Joe Atkins, who represents District 2 on the Dakota County Board of Commissioners, will serve as the board chair for 2024.

Dakota County Commissioner Joe Atkins was elected board chair on Jan. 2, 2024. (Courtesy of Dakota County)

Elected on Tuesday by his fellow commissioners, Atkins said his hope for the county’s work in the upcoming year is to reflect the Dakota language word Wódakota, which describes the Dakota way of life and symbolizes respect, courtesy, humility and compassion, according to a county news release.

Atkins, who succeeded Commissioner Liz Workman, has served on the board since 2017. Commissioner Mike Slavik, who represents District 1, was elected vice chair.

Priorities highlighted by Atkins for 2024 include social service improvements, the opening of the Kaposia Library in South St. Paul, transportation safety projects, improvements to the Lake Byllesby Dam and the board’s strategic policy issues of housing, economic development and county finances.

The county will celebrate its 175th anniversary this year and Atkins said such milestones are a reason to pause, look back and think about the future.

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