Hennepin County — Transcript
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Story
Hennepin County approves $275 million in bonds for infrastructure.
Affordable Housing and Community Development
Law Enforcement Staffing and Workforce Development
Public Health and Human Services Program Funding
Infrastructure, Facilities, and Property Management
Votes (27)
Public Hearing: Issuance of Debt under the County's 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (Administration's Operations and Budget Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Staff presented a summary explaining the purpose of the public hearing was to gather input on financing up to $275 million of general obligation bonds. These bonds will fund major infrastructure improvements including library projects, correctional facility remodeling, infrastructure preservation at various locations (Government Center, Madina public works, HHS medical center), and road/bridge projects. All projects have prior County Board approval. No public comments were received in person or via telephone.
Public Hearing: 2026 HUD Annual Action Plan (Administration's Operations and Budget Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Julia Wellie from Housing and Economic Development provided background, stating the public hearing is a required step for the 2026 action plan with HUD. The draft plan, released March 23rd, outlines the proposed use of Community Development Block Grant, Home Investment Partnerships, and Emergency Solutions Grant funds to support affordable housing, rapid rehousing, housing sustaining services, and park improvements in suburban Hennepin County. The public comment period remains open until April 22nd. No public comments were received.
2026 Community Advisory Board Applicants and Appointments (Administration's Operations and Budget Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
The committee heard interviews from candidates for the Race Equity Council and the Hennepin-Carver Workforce Development Board. Katherine Buouie sought reappointment to the Race Equity Advisory Council, emphasizing strengthening structure, data-informed recommendations, and accountability. Dr. Kimberly Wilburn sought renewal on the CAPHC board and to join REAC, highlighting her passion for racial equity and anti-racism work. Jacqueline Lee applied for REAC, drawing on her healthcare experience with underserved populations to advocate for equity. Mary Nemmer, CEO of CAPPI, applied for the Workforce Development Board, showcasing her experience in workforce development and service to immigrants and refugees. Items for Birth Justice, CAPHC, and Human Resources boards were moved to the full board without interviews.
Ratification of permits, leases, and property agreements (Administration's Operations and Budget Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
This item involved the ratification of various permits, leases, lease agreements, and related property agreements that were approved by the county administrator from October 1st, 2025, through December 31st, 2025. It was presented as routine business without specific discussion points beyond the formal approval.
Negotiate agreement with Inner City Christian Ministries for parking stalls (Administration's Operations and Budget Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Approval to negotiate an agreement for the rental of 22 parking stalls located at 1801 Park Avenue, Minneapolis. The agreement period is from May 1st, 2026, through April 30th, 2027, with a first-year gross rent of $18,000. This item was considered routine business and passed without specific discussion.
Authorize transfer of surplus properties to the HCHRA (Administration's Operations and Budget Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Ryan Kelly from Housing and Economic Development explained the transfer of three long-vacant surplus properties in North Minneapolis (3200 Queen Ave N, 3211 Penn Ave N, 3206 Penn Ave N) to the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA). The goal is redevelopment for affordable housing with active ground floor uses, advancing county priorities like disparity elimination, economic opportunity, and climate resilience. Commissioner comments highlighted the long history of these properties (since 1999) and the importance of using surplus land to drive affordable housing development, suggesting bundling properties and incentivizing housing proposals.
Negotiate award modification with St. Louis Park Housing Authority (Administration's Operations and Budget Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Approval to negotiate an award modification with the St. Louis Park Housing Authority, increasing the 'not to exceed' amount by $40,000 to a new total of $786,635. The agreement starts July 1st, 2025, and ends June 30th, 2070. This was a routine business item and passed without specific discussion.
Amendment to agreement with Regents of the University of Minnesota for community gardens (Administration's Operations and Budget Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Approval of an amendment to an agreement with the Regents of the University of Minnesota to provide programming and maintenance for two community gardens. The amendment extends the end date to December 31st, 2026, and increases the 'not to exceed' amount by $30,000, bringing the new total to $116,000. This was a routine business item and passed without specific discussion.
Negotiate various agreements to fortify contracts (Administration's Operations and Budget Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Approval to negotiate various agreements to fortify contracts for periods between April 2nd, 2026, and January 31st, 2027. The total 'not to exceed' amount for these agreements is $176,142.37. This was a routine business item and passed without specific discussion.
