Updates on Hennepin’s State of Emergency and COVID-19

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, I will continue to prioritize those who are most vulnerable because just as resources are not distributed equitably in our society, crisis is not distributed equitably either. We are being asked to behave differently as individuals, and we must collectively demand something different from our leaders and institutions during this time. In order to address challenges we’ve never faced before, we need to pursue solutions we’ve never contemplated before. I will partner with people and institutions with bold and creative visions to address the public health emergency and concurrent economic crisis.

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Funding approved November 2

  1. Designated $13.3 million to the purchase of a hotel and for conversion to 100 units of protective housing for people experiencing homelessness who are at high risk of COVID-19 complications due to age or underlying medical conditions

  2. $2.2 million to the Indoor Villages project, which will consist of 100 tiny structures inside a warehouse building (provides individual living space for each resident and connects them with supportive services)

  3. $1.1 million to support low-barrier housing program operated by the American Indian Community Development Corporation

  4. $1 million to provide staffing at hotel sites for people experiencing homelessness that are at high risk of COVID-19 complications

  5. $5 million to establish a program that will allow rental property owners to apply for emergency rental assistance on behalf of tenants who cannot pay due to COVID-19

  6. $700,000 to establish a network that will aid businesses in COVID-19 recovery by providing peer-to-peer business roundtables, hosting critical topics series, and matching businesses with specialized technical assistance and coaching

Funding approved September 29

  1. $700,000 to provide broadband access, digital literacy services, and technology support and training for youth, seniors and other individuals impacted by COVID-19

  2. $2,000,000 for a public information, engagement and outreach campaign to educate residents and influence behaviors to combat COVID-19

  3. $2,650,000 to purchase a hotel to provide alternative living accommodations for homeless individuals and county-dependent individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

  4. $900,000 to purchase a hotel to provide alternative living accommodations for homeless individuals and county-dependent individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

Funding approved September 1

  1. $100,000 to provide increased COVID-19 testing, follow-up services, and education to long-term care facilities.

  2. $3.2 million to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at emergency shelters for people experiencing homelessness

  3. $2.5 million to support non-profit and community organizations providing expanded safety net services due to COVID-19

  4. $1 million for mailing absentee ballots and hiring additional seasonal staff to support absentee voting in the general election

  5. $1.2 million of CARES Act funding from the state to support the election, the majority of which Hennepin County will pass along to cities

Funding approved August 11

  1. $6.1 million to help residents maintain stable housing

  2. $1 million to distribute low-cost laptops to youth, seniors, and others impacted by COVID-19

  3. $300,000 to retain AmeriCorps members to support people experiencing homelessness at hotel sites

Funding approved July 28

  1. $1.2 million in CARES Act funding to establish an affordable housing stabilization fund

  2. $3.5 million in CARES Act funding to provide low barrier emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness

  3. $2.3 million of CARES Act funding for a public information, engagement, and outreach campaign

Posted on Tuesday, June 23

Today, the Hennepin County Board passed the following allocations of CARES Act funds in efforts to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on our communities:

  1. $2,000,000 to support summer youth programs and organized youth sports (this is in addition to the $1,000,000 approved on June 11), including developing new programs and the costs incurred to ensure these programs are in compliance with public health measures. Funding would be allocated for new and additional costs incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including but not limited to facility adaptations, signage, additional equipment, technology, supplies, cleaning expenses, and personal protective equipment needed to safely provide youth programs and organized youth sports during the COVID crisis in compliance with public health measures.

  2. $2,000,000 to support expenses for food security for Hennepin County residents impacted by COVID19. From our active and ongoing conversations with food distributors and food shelves across Hennepin County as well as the Minnesota Department of Human Services, we know that the need for food assistance has grown dramatically because of the pandemic. There are estimated to be more than 150 points of food distribution in Hennepin County. Food banks, nonprofit organizations and community organizations would be eligible for up to $50,000. Award amounts will range based on the size of the organization and breadth of the communities for expenses associated with the purchase of perishable and non-perishable foods and non-personnel related food distribution expenses. Strong consideration will be given to support grantee’s focused upon culturally appropriate food access.

