DAKOTA COUNTY BACKSTAGE PASS

The Dakota County State of the County Address was held at the County Building in Hastings as part of the “Backstage Pass”. 5 Chambers joined together including The Chambers of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Hastings, Lakeville and River Heights Chambers of Commerce through our joint partnership called Chamber Coalition of Dakota County (CCDC). Opening and closing remarks and priorities were presented by Liz Workman, Commissioner of Burnsville and County Commissioner Chair for 2023.

We thank all our many Apple Valley Chamber members as well as Apple Valley City and City council members who joined us. Commissioner Mary Hamann-Roland (Apple Valley and Rosemount) was a co-hosting Commissioner with the others. Presentations were given by our new County Attorney Kathy Keena who replaced Jim Backstrom who had been County Attorney for nearly 40 years as well as a presentation by new Sheriff Joe Leko who replaced Tim Leslie as County Sheriff. Subjects were on such eye-opening topics of rising crime, drugs (in particular fentanyl police seizures), mental health, jails, duties and mandates.  Other issues included future goals of roads, staffing and other transportation projects.

This event was followed by a “Backstage Pass” where us 5 Chambers took people behind the scenes with the Sheriff’s office through the County Jail. This sobering tour was serious and very detailed. Out of respect for privacy concerns, we took no photos.

We thank the County Commissioners for offering this opportunity to our business communities through our 5 partnership-united Chambers of Commerce.