On March 13, 2020, President Donald Trump declared a Presidential National Emergency and Governor Tim Walz declared a Peacetime State of Emergency in Minnesota.

On March 16, 2020, the Hennepin County Board Chair declared a state of emergency, announcing the closure of public facing library, human service center and licensing service center services.

The unprecedented environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in streams of funding being made available sporadically with very short response times for application and acceptance.

On March 17, 2020, the county board held a special meeting to vote on several COVID-19 related actions. Through Resolution No. 20-0118R1, the board directed the County Administrator or his designee to request and coordinate all necessary aid from local, state, and federal government.

The county policy on grant application and acceptance states that pursuant to County Board Resolution 02-8-501R1, authority has been delegated to the County Administrator to accept all grants up to and including $50,000.

Current Request: This request seeks authorization for a special delegation to the county administrator to accept COVID-19 pandemic related grant and other funding awards in any amount with a requirement that details be communicated to the board in a timely.

Impact/Outcome: By authorizing the county administrator to accept awarded COVID-19 related funding, the county board ensures swift action, maximizing grant and other aid funding opportunities.