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
Star Tribune: St. Paul City Council hears first report on minimum wage hike
Our recently-completed scoping scoping project regarding potential changes to the minimum wage in St. Paul continues to receive coverage after we presented findings to the St. Paul City Council, most recently in the Star Tribune.
Pioneer Press: Citizens League report on minimum wage in St. Paul lays out the stakes
We have just completed a scoping project regarding potential changes to the minimum wage in St. Paul. The Pioneer Press has highlighted the report in a recent news piece: New report on minimum wage in St. Paul lays out the stakes.
Report: Gathering Community Input on a Possible Minimum Wage Increase in St. Paul
The Citizens League was commissioned by The Saint Paul Foundation to help the city of St. Paul, its employers and employees, and residents explore questions related to and potential impacts of raising the minimum wage. We have now published the final report of this scoping project.
The next generation of Minnesota policy leaders of color
With the long-term goal of making our government truly representative of our communities, Capitol Pathways opens access to the Minnesota capitol to the next generation of leaders of color. The program is beginning its third year.
A Good Debate: Beyond Gridlock
A Good Debate strives to model thoughtful dialogue that encourages disagreement while discouraging rancor. This time, we’re tackling the future of transportation in Minnesota.
Capitol Pathways 2018 is underway! (Photos)
Capitol Pathways, our paid internship program for college students of color and indigenous students, kicked off last week with an extensive training for our students, including a visit to the Capitol. Our thanks to James Chang for leading many...
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.