or 
lines to the right of the URL bar at the top of your browser
Minnesota Cities Magazine Honored With Top Northern Lights Award
On July 30, the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators (MAGC) hosted its annual Northern Lights Awards ceremony, celebrating outstanding public sector communications efforts and leaving attendees inspired to continue sharing the stories of their members and communities.
The League of Minnesota Cities’ bimonthly publication, Minnesota Cities magazine, received the Northern Lights Award — the contest’s highest honor — in the “Magazine or Newsletter” category. The award recognizes excellence in design, writing, and relevance to readers in government, education, and nonprofit sectors.
In a February 2025 survey sent to more than 5,000 subscribers, Minnesota Cities readers gave the magazine high marks for satisfaction and value. Key insights from the survey, which received 402 responses, include:
Strong satisfaction: Most readers reported being very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the publication.
Valued in print and online: While many still prefer the print edition, digital readership continues to rise.
In-demand topics: Small-city success stories, HR guidance, grant opportunities, and legislative news topped the list of interests.
Positive feedback: Many readers praised the magazine as a trusted, practical resource. As one respondent shared, “Keep doing what you are doing — this is one of my favorite publications that I like to read!”
As both the MAGC judges and our own readers made clear, Minnesota Cities magazine continues to be a vital tool for informing, connecting, and celebrating cities across Minnesota.
The League also received a Bronze Award in the “DEI Advancement in Your Community” category for its 5-Day DEI Challenge.
Minnesota cities recognized for communications initiatives
League staff were proud to see so many cities honored for their outstanding communications efforts at the Northern Lights Awards ceremony — further proof of the powerful work being done in local government to engage residents and tell authentic stories!
Congratulations to all the 2025 Northern Lights Award winners!
- Blaine
- Bloomington
- Burnsville
- Chanhassen
- Columbia Heights
- Farmington
- Fridley
- Eden Prairie
- Edina
- Elk River
- Maplewood
- Mendota Heights
- Minnetonka
- Minneapolis
- Moorhead
- Northfield
- Plymouth
- Roseville
- Savage
- St. Louis Park
- Shakopee
- Victoria
- Woodbury
