Dakota County Commissioner Laurie Halverson, of District 3, will take over the role of chair for the Dakota County Board of Commissioners in 2026. Halverson takes the gavel from Commissioner Mike Slavik, District 1, who led the body for 2025.
A running joke throughout Slavik’s tenure as chair was waiting for a disaster to occur. The last time Slavik chaired the Board of Commissioners, he was appointed just months before the COVID-19 Pandemic.
While fortunately, no similar disaster occurred during Slavik’s time as chair in 2025; at the board meeting last week, Slavik highlighted some of the work done over the last year within the county.
Slavik highlighted efforts in naloxone distribution, securing funding for the long-stalled Recycling Zone Plus, as well as the formalization of the board’s annual tradition of holding one meeting from the Dakota County Fairgrounds during the county fair.
“This was about partnerships; this was about getting things done. This was about working together,” said Slavik about his time as chair.
“I want to kick off our year of 2026 with gratitude for your trust in me in this position. I’m grateful for my colleagues who provide wise council and great challenge for various ideas. Nothing gets through the Dakota County Board without being thoroughly investigated and vetted by the seven people on this board,” said Halverson.