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
Minimum Wage Study Committee Begins Work
Committee members convene for first meeting, embarking on four-month study on ordinance options for Saint Paul. We kicked off our Minimum Wage Study Committee last week with our first meeting. Members of the committee -- made up of diverse backgrounds, interests and...
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.
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.