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
Comcast: A tremendous partner in our civic ecosystem
Over the years, Comcast Twin Cities has made clear their commitment to civic leadership. On the eve of our #MNCivicLeader event, for which they are a sponsor, we thought it was a good time to ask what civic leadership means to them.
Watch: Policy On Tap: A Post-Election Analysis
Tom Weber is joined by Minnesota politics reporters Briana Bierschbach from the Star Tribune and Ricardo Lopez from the Minnesota Reformer as we discuss the implications of the 2020 election season.
#MNCivicLeader: Recognizing Everyday Leaders in Minnesota
November 19: We’re recognizing and celebrating people who stepped up, helped out, and made a difference in their community.
The Citizens League will be closed on Election Day, November 3rd, 2020
The Citizens League is providing its team with a paid day off from work to engage in Election Day activities such as voting or volunteering as part of the election process.
Watch now: Your Election Questions Answered
Host Tom Weber covers all the ways to vote (safely!) with Secretary of State Steve Simon.
EDTalks: From “Adequate” to “Quality” – A Constitutional Amendment For Minnesota Students
October 21: Join us for a robust conversation on amending the state constitution to help ensure quality education for all students.
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.