League of Minnesota Cities lobbyists Duke Addicks, Peggy Flicker, and general counsel Stan Peskar share a laugh in this picture taken at the Capitol circa 1980.
It's the most wonderful time of the year—for political junkies, that is. That's right, the legislative session is underway at the State Capitol.
League archives show that while every session has its own flavor (stadium bills, anyone?), there are some things that never change when it comes to lobbying on behalf of cities.
The League's intergovernmental relations staff compiled this list of the top issues that have been consistently vexing city officials—and keeping lobbyists on their toes—for the past 100 years. (As for flying cars and x-ray glasses, better luck next time.)
In no particular order:
1.) How cities are financed (property taxes, revenue sharing, etc.)
2.) Building and maintaining roads and bridges
3.) Water and wastewater infrastructure
4.) Redevelopment and economic development
5.) Mandates
Want to learn more? Legislative goals for the 2013 session are available on the League's website.