Amendments to seven agreements for workforce development funds (Administration's Operations and Budget Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Nola Slater Johnson from the Department of Workforce Development explained that the amendments extend terms and increase 'not to exceed' amounts to accept PY26 and PY27 funds from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. This supports programs like WIOA adult/dislocated worker and Minnesota Youth Program through various partner organizations (Goodwill Easter Seals, Avivo, Hired, etc.). These programs provide comprehensive workforce services, including outreach, assessments, coaching, training, and critical supports. A Commissioner requested trend data on utilization and demand for future forecasting.
Lease agreement with Iseroon for space at 800 South 10th Street, Minneapolis (Administration's Operations and Budget Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Spencer Agnu from Facility Services presented the request for a lease agreement with Iseroon, a local non-profit specializing in family and children's social services, particularly for women exiting domestic violence. The property, acquired last year for the HCMC parking ramp project, was vacant. Iseroon's proposal was selected for using the building for office space and service delivery, and for taking on all operating and tenant improvement costs, resulting in substantial savings for the county. The first-year rent is $20,000.
Agreement for steam utility services to central library (Administration's Operations and Budget Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Christy Duffy from Facilities Operations provided background on a new 10-year agreement with Energy Center Minneapolis LLC to provide steam utility services to the central library. The previous contract, assumed during the 2008 library system merger, was expiring. The new agreement runs from May 1st, 2026, through April 30th, 2036, with three additional 5-year renewal options, a not-to-exceed amount of $4,500 (though annual costs are approximately $300,000) and allows for a 3% annual escalation. This was a routine business item and passed without specific discussion.
Agreement with City of Long Lake for EMS gate repair (Administration's Operations and Budget Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Approval to negotiate an agreement with the City of Long Lake to contribute to the cost of repairing the controlled access EMS gate located between Trunk Highway 12 and CASA12. The county's contribution is not to exceed $7,318. This was a routine business item and passed without specific discussion.
Presentation on Law Enforcement Availability Report (Law, Safety, and Justice Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Javana Con, Chief Human Resources Officer, presented a report on the future availability of law enforcement across Hennepin County. Key findings indicated a 10-year decline in candidates passing exams, a widening gap between budgeted and available officers, and that more officers leave mid-career than at retirement. Personnel costs are projected to increase significantly (30% in 5 years, 68% in 10 years). Recommendations included coordinated recruitment, long-term workforce planning, leveraging non-licensed staff (e.g., social workers, CSOs), and encouraging smaller agencies to contract with larger ones. Commissioners discussed the county's role as a convenor, potential legislative asks (like pension reform for retired officers), and the need for data on why officers leave mid-career.
Acceptance of donation for general support of sheriff's office operations (Law, Safety, and Justice Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Approval for the acceptance of a donation intended for the general support of the Sheriff's Office operations. This was a routine business item and passed without specific discussion.
Amend agreement with DHS for Naloxone training and distribution (Health Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Approval to amend an agreement with the Department of Human Services (DHS) for Naloxone training and kit distribution services. The amendment allows for adjustments to budget line items and attachment names, with no change to the term or the total amount of the agreement. This item was part of a block vote for routine items.
Amendment to agreement with DHS for opioid response services (Health Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Approval of an amendment to an agreement with the Department of Human Services (DHS) for opioid response services under the HCH Healthcare for the Homeless program. The amendment allows for adjustments to budget line items and attachment names, with no change to the term or the total amount. This item was part of a block vote for routine items.
Amendment to agreement with City of Minneapolis for program funding (Health Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Approval of an amendment to an agreement with the City of Minneapolis to receive funding for various programs and services. The amendment extends the end date to December 31st, 2028, and increases the 'not to exceed' amount by just over $4 million, reaching a new total of $4.7 million. This item was part of a block vote for routine items.
Human Services and Public Health Resolution (Human Services Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Approval of the human services and public health resolution, which includes various contracts and amendments to contracts with providers. Additional information was referenced in board report 2605. This was a routine item and passed without specific discussion.