  3. $900,000 to support multiple small business relief strategies (this is in addition to the  $25,000,000 approved on May 5, 2020, and June 9, 2020). Some of these funds will go toward helping create public spaces that facilitate retail and food/drink establishments under social distance /COVID-19 guidelines.

  4. $3,000,000 to provide services in compliance with public health measures and mitigate second-order effects of the COVID-19 public health emergency. As Minnesota begins to reopen after approximately 9 weeks of shut down, there is a significant service backlog and a high demand for licensing services. CARES money will be used to expand the service center’s footprint because of the safety requirements associated with the pandemic. Also, additional technology will be secured to support the Service Center’s operation including an online payment system, electronic locker system, and chat/instant messaging functionality for the county’s website.

  5. $2,500,000 to provide educational services and support for Hennepin County involved youth impacted by COVID-19. These funds will be used to hire limited duration staff positions within the Disparity Reduction line of business and also contract with outside vendors who will work with students to:

    1. provide education planning, monitoring, and coaching support tailored to the individual developmental needs

    2. coordinate with school district staff; confirming available school supports

    3. identify and connect with existing academic and tutoring resources

    4. build problem-solving and self-advocacy

    5. skills (teaching age-appropriate, self-advocacy strategies so that students have an active voice in their own education)

    6. recognize and develop available support networks (including family members, caregivers, social workers, counselors, school staff, mentors, community organizations, etc.)

    7. arrange for other needed services and be a resource for parents/caregivers

    8. conference with child welfare, DOCCR, Be@School staff, and related professionals as appropriate concerning the student’s educational needs and development provide individualized online tutoring service

Posted on Thursday, June 11

Today the Hennepin County Board met and passed important items for our communities, including:

  1. $3,500,000 from CARES Act funds for outreach to educate and encourage voters in Hennepin County to vote absentee, for additional temporary staff and supplies needed to manage and count a significant increase in absentee ballots due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to implement public health measures in polling places and recruit new polling place staff to mitigate a reduction in volunteers. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, we need to ensure that Hennepin County residents who are eligible to vote can do so safely, and we need to implement public health measures that will mitigate the risk to County elections staff. Absentee balloting and preregistration are effective strategies in limiting the number of voters coming to polling places on Election Day. Encouraging Hennepin County residents to vote absentee through the mail instead of in person is a key strategy in reducing COVID-19 risk to voters and election workers. Note: Hennepin projects needing an additional 45,000 to 255,000 absentee ballots for a new total of 150,000 to 360,000 ballots to be processed by Hennepin County staff for the 2020 General Election.

  2. $1,687,000 from CARES Act funds to hire up to 40 limited duration positions that will support critical Hennepin County COVID-19 response and testing efforts. Funding would be allocated to hire for positions that will be tasked with:

    • Conducting mobile testing at various settings including long-term care facilities, neighborhoods and communities most disproportionately impacted, community centers, and large residential settings, etc.

    • Expand staffing to scale Hennepin County Public Health’s contact tracing and investigation efforts

  3. $1,500,000 from CARES Act funds to support resources for distance learning for Hennepin County-involved youth impacted by COVID-19. From our active and ongoing conversations with superintendents across Hennepin County as well as the MN Department of Education, we know that access to distance learning continues to be a concern for many youth, including those youth that are involved in county systems. While schools continue to work to secure devices for students, gaps in access to broadband connectivity remain. The ability to ensure uninterrupted educational stability for youth involved in county systems could include:

    • Purchase of devices (chrome books or other)

    • Investment in broadband for specific locations that have high concentrations of youth without connectivity

    • Purchase of hotspots and cell phones for internet connectivity

  4. $1,000,000 from CARES Act funds to support summer youth programs and organized youth sports. Funding will be allocated to support the network of municipalities, private nonprofits, and community organizations that provide summer youth programs and organized youth sports. Funding will be used for facility adaptations, technology, supplies and personal protective equipment needed to safely provide youth programs and organized youth sports during the COVID crisis in compliance with public health measures.

