Board of Hennepin County Commissioners - 2026-01-27
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners meeting on January 27, 2026 was dominated by a resolution denouncing ICE enforcement actions in the county, which passed unanimously. The board also appointed Sarah Holly as the first Black woman Assistant County Administrator of Health and David Hewitt as Assistant County Administrator of Human Services. Routine capital and infrastructure contracts were approved, including $6.9M for jail facility upgrades and $994K for ADA accessibility improvements along county roads.
Key Decisions (10)
Resolution Denouncing ICE Enforcement Actions
Board unanimously passed resolution 9-0 (R1 revision) denouncing violent and unlawful actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Hennepin County. Resolution expanded from 10 to 22 whereas clauses documenting Operation Metro Search activities, including deaths of residents Renee Good and Alex Prady. Added clause condemning use of chemical irritants on peaceful protesters and press.
Appointment of Sarah Holly as ACA of Health
Approved appointment of Sarah Holly to unclassified position of Assistant County Administrator of Health effective 02/09/2026. Holly continues as Hennepin County Community Health Services Administrator and Director of Public Health. First Black woman to hold ACA position with Hennepin County.
Appointment of David Hewitt as ACA of Human Services
Approved appointment of David Hewitt to unclassified position of Assistant County Administrator of Human Services effective 02/09/2026. Hewitt currently serves as Director of Housing Stability and Human Services with over 20 years experience.
City Hall and Public Safety Facility Jail Upgrades Contract
Awarded contract to Riling Construction Company, Inc. for City Hall and Public Safety Facility Jail Finishes and Upgrades Project for $6,900,000. Part of approved capital project in five year capital improvement plan.
ADA Accessibility Improvements Contract
Awarded contract to Taizak Concrete LLC for accessibility improvements along various county roads including Old Shakopee Road in Bloomington, Bass Lake Road in Brooklyn Center, York Avenue in Edina, and Manitou Road in Tonka Bay for $994,000.
Legal Services Contract for Grand Jury Subpoena
Approved agreement with Pollard Sparr, LLP Attorneys at Law for legal services with not to exceed $250,000. Related to federal grand jury subpoena issued to custodian of records for Hennepin County Board of Commissioners regarding federal immigration enforcement and county board communications.
Capital Budgeting Task Force Appointments
Appointed Greg Stica and Carol Vossberg to Capital Budgeting Task Force at-large positions from pool of 10 applicants.
Library Board Appointments
Appointed Jessica Craft (incumbent), Ashley Kron, Rebecca Loewen, Kim Kang, and Michael Sorensen to Library Board from pool of 20 applicants for 5 at-large spots.
Ryan White HIV AIDS Services Agreement Amendment
Approved amendment to agreement with DHS for Ryan White Program Part B HIV AIDS Services extending contract through June 30, 2026 with additional $597,000 receivable to fund extended period.
Black History Month Proclamation
Proclaimed February as National Black History Month in Hennepin County recognizing contributions of black descendants of the African diaspora. Lowry Avenue Bridge to be lit red, black, gold, and green on February 1.
Development Activity (1)
City Hall and Public Safety Facility Jail Finishes and Upgrades
Jail finishes and upgrades, remodeling to county spaces. Contract value $6,900,000. Part of five year capital improvement plan.
Market Signals (3)
Infrastructure
Hennepin County continuing ADA accessibility improvements along multiple county roads as part of Americans with Disabilities Act transition plan, indicating ongoing infrastructure investment.
Sentiment
County officials expressed concern about economic impacts of federal immigration enforcement, noting small business closures and workforce disruptions that 'will be years to turn around.'
Housing Demand
New Assistant County Administrator of Human Services noted 33% reduction in unsheltered homelessness locally since 2020 and federal designation of effectively ending veterans homelessness in 2024.