The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is dedicated to cultivating meaningful careers and creating opportunities that strengthen both team members and the local community. With more than 4,000 positions across gaming operations, enterprises, government programs, clinics, and departments, every role contributes to the shared mission of delivering exceptional experiences, fostering professional growth, and making a difference. Visit shakopeedakota.org/careers to view open roles and learn more.
GN Opens North American Headquarters in Shakopee
On December 03, 2025, Great Northern (GN) held the grand opening and ribbon cutting of their new 218,000 + square foot North American Headquarters in Shakopee. Founded in 1869 in Denmark, GN focuses on providing hearing, audio, video, and gaming solutions in over 100 countries, employing over 7,000 people worldwide. In 2024, GN was the fastest growing hearing and sound manufacturer. While 2025 statistics have not been publicly released, it remains a rapidly growing industry leader.
The facility in Shakopee includes warehousing, repair, manufacturing, customer service, marketing, and distribution for GN’s audio brands. With the company vision of “Bringing People Closer” the products manufactured at this facility are distributed to independent hearing professionals, so they can provide sound and hearing aids to patients.
The process of searching for and developing a site began 24 months prior to the ceremony, with 18 months focused on this location. Executives noted that the company had outgrown its prior location in Bloomington, and they desired to double-down on operations in the Twin Cities metro, seeing it as particularly abundant with skilled talent.
Executives reported finding Shakopee had impressive trends towards growth and development, and that the city council was ambitious, dedicated to development planning, and importantly- liked to have fun. Currently, the headquarters employs around 550 people, with a plan of adding more than 100 jobs in 2026.
Many in Scott County see a benefit in the economic multiplier effect when a major employer, such as GN joins the community. When employees are hired directly by the major employer, the wages earned are spent in ways that support jobs throughout the regional economy- shops, childcare, restaurants, service companies, local suppliers, and more. Dollars get spent locally, supporting local businesses, and raising tax revenue.
With shared high goals of success and mutual benefit in mind, Mayor Matt Lehmann declared December 03, 2025 “GN Day” in the City of Shakopee. The ribbon cutting was followed by tours of the facility, refreshments, and product demonstrations.
Scott County CDA Breaks Ground on Affordable Homes in Shakopee Community Land Trust
The Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA) is excited to begin construction on the first three of ten new single-family homes in Shakopee. These homes mark a significant step forward in the CDA’s ongoing commitment to expanding affordable homeownership opportunities in the community.
The new homes—featuring three, four, and five bedrooms—will be part of the CDA’s Community Land Trust (CLT) Program, which helps make homeownership more attainable for families priced out of the traditional housing market. In this innovative model, the homebuyer purchases the house at an affordable price, while the land remains in the community land trust. Homeowners lease the land for just $25 per month and enjoy full use of the property just like any other homeowner.
This shared equity model allows families to build wealth over time while keeping the homes permanently affordable for future buyers. When a homeowner decides to sell, a portion of the home’s appreciation remains with the home, helping the next buyer purchase at an affordable price. This approach creates lasting community benefit by preserving affordability for generations to come.
Affordable New Construction, Single-Family Homes Coming to Shakopee
Now is the perfect time for potential homebuyers to start getting ready for this opportunity. The CDA encourages anyone interested in purchasing one of these new homes to attend homebuyer education workshops and one-on-one financial counseling through the CDA’s HUD-certified counseling program. These free and low-cost resources help buyers strengthen their credit, build savings, understand the shared equity model, and prepare for successful homeownership. By beginning the education and counseling process early, buyers can position themselves to be ready when the homes become available. Those interested can learn more and sign up for upcoming classes at www.scottcda.org.
Income limits for the Community Land Trust Program reach up to $106,000, depending on household size, making the homes accessible to working families across a wide range of professions—including teachers, healthcare workers, and local service providers—who often struggle to find affordable housing options in the area.
Construction on the first three homes is expected to move quickly, with additional homes to follow. Interested buyers are encouraged to learn more about the Community Land Trust Program, eligibility requirements, and upcoming opportunities by visiting www.scottcda.org/resource/community-land-trust/
Scott County Honors DeAnn Croatt for 27 Years of Service
At its December 4, 2025 meeting, the Scott County Board of Commissioners unanimously proclaimed the day “DeAnn Croatt Day” in recognition of her 27 years of dedicated service to the county. Commissioner Barb Weckman Brekke highlighted Croatt’s significant contributions, which include serving as Helena Township Clerk and later Supervisor, as well as her longstanding involvement with the Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA), beginning her service on the CDA board in 1998, and becoming chair in 2010.
In 2024, Croatt’s leadership and commitment to public service were further recognized when she received the Conrad Rettmer Commissioner Award from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). Reflecting on Croatt’s impact, Commissioner Weckman Brekke remarked on the remarkable breadth of her accomplishments, saying, “I feel like we should be holding a parade.” Croatt’s decades of leadership and dedication have left a lasting positive impact on Scott County, and the board expressed its appreciation by formally recognizing her outstanding service.
Junior Golf at The Meadows at Mystic Lake
Want to introduce your child to the game of a lifetime? Registration is OPEN for The Meadows Junior Golf Camp! This camp is open to students ages 7-14. The talented golf professionals at The Meadows at Mystic Lake focus on fun while instructing campers on golf etiquette, putting, chipping, and the full swing. Five-day camp sessions will be offered in June, July, and August.
Visit golfthemeadows.com to learn more and register!
