The Citizens League undertook a collaborative project which envisioned what the Twin Cities region might look like in the future, if designed by today’s younger social, business, and thought leaders. Funded by the McKnight Foundation, the project explored and developed shared language, vision and meaningful action for the region by collaboratively launching futurist thinking design studios with individuals, communities, and organizations led by a steering team of new and younger leaders.

On Tuesday, October 22^nd the young leaders celebrated their year-long efforts by presenting their final projects to friends, family, and partners from the Metropolitan Council, University of Minnesota, the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, and St. Paul Regional Chamber. Their projects addressed issues of urban design, sustainability, equity, and community engagement. They engaged in discussions about their experience and the impact it’s had on them as young leaders.

The young leaders were invited to present their findings to the Metropolitan Council on November 6^th, 2019. Six of the fourteen young leaders presented their findings to the council where they identified areas of the process that are inclusive, open, and represent the views of the communities they serve, yet they also brought a critical eye to the ways that the planning process can be more inclusive, accessible and community centered. 

The Citizens League hopes to secure additional funding to continue this project in the future.

Watch the presentations to the Metropolitan Council, below.