Friday, July 19, 2019

New Issue of Minnesota Cities Magazine Highlights Fellowship Program

Do you know where your next great up-and-comers are? A new program of Minnetonka, Delano, and
the League of Minnesota Cities is working to identify and groom them—and you can read all about it in the July-August issue of Minnesota Cities magazine.

The Minnesota Cities Fellowship Program—in which graduate students spend two years as interns rotating among the League and two cities—seeks to make sure that qualified young workers are ready to step into city government roles as Baby Boomers continue retiring. It offers a well-rounded experience to prepare the fellows for their first full-time jobs. Learn more about it in our cover story!

When you check out the July-August issue, you’ll also read about:
• A free online police training program that meets new state requirements. It's called True North Constitutional Policing.
• How to use GIS tools to engage the public, in an article from Bolton & Menk, a member of the League’s Business Leadership Council.
• Two cities that made the most of their state trunk highway projects to enhance safety, economic development, and aesthetics, in Focus on Small Cities.
• And much more!

Friday, July 5, 2019

Sunset On #MnCities at the Lake 2019 Annual Conference

On June 26, nearly 600 city officials gathered "at the lake" for the 2019 Annual Conference in Duluth. For three days, city officials discovered ideas during more than 20 educational sessions, created connections with other city officials as well as more than 100 vendors and League staff, and heard from inspiring speakers.

Look back at this year's conference, and share some of your own highlights in the comments below!

Incoming president Mike Mornson, LMC Board of Directors Member D. Love,
and past president Heidi Omerza helped facilitate the first-time attendee
meetup on Wednesday.
Tawanna Black, founder of the Center for Economic Inclusion, presents on Fueling the Path to
Economic Inclusion and Shared Prosperity as part of the Intercultural Development &
Communication Pre-Conference Workshop.
The World Beat Drummers from Myers-Wilkins Elementary School in
Duluth called attendees to the ballroom for the opening ceremony.
Wednesday's keynote speaker Kim Lear offered insight into how different generations
can understand each other better and communicate more effectively in the
workplace and beyond.
The exhibit hall on Wednesday night gave city officials
a chance to meet with vendors and mingle.

Just a little lake-themed fun! The lounge area provided a "campfire" and music
from Duluth-based band Wood Blind.
Thursday started off with an energetic presentation from keynote speaker Dave Meslin
about rethinking community engagement.
St. Peter City Administrator Todd Prafke helps facilitate an educational session.

Executive Director David Unmacht shakes the hand of 2018-2019 LMC Board
President Heidi Omerza, city councilmember in Ely.
Board elections were held during the annual business meeting on Thursday
following the nominating committee interviews. Standing is 2nd VP Rita Albrecht,
mayor of Bemidji.
Rena Sarigianopoulos hosted Thursday night's awards dinner, recognizing
City of Excellence Award winners, Sustainable City Award winners, the C.C. Ludwig
Award winner, and the James F. Miller Leadership Award winner.
Longtime Member Services Director Kevin Frazell was recognized at Thursday's
Awards Dinner. Frazell will be retiring in August.
Meeting with other city officials is part of the
excitement of any League event!
Gov. Tim Walz (center) meets with one of Friday's panel guests Dave Durenberger
and panel moderator Lori Sturdevant.

Photos by LMC staffer Eric Haugen