Amendment to agreement with Minnesota Department of Health for grant funding for employment outcomes for people with disabilities (Human Services Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Approval of an amendment to an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Health for grant funding. This funding aims to expand the lead agency capacity to improve competitive integrated employment outcomes for people with disabilities. The contract period is extended through June 30th, 2027, and the receivable amount is significantly increased by over $1.3 million, for a new total receivable amount of $3,103,726. A Commissioner expressed gratitude for this substantial increase in funding.
Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Minneapolis for shelter operations (Human Services Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Julia Wellie from Housing Stability explained that this new Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with the City of Minneapolis accepts grant funds from the city's local affordable housing aid and general fund to extend shelter operations. This funding, totaling up to $1,250,000, will keep shelter beds online from May 1st, 2026, through April 30th, 2027, which were initially selected during the 2025-2026 winter shelter RFP. This provides a bridge until new contracts from the 'super RFP' establish a more sustainable system of inclement weather beds.
Negotiate agreement with Minneapolis for cost participation and maintenance for intersections (Public Works Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Approval to negotiate an agreement with Minneapolis for cost participation and maintenance for the intersections of Cass 52 Hennepin Avenue and First Street, and Robert Fiser Drive. This is a sub-project of an existing one, with a county cost not to exceed $950,000. This item was part of a block vote for routine items.
Negotiate agreement with Brooklyn Park for cost participation and maintenance for intersections (Public Works Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Approval to negotiate an agreement with Brooklyn Park for cost participation and maintenance for the Cass 152 Brooklyn Boulevard and Welcome Avenue intersection. The estimated receivable for the county is $184,600. This item was part of a block vote for routine items.
Amendment to agreement with HDR Engineering for multimodal safety improvements (Public Works Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Approval of an amendment to an agreement with HDR Engineering to provide additional professional services for multimodal safety improvements on a project at Cass 33 and Cass 35 in Minneapolis (also known as Park and Portland). The amendment increases the 'not to exceed' amount to just over $4.6 million. This item was part of a block vote for routine items.
Amendment to agreement for ERF grant funding with Minneapolis (Public Works Committee)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Approval of an amendment to an agreement for ERF grant funding with Minneapolis. The amendment extends the end date to May 8th, 2027, with no change to the 'not to exceed' amount. This item was part of a block vote for routine items.
Claims register for the period ending March 31st, 2026 (Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Approval of the claims register for the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority for the period ending March 31st, 2026. This was a routine administrative item and passed without specific discussion.
Terminate and forgive portion of 2009 AHIFF agreement with Urban Homeworks (Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp]
Abby Lucen presented a recommendation to terminate and forgive a portion of a 2009 Affordable Housing Incentive Fund (AHIFF) agreement with Urban Homeworks (now Housing in Action) related to scattered site properties. Specifically, forgiveness of the loan for 620 23rd Avenue North ($125,000 NTE), which became uninhabitable due to repeated break-ins, vandalism, and a cyber attack on the organization. Repayment was accepted for 2200 6th Street North ($41,667 receivable). The goal is to release affordability requirements to allow a buyer to rehab the uninhabitable property, which Housing in Action continues to own, patrol, and board in the interim.
Notable Quotes (22)
The county anticipates issuing up to $275 million of general obligation bonds to fund the cash flow needs of various projects included in the county's adopted 2026 to 2030 capital improvement program pursuant to Minnesota statutes.
Every year we have to go through this capital budgeting. We want to make it a very public process. We want to make sure people have the opportunity to look at it and to comment on it and give us feedback.
Our action plan outlies outlines how we propose to use funds from our federal um HUD partners. Uh the grants being the community development block grant, home investment partnerships, and the emergency solutions grant.
We'll return to this body in May to seek uh authorization to submit the plan to HUD and to negotiate and execute agreements with HUD and our city and community partners.
If pre-appointed, my focus will be on three areas. Strengthening implementation pathways so recommendations are actionable and measurable. Deepening committee work to ensure priority areas produces clear outcomedriven insights. And then enhancing accountability and communication between REAC county leadership and the communities we serve.
Racial equity and the dismantling of systemic racism systemic racism has long been a passion of mine. Racial equity has been part of my platform in my two successful runs for Minnitankka City Council, and I have been supportive of and involved in the formation of our DEI commission and supportive of the work of our DEI staff.
