DEPARTMENT: Physical Development Administration
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Release Draft 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program For Formal Review
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners recognizes the need to identify and plan for future capital projects; and
WHEREAS, the County desires input from local communities in developing its Capital Improvement Program (CIP); and
WHEREAS, staff has compiled the draft 2027-2031 CIP; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 25-472 (October 7, 2025), the County Board scheduled budget workshops to discuss the 2027 Budget, which began on March 10, 2026; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 25-472 (October 7, 2025), the County Board also scheduled a public hearing to be held on December 1, 2026, to receive comments on the 2027-2031 CIP.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the County Manager to submit the draft 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program summary to the cities and townships for formal review and comment prior to the public hearing; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the County Manager to post the draft 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program to the Dakota County website to allow review from interested parties as a means of receiving further input prior to the adoption of the Capital Improvement Program in December 2026.
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BACKGROUND
As part of the annual budget process, the County prepares a five-year CIP. The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) identifies capital projects to support existing and future services. It provides a development program that is used to maximize outside revenue sources and effectively plan for future growth and maintenance of the County’s infrastructure. The first year (2027) of the five-year CIP will become part of the County’s overall 2027 budget when approved.
The County’s draft CIP contains five sections: Data Networks, Environmental Resources, Facilities, Parks and Greenways, and Transportation. A copy of the five sections will be available on the County’s website upon County Board approval. Pending approval of the authorization to release the Regional Rail Authority CIP, it will be included in a packet sent to cities and townships for review and comment.
In the spring of each year, staff meet with representatives for the County’s cities and townships to review the current CIP and requests for modifications and/or additions.
The County Manager has reviewed the draft summary of the 2027-2031 CIP (Attachment: DRAFT Dakota County 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program). Although it was reviewed with the County Manager and presented to the County Board at a Workshop on August 18, 2026, the draft CIP does not imply the final recommendation of the County Manager.
Recommended projects and the years in which proposed projects appear are subject to continued review and change prior to the recommendations of the County Manager to the Board of Commissioners as part of the recommended budget. The purpose of submitting the draft CIP for formal review is to obtain additional advice and input prior to making final recommendations to the Board.
By Resolution No. 25-472 (October 7, 2025), budget workshops to discuss the 2027 Budget began on March 10, 2026, and a public hearing has been scheduled for December 1, 2026, to receive comments on the proposed CIP. Minn. Stat. § 373.40, subd. 3 requires that the County hold a public hearing prior to the adoption of the CIP.
The County Board is currently scheduled to consider the adoption of the 2027-2031 CIP on December 15, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends the Board authorize the County Manager to submit the draft 2027-2031 CIP summary to the cities and townships for formal review and comment prior to the public hearing held in December 2026. Staff also recommends the Board authorize the County Manager to post the draft CIP on the Dakota County website for public viewing.
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FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPACTS
None.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
25-472; 10/7/25
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Draft Dakota County 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program
Attachment: Presentation Slides
CONTACT
Department Director: Erin Stwora
Author: Robb Finnigsmier