Ideas in Action

May-June 2023

Duluth’s Climate Plan Advances Sustainability Initiatives and Goals

Changing weather patterns will lead to more extreme weather and in recent years, Duluth has made major climate commitments.

Mar-Apr 2023

Burnsville University Provides Unique City-Focused Training

The City of Burnsville received a League of Minnesota Cities 2022 City of Excellence Award for the launch of Burnsville…

Jan-Feb 2023

Forest Lake Teams With Watershed Districts to Protect Local Water

The City of Forest Lake received a League of Minnesota Cities 2022 City of Excellence Award for its enhanced street…

Nov-Dec 2022

Waite Park Transforms a Quarry Into a Gorgeous Amphitheater

Over several years, Waite Park transformed an abandoned quarry into what’s now a premiere music and performance destination.

Sep-Oct 2022

Pine City Collaboration Redevelops Recreation Area

Pine City has long had a growing youth hockey program, but until recently it didn’t have enough quality ice to…

Jul-Aug 2022

Ramsey’s ‘Path-to-Yes’ Program Smooths Out Development Process

The City of Ramsey's Path-to-Yes program streamlines the development process, and fosters collaboration between city staff and developers.

May-Jun 2022

St. Louis Park Builds ‘Net-Zero Energy’ Nature Center

St. Louis Park’s initiative was the winner of the League of Minnesota Cities 2021 Sustainable City Award, given in partnership…

Mar-Apr 2022

North Branch Meets Demand for High-Speed Internet

North Branch leaders found a way to bring broadband to their large underserved area.

Jan-Feb 2022

Spring Grove Partnership Provides Outdoor Classrooms

Spring Grove and the school district worked together to make the outdoor classroom a reality and give the K-12 school…

Nov-Dec 2021

South Metro Fire Department Makes Mental Health a Priority

PAR360 Mental Health Initiative is a program to help firefighters manage their mental health issues and keep them and their…