On Friday June 19, 2020, Commissioner Angela Conley and I announced a Resolution that declares racism a public health crisis in Hennepin County. See the Resolution here (PDF) and our supporting materials here (PDF).
Today, our Resolution passed in Administration, Libraries and Budget Committee (4 in favor, 2 abstain, 1 absent) and will be before the Board for final approval on Tuesday June 30.
Read MoreTo County Attorney Michael Freeman,
As fellow elected leaders, we demand that you immediately arrest and press charges against the officers involved in the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Monday, May 25th. We have all seen the disturbing video of Mr. Floyd’s final minutes and it is clear he was killed by Minneapolis Police. The community response we are experiencing is directed both at the outrage of this specific killing and the oppressive systems that allowed it to happen.
Read MoreLike so many of us, I am disgusted and hurt by the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police. His family and communities will no longer benefit from his laugh or his words. This tragedy highlights that our system of policing is a method of state violence against black communities, Indigenous communities, communities of color, disabled communities, homeless communities, and low-wealth communities.
Read MoreWe 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.
Read MoreUpdate: On January 28, 2020, the Hennepin County Board voted and denied this request for financial assistance to cities to assist in their complete count efforts. The final vote was 5-2, with myself and Commissioner Conley voting in favor.
As Chair of Hennepin County’s Complete Count Committee, I’m dedicated to working with our cities and complete count partners to achieve a complete count with the resources we have.
Read MoreDear Members of the State Board of Public Defense,
My name is Irene Fernando and I serve as Hennepin County Commissioner for District 2. I write to you on behalf of the residents of Hennepin County to request information regarding the suspension of Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County’s Chief Public Defender. Ms. Moriarty’s clients are my constituents and we share a commitment to serving them to the best of our ability. Public defenders play a vital role in advancing equity, ensuring due process, and engaging with some of our most vulnerable residents.
Read MoreMy 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
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreThank 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.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreOver 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.
Read More