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Hennepin County proclaims February 2026 'Shop Local Month,' urges support for immigrant-owned businesses
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Summary
The Hennepin County Board adopted a proclamation designating February 2026 as Shop Local Month and urged residents to support small and immigrant-owned businesses facing reduced foot traffic and fear tied to increased federal immigration enforcement. The board adopted the proclamation by voice vote.
The Hennepin County Board voted by voice to adopt a proclamation designating February 2026 as "Shop Local Month," urging residents to support small, locally owned businesses — including immigrant-owned businesses that leaders said have faced reduced foot traffic and heightened fear amid an increased federal immigration enforcement presence.
The proclamation, read aloud by staff member Miss Rose, said the enforcement surge has caused "tremendous suffering, disruption, and fear across the county, including in our small business community," and recognized small businesses as job creators and cultural anchors that strengthen local neighborhoods.
Why it matters: County officials said the move is intended to drive customers to independent businesses and direct owners to county and nonprofit resources. The board highlighted Elevate Hennepin's guides and business navigators as places for owners to find relief and assistance.
"No one here along this corridor has been asking for a handout. They just want customers," said Erin Farrell, one of the cofounders of The Coven coworking spaces, who described reduced foot traffic, safety concerns among staff and customers, and rising operating costs for businesses in affected corridors.
Commissioner Green, speaking after Farrell, urged businesses and residents to participate in coordinated neighborhood efforts, noting meetings hosted by the Whittier Alliance and Lake Street Council. "Talk to [Elevate Hennepin] about your needs, and they will help connect you with what you need," Green said, describing neighborhood 'cash-mob' events as one way to bring customers to struggling merchants.
The board pointed to local examples of mutual aid and business-led relief, citing restaurants and markets that have organized donations, free food, and fundraising to support neighbors. Officials encouraged residents to use resources such as Elevate Hennepin's federal response resources and Small Business Relief Fund guides and to meet one-on-one with business navigators.
The board closed the item with a voice vote on agenda item 13 F; a member said "Aye" and the clerk declared "Motion carries." The proclamation directs residents to support local small businesses throughout February and beyond.
What’s next: The proclamation is an expression of the board's support and a public call to action; no further formal board action on the item was recorded in the meeting minutes.
