The following reports are a sampling of the Office of Planning & Analysis's work. If you are interested in a report not listed, please contact the Office of Planning & Analysis at 651-438-4529.
2014
Dakota County Human Services Research and Transportation Planning: Strategic Action Plan: The Office of Planning and Analysis worked with the University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies on a planning process and report related to finding better ways to coordinate the many transit providers serving people in Dakota County.
Hazardouse Waste Generator Re-Licensing: This project streamlined the application and the approval process for re-licensing hazardouse waste generators and planned the transition from paper to an online, paperless process that saves staff time, saves money, and eliminates duplication of effort.
2013
Metro Alliance for Healthy Families: A report on the outcomes of child maltreatment cases.
2012
Socio-Economic Profile: This profile provides updated information on socioeconomic indicators affecting Dakota County residents and compares these indicators to pre-recession data to assess how the recession has affected indicators at the county level.
Transporting Clients: Several Dakota County departments make arrangements and pay for transporting clients places. This study examines the existing needs, practices and rationale for transporting clients to seek cost savings while maintaining acceptable service levels.
EEA Client Intake: Examines the process of applications and intake for new clients in the County Employment and Economic Assistance Department programs and recommends process improvements.
Correctional Nursing: This study examines the current nursing services in the Dakota County Jail that are provided by Public Health staff, requirements for services, and suggests options for different staffing models and service levels.
Document Storage Process: provides a description of the current process of storing public records according to the state rules for records retention, and evaluates data practices issues.
Social Services Records Release: Evaluates the current system of responding to requests for releases of client records, to be certain it complies with state and federal data privacy laws, that the process is efficient and uses appropriate staff, and incorporate the process into use of new databases.
Physical Development Division Contracting Process: A division re-organization recently merged staff who conduct the contracting process from two divisions. The two sets of staff had slightly different processes, which were examined; the project resulted in a refined and more efficient and uniform process.
Peripherals Use (in the Community Services Division): This study documents locations and uses of printers, copiers, faxes and scanners throughout the division, and recommends changes in practices to eliminate inefficient or expensive machines and create a uniform policy for peripherals distribution.
2011
Economic Indicators: Provides data and information on economic conditions in the county as well as how Dakota County compares with others, where applicable.
Juvenile Offenders Re-Offense Risk: Study that normalizes the assessment tool for juvenile offenders to better predict recidivism within its offender base. By norming the tool, Dakota County Community Corrections can feel confident using the instrument to designate supervision level, treatment, services and programs for their offenders.
Medical Examiner & Morgue Services: Analysis of feasible options for future physical space and organizational configurations for medical examiner and morgue services.
2010
Greenway Collaborative: An effort that will connect city parks, regional parks, rivers, wetlands, open space, existing trails and activity centers in system that improves water quality, provides nonmotorized transportation, increases recreation opportunities and provides wildlife habitat.
Living Longer & Stronger – Final Report: A summary of accomplishments and information written by DARTS, a non-profit community service organization, at the conclusion of a three-year effort.
2009
Dakota County Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Report: This report sets principles for Dakota County policy makers and staff to use in decision-making on energy issues. It recommends a target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in government operations and a ranked range of strategies. The report also researches options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the broader community in partnership with others in Dakota County.