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
Capitol Pathways Student Spotlight: D’Andre Anthony Gordon
As the 2018 Legislative Session continues, so does our Capitol Pathways internship program, providing opportunities at the Capitol for college students of color. Part of our 33-student cohort this year is D'Andre Anthony Gordon, a 2nd year student at...
Citizens League Recommendations in New Met Council Reform Bill
The Citizens League supports a bipartisan bill now moving through the state’s House of Representatives introducing reforms for the Metropolitan Council, which closely resemble the recommendations that came out of our Met Council Task Force in 2016.
Angelica Klebsch Joins Citizens League as New Policy Director
New addition to staff brings outstanding reputation in community engagement, government relations, and policy development.
Capitol Pathways interns gather to share experiences
Capitol Pathways interns came together for their second cohort meeting, sharing the highlights and challenges of their experiences so far.
EDTalks Video: Rethinking Discipline & Restorative Practices in Schools
EDTalks returned last month to a sold out crowd at Icehouse in Minneapolis. Many thanks to our two speakers, Maren Henderson, Evaluation Specialist for Minneapolis Public Schools, and Jamie Williams, a restorative practices consultant, trainer, teacher and peacemaking...
In The News: Our St. Paul Minimum Wage Project
Recent articles in the Pioneer Press, Star Tribune, and MinnPost have highlighted the key findings, challenges, and stakeholders in our St. Paul minimum wage scoping report.
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.