LWV of South Tonka: A Conversation with Hennepin County (District 6) Commissioner Chris LaTondresse

Thursday, September 30, 2021

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding allocation in Hennepin County

Comparison of CARES Act and American Rescue Plan Act investments

Strategies for affordable housing investment

Mental and behavioral health program funding

Equitable economic recovery and support for small businesses

Community outreach and feedback on government budget priorities

Addressing racial disparities through federal funding

Areas of Interest (5)

Hennepin County's plan to deploy $240 million in federal ARPA funds compared to previous $220 million CARES Act spending.
Strategic shift in county policy: Prioritizing long-term equitable recovery and trust-building over purely emergency pandemic response.
The 46 million dollar affordable housing initiative: A significant increase in county spending aimed at ownership and homelessness.
Using federal funds to address racial disparities in economic recovery as a strategy to minimize federal 'red tape'.
The role of local government in filling gaps left by state-level legislative gridlock in Minnesota regarding pandemic relief distribution.

Notable Quotes (3)

If these really challenging and at times painful and consequential times over the last 18 months... have shown us anything it's that we need good government now more than we've ever needed it before.
— Chris Latondras

Government roleAddressing the impact of the pandemic and civil unrest.

I think if we can't solve for that [breakdown in trust] we're going to have a tough time solving for a lot of our broader problems.
— Chris Latondras

TrustDiscussing the social impact of public funding.

I'm doing backflips around this 46 million dollar affordable housing investment... it is one of the single biggest crises even before the pandemic.
— Chris Latondras

Affordable housingAddressing long-term sustainability goals.

People (2)

Peg DuBoardPresident

President of the League of Women Voters of South Tonka, hosting the event.

1 quote

“The league believes that informed and engaged citizens are the cornerstone of our democracy.”

Explaining the organization's mission.

Chris LatondrasCommissioner

Hennepin County Commissioner for District 6; Chair of Hennepin Health and Housing and Redevelopment Authority.

2 quotes

“How would you invest 240 million dollars to transform our community if you were in the driver's seat?”

Proposing the core question for public feedback.

“I really view these dollars as an opportunity a historic opportunity to build trust.”

Discussing the role of government spending in fostering trust.

Places Mentioned

Hennepin CountyDistrict 6 (Hopkins, Edina, Minnetonka, Northern Eden Prairie)Lake Minnetonka

Events & Meetings (1)

Conversation with Commissioner Chris Latondras, recorded by LMCC (Zoom event)

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