Posted on Tuesday, June 2

Today, the Hennepin County Board met and passed important items for our communities, including:

  1. Allocate $2,500,000 from CARES Act funds to provide workforce development services via organizations serving individuals who were laid off, furloughed, or unemployed due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The funding may be used for the following: helping eligible individuals understand the benefit of Unemployment Insurance/Pandemic Unemployment Insurance and how to apply; receive just in time support services for basic needs (e.g., car repairs to attend training, etc.); receive individual or cohort training via virtual/remote/social distancing methods to ensure skills remain marketable in the current and future state of work; receive services to prepare for a return to work (e.g., finding childcare, supplying personal protective equipment, etc.); and receive services to match with employers in securing the talent they need. In addition, the requested funding may be used to connect eligible youth to career exploration services, employment opportunities, trainings, and to technology to ensure successful distance learning. Note: Hennepin County will partner with TwinWest Chamber of Commerce for this initiative.

  2. Add additional $10,000,000 (totalling $20,000,000) of CARES Act funds to the emergency small business relief/recovery fund to allow the county to support all eligible small businesses that applied for relief funding. In response to the economic impacts of COVID-19 in Hennepin County, the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA) established the Hennepin County Small Business Relief Program on April 21, 2020, as one critical step that will provide small local businesses with emergency funding. Note: This program will be administered by the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD).

  3. Authorize up to 16 hours of Employee Leave Time for benefit-earning employees for remembrance, reflection, and service regarding the death of George Perry Floyd. The purpose of this action is to allow employees to take 16 hours of paid time to spend in service to communities and organizations committed to community restoration and healing. Employees may use these hours in 2 hour increments up to 16 hours of leave effective May 26th, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

Posted on Tuesday, May 19

Today, the Hennepin County Board met and passed important items for our communities, including approving a Preparedness Plan for our public buildings, and support for a regional online platform to match small businesses with resources to meet their specific needs. The Board also received an update on COVID-19, that presentation can be found here (PDF).

Most importantly, the Hennepin County Board authorized the acquisition of hotel property as protective housing for homeless adults or county dependent individuals with underlying health problems from the COVID-19 pandemic using CARES Act funding. These purchases would allow Hennepin to replace a portion of the units the county has been leasing since March. In total, the county currently has 650 units under lease at five hotels. As of May 8, the county has spent approximately $3.3 million, and it projects monthly ongoing costs of $1.6 million to shelter, staff and provide meals for those in separation or isolation in area hotels. When units are purchased, county staff estimate 2020 leased cost savings ranging from $492,000 (with 50 purchased units) to $1,476,000 (with 150 purchased units). With this action, county staff will identify willing sellers and review properties on several factors including price, location, condition, room type, proximity to transit, etc. Note: This action approves the strategy and authority to purchase hotels as alternative living spaces; however, any specific purchases require voting approval by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners.

Posted on Tuesday, May 5

Today, the Hennepin County Board met and passed important items for our communities, including $30,000,000 for rental assistance and small business relief, new efforts towards fighting COVID in long term care facilities, and support for county involved youth during this pandemic. The Board also received an update on COVID-19, that presentation can be found here (PDF).

