What would our cities look like if kids were in charge?On a bright yellow background, three students are smiling with backpacks and tablets. In conversation bubbles, the kids say "If I were mayor ...," "When kids talk, cities listen," and "I have some great ideas to share!"

The Mayor for a Day Essay Contest is back to find out! This year, the contest is more flexible than ever to help students participate from a variety of learning environments and for cities to connect with local students.

To enter, fourth, fifth, and sixth graders can answer the prompt, “What would you do if you were mayor for a day?” for a chance to win $100 and recognition in Minnesota Cities magazine.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, Dec. 6, 2021. Students and parents/caregivers can submit essays via an online form, a PDF email attachment, or through the mail. Winners only will be notified in early January. Some cities may provide additional local recognition for participants.

What does a mayor do anyway?

How can you submit your essays?

There are three ways to send us your students’ essays.

  • Print and mail it – you can print this document for students to handwrite their essays and then mail them in to 145 University Ave. W, Saint Paul, MN 55103.
  • Email as an attachment – students can type their essays into this fillable PDF, save the document, and then email them to us at mayorforaday@lmc.org.
  • Submit online – students can enter their essays into this online form and submit them directly.

By submitting this form, the student’s parent or guardian acknowledges they give consent to LMC to collect this data for the limited purpose of identifying and contacting a contest winner, and that this consent may be revoked at any time by contacting publicaffairs@lmc.org.

Minnesota mayors: How can you help?