Olmsted County, in partnership with 10 other counties in Southeast Minnesota, has received a County Achievement Award for its leadership in creating a regional population health data model. This award from the Association of Minnesota Counties recognizes valuable innovations and improvements in county government.

The prestigious award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and active engagement in county government and the association.

The Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act (MAAFPCWDA) was created to address the overrepresentation of African American children in the child welfare system and to strengthen culturally responsive, community-centered practices.

The holiday season can be a time of joy, connection, and celebration, but it can also bring stress, loneliness, and financial strain. To help manage mental health throughout the holidays, Olmsted County spotlights CredibleMind, a powerful platform to support mental health and well-being in our community. 

Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo has been recommended for a $2,040,000 grant from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission. The funding will support the replacement of two key pedestrian bridges that connect visitors to more than 350 acres of natural parkland. 

Olmsted County’s Board and committee meetings will take place on Thursday, December 4, instead of the usual Tuesday. See the full schedule and stay updated on this week’s proceedings.

Olmsted County offices will be closed Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, 2025, in observance of Thanksgiving. Regular business hours will resume Monday, December 1, 2025.

The Friends of Chester Woods, in partnership with Olmsted County volunteers, invite the public to experience the Employers of Olmsted Light Festival (E.L.F.) drive-thru holiday light experience. This event will illuminate Chester Woods Park over the first three weekends of December 2025. 

Olmsted County is taking bold steps to make homeownership more accessible—and you can see how in our latest video. The video highlights the success of the Red Hawk homes project, a creative initiative by the Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) to build high-quality, affordable homes for local families.

They’ve been getting a lot of attention lately – Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – or PFAS. But what are PFAS and what is Olmsted County doing about them? Visit our new PFAS page on our website!