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
July 17 Mind Opener: Understanding St. Paul Minimum Wage Considerations
What are the potential effects of a minimum wage increase in St. Paul? What can be learned from its neighbor, Minneapolis, which is in the process of implementing a minimum wage increase to $15 by 2024? The Citizens League is currently convening an independent study...
Join us for A Good Debate: Whose Streets?
Join us on June 26 at 6pm at Icehouse in Minneapolis for A Good Debate with Rep. Zerwas and Rep. Lesch as they discuss their sides of the argument surrounding disruptive protests. Tickets on sale now.
Minimum Wage Study Committee: Week 5
Our Minimum Wage Study Committee continues its work, convening each week to learn more about and discuss the potential effects of a wage ordinance in St. Paul. Each week, we provide an update on the focus of the meetings, our process, and media surrounding this issue....
Students, hosts, supporters and friends gather for Capitol Pathways Celebration
After its third year, Capitol Pathways now has 93 student alums who have worked with 45 different organizations, from nonprofits, to state agencies, corporations and law and lobbying firms.
Minimum Wage Study Committee: Week 4
Our Minimum Wage Study Committee continues its work, convening each week to learn more about and discuss the potential effects of a wage ordinance in St. Paul. Each week, we provide an update on the focus of the meetings, our process, and media surrounding this issue....
Capitol Pathways wraps up successful 3rd year
Come celebrate a successful third year for the Minnesota Capitol Pathways internship program for college students of color. Join us Thursday, June 7!
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.