DEPARTMENT: Enterprise Finance and Information Services Administration
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
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Recognition Of Apple Valley City Administrator Tom Lawell As 2024 James F. Miller Leadership Award Winner
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Recognize Apple Valley City Administrator Tom Lawell who was awarded the 2024 James F. Miller award by the League of Minnesota Cities at their annual conference held last week.
SUMMARY
Apple Valley City Administrator Tom Lawell was named the League of Minnesota Cities 2024 James F. Miller Leadership Award recipient at the League’s annual conference in June.
The leadership award is the League’s highest honor for appointed city officials and is given annually to recognize outstanding service. It is named for former League executive director James F. Miller who retired in 2015 after 22 years of service.
Lawell became Apple Valley’s City Administrator in 1999 and has brought expertise in economic planning, strategic planning, intergovernmental relations, financial management, human resources, transportation, and public safety while serving the city. Throughout his career, he has driven the departments he leads toward fiscal stability, enhanced collaboration, and rigorous accountability.
Lawell’s financial guidance has helped fortify Apple Valley’s tax base and helped the city earn triple-A bond ratings from Moody’s Investors Service and Standard and Poor’s. Beyond Apple Valley, Lawell was instrumental in empowering cities throughout Minnesota to establish robust financial infrastructures and has been an influential member of the League’s Fiscal Future Policies Committee for over two decades.
Under Lawell’s leadership, Apple Valley’s population has expanded from 45,000 to over 56,500, and the city has gained over 2,650 housing units. During his tenure, Apple Valley saw the rise of key infrastructure such as the city’s municipal center, Apple Valley Transit Station, Fire Station Number Three and Eastview High School.
Lawell played an integral role in ensuring Apple Valley took part in the area’s coordinated response program, in which city police officers, Dakota County Social Services, and crisis intervention teams work together to respond to crisis incidents.
Lawell is a member of the International City/County Managers Association, Minnesota City/County Managers Association, and Metro Area Managers Association, and serves as chair of the Dakota County City/County Managers Association, Metro Cities Municipal Revenues Policy Committee, and the Municipal Legislative Commission’s Operating Committee.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the Dakota County Board of Commissioners recognize Apple Valley City Administrator Tom Lawell as the recipient of the 2024 James F. Miller Award by the League of Minnesota Cities.
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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 League of Minnesota Cities recognizes the outstanding work performed by an appointed official each year with the James F. Miller Leadership Award; and
WHEREAS, Apple Valley City Administrator Tom Lawell was the recipient of this award for 2024; and
WHEREAS, Tom Lawell has been a longtime leader in Dakota County government for over 25 years; and
WHEREAS, Tom Lawell has been a tremendous partner with Dakota County and all cities in his time as Apple Valley City Administrator; and
WHEREAS, all residents of Dakota County have benefited from the work performed by Tom Lawell as a leader in Dakota County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby recognizes and congratulates Apple Valley City Administrator Tom Lawell for being named the League of Minnesota Cities 2024 James F. Miller Leadership Award recipient.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: None
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☒ A Healthy Environment
☒ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Tom Novak
Author: David McKnight