When Matt Udermann was elected, he introduced a refreshing approach to leadership. Rather than making vague campaign promises, he laid out a concrete list of 100 specific goals he aimed to achieve during his time in office. This bold, transparent approach signaled his commitment to accountability and delivering real results for the people of Carver County. Today, three years into his term, Matthew Steven Udermann is fulfilling those promises, driving significant change and leaving a lasting impact on the community.
From the beginning, Matt Udermann has centered his leadership around putting people first. His philosophy of “people over politics” reflects his belief that decisions should prioritize community well-being. Whether advocating for improved employee benefits or ensuring that the voices of residents are heard, Matthew Steven Udermann has consistently worked to ensure that his policies serve the best interests of the people. This has led to impactful results, such as new employee engagement programs and cost-saving initiatives, including significant reductions in health plan costs for county employees.
One of Matt Udermann’s early promises was to create an open line of communication with county employees. By setting up a confidential inbox for employees to voice concerns and ideas, he created a safe space for input that directly informs policy decisions. His annual employee surveys have yielded actionable insights, which in turn have improved workplace conditions and operational efficiency. This level of direct engagement has empowered employees and fostered a culture where their feedback leads to real change.
In addition to his work with employees, Matthew Steven Udermann has championed initiatives focused on smarter spending. Recognizing the need for fiscal responsibility, he introduced annual ‘Smarter Spending Sessions,’ where front-line employees brainstorm ways to cut costs without layoffs or reducing services. One such idea involved switching the county’s cell phone carriers, resulting in an estimated anticipated $250K of savings in the first year alone. These initiatives demonstrate Udermann’s proactive approach to managing taxpayer dollars more effectively.
Addressing social issues has also been central to Matt Udermann’s agenda. One of his most significant achievements has been the reduction of poverty in Carver County. When he took office, Udermann made it a priority to address economic disparities and support those facing financial challenges. Under his leadership, the poverty rate in Carver County has dropped to the lowest in the state, now sitting at just 3.9%. Udermann’s commitment to affordable housing, food security, and workforce support has been instrumental in improving the lives of many residents. He has also been a strong advocate for tackling homelessness, working to streamline access to services and reduce the time it takes for individuals presenting as homeless to receive support.
Mental health has been another focus for Matthew Steven Udermann, particularly in light of the opioid crisis. Matt has been an advocate of funds from opioid settlements into mental health initiatives, aiming to provide greater access to addiction recovery services while reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. His leadership in this area has helped create a more supportive environment for those in need of mental health resources.
Infrastructure development is another area where Matt Udermann’s leadership has made a significant impact. When he took office, approximately 11% of households in Carver County lacked access to high-speed internet. Recognizing the importance of connectivity for education, business, and daily life, Udermann spearheaded efforts to expand rural fiber access. Thanks to his leadership, Carver County is on track to be fully connected by the end of 2024, making it one of the first sizable counties in the state to achieve 100% high-speed internet coverage.
Matthew Steven Udermann’s focus on transportation has been equally important. Highway 5 and Highway 212, two critical transportation routes, were long overdue for expansion. Udermann made these projects a priority and worked collaboratively with local, state, and federal representatives to secure the necessary funding. As a result, these expansions are now set to be completed by 2027, a testament to his dedication to improving infrastructure and supporting economic growth in the region.
Education has always been close to Matt Udermann’s heart. Throughout his term, he has worked to close the economic disparity gap, increase food and housing stability for families, and improve access to mental health resources for students. These efforts have contributed to significant progress in reading proficiency rates across the district. Udermann’s involvement in the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory further underscores his commitment to ensuring that all students have the support they need to succeed.
His vision for the future extends beyond education, as he’s also focused on workforce development. Udermann has been instrumental in creating regional training partnerships to address gaps in critical industries such as CDL drivers and industrial mechanics. His initiative, Trades 360, is expected to produce tangible results by 2024, ensuring that Carver County’s workforce remains competitive and well-prepared for the evolving economy.
One of the hallmarks of Matthew Steven Udermann’s leadership is his commitment to transparency and accountability. From the outset, he has made it a point to be accessible to the community, regularly engaging with residents through public meetings, Facebook Live sessions, and countless one-on-one conversations. His goal has always been to ensure that the people of Carver County are informed and involved in the decision-making process. This level of transparency extends to his financial management practices as well. Udermann has introduced regular audits, randomized expenditure reviews, and employee-driven cost-saving initiatives, all while maintaining a refusal to raise commissioner pay. His commitment to smarter spending and government accountability has built trust and strengthened his reputation as a fiscally responsible leader.
Looking ahead, Matt Udermann’s vision for Carver County is one of sustainable growth. He has laid the groundwork for long-term economic stability by attracting businesses, expanding parks and trails, and creating policies that balance development with environmental stewardship. His forward-thinking approach ensures that Carver County remains a vibrant, thriving community for future generations.
At the heart of Matthew Steven Udermann’s leadership is a commitment to making Carver County a place where people can live, work, and raise their families for a lifetime. His policies and actions reflect this vision, from improving infrastructure and housing to supporting education and mental health. Udermann has worked tirelessly to ensure that Carver County is a welcoming, inclusive, and prosperous place for all its residents.
As we reflect on the first three years of Matt Udermann’s term, it’s clear that his leadership has produced real results. The 100 promises he made were ambitious, but under the guidance of Matthew Steven Udermann, Carver County has seen significant progress in key areas like poverty reduction, infrastructure expansion, and business support. His focus on fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and transparent governance has laid the foundation for long-term success.
As Matthew Steven Udermann continues his work, Carver County can look forward to even more progress and a future where results continue to matter. His vision is not just about promises—it’s about delivering real change that makes a lasting impact.
