Dakota County: Year in Review 2025

Libraries: voted the state’s best – Our residents have long appreciated our exceptional library system and now the entire state is taking notice. Dakota County’s 10-branch library system was voted the best in Minnesota by Star Tribune readers. Our libraries are thriving centers for learning, connection and opportunity.

Wentworth Library – Exciting changes are coming to Wentworth Library in West St. Paul. This beloved resource is undergoing a major renovation after 32 years to modernize its spaces, enhance technology and create dedicated, interactive spaces for kids and teens. The library is closed to facilitate these upgrades and is planned to reopen in spring 2026, complete with entryway artwork and an outdoor patio paid for by grants.

Kaposia Library – The opening of our county library in South St. Paul a year ago has proven even more popular than expected, exemplifying the future of libraries – dynamic, welcoming and adaptable to all residents’ needs.

Crisis & Recovery Center – A critical new resource opened this year: the Crisis & Recovery Center in West St. Paul. Since opening in February, more than 80 residents have received vital short-term mental health care at this 16-bed facility, and 98% of those treated avoided costly hospitalization. The center has already been recognized with a 2025 National Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties.

Pedestrian and traffic safety – Building on community advocacy, Dakota County continued to make major strides in pedestrian safety, working closely with cities and schools to slow speeds and create safer crossings. Key corridors in our area, including Concord Street, Southview Boulevard, Oakdale Avenue, Wentworth Avenue, Butler Avenue, and Delaware Avenue near Two Rivers High School, have seen improved lighting, new school zones, curb bump-outs and redesigned intersections. These upgrades aren’t just infrastructure; they help prevent tragedies and ensure that more of our residents can move around safely.

While local service delivery is strong, the county continues to battle financial headwinds.

Budget squeeze – Dakota County has grappled this year with tough budget realities driven by state and federal funding shifts and rising costs we cannot control. The county is required to perform 116 state-mandated services (like economic assistance and public health), which account for two-thirds of the operating budget and are not fully funded by the state. Any shortfall falls on county property taxpayers or requires cuts to non-mandated areas.

2026 outlook – The state is adding more mandates next year, the largest of which is the African American Child Welfare and Disproportionality Act, which will cost $5 million to implement in Dakota County. We also anticipate an additional $21 million in federal aid cuts and cost-shifts in years to come.

To balance next year’s budget, the County Board is making $8.4 million in reductions, trimming programs and about 50 positions (many already left vacant). Most impacts fall in Community Services, including scaled-back housing support, case management and rehabilitation programs. Final decisions arrive with the December 16 budget adoption.

Financial health – Despite these challenges, Dakota County’s financial management remains top-rated. We received the highest rating (AAA) from financial rating agencies, a rating higher than the federal government and 36 states. Our 2025 residential survey confirmed this success, showing that county services continue to earn high marks and that taxpayers overwhelmingly feel they are getting good value for their tax dollars.

Energy smart – Dakota County is the first county in the United States able to generate more electricity than we use. This was made possible by upgraded turbines at our hydroelectric dam, alongside conservation efforts. These upgrades reduce air emissions and generate $1 million in revenue each year.

Public safety and emergency preparedness – The major propane leak along Highway 52 in Rosemount on March 19 highlighted the strength of our emergency response partnerships. This dangerous pipeline leak triggered a swift, coordinated response from county emergency management, the Sheriff’s Office and private-sector partners. Crews quickly shut down the highway, evacuated nearby homes, and safely contained the danger within six hours, demonstrating that when real emergencies hit, our first responders are trained, equipped and united to prevent disaster and protect our residents.

Other key actions – We added an Integrated Health Unit to the Hastings jail for inmates with mental and physical health needs, dramatically decreasing the cost of outside hospitalization. We also expanded our Public Health department’s vital opioid prevention and outreach work, including rapid treatment accessibility and overdose response training.

Joe Atkins represents District 2 on the Dakota County Board, which includes South St. Paul, West St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights. He welcomes feedback. To share comments, concerns, or questions, contact him at Joe.Atkins@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-438-4430.

10 reasons to be thankful in Dakota County (November 2025)
Notorious Dakota County criminals from days past (October 2025)
15 surprise facts you may not know about Dakota County (September 2025)
Dakota County hunting and convicting digital criminals (August 2025)
Dakota County pedestrian safety: it’s no accident (July 2025)
Dakota County moonshots and milestones (June 2025)
Dakota County: Looking Back, Looking Ahead (May 2025)
Dakota County libraries named best in Minnesota (April 2025)
Dakota County challenges and opportunities in 2025 (March 2025)
10 lessons from a year using AI in Dakota County (February 2025)
Dakota County: Looking Back, Looking Ahead (January 2025)

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