County employees honored with national awards for innovation in public service

Hennepin County employees and leaders gathered recently to celebrate 22 awards for innovative work in 2025 from four national organizations, including the National Association of Counties, the Center for Digital Government, the National Association of County Information Officers, and the National Association of County Intergovernmental Relations Officers. The annual reception presents an opportunity to recognize employees whose ideas, expertise and collaboration have earned national recognition.

The award-winning work reflects innovation across county services, from finding new approaches to complex challenges to improving how we serve residents. These achievements highlight the creativity, problem-solving and commitment to public service employees bring to their work every day.

This year, county teams and partners earned national recognition across a spectrum of initiatives — each reflecting the values and vision that drive public service.

Award highlights

Showcasing student artwork

The Hennepin County Student Art Contest, in partnership with the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, invited young artists to explore belonging and identity. With 94 submissions and 35 works honored, the contest amplified youth voices and strengthened community connections, earning the Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACO).

Responding to community needs

The Opioid Advisory Committee’s People with Lived Experience Subcommittee brought residents directly impacted by opioids into the heart of county strategy, ensuring their voices shape prevention and recovery efforts. This collaborative approach was honored with NACO’s Civic Education and Public Information Achievement Award.

Operational excellence and equity

From the Judicial Security Implementation team’s statewide collaboration to the launch of the Racial Equity Impact Tool Online Platform, Hennepin County demonstrated leadership in transparency, efficiency, and equity. The Service Center’s “Year of the Customer” initiative elevated resident experience, while the Resilient Homes Initiative and Fix-It Hubs advanced climate resilience and sustainability.

Health and well-being

Programs like the Colorectal Cancer Screening Campaign, Flavors of Health, and the Food Security Initiative tackled health disparities head-on, expanding access to preventive care, nutrition education, and emergency food support. The Health Care for the Homeless HIV Care Program and Operation Reconnect ensured vulnerable residents received vital services and support.

Housing, technology and community engagement

The Days to Housed initiative accelerated housing placements for those experiencing homelessness, while IT teams modernized storage and backup solutions for greater security and efficiency. The Coming Home Reentry Resource Fair and the Prince Library Card campaign fostered inclusion and community engagement.