Supporting residents and community through Operation Reconnect
03-18-2026
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners and Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority are taking action to support small businesses, renters and property owners experiencing significant financial hardship following the recent federal immigration enforcement surge.
Actions in the past two weeks focus on stabilizing small businesses, protecting jobs, and ensuring residents can remain secure in their homes. They are part of Operation Reconnect, Hennepin County's coordinated response to reach residents with the services and resources they most need now.
“At Hennepin County, our vision is a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued and all people thrive,” said Operation Reconnect Sponsor and Assistant County Administrator for Health Sara Hollie. “Operation Reconnect is Hennepin County putting our People First value front-and-center in the work we do with and for residents and community.”
Recent actions include:
Small Business Recovery Fund
Small businesses across the county continue to face significant challenges, including reduced customer traffic and staffing shortages. To help offset these pressures, the board has established a Small Business Recovery Fund, administered by the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA). The fund will reallocate resources to provide up to $2 million in direct grants, assisting roughly 198 businesses in maintaining operations and recovering lost revenue.
Penalty waivers for Environmental Health-licensed businesses
To help owners of businesses licensed by Environmental Health, the board authorized waiving late license renewal penalties in 2026. These penalties — typically 25 percent for payments 1-7 days late and up to 50 percent for payments 8-30 days late — can create additional hardship for businesses already struggling to stay open. This waiver supports ongoing efforts to reduce income and employment disparities in the county.
Eviction relief for renters
The county is working with the City of Minneapolis and culturally specific organizations to expand eviction relief options for renters at risk of losing housing. This initiative will strengthen pathways to emergency rent assistance and ensure streamlined access to emergency assistance via trusted community partners for renters facing sudden income loss. The goal is to help residents remain safely housed while preventing further economic and social impacts related to displacement.
Property tax penalty abatement
To assist property owners, the board authorized abatement of 2026 property tax late-payment penalties for taxpayers experiencing hardship. Eligible properties may apply for relief after paying their past-due taxes in full. This action aims to provide timely support to property owners most affected by recent economic disruptions.
These actions show our commitment to stability, equity, and the well-being of all Hennepin County communities.
For more information about Operation Reconnect, visit Operation Reconnect overview.