The Hennepin County Board passed the following important measures:

  1. Create a long-term care facility COVID-19 testing and technical assistance program. This unit will focus on residents and staff at long-term care facilities and congregate care facilities. Hennepin County’s disproportionate number of hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 are primarily driven by cases arising in long-term care facilities, accounting for 36% of Hennepin County’s COVID-19 hospitalizations and 85% of the deaths. The program aims to reduce transmission by

    • increasing onsite testing of residents and staff in congregate care facilities (including long-term care facilities)

    • providing technical assistance, support and guidance to facilities regarding:

      • infection prevention and control

      • personal protective equipment

      • staffing surge capacity planning in case of staff shortages

      • support for staff mental well-being

    • coordinating its efforts with the Minnesota Department of Health

  2. Allocate $15,000,000 from CARES Act to emergency housing assistance. Funds would be targeted to renters with low incomes at or below 50% of Area Median Income (which is about $50,000 for a four-person household) and at the highest risk for COVID-19 related economic loss. Priority will be given to residents with incomes below 30% Area Median Income (which is about $30,000 for a four-person household), and those who live in regions with highest overcrowding, poverty, and eviction rates. Funds would provide an average of $1,500 of financial assistance per household. This allocation would stabilize housing for approximately 9,000 renters across the county, with the secondary impacts of

    • preventing further crowding of our homeless shelters, and “doubling up” of multiple households under one roof, both of which exacerbate the spread of COVID19

    • stabilizing revenue for rental property owners, which supports ongoing maintenance and decreases the likelihood of foreclosure or sale

    • allowing residents stability from which to quickly reenter the labor market

  3. Allocate additional funding from CARES Act to total $15,000,000 in emergency small business relief/recovery. In response to the economic impacts of COVID-19 in Hennepin County, the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA) established the Hennepin County Small Business Relief Program on April 21, 2020, as one critical step that will provide approximately 265 small local businesses with emergency funding. The current action would use federal fund resources to increase the Hennepin County Small Business Relief Fund and to further support racial equity and inclusion. Note: This program will be administered by the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD). The current action would amend the guidelines as follows

    • provide funds in the form of grants instead of forgivable loans

    • increase the maximum grant amount to $10,000 instead of $7,500

    • set aside up to $1,000,000 within the Small Business Relief Fund for businesses with 0 employees, with a maximum grant amount of $3,000

  4. Create a Hennepin County Business Advisory Council. The purpose of the Council is to support the rapid recovery of the Hennepin County business community from the COVID-19 pandemic by identifying opportunities and needs in the business community, providing guidance and input to county staff on potential programs and initiatives, and to act as a liaison between the business community and Hennepin County. The Council shall be composed of between 20 and 25 members chosen because of their business experience and because of their ability to represent the diversity of the business community in Hennepin County. This diversity includes but is not limited to type of business, size of business, business location, and racial, ethnic, gender and other demographic diversity. The Business Advisory Council shall meet at least monthly and shall report regularly to the County Board.

  5. Support for Hennepin County involved youth during COVID-19 pandemic. This action directs the County Administrator to develop innovative methods to support Hennepin County involved youth negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing support and resources to to support their educational stability, health and well-being.

  6. Amend Hennepin County Board of Commissioners 2020 calendar to include additional meetings for timely response to COVID-19 related items. Specifically, Committee meetings were added on July 7, 2020 and July 21, 2020, and Board meetings were added on May 12, 2020, May 28, 2020, June 9, 2020, June 23, 2020, July 7, 2020, July 14, 2020 and July 21, 2020. Finally, we added a board briefing on May 14, 2020.

Posted on Tuesday, April 21

Today, the Hennepin County Board and the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities met and passed important items for our communities. The Board also received an update on COVID-19, that presentation can be found here (PDF).

The Hennepin County Board passed the following important measures:

  1. One-time waiving of property tax late fee for certain taxpayers. This functionally delays May property tax payments by removing the penalty for late payment that would otherwise be imposed between May 15, 2020 and July 15, 2020. This applies to all taxpayers who meet the following criteria. Note: you must still pay your May property taxes by July 15.

