DEPARTMENT: Communications and Public Affairs
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Adoption Of 2026 Legislative Priorities And Updated Platform
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Adopt the 2026 legislative priorities and updated legislative platform.
SUMMARY
Dakota County’s 2026 legislative priorities have been identified through staff input and General Government and Policy Committee discussion, along with updates to the county’s legislative platform.
Staff is recommending the following policy priorities be adopted for 2026:
1. Human services modernization
• Solve immediate issues created by new federal requirements, reduce errors and fight fraud.
• Get on track to replace outdated, disparate systems with a modern system with centralized core functions.
2. Human services cost shifts
• The State of Minnesota should absorb SNAP federal cost shifts.
3. Housing support operations management allocation
• Allow provider agencies, including counties, to set aside a portion of Housing Support funds to pay for their administrative work.
4. Crisis mental health services
• The legislature should create a long-term funding plan to ensure sustainability of the mental health system in Minnesota.
• While a long-term funding is being developed, the legislature should provide a direct appropriation to Dakota County to support and expand its existing, critical services.
Also, staff is recommending the following capital projects be adopted as priorities for 2026:
1. County Road 50 and Interstate 35 interchange
• County Road 50 safety and pedestrian improvements
• Transportation improvements for construction detour
2. Lebanon Hills & Lake Byllesby campground buildings and beach house replacement
3. County Road 46 expansion from Trunk Highway 3 to Trunk Highway 52
In addition, staff has revised the platform document following committee review and discussion. Revisions proposed during GGP meetings in August, September and October 2025 are shown in an attachment. A version of the legislative platform with all recommended changes incorporated is attached and recommended for adoption.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the proposed 2026 State Legislative Priorities and the Legislative Platform.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
There are no direct fiscal impacts as a result of adopting the legislative platform and priorities. If certain positions are adopted by the state or federal legislatures, the budget for county activities may be affected. In such cases, budget amendments will be recommended for the Board’s approval.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Minnesota Legislature will convene its 2026 session on February 17, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the interests of Dakota County and its citizens will be directly affected by the decisions of the 2026; and
WHEREAS, the General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole reviewed items for inclusion in Dakota County’s 2026 Legislative Priorities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby adopts the following legislative priorities:
Policy Priorities:
• Human services modernization
o Solve immediate issues created by new federal requirements, reduce errors and fight fraud.
o Get on track to replace outdated, disparate systems with a modern system with centralized core functions.
• Human services cost shifts
o The State of Minnesota should absorb SNAP federal cost shifts.
• Housing support operations management allocation
o Allow provider agencies, including counties, to set aside a portion of Housing Support funds to pay for their administrative work.
• Crisis mental health services.
o The legislature should create a long-term funding plan to ensure sustainability of the mental health system in Minnesota.
o While a long-term funding is being developed, the legislature should provide a direct appropriation to Dakota County to support and expand its existing, critical services.
Capital Priorities:
• County Road 50 and Interstate 35 interchange
o County Road 50 safety and pedestrian improvements
o Transportation improvements for construction detour
• Lebanon Hills and Lake Byllesby campground buildings and beach house replacement
• County Road 46 expansion from Trunk Highway 3 to Trunk Highway 52
; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby adopts the updated Legislative Platform.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Legislative Platform-marked up
Attachment: Legislative Platform-DRAFT
Attachment: 2026 Legislative Priorities-DRAFT
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: Mary Beth Schubert
Author: Scott Wente