Commissioner Mike Slavik will serve as chair of the Dakota County Board of Commissioners in 2025.
Slavik was elected chair by his fellow commissioners Tuesday, Jan. 7. He outlined a year dedicated to working closely with county partners to deliver quality services to residents, clients and taxpayers.
Slavik succeeded Commissioner Joe Atkins, who was county board chair in 2024.
As District 1 commissioner, Slavik represents the cities of Coates, Farmington, Hampton, Hastings, Miesville, New Trier, Randolph, Vermillion and Northfield Precinct 2. His district also includes Castle Rock, Douglas, Eureka, Greenvale, Hampton, Marshan, Nininger, Randolph, Ravenna, Sciota, Vermillion and Waterford townships.
Slavik, who has served on the county board since 2013, was chair in 2017 and 2020. Both were transformative years for Dakota County, he said.
The board in 2017 worked to change a state transportation funding program and its impact on the county. In 2020, the board ensured the county continued providing quality services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Slavik called for another transformative year for the county in 2025, this time by working closely with state and federal lawmakers, local governments, businesses and others.
“It is through our partnerships that we will continue to do what we are known for — providing excellent services in a way that benefit both our residents and customers as well as our taxpayers," Slavik said.
Among many examples Slavik cited of ongoing and new partnerships in 2025:
- Opening the Crisis and Recovery Center in West St. Paul to offer mental health crisis services.
- Continuing public safety collaborations across the county, including to combat the fentanyl crisis.
- Working with treatment providers and others to help youth with mental health issues and criminal behavior.
- Working with Scott County to build the Recycling Zone Plus, a new household hazardous waste and recycling facility in Lakeville.
- Teaming up with cities to design and expand Dakota County Parks' greenways.
- Bringing Dakota County Library's On the Go Van services to communities throughout the county.
- Partnering with local governments to offer election training and to replace voting equipment.
- Working with the City of Lakeville and the State of Minnesota to improve the Interstate 35 and County Road 50 interchange in Lakeville.
Slavik is also serving as president of the Association of Minnesota Counties this year. He is advocating for stronger partnerships between counties and local governments across the state.
“Our residents and taxpayers are better off when we're working together," Slavik said.
Commissioner Laurie Halverson was elected vice chair for 2025. She will also chair the board's Community Services Committee of the Whole. Commissioner Liz Workman will chair the General Government and Policy Committee. Commissioner Mary Liz Holberg will lead the Physical Development Committee of the Whole. Commissioner Mary Hamann-Roland will serve as Regional Railroad Authority chair.
For more information, visit the Board of Commissioners page.