    • Your total May 15 property tax payment for all parcels is less than $50,000

    • You do not escrow your property tax payment through a mortgage or escrow service

    • Your May 15, 2020 taxes are received on or before July 15, 2020

  2. $100,000 for emergency shelter essential case management services for people experiencing homelessness. Hennepin County will use these funds for emergency shelter essential case management services by assessing, arranging, coordinating, and monitoring the delivery of individualized services to meet the immediate housing placement needs of shelter program participants. The overall goal is to increase turnover of emergency shelter bed supply. This money comes to us from the City of Minneapolis who received an Emergency Solutions Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

  3. $4,000,000 of additional funding for Hennepin County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This action by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners delegates authority to the County Administrator of an amount up to $4 million for the  purchase and contract of all necessary goods, materials, supplies, equipment, and contracted services; and to negotiate any necessary lease(s), including but not limited to providing increased capacity of alternative living spaces for country dependent individuals.

  4. Move $10,000,000 from General Fund Balance to the Contingency Fund in preparation for immediate response in 2020. As of April 20, 2020, the COVID-19 crisis has required the county to transfer from Contingency $8.5 million for necessary expenditures like protective housing, isolation and quarantine sites, personal protective equipment, and staffing. Hennepin County anticipates we will be reimbursed for some of these expenditures from State and Federal grants.

The Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority passed the following important measures. I serve as the Chair of this board and am thankful to staff for their work on the actions we passed today. The presentation from the meeting can be found here (PDF).

  1. $2,040,000 to the Hennepin County Small Business Relief Program to provide small business technical assistance and emergency loan funding to assist local businesses recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19. This program will impact approximately 265 small businesses and will improve their capacity to survive/recover from the current crisis. Funds will help businesses pay for critical operating expenses such as utilities, rent payments, mortgage payments, and payments to suppliers. Hennepin County Small Business Relief Program provides up to $7,500 in one-time emergency forgivable loan funding to sustain operations in for profit businesses. Your business qualifies with the below criteria. Note: This program will be administered by the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD).

    • You are locally owned and operated

    • You have a physical establishment in Hennepin County

    • You have at least one and no more than 20 employees

    • You have under $1 million in annual revenue

  2. $100,000 to provide small business outreach in partnership with culturally specific community based organizations. Existing barriers faced by businesses owned by people of color, women, or in lower income areas are only exacerbated by the current crisis. Targeted, culturally competent outreach will increase access to capital and help ensure more equitable outcomes for small businesses in Hennepin County. The goal is to help businesses understand the various federal, state, and local funds available to them and how to connect with lenders and government agencies that are administering these funds. Note: This program will be administered by the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability.

  3. $740,000 to assist approximately 154 low income Hennepin County residents maintain stable housing during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes two programs, one for renters and one for homeowners.

    1. An emergency rent and assistance program that focuses on renters with low incomes at or below 50 percent of area median income (AMI) and at the highest risk for COVID-19 related economic loss, and provides an average of $1,500 per household, plus staffing costs, with a goal of assisting 144 households. Note: this program will be administered through existing community based providers.

    2. An innovative strategy to preserve home ownership as well as long-term affordability of homes focused on homeowners with incomes below 80 percent of AMI at risk of tax forfeiture and home loss. This provides financial assistance to prevent tax forfeiture and rehabilitate homes, in exchange for ownership of the land and a Ground Lease ensuring the home remains affordable long-term, with a goal of helping 10 homes. Note: this program will be administered by City of Lakes Community Land Trust (CLCLT).

Posted on Tuesday, April 7

Today Hennepin County held its second virtual board meeting—thank you to the 350+ people who took the time to engage with us in that setting. Your advocacy, perspectives, personal stories, and vulnerability are essential and allow for stronger, more informed decision-making. I also want to acknowledge that today’s meeting did not go smoothly due to technical difficulties, and as a result many people were unable to make their voices heard during public comment. Thank you for your patience as we work to construct a more reliable opportunity for engagement moving forward.

