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Dakota County commissioner reviews 2024 accomplishments, outlines 2025 priorities for Farmington
Summary
Dakota County District 1 Commissioner Mike Slavik told the Farmington City Council that the county hired a new manager, advanced a mixed-size workforce townhouse project, continued work on the North Creek Greenway, and centralized absentee ballot processing; he urged continued city–county partnership in 2025.
Dakota County District 1 Commissioner Mike Slavik told the Farmington City Council on Jan. 6 that the county wrapped up several multi-year projects in 2024 and will focus on partnerships and regional priorities in 2025.
Slavik reviewed staffing changes and project updates in a 20-minute presentation. He said Dakota County hired Dr. Heidi Welsh as county manager after the retirement of Matt Smith, and that Welsh’s early tenure has brought renewed momentum for county–city collaboration. Slavik said the county will pursue expanded coordination with cities, townships, schools and the business community in 2025 and encouraged Farmington leaders to participate in a countywide government-affairs discussion later this month.
The commissioner described three projects he said will affect Farmington residents. First, he said a Pilot Knob safety and trail concept remains on the county’s five-year capital improvement plan while staff await related development that could shape the final design. Second, he highlighted a new mixed-size workforce townhouse development in Farmington delivered with the Dakota County Community Development Agency; Slavik said it will be the county’s first development to mix one- through four‑bedroom units, will be offered at lower-than-market rents to households that meet job and income thresholds, and a Farmington-only wait list is already larger than available units. Third, Slavik summarized progress on the North Creek Greenway, a regional trail vision that will connect Apple Valley, Lakeville and Farmington and that the county is bringing up to county maintenance standards to reduce Farmington’s local maintenance costs.
Slavik also said the county piloted a centralized absentee ballot system in 2024 and that the model has saved costs and been favorably received by some city staff. He noted public comment remains open through the end of the week on trail and pedestrian safety work on Denmark/County Road 76 and urged residents to weigh in.
“We’re in it together,” Slavik told the council, describing 2025 as a year to expand intergovernmental partnerships and legislative coordination. Council members responded with thanks and brief remarks praising his outreach to Farmington.
Why it matters: the county’s maintenance agreement for sections of the North Creek Greenway will shift some trail upkeep costs from Farmington taxpayers to the county, potentially reducing local operating costs; the workforce housing project and centralized absentee ballot processing could affect housing availability and local election administration.
Looking ahead, Slavik said Dakota County’s board will keep its current membership in 2025 and the county will seek input from city leaders about legislative priorities and continued collaboration.
