Photos: Legislative Conference for Cities, Counties, Schools, and Townships 2015

Hundreds of local government officials from cities, counties, townships, and school boards across the state gathered in St. Paul early on Thursday to drink coffee and attend the Legislative Conference for Cities, Counties, Schools, and Townships.

The "JLC," as it's casually known (joint legislative conference), gives individual associations an opportunity to keep members informed on legislative issues and to gather feedback in one spot. But this chance to mix it up with each other's membership also serves as a way to give everyone a bird's eye view of issues they have in common, and subsequently more opportunities to speak with a unified voice. The classic chicken and mashed potato luncheon is really just a bonus.

A new format this year invited attendees to learn from and contribute to breakout session topics ranging from workforce housing to mental health—issues that don't fall onto any one form of government's to-do list. Within the break-out sessions, legislators involved in those topic areas stopped by to talk and listen to the front-line perspectives attendees had to share.

Did we mention some additional high-power speakers stopped by? Senate, House, and executive branch (ahem, the governor) leadership, as well as two members of the Capitol press corps, presented their up-to-the-moment perspectives on issues including property tax relief, transportation funding, education, and a little gossip too.

Couldn't make it this year, or want to reminisce? Check out the photos below! Photo credit goes to LMC staffer Jeff Korte.

JLC attendees listen to the major issues affecting local governments
and how their associations are working together.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk talks about session priorities
related to local government.

House Speaker Kurt Daudt talks about session priorities related
to local government.

City officials gather for an LMC-specific legislative update.

LMC's Anne Finn talks transportation in the morning's
association break-out session.

LMC's Jim Miller (center) and
MMSBA's Kirk Schneidawind (right)
greet Andru Peters (left) of Lake City.

Gov. Dayton discusses issues at the Capitol
related to local governments.

Briana Bierschbach of MinnPost (left) and Rachel Stassen-Berger (right)
of the Pioneer Press share the perspective of the Capitol press corps
with moderator Kevin Frazell of LMC.

See what's next on the calendar by viewing LMC's upcoming events!