During today’s Board meeting, the Commissioners received an update on the ongoing pandemic which included this presentation given to the Board. I’m continually grateful to Hennepin leaders for their leadership and prioritizations. Together, Hennepin has been able to implement scaled decision-making in a timely manner—prioritizing a robust public health response, modifying service delivery models for residents, and shifting policy where needed.

I also understand that this impacts residents in unimaginable ways, so I thank you for your partnership as we move through this difficult time. I will engage thoughtfully with you and the stories you share. Please continue to reach out to my office by emailing Bill from my team at bill.emory@hennepin.us.

Posted on Thursday, March 26

Today, the Hennepin County Board received an update on the ongoing pandemic. This was the first time Hennepin held a virtual board meeting—thank you to staff for the speedy implementation of new technologies so that the County Board can continue to conduct Hennepin business in a timely and safe manner. Click here to view the presentation, and click here to watch the recording of the board meeting.

It is clear that this global crisis is halting many functions of daily life, and these changes are happening very quickly. I am proud to be part of an organization that has acted promptly and at scale to:

  1. Prioritize a robust and evidence-informed public health response, including sheltering our most vulnerable and reducing our jail population, so that we can keep our workforce healthy while they deliver high-quality care to clients. 

  2. Modify Hennepin’s service delivery model, including adjusting protocol and equipping remote working, so we can serve residents continually and in a safe manner. 

  3. Expand workforce policies, including leave options and flexible hours, so we can be responsive to the changing needs of our workers.

And we know we must do this in partnership—thank you to Hennepin’s Intergovernmental Relations team for your advocacy, and to all members of the Minnesota Legislature for your work. Earlier today, they passed a COVID-19 response package with some highlights listed below:

  1. Extension to the property tax petition filing deadline (now May 30th).

  2. Elimination of the one-week waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits.

  3. Extension of the expiration date for license plates expiring during the state emergency to one month after the emergency has been lifted.

  4. Establishment of a $200 million COVID-19 Minnesota Fund; funds that can be distributed to State agencies responding to the pandemic.

  5. Allocation of $30 million in emergency small business loans and $10 million in small business loan guarantees.

  6. Allocation of nearly $32 million for emergency housing support and shelter needs.

  7. Allocation of nearly $30 million for childcare supports.

  8. Allocation up to $11 million in grants to the eleven Minnesota tribal nations to address the health and economic impacts of COVID-19.

  9. Allocation of $9 million to Hunger Solutions, a statewide food distribution network.

  10. Allocation of $6.2 million for Military Veterans’ COVID-19 Response Assistance.

  11. Allocation of $2.4 million to the Division of Vehicle Services to improve REAL ID processing time.

I commit to continue prioritizing those who are most vulnerable because our systems are not created equal—and just as resources are not distributed equitably in our society, crisis is not distributed equitably either. Guidance to stay at home, implies a safe and stable home. Instructions to work remotely, implies reliable work and remote resources to implement that work. Directives to wash hands and social distance, imply the availability of soap or space which many settings are unable to provide.

I am incredibly grateful to Hennepin staff for your thoughtfulness, innovation, and compassion. A special thanks to those who take on additional risk by working on the frontlines—healthcare personnel, child protection workers, emergency responders, service center staff, custodial staff, people who prepare our food and keep the shelves stocked, as well as many more. You are true public servants. Thank you for your leadership, future generations are indebted to you.

Posted on Friday, March 20

On Friday March 13, Governor Walz declared a state of peacetime emergency for Minnesota. The following business day on Monday March 16, Chair Greene declared a state of emergency for Hennepin County. And the business day after on Tuesday March 17, the County Board voted on several policy measures. 

Policy and voting can be an elongated process. I believe there are many additional actions the County Board will need to take in the coming weeks. Thanks to the strength of Hennepin’s leadership, we were prepared to vote on meaningful policy actions in a timely and responsive manner. I thank my colleagues for their commitment and for passing each measure unanimously (7-0). Below see all the actions Hennepin has taken to date as well as actions I’m advocating for more broadly.

