SDK Strategic Services

Shaping the future of health takes more than expertise—it takes empathy and equity. At SDK Strategic Services, we bring a deep understanding of health systems and social determinants to every project. Whether it’s policy analysis, community engagement or strategic design, we center people and equity at every step. Our work in health is guided by a core belief: better outcomes happen when solutions are rooted in real experiences and inclusive processes. Here’s how that comes to life in our projects: Telehealth  • SDK supported the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) in advancing post-pandemic telehealth strategies by bridging patient perspectives with operational realities. We designed and facilitated a Technical Advisory Group, led stakeholder and community engagement, and delivered findings to the legislature – ensuring the work reflected both frontline insights and long-term strategy. Mental Health  • To strengthen Minnesota’s mental health landscape, SDK worked with MDH to identify opportunities for greater alignment and impact. We facilitated statewide conversations, built consensus among key leaders and developed recommendations for a more connected, coordinated system. We’re proud to help shape strategies that are not only effective, but also compassionate and equitable. Because when health solutions reflect the communities they serve, everyone benefits.  #PublicSectorConsulting #CommunityEngagement #MinnesotaLeadership #SDKApproach

Conservation isn’t just an environmental issue. It’s a community issue.   As climate change intensifies, conservation policy plays a growing role in protecting not only our natural resources but also our health, equity, and long-term resilience. When done well, conservation policy doesn’t just preserve land and water—it sustains communities and builds opportunity for the future. Here are three critical elements of effective conservation policy: • Sustainable Funding: Long-term efforts depend on consistent, transparent funding that Minnesotans can trust. • Climate Resilience: Policies must strengthen ecosystems and communities against the growing impacts of climate change. • Navigate the legislative process effectively • Equity: Conservation must benefit all communities—especially those historically left out of environmental decisions and investments. These elements were reflected in the work SDK did to advance a Minnesota constitutional amendment on conservation policy. Working with organizations across the environmental sector, SDK facilitated discussion, driving towards results while ensuring all viewpoints and priorities were heard and valued. Today, SDK remains committed to elevating diverse community and stakeholder voices to help ensure all three essential pillars of conservation policy—environmental impact, equity, and sustainability—are meaningfully addressed.     At SDK, we’re proud to support work that makes Minnesota’s conservation efforts stronger, smarter and more inclusive.  #PublicSectorConsulting #CommunityEngagement #MinnesotaLeadership #SDKApproach

A plan is only as strong as the support behind it. At SDK Strategic Services, one of our core principles is simple but powerful: We set a path forward and support clients along the way. Every project is different, but this approach is constant. We turn insights into practical, actionable strategies—and stay involved to help our clients navigate challenges, refine their approach and reach their goals with confidence. This principle has helped us guide public agencies and partners through complex issues, adapt to change, and deliver real impact. It’s not just about creating a roadmap—it’s about staying on the journey together. How do you ensure your strategies stay adaptable over time? We’d love to hear your approach. #PublicSectorConsulting #CommunityEngagement #MinnesotaLeadership #SDKApproach

Minnesotans made it clear: protecting our environment isn’t optional. It’s essential. In the most recent general election, voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to increase the share of Minnesota State Lottery funds dedicated to environmental initiatives from 5.5% to 7%. It’s a strong signal that Minnesotans expect more than words when it comes to protecting our land, water and natural resources. They want public dollars used transparently, efficiently and with long-term impact in mind. This result reaffirms what we already know: sustainability and responsible stewardship remain core values in our state. SDK played a role in shaping the conversations that led to this outcome, through:  • Leading five targeted focus groups to facilitate meaningful discussion and drive consensus  • Developing three comprehensive proposals informed by input from the Work Group and Full Coalition  • Assisted in drafting the final proposal to the legislature #PublicSectorConsulting #CommunityEngagement #MinnesotaLeadership #SDKApproach Read more about the recent approval of this constitutional amendment here: https://lnkd.in/eW4cWRgs 

Real impact starts with the right approach. Every project we take on is different—but our approach stays rooted in three key steps that consistently deliver impact: 1. Establish the Foundation  We take time to understand our clients. We want to understand their goals, challenges and organizational culture. Building trust is essential. We do the homework to ensure our clients feel seen, heard and supported from day one. 2. Listen + Engage  We design strategies that bring in and listen to community voices. By hearing directly  from those most affected by the decisions our clients make, we uncover meaningful insights that shape stronger, more inclusive outcomes. 3. Recommend + Report  We translate what we’ve heard into clear, actionable recommendations and we're always focused on the needs of the community. Our deliverables help clients move forward with confidence and clarity, keeping the people they serve at the heart of the work. This blend of deep listening and strategic insight creates projects that don’t just check boxes—they move Minnesota toward a future where all communities can thrive. #PublicSectorConsulting #CommunityEngagement #MinnesotaLeadership #SDKApproach

