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: Get to know Executive Director Pahoua Yang Hoffman
We are so proud to call Pahoua Yang Hoffman our Executive Director. Her life experience, breadth of knowledge, and genuine interest in people from all backgrounds truly makes Minnesota a better place. Thanks to TPT Almanac at the Capitol and David Gillette for conveying her amazing story!
Census 2020
Engaging immigrant and ethnic communities to encourage participation and make sure all Minnesotans are counted.
Audio: Policy On Tap – Sparking Joy and the World of Secondhand
Policy On Tap host Tom Weber was joined by a panel to talk the complex world of secondhand goods. Listen here!
Trust In Change: Cal Clark
Cal Clark spent his childhood and college years in Chadron, Nebraska, then came to Minnesota to join the Citizens League where he worked from 1970-1980 to streamline the organization’s approach to addressing civil issues. Learn more in this member spotlight.
Belonging: Kalia Xiong
Kalia Xiong is currently serving as the Capitol Pathways Program Manager at the Citizens League. Born the daughter of refugees from Thailand, she studied political science at Macalester College and was herself an intern in the Capitol Pathways program. Learn more in this member spotlight.
Paying Into The Pot Of Civility: Peter Bell
Citizens League member Peter Bell is Minnesota-born and has lived a diverse career path in regards to topics of civil importance. Learn more in this member spotlight.
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.