Item Description:
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Agmt A2512864 with MPCA to host an AmeriCorps member from MN GreenCorps - Climate and Resiliency, direct resident engagement, 10/13/25-09/04/26
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WHEREAS:
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WHEREAS, the Hennepin County Climate and Resiliency Department has applied for and been selected to host an AmeriCorps member from the Minnesota GreenCorps, a program of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for the 2025-2026 program year; and
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WHEREAS, the county is committed to implementing the proposed project as described in the application submitted by the county and in accordance with the position description; and
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WHEREAS, the MPCA requires that the county enter into a host site agreement with the MPCA that identifies the terms, conditions, roles and responsibilities.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that Agreement A2512864 with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for the provision of a host site to an AmeriCorps member from Minnesota GreenCorps, during the period October 13, 2025, through September 4, 2026, be approved; and that the County Administrator be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the county.
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Background:
Launched in 2009, MN GreenCorps is a statewide program to help preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment while training a new generation of environmental professionals. This program places AmeriCorps members with local governments, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations around Minnesota to serve for 11 months on environmental projects. The MPCA coordinates the program and pays the GreenCorps member’s stipend and benefits while working for the host organization. GreenCorps members earn a living allowance disbursed every two weeks in payments of $1,150, free mental health services with counseling, student loan forbearance on eligible loans, and an education award of $7,395 for education expenses or qualified student loans. Members also receive training from the MPCA, develop green job skills, gain professional experience, network with environmental professionals, and are paired with a mentor who provides ongoing guidance.
This program is very successful in identifying capable and passionate people interested in working in the environmental field. The Environment and Energy Department has previously hosted MN GreenCorps members to assist in recycling, waste reduction, environmental education and forestry. The county has hired several of these past GreenCorps members as permanent staff.
Current Request: This request is for authorization to approve Agreement A2512864 with the MPCA to host a member from MN GreenCorps during the period of October 13, 2025 through September 4, 2025, and that the County Administrator be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the county. The GreenCorps member will assist Climate and Resiliency’s Resiliency division through direct resident engagement, development of communication resources, and data analysis to promote and advance energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy.
The MPCA will cover the GreenCorps member’s compensation and provide training and mentoring. The department will provide daily supervision and oversight of the work of the GreenCorps member to support the county’s Climate Action Plan. Climate and Resiliency also will provide access to a computer, a telephone and access to office space in support of a hybrid work environment.
Impact/Outcomes: The county will be assigned a MN GreenCorps member beginning in October 2025. The outcomes of hosting the GreenCorps member will support the county’s climate action and disparity reduction efforts through direct resident engagement and the development of communications resources.
Approval of this agreement supports the county’s efforts to reduce disparities by conducting engagement with residents that have been historically marginalized and ensuring communications are culturally relevant.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval