program, which offers no-cost consulting to entrepreneurs and leaders. To date, Elevate Hennepin has served 4,080 entrepreneurs, launching 263 new businesses, with 68% led by entrepreneurs of color. Elevate businesses have created more than 900 jobs. 82% of those jobs are in BIPOC-owned businesses.
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2019
Human Services Contract Restoration: Advocated to restore previous funding levels, countering the proposed cuts for services in food support, senior case management, and housing mediation.
2021
Ensuring a Commitment to Understanding and Addressing the Benefits Cliff: Highlighted the need to understand and address the Benefits Cliff, as people and families rely on assistance to access food, housing, healthcare, transit, and more. We must be thoughtful about how income interacts with these vital services.
2022
Established a Multi-Year Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot: Allocated $4M to establish a multi-year, evidence-focused Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program to support residents disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Funded a Study of Food Availability and Food Access on the Northside: Authored an amendment that allocated $75K to produce a report that includes method and assessment, as well as recommendations on how to resolve the food desert issue in North Minneapolis.
2023
Initiated a Guaranteed Income Pilot Program: Worked with County Administration to launch a pilot program to raise the income floor for 200 Hennepin families disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Families are also offered services, such as financial and budget counseling, and job training resources.
2024
Invested in Food Support and Food Shelves to Reduce Food Insecurity on the Northside: Invested $600K for the renovation and expansion of the Shiloh Cares Northside Food Access Renovation Project on Broadway Ave in North Minneapolis, helping the food shelf increase capacity to store and distribute nutritious and culturally relevant food, enhance sustainability, and foster a stronger sense of community.
Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery: Worked with county staff to provide essential funding to The Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery. This program assists families to manage their crisis within the community and not having the crisis elevated to child protective services.
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2019
Protected Commissioner Budgets to Restore Human Services Funding: Supported maintaining commissioner office budgets and an additional $175,000 reduction to help restore proposed cuts to human services contracts.
2020
Advocated for a Budget Levy Increase: I spoke in favor of increasing the levy because the need for County services only increases during crisis. The County Board ultimately approved a 2021 levy with no change from 2020.
2022
Changed MN Statute to Allow Members of Every Hennepin Advisory Committee to be Paid: Supported efforts by Commissioner Conley and our Intergovernmental Relations team to change state statute to ensure Hennepin’s Race Equity Advisory Committee members and other Community Advisory Board members can receive eligible reimbursement, stipends, or per diem for their work.
Created a Code of Conduct for Hennepin County Elected Officials: Drafted and passed the Code of Conduct for Hennepin County Elected Officials outlining appropriate conduct and a process for action under certain circumstances.
Replenished 2023 Contingency from ARPA Funds: Authored an amendment to transfer $300K of unspent ARPA federal relief funds into the 2023 Contingency budget to allow Hennepin more leeway to fund essential projects as they come up next year.
2023
2025
Transitioned Executive Leadership to Hennepin’s 9th County Administrator: The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve Ms. Jodi Wentland as County Administrator. She transitioned to leading over 9,000 employees, and serving residents across 104 service locations and work sites.