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
“Policymaking has changed” – Sean Kershaw on KFAI Radio
As Citizens League Executive Director Sean Kershaw sat down with KFAI Radio‘s Tom O’Connell, one theme emerged: Policymaking has changed in a way that calls us to do things differently. Through League events that bring different perspectives together in one room, to...
TPT Almanac: Rethinking Taxes in Saint Paul
Is there a way to get tax-exempt non-profits to contribute to city services? Citizens League Executive Director Sean Kershaw visited TPT Almanac on April 14, 2017 to discuss a new Citizens League project that hopes to help St. Paul reimagine taxes. Watch the clip...
Almanac’s People in Policy: Capitol Pathways alum David Collier
Past Capitol Pathways student and now aide to James C. Burroughs, Minnesota’s Chief Inclusion Officer, working in Governor Mark Dayton & Lt. Governor Tina Smith‘s office. Hear David Collier speak about his journey and the experiences that have led him to where he...
Capitol Pathways Student Profile: Antonio Hunt
Now in its second year, the Citizens League’s Capitol Pathways internship program was created with the understanding that, to build a strong state, Minnesota government and the people who run it must be representative of the diversity of the state. With the long-term...
2017 Legislative Session & Project Updates
The Citizens League is working on several fronts during this 2017 Legislative Session. Here’s a summary on what we’ve been working on. If you have any questions, or want to get involved, let us know! Email us at [email protected]. Transit Study Committee From...
Star Tribune: Citizens League report hopes to break the transit ‘logjam’
A light rail mass transit train crossing an intersection in Bloomington, MN. Up at the Capitol, the debate surrounding transit funding continues. As legislators remain divided along party lines, we convened a 21-member study committee in an effort to push the...
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.