Actions Hennepin has taken, both as a service provider and as an employer:

  • Declared Emergency. To increase responsiveness, the County Board authorized County Administration special powers in how Hennepin coordinates or receives aid from local, state, and federal governments—and in the same action we immediately allocated $2.5 million to purchase and contract for all necessary goods, materials, supplies, equipment, and contracted services as part of the Hennepin County’s COVID-19 response.

  • Increased Shelter Funding. To proactively limit the impact among our most in need, namely seniors and other vulnerable people who are experiencing homelessness, the County Board authorized $3 million to secure alternative living spaces. County leaders have been working with shelters and will transport approximately 150 people to a new site, which will provide separation in space to mitigate the health risk.  

  • More Testing. To remove barriers for testing, Hennepin is waiving copays for COVID-19 testing to the extent permitted by law. I understand that there are other factors and barriers to testing, so County leaders are in conversation with partners to advance this topic.

  • Closed Public Spaces. To align with recommendations from the CDC, most County buildings are closed to the public. By federal and state statute, there are many services that are required to be delivered in person—so this decision is significant, and County leaders are working with State leaders to ensure compliance with the law and continuation of services. 

  • Equip Remote Working. All workers who are able are required to work remotely. Hennepin has provided guidance, remote tools, and equipment to accomplish this—and some of this may take some effort and patience to implement completely. I would like to note that this doesn’t apply to everyone, and the entire community is grateful for your service. Specifically: (i) workers who care for people in facilities, (ii) workers who investigate allegations of abuse or neglect, (iii) workers who protect our most vulnerable populations such as those experiencing homelessness, and (iv) workers who monitor court-ordered probationers/parolees.

  • Adjust Employee Policies. The County Board expanded support for employees during the pandemic. Specifically, we authorized: (i) eligibility for 80 hours for an employee who is required to be off work with a medically confirmed diagnosis of or exposure to COVID-19 for them or someone of their family or household, (ii) increasing the number of negative vacation/sick leave/PTO time that can be accrued to 240 hours, (iii) allowing for the ability to earn 80 hours back with continued employment at Hennepin, and (iv) an additional 80 hours of future PTO/vacation time for employees whose jobs cannot be done off-site and are on the frontlines of this crisis. I am grateful for the speed of these changes, and I understand that these policies may need to be further advanced or strengthened as the situation evolves. 

  • Shift Operating Procedures. This is an evolving time with much uncertainty. New information and dynamic factors are revealed constantly, and Hennepin is continually working to respond.

Actions I am advocating for in my leadership capacity as a Commissioner:

  • Adjust State Statutes. Suspending adherence to state statutes that conflict with Hennepin County’s ability to care for residents and our workforce.

  • Produce Health Equipment. Identify businesses with the manufacturing ability to produce testing supplies, protective health gear, or medical equipment—and then support them in increasing capacity immediately.

  • Provide Resources and Care for All. Expand access to public assistance programs and health care programs to all residents, regardless of citizenship status.

  • Stop Evictions. Suspending evictions and related proceedings, so that people can remain stably housed.

  • Increase Housing Stability. Expanding eligibility, speeding up processes, and supplementing access to rental assistance and homeless prevention programs, such as FHPAP and EA/EGA.

  • Increase Basic Needs. Expanding eligibility and speeding up processes for cash and food assistance programs, such as SNAP (food stamps) and MFIP.

  • Increase Economic Stability. Providing economic support for individuals, including Unemployment Insurance Benefits and other stimulus efforts.

  • Stop Mortgage and Rent Payments. Suspending mortgage and rent payments, which would benefit renters, homeowners, businesses, and the community as a whole.

  • Stop Loan Payments. Suspending loan payments (such as student or medical), which would benefit residents and spur economic development.

  • Stop Utility Payments. Suspending utility payments, which would benefit renters, homeowners, businesses, and the community as a whole.

