Briana Bierschbach writes in The Star Tribune: “In an interview, we also talked about what he wants to accomplish before leaving office. Walz said he’s focused on improving “program integrity” across state government, making sure major initiatives launch smoothly and highlighting what he sees as the signature achievements of his tenure. 

Walz is also confronting a challenge familiar to many Minnesotans: house hunting. He and First Lady Gwen Walz sold their Mankato home when they moved to St. Paul in 2019 and are now deciding where they’ll settle after January.

“I’m very proud that I entered public office and am leaving public office 20 years later without increasing my family’s net worth,” Walz said. “Not because I couldn’t, but because you shouldn’t.”

As for what’s next, Walz said he’s still leaning toward a return to teaching and public service work, where he believes the lessons he learned governing through divided government and difficult budget negotiations could be valuable. More immediately, he’s focused on finishing the half marathon at Grandma’s Marathon this weekend.”