Common Ground.
Common Good.
The Citizens League is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that empowers people to engage in civic life and public policy to make Minnesota a better place to live and work for everyone.
Recent News
Citizens League Voice: Capitol Pathways Alums, Up Close and Personal
From the Citizens League Voice magazine: Capitol Pathways alums reflect on their internship experiences in state government and policy. 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.
Citizens League Voice: Connections Made, Expectations Transformed
From the Citizens League Voice magazine: At ManyOne, legislators leave political labels at the door and explore essential issues.
Capitol Pathways Student Spotlight: Stephany Lopez
“The exposure, opportunities, and experiences I have gained from participating in Capitol Pathways has greatly impacted my career aspirations. It has really pushed me to think more about the ways in which I can affect and bring change to my community.”
Citizens League Announces Saint Paul Minimum Wage Study Committee
After an initial scoping project completed this year, an independent study committee will convene to answer key questions that were identified.
Capitol Pathways interns convene as semester nears end
Our interns head into the home stretch of the legislative session – and their college semesters.
Citizens League Voice: Game Up
When it comes to public discourse , it takes courage and imagination to consider another person’s point of view, writes David Schimke in the Citizens League Voice magazine.
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.
MinnPost Festival
MinnPost Festival is a full day of in-person programming featuring national and local voices you already know, along with new ones that you’ll want to know. Experience insightful conversations and community that brings together the people and ideas shaping the future of Minnesota and beyond. Past guests include Laura Coates, Gov. Tim Walz, Keith Ellison, Samantha Bee, Sen. Tina Smith, David Rohde and more.