My first action as Chair of Hennepin County’s Complete Count Committee is publishing this statement that serves the following purposes: 1. Background: Inform residents of what is at stake in the 2020 Census and how over 230,000 of our neighbors are at risk of not being counted 2. Update: Inform residents, local governments, and organizations working toward a complete count about the County’s current investment and efforts 3. Call to Action: Inform residents on what immediate actions can be taken to increase Hennepin’s efforts and Census work

On December 12, Hennepin County Board Chair Marion Greene announced the plan for the Board to vote on a Board Action Request (BAR) for immediate discussion and action at our meeting on January 7, 2020. I am strongly in favor of continuing refugee resettlement in Hennepin, and will be voting yes.

Thank you to everyone who reached out to our office about Callison 1. The overall concern seems to be that this amendment would create a permanent funding stream for roads and bridges from the Transportation Sales & Use Tax—a tax that has been historically used for transit projects. This statement addresses many of the issues you brought forward, and outlines the approach I will take in today’s meeting.

As of July 23rd, Metropolitan Transportation Network (MTN) has formally terminated its Purchase Agreement with the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) for surplus property at 37th and University Avenues in Northeast Minneapolis. As a result of the termination, MTN no longer has site control necessary for redevelopment—meaning that MTN is no longer pursuing plans to construct a bus barn on the intersection of 37th and University Avenue at this time.

On July 30, 2019 the Hennepin County Board will vote on increasing the Wheelage Tax from $10 per year per vehicle to $20 per year per vehicle. This decision requires at least a 4-3 majority vote to pass. If successful, the increase would be implemented on January 1, 2020. Commissioner Fernando plans to vote in favor of the increase.

Over the last year, the District 2 office has been in ongoing conversations regarding traffic safety at the intersection of Penn Ave N, 44th Ave N, and Osseo Road. This concern heightened in recent months, specifically after multiple crash incidents when vehicles left the roadway and collided with a local restaurant, Tori 44.