Hennepin County awards $248,000 in Green Partners grants to community groups for environmental education and youth jobs

Angie Timmons of the Environment and Energy Department presented the Green Partners item, requesting board approval for nine grants totaling $248,000 to community organizations for environmental education projects. Timmons listed the recommended recipients (Eastside Neighborhood Services; Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches; Lyndale Neighborhood Association; Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; Phyllis Wheatley Community Center; SPARK Youth; Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board; Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota; and the YMCA of the North) and said these projects aim to engage residents and offer youth environmental education and green job opportunities.

Timmons said these agreements require board approval because some exceed $100,000 and described additional projects awarded administratively. She said the collective projects will engage more than 9,000 residents and hire 70 youth for green job exploration and training. When asked whether youth wages would follow Minneapolis ($15/hour) or the county standard ($20/hour), Timmons responded that pay is set by the hiring organization but the county encourages paying a living wage. Commissioner Lundy said she would support the funding but raised concerns that the grants are predominantly urban and urged the county to ensure suburban and rural outreach if the initiative is to be countywide.