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Winthrop City Administrator Michael Looft Honored With 2026 LMC Emerging Leader Award

June 26, 2026

 

Michael Looft, city administrator and economic development authority (EDA) director for the City of Winthrop, was named the 2026 Emerging Leader Award recipient by the League of Minnesota Cities on Thursday. The award was announced at the League’s Annual Conference in Rochester.

Looft has served as Winthrop’s city administrator and EDA director since 2021. In that role, he has become known for his collaborative leadership style, commitment to regional partnerships, and hands-on approach to serving residents and supporting community growth.

Since joining the city, Looft has led or supported a wide range of initiatives, including a major downtown infrastructure reconstruction project, implementation of a new municipal software system, development of a community splash pad and veterans memorial, and efforts to strengthen emergency services. He has also played a key role in regional economic development and infrastructure projects that extend beyond Winthrop’s borders.

Among those efforts is the STREAMS project, a multicommunity wastewater treatment and water reuse initiative involving neighboring communities and industrial partners. Looft has helped guide the complex project by coordinating partners, securing support, and maintaining momentum toward long-term regional solutions.

He also helped establish the 17 Mile Economic Development Corporation through Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s Rural Entrepreneurial Venture program. The partnership between Winthrop, Gibbon, and Fairfax has been recognized as highly effective and renewed for additional funding.

In 2025, Looft helped support the creation of Winthrop’s innovative Ambulance Cadet Program, allowing high school students to complete EMT training, gain real-world experience, and help address future workforce needs in emergency medical services.

“Mr. Looft stands out for his unwavering commitment to the City of Winthrop and the wider community,” Winthrop Mayor Julianne Trebelhorn wrote in her nomination letter. “He is always looking for opportunities for cooperation and collaboration with other cities or business partners, because he believes rural communities have a greater chance of success when they work together.”

Looft’s leadership extends beyond city hall. Colleagues and community members describe him as a leader who combines vision with a willingness to roll up his sleeves and work alongside staff and volunteers.

“Michael’s leadership is defined by service, integrity, and a deep investment in the success of his community,” wrote Winthrop City Clerk Heather Haun in a letter of support. “His ability to balance vision with hands-on involvement makes him an exceptional candidate for the Emerging Leaders Award.”

His work has also earned praise from local emergency service leaders for his support of ambulance services, workforce development, and regional cooperation.

“Michael understands that small and mid-sized Minnesota communities are stronger together,” wrote Winthrop Ambulance Captain Kristin McCue. “He has been a constructive, thoughtful voice at the table when neighboring jurisdictions explore collaboration.”

In addition to his work with the city, Looft serves on several regional and community organizations, including the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s Rural Entrepreneurial Venture program, and the Farm City Fun Fest Committee. He is also active with the League of Minnesota Cities and the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities.

The League’s Emerging Leader Award is presented in recognition and encouragement of elected and appointed officials who are early in their service to municipal government, have made meaningful contributions to their city, and show promise for continuing service and leadership. Officials who have served for eight years or less are eligible for consideration for the award.

The League of Minnesota Cities is a membership organization dedicated to helping cities throughout Minnesota build quality communities through effective advocacy, expert analysis, trusted guidance, and collective action. The League serves more than 830 member cities through advocacy, education and training, policy development, risk management, and other services.