Marion Greene - Hennepin County Commissioner District 3

I’m deeply saddened by the killing of Officer Jamal Mitchell yesterday in Whittier, and the violence that hurt another officer, firefighter, and bystander. I hope for their full recoveries. Officer Mitchell and his loved ones are in my thoughts, with all those affected by this senseless tragedy.

TransFabulous is proud to present Gender in Community, an exhibit created with the thriving q***r arts community both local and abroad. Visit the exhibit at Minneapolis Central Library's Cargill Gallery through January 27.

Learn more: https://www.hclib.org/about/news/2023/November/transfabulous-2023

Wondering when you'll receive your ballot in the mail or if your ballot has been received by us? You can check the status of your absentee application or your ballot at mnvotes.gov/track.

Hennepin County Government Public Works is hosting an open house TOMORROW - you are invited to share your thoughts and ask questions about the Franklin Avenue (County Road 5) initial concept. Your comments will help us refine the design of intersections and with landscaping elements, such as trees, and transit upgrades along the corridor.

Open house details:
Wednesday, November 1
4 – 6:30 p.m.
Hope Community, Inc.
611 Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis

Food from local restaurant Lu's Sandwiches, beverages, and activities for kids will be provided.

The space is accessible for those with mobility devices. To request accommodations such as larger print materials or other accessibility needs, contact [email protected].

Learn more about the project and view the initial layout: https://www.hennepin.us/franklincorridor

Yesterday in committee, the Hennepin County Board unanimously approved a resolution that directs county staff to close the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) between 2028 and 2040.

I support shutting down the HERC on the quickest timeline possible.

Establishing a suitable alternative to incineration should be the number one priority of all stakeholders and communities that currently use the HERC, and, importantly, the first priority of our partners in state government. Finding a solution to trash incineration on an accelerated timeline will only be possible with coordination from all relevant entities, which includes providing adequate funding and resources to address this urgent manifestation of environmental racism.

A zero-waste community remains our shared goal, and as our community works together towards that goal through reduction, composting, recycling, and reusing, the county needs the state and the cities that use the HERC to join in coordination to find a suitable alternative to trash incineration as quickly as possible.

Thank you to my colleagues Irene Fernando - Hennepin County Commissioner District 2, Angela Conley Hennepin County Commissioner District 4, and Jeffrey Lunde - Hennepin County Commissioner District 1 for creating a board action request that reflects the unanimity that we heard from the board at the September 21st board briefing on this subject and is aligned with the county's Climate Action and Zero Waste plans.

The BAR will be brought forward for a final vote at the next Hennepin County Board meeting on October 24. You can find a link to yesterday's discussion below.

Administration, Operations and Budget Committee on 2023-10-10 1:30 PM Live and Recorded Public meetings of Administration, Operations and Budget Committee on 2023-10-10 1:30 PM for County of Hennepin, MN

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It's autumn, and many of us are back in the swing of a busier time of the year — including Hennepin County Government — as we dive into the work of preparing the 2024 county budget. In this newsletter, you'll find the initial budget framework, and I'll be sure to continue to update folks as more details are filled in.

Also in this newsletter:

• Information on Hennepin County Good Steward and Organics Recycling Drop-Off Site grants
• Participant list for the eco-conscious MNimize Fall Food Tour
• Application details for fall Youth Activities Grants
• October Fix-It Clinic information

Read the full bulletin here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNHENNE/bulletins/3748d26

My best,
Marion

We planted 15,000 seedling trees at a conservation easement in Independence to protect habitat and enhance our tree canopy. This is part of our plan to plant 1 million trees by 2030 and acquire 6,000 acres of conservation easements by 2040.

Take a closer look at one of the many pieces of the puzzle that is Hennepin County Government's Climate Action Plan in action!

Protecting and restoring natural areas in Hennepin County Learn more about these programs:-Forestry: https://hennepin.us/trees-Conservation easements: https://hennepin.us/land-protection

Big news - appointments are now available for Minnesotans to schedule their written test to get a license under the Driver's License for All initiative!

This is a huge step in making our roads safer for everyone and increasing equitable access to the resources, services, and opportunities afforded to those who have valid driver's licenses.

Appointments can be made up to 30 days in advance on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Driver and Vehicles Services (DVS) division website: https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_/ #1

Learn more about Driver's Licenses for All: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/Pages/drivers-license-for-all.aspx

DVS Home - Driver’s License for All Your browser is unable to render the navigation correctly. Please verify that JavaScript is enabled and that cookies are turned on.

Each year, Hennepin County Government is recognized for projects and programs that are models for innovation and effectiveness. This year, 23 Hennepin County projects received awards from the National Association of Counties, the National Association of County Information Officers, the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), and the Center for Digital Government - so many accolades that we spread the award presentations across two board meetings! I was honored to present the last two awards at our meeting this afternoon.

The first was to NACCHO’s 2023 National Advocate of the Year, Jonathan Hanft. As Ryan White Program Manager for Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health, he oversees essential HIV services for 4,000 individuals, emphasizing disproportionately impacted populations. Hennepin County's Ryan White Program is pivotal in this effort and coordinates with the Minnesota Council for HIV / AIDS Care and Prevention, allocating federal funds strategically.