  • Define Internet as a Utility. Defining broadband internet as a utility to be regulated (like water or electricity) versus a commodity (like goods or services), particularly in an environment where distance-learning and access to internet are required for other State functions such as education. 

  • Engage on 2020 Census. Increasing community outreach and engagement to ensure a fair and accurate count in the midst of this pandemic.

  • Secure Elections. Protecting our elections and preparing for a potential shift to elections primarily conducted by mail.

  • Reduce Correctional Facilities Population. Reducing the health risk for staff and people in correctional facilities by releasing low-risk offenders to home confinement, protecting them and staff from exposure.

  • Stop Deportations. Implement an immediate ban of deportations. Our interactions with other countries should be centered on this health crisis and not on the forced removal of our neighbors.

Posted on Monday, March 16

We are in an unprecedented time with growing concern and uncertainty. Hennepin County has declared a state of emergency, which was initiated by Chair Greene and will be affirmed by the County Board tomorrow (Tuesday March 17th at 1:30pm). Effective immediately, Hennepin County is closing all public-facing services at all of our libraries, human service centers, and licensing service centers through April 6, 2020. We have not taken this decision lightly and understand the hardship this creates for our customers, clients, and residents.

I encourage individuals and families to make decisions that promote the overall well-being and health of our communities. This includes:

As the situation evolves and needs shift, I am looking to and will work alongside local, state, and federal leaders in order to make strong and holistic decisions on behalf of Hennepin County. Specifically, I commit to:

Prioritizing Hennepin’s Public Health Response

We have a unique role in the metro and across the state, and I am grateful for the robust public health response Hennepin is able to implement. In partnership with various entities and through our own departments, we are working toward:

  • Waiving copays for COVID-19 testing to the extent permitted by law.

  • Securing capacity for compliant quarantine facilities so we are prepared to act at scale. 

  • Shifting Hennepin Healthcare (formerly HCMC) operating procedures to keep the workforce healthy while they deliver high-quality care to patients. 

  • Shifting NorthPoint and Healthcare for the Homeless operating procedures to keep the workforce healthy while they deliver high-quality care to patients. 

Supporting Modifications to Hennepin’s Service Model

Our workforce serves key functions for our communities, especially during times of heightened need. Hennepin is required to be responsive to federal and state actions, while also being as responsive as possible to the requests of our workforce and residents. These decisions are not taken lightly, and I am supporting County leaders in the following measures: 

  • Continuing to reduce, postpone, and cancel activities or work wherever possible. 

  • Limiting or eliminating face-to-face interactions, which will mean new operating procedures and service delivery methods for residents and our workforce. 

  • Expanding policies related to workforce leave.

  • Suspending adherence to state statutes or laws that conflict with our abilities to care for residents and our workforce. 

Advocating for Broader Measures Toward Economic Stability

This global health crisis is disrupting every part of our daily lives—workplaces are closing, young people are not in school, and our health system is at risk of being overwhelmed. These factors are causing economic strain for individuals and families all across our communities, and I am hoping that political leaders will have the courage to act swiftly on behalf of residents. While I do not have decision-making authority for many decisions, I will seek partnership with state leaders and agencies to advocate for the following broader measures:

  • Suspending evictions and related proceedings, so that people can remain stably housed. 

  • Expanding eligibility and speeding up processes for assistance programs, such as Emergency Assistance (for housing), SNAP, Unemployment Benefits, and more.

  • Expanding resources for employers, so that they can take actions that benefit their workforce.

In closing, I am hopeful that we come together to advance the robust and holistic response needed during this crisis. I have immense gratitude for each of you as we collectively take actions to promote the overall well-being and health of our communities.

I am grateful for the leadership of all Hennepin workers, and a special thanks to those who take on additional risk by working on the frontlines—healthcare personnel, custodial staff, people who prepare our food and keep the shelves stocked, emergency responders, library workers, educators, service center staff, as well as many more. Thank you for your service, future generations are indebted to you.