April District 4 E-Newsletter

New Hennepin Healthcare building opens downtown

On March 17, the new Hennepin Healthcare Clinic was unveiled in the Downtown East neighborhood. With more than 25 primary and specialty clinics and five same day surgery suits, the new look gives the Healthcare clinic a much needed upgrade.  The $225 million clinic has six floors for patient care and two levels of underground parking.Hennepin County wants the upgraded facilities to attract more residents to the area as it is projected to see over 500,000 patients by the end of the year.

Youth sports hits $20 million mark

Proceeds from the Target Field sales tax have been funding Hennepin County youth sports since the ballpark opened in 2010.  Just recently those proceeds have eclipsed the $20 million mark. "For several years, it's been an honor to see new and improved facilities open in neighborhoods throughout the county. Beyond the excitement of the grand opening events, these facilities will make an impact on children and families for years to come", Commissioner McLaughlin said.  In total, youth sports have been awarded $21.7 million for 136 facility projects, 260 small equipment projects, 10 playground projects, and water safety lessons throughout the county from the sales tax. 

110 affordable units being built in downtown Minneapolis

Local affordable housing developer AEON is planning to build a 110 unit building near U.S. Bank stadium. The 25,000-square-foot property was recently purchased by AEON from Hennepin County for $2.45 million. The Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority authorized the purchase agreement of surplus land to AEON back in October.  Hennepin County had originally purchased the land back in 1991 for $1 to protect the land for the future alignment of the Blue Line LRT, which became operational back in 2004. 

Hennepin County celebrates drug court commencment

On February 23, Hennepin County held a drug court graduation ceremony for 25 individuals who overcame addiction The voluntary program works with nonviolent adult offenders who are wanting an opportunity to change their lives for the better. Drug court aims to break the cycle of chemical dependency and crime by providing assisted services such as education, job training, and family counseling.  A study conducted in 2017 for 2011-2013 participants found that 59 percent of participants do not reoffend within two years and 63 percent have no incarceration within two years. 

Autonomous shuttle to be showcased on the Midtown Greenway

A demonstration of an electric-powered shuttle will occur over Earth Day weekend, April 20-22.  Elsewhere in the country, the shuttle is operated safely in mixed traffic with pedestrians and bicyclists. The shuttle will only travel at 12 mph or less and there will be a human operator on board to take over if needed. This is a great opportunity for the community to get to see a new and innovative technology being shown. Hennepin County is studying how the technology of electric powered automobiles can complement other multimodal forms of transportation.

Library hours and sports fund boosted by debt payments

Hennepin County invested $350 million in the construction of Target Field and in 2017 the board approved actions that have put the county on track to pay off the debt a decade earlier than anticipated.  To date, the county has paid $79.2 million of the bonds early. Early payments have saved $154.7 million which have funded other projects, like increased library hours and the youth sports fund mentioned above.

Mental health housing gets increased funding

This past December, the Hennepin county board approved the increase of 2018 budget to $2.4 billion. It is a $285.7 million increase from 2017. The increase includes a provision to set aside funds for the Mental Health Housing Support project. The Mental Health Housing initiative is a strategy to prevent hospitalizations and over representation of persons with mental illness in the criminal justice system.

About District 4

This 4th district serves parts of east and downtown Minneapolis, and Fort Snelling.

Contact us

Peter McLaughlin
Commissioner, 4th District
612-348-7884

Brian Shekleton
Principal Aide
612-348-5204

Dorothy Rucker
Scheduling
612-348-3204