ACD finances vary annually due to the ebb and flow of competitive grants. While ecological projects tend to be installed at a steady pace each year, larger surface-water improvement projects come in fits and starts. The 2025 surface water project planning, design, and permitting set the stage for 2026 installations. Many state grants are funded by sales taxes dedicated to natural resource activities. ACD is committed to accessing these funds to benefit Anoka County taxpayers in proportion to sales tax paid in the county. ACD strives to keep overhead costs down while expanding services. 

Making Sense of the Dollars
Although governed by an elected board, conservation districts lack taxing authority and must secure funds from multiple sources. Overall revenue decreased in 2025 by nearly $900K, largely due to a decrease in state funds. County funds, while representing a smaller percentage of ACD's budget, are critical to cover general operations because many grants do not cover overhead expenses.

Stacked bar chart showing revenues from by year from 2019 to the left to 2025 to the right. Categories are interest, product sales, property management, and various levels of government: federal, state, regional, county, and local. The vast majority of revenues are from the state and product sales. Revenues were 20% lower than 2024 but high compared to other years.

Making Dollars of the Cents
ACD collaborates with cities, watershed management groups, state agencies, county departments, non-profits, and landowners on projects of mutual interest. The 2025 revenue chart begins to convey this but does not show the 122 projects and programs supported by 27 distinct funding sources. On average, for every locally derived dollar, ACD leverages over four dollars from outside the county.

3D pie chart showing the relative distribution of revenues in 2025. The top five largest sources in order are state project grant, Rain Guardian sales, state service grants, local government project grants, and county service allocation.

Diversify, Economize, Invest
Among ACD's many funding sources is revenue from the sale of our patented Rain Guardian pretreatment chambers, which exceeded $900K in 2025. Through zero-based budgeting, we annually trim underperforming programs. We also strategically invest to optimize dividend revenues and to enhance our in-house capacity with facilities and equipment.

Interactive Financials Dashboard

For details on 2025 or prior year financials, explore ACD's interactive financials dashboard (shown above), or review our financial statements and audits at https://anokaswcd.org/about-us/financials.html. For more information contact Chris Lord, District Manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Stacked bar chart showing expenses from by year from 2019 to the left to 2025 to the right. Categories are district operation, personnel, capital , property management, land protection, information and outreach, inventory and analysis, land and water treatment, monitoring, products and equipment, and technical assistance. The vast majority of expenses are under personnel and land and water treatment. 2025 expenses were 20% lower than 2024 but high compared to other years.