SDK turns insights into impact.  Minnesota’s environmental challenges are complex and growing, especially as the impacts of climate change become more visible. The Minnesota Constitutional Amendment played a key role in shaping our strategic approach to environmental policy. Working alongside partners, we deepened our understanding of how to:  • Communicate funding transparency in ways that build trust  • Mobilize broad, diverse coalitions  • Navigate the legislative process effectively These insights continue to guide our work, helping ensure that environmental funding initiatives are accessible, equitable and designed for real impact. By applying what we’ve learned, we’re helping advance policies that strengthen Minnesota’s long-term sustainability and resilience.  #PublicSectorConsulting #CommunityEngagement #MinnesotaLeadership #SDKApproach

This month, we’re celebrating Mallory Jacquette, our incredible executive assistant whose behind-the-scenes work helps keep SDK running smoothly. Mallory joined SDK in 2021, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience in business administration. She holds a BS in Liberal Studies from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and brings both precision and heart to everything she does. Though SDK is based in Minnesota, Mallory works remotely from Pennsylvania—proving that great collaboration knows no boundaries. Outside of work, you’ll find Mallory with her family and two rescue dog kayaking, camping, hiking, baking or relaxing at the beach. She’s especially passionate about mental health awareness and supporting children and young adults with special needs. We’re grateful for the care, dedication and positivity Mallory brings to our team. Thank you, Mallory, for everything you do! Below is a picture of Mallory's two amazing rescue dogs!

What if Minnesota’s lottery proceeds could better serve the communities they were meant to support? In 2021, SDK partnered with the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and the Lottery Proceeds Reauthorization Coalition to explore just that. The research helped shape a potential Minnesota Constitutional Amendment focused on transparency, equity and access. The goal? To ensure lottery-funded grants are more accessible and impactful for communities across the state. SDK’s role included:  - Developing clear, strategic positioning for the amendment proposal  - Designing a campaign plan to guide both legislative and ballot efforts  - Laying the foundation for a strong, community-centered push for change  This work set the stage for future investment in Minnesota’s environmental priorities by ensuring funding is more open, equitable, and community informed. In the coming weeks, we’ll share more on this project’s progress and its long-term impact. Stay tuned.  #PublicSectorConsulting #CommunityEngagement #MinnesotaLeadership #SDKApproach

Big plans require bold collaboration—and a commitment to listening. When the Metropolitan Council set out to update its 10-year regional Transportation Policy Plan (TPP), they knew meaningful change would only happen if community voices were central to the process. That’s where SDK came in. SDK partnered with the Met Council to lead two critical phases of the TPP’s development—ensuring the plan reflects the values, priorities and lived experiences of communities across the region. Phase 1: Listening and Learning  We organized listening sessions and conducted in-depth interviews with leaders from equity, climate, social service, business, neighborhood and land use sectors. These insights shaped the TPP’s goals and objectives, which set the foundation for future policies and actions.   Phase 2: Making Policy Accessible  SDK translated complex draft policies into clear, community-friendly language—empowering residents and stakeholders to provide meaningful input on the future of transportation in their region.  By making engagement more inclusive and accessible, SDK helped ensure the final TPP is not only grounded in data—but in people. Thanks to the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities for your partnership and for your commitment to building a more connected, equitable region. #PublicSectorConsulting #CommunityEngagement #MinnesotaLeadership #TransportationPolicy #SDKApproach

Transportation doesn’t just move people. It shapes opportunity, health, safety and equity.    For many communities – especially those historically underserved – limited transportation access can reinforce deep inequities, which makes it harder to reach jobs, schools, healthcare and other essentials.    But smart, equitable investments in transportation can change that. Better access means better outcomes.    At the same time, we can’t ignore transportation’s impact on the environment. As one of the largest contributors to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, the sector has a critical role to play in protecting public health and advancing climate goals.    That’s why every decision in transportation planning matters. At SDK, we help our partners consider and develop policies that reduce inequalities while building systems that are more innovative and sustainable. #PublicSectorConsulting #CommunityEngagement #MinnesotaLeadership #TransportationPolicy #SDKApproach