January 21, 2022 – Dave Osberg will complete his nine-year tenure as Eagan city administrator on March 4, 2022, in the same community where he started as an intern in the early 1980s, bookending a 40-year career of distinguished public service.
Along the way, Osberg served as a city administrator for three other Minnesota communities, including St. James, Waterville, and Hastings, at which he worked 24 years.
“When the Council interviewed Dave nine years ago, I knew immediately that he had the qualities needed to succeed as only the second city administrator in Eagan’s history,” notes Councilmember Gary Hansen. “He has rewarded our faith with his dedication, reliability, diligence, and management leadership. I appreciate Dave’s support in being responsive to resolving issues as they arise.”
“Under Dave’s years of leadership, Eagan has repeatedly been named a Top City to Live, achieved a triple-A bond rating. He helped guide the Eagan Forward community visioning, facilitated major developments in Eagan, and much more,” says Mayor Mike Maguire. “On a personal note, he has been an amazing colleague, peer, mentor, coach, leader, and friend to so many – including me.”
"The way Dave can navigate the comprehensive guide plans and a development plan and then transition to the Wild, Vikings, or Twins game," notes Eagan City Councilmember Cyndee Fields, "makes him a relatable leader and someone we will miss in our day-to-day functions."
Some of the major developments during Osberg’s time in Eagan have included the Twin Cities Premium Outlet, Central Park Commons, and Viking Lakes. Several substantial transitions within City buildings and staffing under Osberg’s watch have encompassed the remodeling of Eagan Police, City Hall, and the Central Maintenance Facility as well as the evolution of Eagan’s Fire Department from one of the largest volunteer departments in the state to a 24/7 fulltime staffing model to serve the community now and into the future.
Osberg has been lauded for his outstanding service throughout his entire career, receiving the League of Minnesota Cities Leadership award for cities with a population over 10,000, in 2010, while serving in Hastings. In 2014, while in Eagan he was named Manager of the Year by his peers in the Minnesota City and County Managers Association. He’s served on many boards and as president of several, including the League of Minnesota Cities; one of only a few non-elected officials to do so.
“It’s because of his many admirable qualities, that his presence, knowledge, and influence will continue to live on here in Eagan and beyond,” says Mayor Maguire.
“He’s genuine and respectful to everyone,” adds Dianne Miller, assistant city administrator, “and his actions demonstrate his dedication to his work, his staff, and his family.”
"While I appreciate the experience that Dave brings to each topic, issue, and opportunity for Eagan," remark's Councilmember Fields, "the thing I appreciate most is Dave's presence, and how he knows when to break a silence or create a great path forward with a quip or a crack of a joke."
In his notice of retirement letter accepted by the Eagan City Council in October Osberg wrote, “The confidence you showed by hiring me back in February 2013 as only the second city administrator in the history of Eagan remains humbling and I remain truly grateful.”
“The opportunity to end my 40 years of public service in local government management,” he continued, “working for a tremendous City Council and professional, caring, and vibrant City staff is something I will always treasure.”
When he retires in March, Osberg plans to spend more time with his wife Laurie who retired from a decades-long teaching career last year, and his children and three grandchildren. “We also plan to travel more, and I’ll likely play some golf,” he adds.
“Dave has surpassed every expectation in continuing Eagan’s tradition of excellence and professionalism among our city staff,” says Eagan City Councilmember Mike Supina. “He has always made sure that Eagan looks its best, both internally and in our public image. Dave’s diligence and good judgment have made everyone else’s job easier.”
Councilmember Paul Bakken shared, "Although Dave is leaving us, he is leaving behind a legacy of excellence. Eagan is one of the highest-rated city governments in the nation, and Dave has played a key role in crafting our organization. The Eagan that we see today is a testament to his professionalism, leadership, and dedication to the public good."
“I especially appreciate Dave’s openness and easy-going manner,” says Councilmember Gary Hansen. “He is friendly, easy to talk with, and we share common interests. I will miss that the most. I wish him the best in his much-deserved retirement.”
