The Hennepin County Board voted unanimously Dec. 2 to establish a Reparative Justice Research Task Force to study how county policies contributed to racial disparities and to recommend county‑level steps to repair that harm.

Commissioner Conley, who moved the board action, said the Race Equity Advisory Council’s annual report identified a range of racially discriminatory county policies — including housing covenants, exclusionary zoning and unequal access to services — that have produced persistent disparities. “Reparations isn’t a word that should be scary,” Conley said, describing the measure as a county‑scoped research and action effort rooted in the REAC report.

Commissioner Green, who seconded the action, said the task force is intended as a measured next step so the county can shift from disparity reduction to disparity elimination. Green cited examples from other cities that have directed local revenue toward programs for communities affected by past criminalization and redlining, and said Hennepin’s task force should be grounded in community voices and robust research.

Other commissioners raised implementation concerns and limits on county authority. Commissioner Anderson urged the task force to distinguish harms Hennepin County can remedy from harms caused by other levels of government and asked that recommendations include a risk assessment that considers federal funding constraints. Commissioner Lundy and others urged realistic, measurable outcomes and fiscal pragmatism.

The board directed staff to work with REAC and county departments to develop membership, a meeting schedule and a report back to the board. Commissioners emphasized keeping the task force’s scope tied to county actions and to use research partnerships to inform practical, legally permissible steps.

The board approved the action by voice vote.