Commissioner Joe Atkins will serve as chair of the Dakota County Board of Commissioners in 2024.

Atkins was elected chair by his fellow commissioners Tuesday, Jan. 2. He represents District 2, including the cities of South St. Paul and West St. Paul, and Inver Grove Heights precincts 1 and 4–10. He has served on the board since 2017.

Atkins succeeds Commissioner Liz Workman, who was chair in 2023. Commissioner Mike Slavik was elected vice chair for 2024.

As Dakota County celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2024, Atkins said milestones like that are reason to pause, look back at the county's history and think about the future. 

Atkins also said he hopes the county's work this year reflects the Dakota language word Wódakota, which describes the Dakota way of life and symbolizes respect, courtesy, humility and compassion. That will be extended to residents and taxpayers; county partners such as cities, school districts and legislators; and county employees and the county board.

“That is what I hope to be the hallmark of this coming year," Atkins said.

Among 2024 priorities that Atkins highlighted are:

• The board's strategic policy issues of housing, economic development, the county budget and finances, the role of government, and health and accessibility.
• Social service improvements, including the Crisis and Recovery Center under construction in West St. Paul and work on homelessness prevention.
• The opening of Kaposia Library in South St. Paul in February.
• Park, trail and pedestrian safety improvements, including the Mississippi River Greenway, Minnesota River Greenway and the new Veterans Memorial Greenway.
• Transportation safety projects along busy highways and county roads.
• Completion of improvements to Byllesby Dam, where new turbines will double electricity output, and other energy-saving projects.

Commissioner Mike Slavik of Hastings was elected vice chair.