Dr. Raymond Robertson named new State Economist

Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) Commissioner Erin Campbell today announced that Dr. Raymond Robertson will become Minnesota’s state economist on Aug. 4, 2026.

“Dr. Robertson has extensive experience communicating economic analysis to policymakers and the public as a professor, researcher and advisor,” Commissioner Campbell said. “His work has informed economic policy for federal agencies and international organizations. I am excited to work with Dr. Robertson as he applies his expertise to Minnesota’s economic and budget forecasts and reports.”

Dr. Robertson’s selection marks a return to the long-standing relationship between MMB and the University of Minnesota that existed from 1984 to 2024, through which the university independently hires the state economist, who then provides services to the state under contract with MMB.

“It is a privilege to honor this historic partnership between the University of Minnesota and MMB on behalf of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS),” said CFANS Interim Dean Linda Nagel. “Dr. Robertson brings extraordinary credentials and a global perspective on economic policy to this role. We are so happy to have him join our community, and are excited to see him apply his insight to the key economic opportunities and challenges facing Minnesota.”

Among the organizations Dr. Robertson has provided services to are the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of State, the World Bank and the International Labour Organization. He previously chaired the U.S. Department of Labor’s National Advisory Committee on Labor Provisions of U.S. Free Trade Agreements, served on the U.S. Department of State’s Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy, and on the advisory board of the Center for Global Development.

Dr. Robertson began his academic career at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He later taught economics and directed the Latin American Studies Program at Macalester College for 15 years before joining Texas A&M University as the Helen and Roy Ryu Professor of Economics and Government and director of the Mosbacher Institute for Trade, Economics and Public Policy.

He has authored or edited numerous books and more than 100 scholarly publications and policy reports. He was named a Texas A&M Presidential Impact Fellow in 2018 in recognition of the policy impact of his research.

Dr. Robertson holds a bachelor’s in political science and economics from Trinity University and a master’s and Ph.D. in economics from the University of Texas at Austin.

"I am honored to serve as Minnesota's state economist and excited to join such an outstanding team,” Dr. Robertson said. “I look forward to providing objective, evidence-based economic analysis. Minnesota has an extraordinary tradition of thoughtful policymaking, and I look forward to contributing to that tradition."

By providing reliable revenue forecasts and tracking revenue performance, the state economist plays an important role in the development of responsible state budgets. Rating agencies have cited Minnesota’s strong fiscal management practices, including the twice-yearly budget and economic forecast, Minnesota’s nation-leading budget reserve policy, and the high quality of the analysis done by the state economist and MMB’s Economic Analysis team in assigning Minnesota the highest-possible bond ratings.

Minnesota has achieved and maintained AAA credit ratings from all three top credit rating agencies since 2022, which was the first time in 20 years that state had received top ratings across the board. Maintaining high bond ratings is important because it helps reduce the cost of state borrowing for infrastructure projects and other needs.