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
Welcome, Maddie!
Maddie will be an integral part of our collaborative and supportive six-member team, helping us sustain and grow the relationships with our donors, supporters, and project partners.
Photos: Annual Community Gathering
Thanks to all who joined our Annual Community Gathering!
A message from the League’s new Executive Director
It’s an honor and privilege to serve as the new Executive Director of the Citizens League – and as I wrap up my first week on the job, I’m feeling deeply inspired by the opportunities that lie ahead.
2022-2023 Annual Impact Report
The Citizens League is excited to share our 2022-2023 impact report with highlights of our current work, recent community events, and ways we are co-creating unique spaces for bringing different perspectives together and finding great solutions.
Announcing our next executive director, Jake Loesch
It is with great excitement that we announce Citizens League’s next executive director, Jake Loesch. After a thorough hiring process, Jake emerged as the top candidate and was unanimously approved by our board of directors.
Citizens League’s Annual Community Gathering
September 27, 2023: We invite friends, supporters, and community members to gather for a meet & greet event with Citizens League staff, board, and others!
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.