Brokering Trust
Bridging Divides
The Citizens League is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for Minnesotans to engage in building a strong civic life and effective public policies.
Recent News
Video: Why Treaties Matter, and How They Shape our Communities Today
Watch now for a primer and a conversation about policies that could be considered to address treaties in Minnesota and create greater opportunities for Indigenous Minnesotans today.
EDTalks: Addressing Race and Culture in the Classroom
February 8, 2021: Join us for two timely EDTalks addressing the importance of conversation around race and culture with our students.
Saint Paul Community-First Public Safety Commission Update
January 15 Update: The Commission will help shape Saint Paul’s continued work to take a holistic and sustainable approach to building safer outcomes in its neighborhoods.
EDTalks: Modeling Equity in Education and Mental Health
January 14, 2021: Join us for two inspiring EDTalks on the importance of incorporating an equity lens in education and mental health work.
Announcing the Saint Paul Community-First Public Safety Commission
The Citizens League has been selected by the City of Saint Paul to lead a Community-First Public Safety Commission. The Commission will help shape Saint Paul’s continued work to take a holistic and sustainable approach to building safer outcomes in its neighborhoods.
Watch: Discriminatory Transportation Policies & The Rondo Neighborhood
Listen as we take a deep dive with experts to understand the ways in which the development of I94 disrupted the thriving African American/Black community in the Rondo Neighborhood
Current Work
Minnesota Legislative Exchange
The Minnesota Legislative Exchange is a first-in-the-nation effort to build trust and bipartisan relationships in state legislatures. As Minnesota’s leading nonpartisan nonprofit focused on civic engagement and public policy solutions, Citizens League is proud to lead this important effort, intentionally forging new relationships to bridge divides and govern our state effectively.
Capitol Pathways
With the long-term goal of making our government truly representative of our communities, the program opens access to the Minnesota Capitol to the next generation of leaders of color. Through this program, interns build relationships with established Capitol leaders, gain exposure to various kinds of careers in policy, get real-world experience in career fields they would like to learn more about and build a strong professional resume in the process.
Strengthening Public Service
Citizens League is embarking on a new project to dig deeper and explore the unique challenges and barriers to public service, with a particular emphasis on non-elected roles and people who make our state’s local governments work.
Events
Through our engagement with communities in Minnesota, we strive to help people understand that public policy happens everywhere, and everyone has a role in decision-making.
Our events are organized around these goals, inviting a panel of different viewpoints to discuss policy issues that affect Minnesotans. We cover such topics as mental health, aging, disruptive protests, and water quality. Those in attendance can expect ample opportunity to voice their perspectives, questions, and ideas as well.
Mind Opener – Past, Present and Future: The Case for Liberal Arts Education
Join us for a special Citizens League Mind Opener, hosted and sponsored by Macalester College, as we delve into an insightful conversation about the future of liberal arts and higher education, and the role it can play in building a resilient, strong civic life for Minnesota and beyond.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Civic Celebration 2026
The annual Civic Celebration, Citizens League’s premier fundraiser and networking event, will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026! Minnesotans from diverse backgrounds, political parties, and ideologies will gather for an evening to recognize Minnesota’s civic culture, innovative leadership, and a commitment working together across our differences to build trust and improve lives.