Lakeville City Administrator Steve Mielke will leave the city after 10 years to work for Dakota County.
Starting July 21, Mielke will become physical development director for the county, a job that has been vacant since the retirement of Lynn Thompson last spring.
Mielke, 56, grew up in Mankato and graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He began his career as city manager for Janesville, Minn., and from there went to Hopkins, where he was the city manager for 17 years, presiding over a large redevelopment effort in that city.
He said he was attracted to Lakeville's wide, open development potential. During his tenure, the city population grew from 49,000 to 58,000; it built a new police station, and bus service was extended to Lakeville on Interstate 35 and Cedar Avenue.
The county job will allow him to continue using his development expertise, Mielke said. He is looking forward to working with county leaders on the county's strategic direction.
Lakeville Mayor Matt Little said in a statement Friday that he has respected Mielke's counsel and appreciated his commitment to the city.
"He has had a great impact on the city and fostered productive partnerships that have been beneficial to the entire community," Little said. "He will certainly be missed as a co-worker and a friend.''
Laurie Blake • 952-746-3287