The final award the county received was the Center for Digital Government’s 2023 Digital Counties Survey. The survey, developed in partnership with NACo and conducted by CDG, identifies the best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that streamline delivery of government services; provide data analytics to allow decisions based on performance and outcomes; enhance cybersecurity; and apply innovative and emerging technologies to county priorities. Hennepin County’s fifth place award in the Million Population or More category was accepted by Chief Information Officer Glen Gilbertson.

Congratulations to all of our award winners, and thank you for all your hard work to ensure that Hennepin County provides consistent, innovative services for all of its residents!

Today and tomorrow, temperatures will be in the upper 90s. If you need a break, find a cooling option near you: hennepin.us/cool

Remember:
-Drink water
-Never leave kids or pets in a closed parked vehicle
-Wear a hat, sunscreen & light loose clothes outside

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Happy July and belated Independence Day! In this newsletter you'll find:
• Highlight of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Torch Run Final Leg for Special Olympics
• Grant information to reduce waste at schools
• The Go Outside with Hennepin County summer event series
• Summer events at Hennepin County Libraries; and
• The schedule for Northpoint's Fresh Food Fridays;

As always, please be in touch with questions, comments, suggestions, and feedback.

Find the full newsletter here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNHENNE/bulletins/362ea9d

My best,
Marion

An air quality alert has been issued for the Twin Cities from 6 pm Tuesday June 13 through 6 am on Friday June 16. Today's air quality is unhealthy for ALL people. You should reduce outdoor activities, avoid intense physical activities, and take more breaks.

People with asthma, or heart disease, pregnant people, children and older adults may experience more serious health effects from today’s air quality. People with these conditions should avoid intense physical activities and consider shortening, rescheduling, or moving outdoor events inside.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope you've been able to enjoy the summer weather and spend some extra time outdoors. After an absolutely dynamite legislative session at the State Capitol, I know many of us feel so much enthusiasm for the future of our state and region and we all deserve to slow down and enjoy the major accomplishments before digging into implementation.

In this month's newsletter, you'll find:
• Information on improvements to 50th Street (County Road 21) between France and Lyndale avenues in Minneapolis
• The Go Outside with Hennepin County summer event series
• Summer events at Hennepin County Libraries
• The schedule for Northpoint's Fresh Food Fridays
• Grants for community-based opioid services
• A summer road construction and maintenance schedule and overview

As always, please be in touch with questions, comments, suggestions, and feedback.

Read the full bulletin here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNHENNE/bulletins/35de298

Hennepin County Library is accepting applications for a formal Library Youth Advisory Committee. Hennepin County Government commissioners will appoint a total of 14 youth – two for each district – for one-year terms.

The committee was created to provide youth with real-world opportunities to influence library resources, spaces, and practices to make them increasingly accessible and appealing to all youth. Committee members will develop their leadership abilities and gain lifelong skills for civic engagement.

Learn more and apply here - applications close June 23!
https://www.hclib.org/about/news/2023/may/youth-leadership-opportunity

At my direction as chair, Hennepin County Government replaced county flags (design: state flag w/ words "Hennepin County") in 2022. Thank you Senator Mary Kunesh and State Representative Mike Freiberg for this legislation advancing a process to consider a new flag for the Great State of Minnesota.

Formal effort begins to replace 'cluttered genocidal mess' on Minnesota flag | MinnPost By next May the state flag will be lowered for the last time and replaced by a new banner designed by a 13-member commission created to approve both a new flag and a new seal.

Huge news out of the Minnesota legislature yesterday - the Metro Housing Sales Tax has passed both houses! We were a huge advocate for this first-of-its-kind legislation, which is critical to addressing the affordable housing shortage and housing stability in our region.

This $1B investment couldn't have happened without the bold leadership of Senator Lindsey Port and Michael Howard for State Representative, who were determined to find a way forward even when the path was unclear.

Hennepin County continues to step up by making historic investments in housing, including $12.8M for 1498 affordable multifamily housing units and $2M for 37 new affordable home ownership opportunities just this week.

I am committed to continue working with my colleagues on the Hennepin County board, in the legislature, and across our region to ensure housing stability and affordable, safe, dignified places to live for all of our residents.

Minnesota ‘big, big deal’ on housing spends $1B, adds metro sales tax | MinnPost The tax hike, which would raise $200 million a year for housing projects and programs in the seven-county area, is part of a $1 billion investment in affordability that supporters call "historic."

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Happy Spring! I hope you've been able to enjoy the warmer weather. One of my favorite parts of approaching summer are all of the new options to join-in with neighbors to enjoy our shared amenities and support community. Here are a few options with more information below in the newsletter:

- Hennepin Environment's "Salvage Crawl", where people are enticed to buy used—rather than new--building materials for home remodeling projects
- Green Partners Grants, and grants for Youth Arts and Music
- Visit Hennepin County Government buildings with Doors Open Minneapolis
- Join a composting workshop

You'll also find in this newsletter the Hennepin County 2023 road construction and maintenance map, and the 2022 Year-in-Review and Vision for 2023 which was published last month in April.

