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
MinnPost: In report on effects of St. Paul minimum-wage hike, echoes of Minneapolis debate
News outlets are continuing to report on our recent findings surrounding a possible minimum wage increase in St. Paul. Both the Pioneer Press and Star Tribune have taken a look at our scoping study. Today, MinnPost looks at the proposed increase, and our report:...
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.
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.