DEPARTMENT: Extension
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
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Update On University Of Minnesota Extension Programming In Dakota County
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Receive an update on the University of Minnesota (U of M) Extension programming in Dakota County.
SUMMARY
The University of Minnesota (U of M) Extension and Dakota County have an educational partnership to support 4-H youth development and natural resources/Master Gardener programming.
By Resolution No. 24-509 (October 29, 2024), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized execution of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Regents of the U of M for the provision of Extension educators and program staff employed by the U of M for the period of January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027.
These positions provide specific educational programs and services to residents through a regional delivery system based on recommendations by the Dakota County Extension committee. The MOA contracts 4.0 full-time equivalents for 4-H youth development and a .75 full-time equivalent to support the Dakota County Extension Master Gardener volunteer program.
The U of M Extension mission is "Connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota,” reflecting a commitment to delivering high-quality, relevant, research-based educational programs and information to Dakota County residents and communities.
U of M Extension 4-H youth development staff will provide an overview of Dakota County 4-H by reporting on the October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025, 4-H year program participation. U of M Extension natural resources Extension staff will outline a snapshot of the 2025 Dakota County Extension Master Gardener volunteer program.
OUTCOMES
Dakota County 4-H enriches young people in kindergarten through one year past high school with the following outcomes:
• Dakota County 4-H will support youth guided by research-based curricula and methods that support the learning and positive development of young people. Strategies to include utilizing mentoring models, advocating for cross-age teaching, delivering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programming, and helping youth find their voice on boards and committees.
• Dakota County 4-H will develop and nurture new partnerships to engage youth in identifying and pursuing areas of interest as it relates to career development and exploration.
• Dakota County 4-H will identify strategies to reduce participation barriers and address them proactively. Staff will continue to serve youth in their communities to not only achieve but exceed parity (i.e. establishing transportation funds, camp scholarships, or dues scholarships in the county budget).
Dakota County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is guided by the state priorities, and because of this more county residents are growing food locally, promoting invasive species management, connecting with nearby nature, watering wisely, providing research-based horticultural information, and are planting pollinator-friendly, climate responsive gardens.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Information only; no action requested.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The 2026 MOA includes a county contribution of $477,625, a reduction of $20,000 from 2025, which eliminated the four summer internships, but retained the 4.75 FTE staff positions. The funding for the Dakota County Extension 4-H Youth Development and Master Gardener Volunteer programs comes from levy and Parks, Trails and Legacy Fund (PTLF). This amount will be included in the 2026 County Manager’s Recommended Budget.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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Information only; no action requested.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
24-509; 10/29/24
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Presentation Slides
BOARD GOALS
☒ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Gina Pistulka
Author: Tammy McCulloch