Board of Hennepin County Commissioners - 2026-02-12

Nine ERF grants totaling nearly $2.3 million approved for brownfield assessment and cleanup projects throughout Hennepin County. The 25-year-old program has invested over $80 million in 500+ projects, increasing property values by $3.4 billion and supporting 23,000 housing units and 25,000 jobs.

Agreement with Minnesota Department of Human Services for emergency rental assistance funding of $2,550,000 receivable for period 01/01/2026 to 12/31/2026. Will preserve housing stability for approximately 690 households facing eviction. Represents streamlined consolidation of multiple funding streams into single process.

Established unclassified position and appointed Dr. Charles Chima effective 03/09/2026. Position will lead strategies to improve health outcomes with priority on residents experiencing health disparities. Dr. Chima previously served as chief healthcare innovation and strategy officer for Washington State Department of Health.

Established unclassified position and appointed Quacy Booker effective 02/22/2026. Booker has served as Hennepin County Children and Family Services Director since January 2022. Position reflects broadened scope around child well-being and Minnesota African American Family Preservation Act.

Joint Powers Agreement between Hennepin County and BCA for Minnesota Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force for period 02/01/2026 to 01/31/2031. Initial vote failed 3-2 (Green, Connolly, Fernando opposed; Gautel, Edelson in favor). Board then voted to lay over to next meeting pending additional information on surveillance data sharing and federal JPAs.

Resolution reaffirming commissioner oath of office, recognizing US Constitution and Bill of Rights, and clarifying that only the county board has authority to enter contracts including 287(g) agreements or Basic Ordering Agreements (BOA) with federal government. Sheriff has not requested and board has not approved any such agreements.

Policy prohibiting law enforcement or security officials from wearing face coverings designed to hide identity in county facilities. Addresses concerns about masked federal agents during Operation MetroSurge immigration enforcement. Policy to be enforced by county security.

Agreement with Senior Community Services for digital readiness training for seniors, period 02/01/2026 to 01/31/2027, not to exceed $30,000. Provides digital skills training to help vulnerable seniors stay safe from phishing scams in one-on-one and small group formats.

Ricardo Bonner and Janet Schaeffer appointed to at-large positions on Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Board. Richard Miller did not receive required supermajority for reappointment. Jessica Loftus was redistricted out of the watershed district and ineligible.

Resolution reaffirming county's plan to reinvent solid waste system toward zero waste. Notes county still discards over 700,000 tons of trash annually. Calls for Minnesota legislature to lead policy efforts including producer responsibility, infrastructure redevelopment, and market support.