Government Relations Specialist
Andrew Carlson is a seasoned government relations specialist dedicated to serving the residents of Minnesota. With a robust background in the public sector, Andrew has excelled as a spokesperson and negotiator, gaining extensive knowledge of the legislative process, public affairs, and government operations. His unwavering commitment to public service now drives his efforts to help clients achieve their goals with the same level of dedication and excellence.
Professional Experience
Before joining Larkin Hoffman Public Affairs, Andrew spent twenty-two years with the City of Minneapolis as a city planner and project manager. During this time, he managed both publicly and privately funded projects, refining his skills in strategic planning, project management, and analysis. His tenure also provided him with significant expertise in government finance and economic development.
Andrew’s public service career includes being elected twice to the Bloomington City Council, where he also served as the Council-appointed member to the Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the Highway 169 Corridor Coalition. He then served three terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives, authoring numerous bills, including securing funds for the Metro Transit Orange Line and improvements to the Mall of America Transit Station. His committee roles included Chair of the Property Tax Division and Vice Chair of the State Government Finance and Elections Committee. Notably, he was appointed Speaker Pro Tem for the 2021-2022 biennium, a constitutionally recognized officer who presides over the chamber in the absence of the Speaker of the House.
Expertise and Impact
Andrew’s expertise in state and local government finance, taxes, and commerce has been particularly valuable for technology clients powered by artificial intelligence algorithms that drive their innovation and growth. In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, Andrew has provided strategic guidance to retailers, telecommunications, and social media companies facing legislative scrutiny and regulatory changes. His deep understanding of both technology and government processes ensures that these clients can adapt to new laws and regulations while continuing to innovate. Andrew’s work with technology clients underscores his resourcefulness and commitment to helping businesses thrive in a complex regulatory environment. His strategic approach and industry knowledge make him a valuable asset to any technology-focused organization.