Joe Birkholz

Joe Birkholz

PRINCIPAL

Biography


JOE BIRKHOLZ is a Principal at Park Street Public. He has spent nearly a decade working at the State Capitol on a variety of environment, outdoor recreation, and economic development issues in positions both within and outside of state government.

Prior to joining Park Street Public, Joe served as a Policy Advisor in the Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan from 2022-2024. In his capacity as a Policy Advisor, Joe advised Governor Walz on environmental, climate, mining, and energy issues; managed and negotiated the Governor’s legislative agenda through the legislative process; and worked closely with legislative, agency, and stakeholder partners to accomplish goals. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Joe worked as a Legislative Associate at Conservation Strategies, Inc. for six years after teaching middle middle school social studies for two years.

Joe’s experience and relationships in Saint Paul help him strategically advise clients, develop and execute plans, and build relationship with key decision makers.

Joe earned his B.A. in History from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Education


B.A., University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Expertise


  • Government Relations - Disability Services
  • Government Relations - Medicaid
  • Government Relations - Health and Human Services
  • Government Relations – Criminal Justice Reform and Civil Law
  • Government Relations – Education

Awards & Recognition


  • American Fellow, American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) and Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) to Indonesia, 2015
  • Top Legislative Staffer by Politics in Minnesota, 2012
  • Team Leader, American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) to Vietnam, 2010
  • Delegate, American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) to Romania and Hungary, 2007
  • Policy Fellow, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, 2004
  • Improving Access to the Judiciary Award, Minnesota Supreme Court, 2001