DEPARTMENT: Office of the County Manager
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Adoption Of 2026 Dakota County Strategic Priorities
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Adopt Strategic Plan Priorities and Initiatives of the County Board that will guide work and budgets in 2026.
SUMMARY
The Board of Commissioners’ vision for Dakota County is “a premier place in which to work and play”. Through the work of over 2,200 staff, over 200 separate programs are operated by the County to realize this vision. Community needs and external environmental changes are continually monitored by the County to determine when changes are needed. Each year, the County Board highlights particular strategic priorities and initiatives for focus during that year, which fall under one of the following broad strategic plan goals:
• Thriving People
• Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
• Successful Place for Business and Jobs
• Excellence in Public Service
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends adoption of the Dakota County 2026 Board Priorities and Initiatives (Attachment: Draft 2026 Strategic Plan Priorities and Initiatives).
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners held a strategic planning workshop on December 5, 2025, and discussed updated Dakota County Strategic Plan Priorities and Initiatives; and
WHEREAS, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners desires to update the existing Dakota County Strategic Plan Priorities and Initiatives.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby adopts the following Dakota County Strategic Plan Priorities and Initiatives with an overarching goal to make Dakota County ‘A Great Place to Live’:
• Thriving People
• Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
• Successful Place for Business and Jobs
• Excellence in Public Service
; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby directs the County Manager to create and maintain a set of community indicators and organizational performance measures associated with the County’s Strategic Plan Priorities and Initiatives.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
25-055; 1/21/25
17-444; 8/22/17
12-215; 4/24/12
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: DRAFT 2026 Strategic Plan Priorities and Initiatives
BOARD GOALS
☐ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Heidi Welsch
Author: Heidi Welsch