As a model of efficient, effective government, Dakota County provides great opportunities for future government leaders to learn from some of the best. It’s an ideal organization in which to come to understand the significant responsibility of being stewards of public dollars.
High expectations and access to senior leaders are two things emphasized by past fellows of Dakota County. Lisa Henning was the county’s first fellow in 2005 and 2006. Following her fellowship, she accepted a position as the assistant to the county administrator. Until a recent move to a position with the state, Henning was also the coordinator for the county’s fellowship program.
Matt Mendenhall was the Fellow with Dakota County in 2007-8. Mendenhall highlighted his relationship with senior leaders as “greater than I could have ever expected.” Both Henning and Mendenhall impressed county administration with their performance, prompting one-year extensions of their fellowships.
Both Henning and Mendenhall emphasized the opportunity of being able to work one day per week in a specific area of interest—Henning in housing policy and Mendenhall in transit. Being able to see how local government makes high-level decisions and have access to high-level meetings were advantages that both fellows stressed. Fellows are also afforded the opportunity to work on more routine projects in finance, human resources, and administration.
Dakota County, known for its high quality of life, is one of seven counties in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. It is the third largest county in the state, with a population of nearly 400,000. Dakota County is committed to collaboration, offers an extensive parks system of nearly 5,000 acres, has 440 miles of county highways, and has plans for a bus rapid transit system. In addition, Dakota County is respected for its effective and efficient delivery of human services, including economic assistance, workforce and public health. Known for its excellent libraries and schools and the lowest tax rate in the state, Dakota County has a AAA bond rating from Moody’s Investor Service.
Brandt Richardson, county administrator, takes a special interest in mentoring the next generation of government leaders. Dakota County, Minnesota, is the only local government in the state to offer an ICMA management fellowship position.
For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us.