My best,
Marion Greene - Hennepin County Commissioner District 3

Read on: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNHENNE/bulletins/358f384

Had a great time at the ceremonial groundbreaking for the
Metro Transit METRO B Line this morning! This bus rapid transit route will greatly decrease commuting times on Lake Street and be a boon for our community.

http://metrotransit.org/b-line-project

Today is the last day to apply to serve on a Hennepin County Community Advisory Board! These are incredible opportunities to support our community and help shape and direct county policy.

Tomorrow is the last day to join a community advisory board. Board members advise commissioners on policy in areas including employment, economic support, the justice system, and more. Apply now: hennepin.us/advisoryboards

April 30 is Therapy Animal Day here in Hennepin County and across the country! I was so glad to work with my colleague Jeffrey Lunde - Hennepin County Commissioner District 1 and dedicated volunteer animal handlers to pass a proclamation recognizing this special day earlier this month.

A huge thanks to the therapy animals and their human companions who serve at Hennepin Healthcare, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, and the Hennepin County Library, as well as those bringing comfort and healing to people in need all over our community.

Due to the political alignment at the Minnesota Capitol, 2023 has been off to an ambitious and rewarding start, and I hope the year has been going as well for you as it has for us!

Usually I send a letter out early in the year to highlight accomplishments of the previous year, share board assignments, and lay out my plans for the coming year and now feels like the appropriate time to do that.

These photos highlight some highs of 2022:

US Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg's visit to Lake Street (photo credit: Glenn Stubbe with the Star Tribune)

Hennepin County surpassing our goal of 2.100 new units of affordable housing in 2022 by 621 units (!!!),

and the adoption of Hennepin's Land and Water Acknowledgement and opening of our flag lending library.

Learn more about these and so many other wins we had in 2022! https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNHENNE/bulletins/3570306

Happy Earth Day, everyone! If you don't already have plans, I highly encourage you to find a clean-up event near you and help make our district a little more beautiful on this special day. It is beyond time that we invest in a partnership for the planet by acting boldly, innovating broadly, and implementing equitably - and that starts on an individual level - with us!

Events are happening all across the county - find one here: https://www.hennepin.us/earth-day

A special shoutout to Commissioner Linda Flanders for Goodhue County Commissioner- District 1 from Goodhue County, for challenging Hennepin County Government to their 2023 Mighty Missisippi Cleanup Challenge! Hopefully we can make some progress today towards a cleaner, healthier river for all of us. ! Learn more: https://co.goodhue.mn.us/1485/Mighty-Mississippi-Cleanup

This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week - follow Hennepin County Emergency Management for tips and tricks for how to prepare and stay safe this storm season.

Severe Weather Awareness Week 2023 starts next Monday, April 17th. We will share tips and tricks to help you and your community get ready for severe weather season!

[Image description: Title is Severe Weather Awareness Week with date below April 17-21, 2023, a purple and pink tinted thunderstorm with lightning strikes touching the horizon. City lights in the distance, along with a handful of trees.]

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Happy April to all!

Although it doesn't necessarily feel like it, warmer weather is right around the corner and I look forward to spending more time outdoors. If you share that enthusiasm, you or someone you know may be interested in Hennepin County grants available for lifeguarding services — more details below.

Also in this newsletter:
• Hennepin County's housing strategy and successful benchmarks
• Hennepin County Trans Day of Visibility online exhibit
• Link to Star Tribune coverage of the county's efforts to document our history and increase access through digital archives
• Get personalized help to live a lower waste lifestyle

My best,
Marion

Read the full newsletter here: https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/MNHENNE-3523d3c?wgt_ref=MNHENNE_WIDGET_243

Transit means: connected communities, race equity, job access, reduced emissions, transportation justice, economic competitiveness, smart development, union jobs, shared prosperity. The time is now for dedicated long-term sustainable metro funding for the transit system our region needs and deserves. I’m glad to see the legislature taking action on this, and invite District 3 residents to join me and our many partners in transit advocacy in our work to get this over the finish line.

Happy Transgender Day of Visibility!

The Hennepin County Government Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Employee Resource Group is hosting an incredible art exhibit ONLINE through mid-May. Take a few minutes to check it out and learn more about the lived experiences of trans and gender non-conforming folks in our community!

We need your help! This year's pothole season will be particularly challenging due to the amount of snow we have gotten and an early start with the freeze-thaw cycles. We have crews already working on filling potholes, but you can help us identify additional ones.

If you see a pothole on a county road, call us at 612-596-0299 or report it: hennepin.us/reportaproblem

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. I for one am enthusiastic to be a few weeks from the official beginning of spring; a fantastic time to consider new, more sustainable practices in our life to better our community and local environment.

In this newsletter:
• Opportunities until March 20 to comment on the county's draft Zero Waste Plan
• Information on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) coming to Hennepin County
• An update on the France Avenue Improvement plan
• Details on the superb TESTIFY exhibit at the Minneapolis Central Library; and
• The Fix-It Clinics updated schedule

As always, don't hesitate to reach out with questions, comments, or feedback.

My best,
Marion

Read the full newsletter here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNHENNE/bulletins/346bca1