What I bring to this council is willingness to learn, listen, and collaborate. I value diverse perspectives and believe that effective solutions come from engaging directly with the communities most impacted.
I am seeking this appointment because I believe deeply in building an inclusive workforce system that works for everyone and refugees who bring tremendous talent, resilience, and economic potential to our I would be honored to bring both my professional experience and community perspective to the board.
These properties have been vacant for over 15 years and provide an opportunity to not only have these unproductive lots once again provide tax revenue, but to also advance several county priorities through the potential of redevelopment, including disparity elimination, affordable housing production, economic opportunity, and climate resilience.
I just think we're going to have to even be more pushy, I think, uh because we can't tell cities what to do, but we can sure put stuff out there and I think really start to drive that narrative. Then I think putting more points into the grant programs will get the attention of people.
Each partner organization will be delivering a coordinated community-based set of workforce services designed to meet individuals where they're at on their path to employment and advancement. This includes proactive outreach and engagement, comprehensive assessments, and individualized employment planning, and career coaching, all informed by labor market information.
My hope is as this just as you are working with these organizations if you're able to offer kind of trend data to us over time around utilization demand um as we all know counties function counterylically to the economy.
The proposal from Iseroon was far away the best proposal. They proposed to use the building to um um for office space and for service delivery for their existing social services serving families and ch uh women and children. Um in addition to the base rent, they'll take on all operating costs as well as tenant improvement costs. So, uh substantial savings for the county there.
When the Minneapolis Public Library System merged with the Henipin County Library System in January of 2008, the county assumed Central Libraryies existing 20-year steam utility service contract. This contract expires April 30th, 2026. The county negotiated a new 10-year contract with Energy Center Minneapolis with three additional optional 5-year renewals.
New officer numbers are outpaced by retirements and turnover. There's a widening gap between the number of licensed FTEEs needed and the number available and hired.
When we look at that line [availability], we see a clear 10-year decline. Okay? That means the number of folks who are passing the test, who are taking and passing the test, has been declining for the last 10 years.
I think our power is...as a convenor. I think uh and so I think there are best practices that we all can do together. At a micro level, we compete like cats and dogs for personnel.
I think that you're sending it to the chiefs...but under this kind of do together category, what might be more straightforward than not in terms of streamlining, not even a formal consolidation, but streamlining the objectives in this time period.
2B is wonderful. This is a significant amount of that's a significant increase. That's more than I've recall. So, I just wanted to commend that. Um having a total receivable exceeding 3 million for this uh outcome is just not the financial levels that we've always seen for um this area. And so, I just wanted to express gratitude to the grant writers and the providers and to um uplift that.
This um joint powers agreement with the city of Minneapolis um is a new one. Um this one as noted will will um fund extension of shelter operations. So vendors for this funding were actually selected during our 2025 2026 winter shelter RFP which expanded singles shelter capacity. This funding will keep those beds online through the end of this year.
One of the three properties in rental reclaim 1, 620 23rd Avenue North, fa faced repeated break-ins, other crime and vandalism, housing in Action, made the decision to work with residents to move them out for their own safety. Despite uh fencing, boarding, and regular patrols, the vacant building was vandalized again and again, stripping out the plumbing and the wiring.
The goal of releasing the affordability requirements is that um a buyer could come in, rehab the property, and make it habitable um hoping that by reducing the complexity and making it more sustainable in the long term would attract said buyer.
Ordinances & Resolutions (15)
Minutes of the previous Administration's Operations and Budget Committee meeting.
County's 5-year plan for major infrastructure improvements.
Legal basis for financing capital projects with debt.
Plan outlining the proposed use of federal HUD funds for housing and community development.
Federal grant supporting housing activities.
Federal grant supporting housing activities.
Federal grant supporting housing activities.
Provides more information for the Human Services and Public Health resolution.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program for adults and dislocated workers.
State program for dislocated workers.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program for youth.
State program for youth workforce development.
Study on the future status of law enforcement personnel across Hennepin County.
Record of claims for the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
Affordable Housing Incentive Fund (AHIFF) agreement related to scattered site properties.