Ideas in Action

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…
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.
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…
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.
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…
North Branch Meets Demand for High-Speed Internet
North Branch leaders found a way to bring broadband to their large underserved area.

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…

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…
Sartell Winter Road Program Saves Money, Reduces Runoff
The City of Sartell received a 2021 League of Minnesota Cities City of Excellence Award for its winter road pretreatment…
Mankato Improves Firefighter Recruitment and Retention
The City of Mankato launched an innovative initiative in the 1990s to attract more firefighters to the fold — a…