Debbie Goettel and the Mighty Mississippi Makeover

In a time when environmental action often feels stalled at the federal level, Hennepin County Commissioner Debbie Goettel is proving that real change flows from the local level—quite literally. On the latest episode of The Good Government Show, Commissioner Goettel detailed how her county rallied an army of 2,800 volunteers to remove over 20,500 pounds of trash from the Mississippi River as part of the Mighty Mississippi Cleanup Challenge. “We as counties actually have a very big role to play in these waterways,” Goettel said. “And we’ve embraced it—with boots on the ground and hands in the dirt.”

The cleanup effort, sparked by a friendly challenge from fellow Minnesota Commissioner Linda Flanders, has turned into a model for regional cooperation. “You get a bunch of public servants up on a stage and give us a challenge—you bet we’re going to turn out,” Goettel joked. What began with just a few counties has now expanded to nearly a dozen, creating a ripple effect of environmental stewardship. And it’s more than just a numbers game. Goettel noted that children, families, and local schools are increasingly engaged, reinforcing the county’s broader zero-waste and climate action goals.

But Goettel’s good governance doesn’t stop at the riverbanks. She shared how Hennepin County has effectively ended veteran homelessness, reimagined its shelter systems with embedded social workers, and piloted a widely successful mental health responder program in partnership with law enforcement. “They know who the people are—who need extra care, who just need a check-in, who need to get to a doctor,” she said. “We’re solving the problem before it becomes a police call.” This approach has not only saved money but also reduced 911 calls and improved trust in public services.

A self-described “environmental engineer and nerd,” Goettel emphasizes budgets as moral documents: “Show me your budget, and I’ll show you what you believe in.” Whether it’s planting one million trees, reducing landfill waste, or getting composting into apartment buildings, her team is building what she calls “resilient, sustainable government with empathy.” Her advice to those who feel like government isn’t working for them? “Don’t just complain—get involved. Run for school board. Volunteer. Even start with your PTA. That’s how real change begins.”