Who We Are
About the Citizens League
The Citizens League is a member-supported nonpartisan nonprofit organization that champions the role of all Minnesotans to govern for the common good and promote democracy.
For 65 years and counting, the Citizens League has been engaging citizens and solving problems by bringing diverse perspectives together to find common ground. The Citizens League has developed and implemented nonpartisan policies on critical issues facing Minnesota, such as education, governance, taxes, parks, and transportation.
Our approach to problem solving starts with a non-partisan look at the facts; involves people and communities directly affected by the problem; and makes sure diverse backgrounds, parties and ideologies are at the table. Over several decades, this proven method makes Minnesota a better place to live and work for everyone.
The Citizens League is directed by a volunteer board, guided by operating committees, and financially supported by individual members, foundations and businesses. In addition to policy projects, the League also hosts several events throughout the year – opportunities to convene and engage with people with different viewpoints on a variety of policy issues.
Mission & Vision
Mission: The Citizens League is a member-supported nonpartisan nonprofit organization that champions the role of all Minnesotans to govern for the common good and promote democracy.
Vision Statement:
Through our work:
- Minnesotans of all backgrounds, parties and ideologies are engaged, inspired and empowered to see the role they play in public policy and act on it, reigniting Minnesota’s ability to implement innovative and effective policy solutions for the 21st Century; and
- The Citizens League is a relevant and respected policy resource, leveraging the strength of our 60-year legacy with a focus on solving tomorrow’s problems, and earning the ongoing support of our members, board, leadership and staff.
Citizens League Board of Directors
Khadija Ali
Global Language & Staffing
Cedrick Baker
Saint Paul Public Schools
Jessica Bell
SKS Consulting
Patrick Born
Retired
Bob Butterbrodt
Wells Fargo
Elizabeth Campbell
Ryan Companies
Scott Hietpas
Computype
John Knapp
Winthrop & Weinstine
Cyndi Lesher
Retired, Xcel Energy
Jake Loesch
Goff Public
Laura Monn Ginsburg
Apparatus Public Affairs
Fatima Moore
Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless
James Nikolai
U.S. Bank
Aaron Pearson
Weber Shandwick
Paula Prahl
VP of Public Affairs, Dominium
Breanna Schafer
Target
Christine Searson
Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundations
Damon Shoholm
Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
Judith Titcomb
Retired
Kurt Zellers
MZA+Co.
Citizens League Staff
Pahoua Yang Hoffman
Executive Director
Sarah Stout Miller
Development Officer
Angelica Klebsch
Policy Director
Jacob Taintor
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Alexis Solheid
Communications & Development Associate
Kalia Xiong
Program Manager
Governance