Item Description:
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Resolution Directing Exploration of a Metro County Public Impact Summit in Partnership with the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs - offered by Commissioners Edelson and Anderson
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WHEREAS:
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WHEREAS, counties play a vital role in delivering essential services and addressing community needs focused on equitable outcomes for all residents; and
WHEREAS, counties are uniquely positioned to serve as catalysts for local innovation through collaborations grounded in data, research, and aligned strategies; and
WHEREAS, metro counties in the Twin Cities region face increasingly complex and interconnected challenges, including reductions in direct federal support that impact county programming and service delivery; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County has a long-standing history of regional leadership and partnership with public, academic, and community institutions; and
WHEREAS, the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs is recognized as a national leader in research, public policy, and data analysis, and is well-positioned to convene metro public sector leaders, to present on emerging trends and issues impacting counties and facilitate dialogue around shared strategies that improve residents’ lives; and
WHEREAS, a Metro County Public Impact Summit, in partnership with the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs, would provide a regional forum for exploring shared public challenges, fostering collaboration, and advancing practical, evidence-based policy solutions; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County is well-positioned to serve as the initial host for a pilot Summit with opportunities for future rotation among participating metro counties; and
WHEREAS, the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs and partner organizations would actively pursue support from philanthropic foundations, grant-making institutions, sponsorship partners, and other external funding sources to support the Summit and ensure the initiative proceeds with minimal or no direct financial impact to Hennepin County.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners directs the County Administrator to explore the development of a Metro County Public Impact Summit in partnership with the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs and regional stakeholders; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator is directed to engage with the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs and participating partners in the planning and conceptual development of the proposed Summit; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator shall work collaboratively with the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs and regional stakeholders to identify, pursue, and secure funding commitments from philanthropic foundations, grant-making organizations, sponsorship partners, and other external funding sources to support the planning and implementation of the Summit; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Hennepin County may serve as the proposed host for a pilot convening between 2026 and 2027, with consideration for future regional hosting opportunities among participating counties; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that advancement into implementation, contractual commitments, or operational execution of the Summit shall be contingent upon the successful securing of sufficient external philanthropic and partner funding to ensure the initiative proceeds with minimal or no direct financial impact to Hennepin County.
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recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: No Recommendation