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A Steady Beacon in Times of Change: The League of Minnesota Cities’ Year in Review

December 31, 2025

LMC building exterior 2025In a year marked by uncertainty, rapid policy shifts, and evolving local challenges, Minnesota cities continued to lead with resilience, and the League of Minnesota Cities remained a steady guide along the way.

From advocacy at the Capitol to hands-on training, trusted guidance, and moments of connection that brought city leaders together, the past year was defined by adaptability, partnership, and a shared commitment to local government.

Standing Strong for Cities at the Capitol

When legislative waters grew choppy, the League was there to support cities. Over the past year, advocacy efforts helped secure meaningful wins for cities, including protecting local land use authority and preserving critical public safety duty disability benefits.

At the same time, League staff worked closely with members to navigate new earned sick and safe time (ESST) and paid family and medical leave laws, federal executive actions, and other fast-moving policy changes.

 

City Day on the Hill, 2025

 

Trusted Support for Safer, Stronger Cities

Through the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT), cities continued to benefit from practical risk-management tools, expert support, and financial stability. In 2024-2025, premium rates decreased for most coverage lines — a reflection of members’ strong commitment to safety and prevention.

LMCIT also advanced its work with public safety professionals through programs like the iMPACT project, peer support training, and upgrades to the PATROL online training platform. Together, these efforts helped cities reduce risk, support employee wellness, and stay prepared for what lies ahead.

Bringing City Leaders Together

Connection and learning were at the heart of the League’s work this year. The 2025 LMC Annual Conference, themed “City Fest,” welcomed more than 600 attendees from a record 245 cities for three days of education, inspiration, and collaboration.

Beyond the conference, thousands of elected and appointed officials participated in webinars, workshops, and trainings throughout the year, including Spring Safety and Loss Control Workshops, Clerks Academy, and the Elected Leaders Institute. Throughout these events, we were reminded that cities are stronger when leaders learn from one another.

 

City Day on the Hill, 2025

 

Expanding Access, Belonging, and Innovation

This year also marked the launch of Welcoming & Engaged Cities (WE Cities), a new initiative designed to help communities foster belonging, inclusion, and opportunity. More than 200 participants joined the 5-Day WE Cities Challenges, exploring practical ways to improve accessibility, language access, emergency management, youth engagement, and more.

Accessibility remained a priority across League programs, with digital accessibility training and inclusive practices woven into workshops and resources, helping cities better serve all residents.

Collaborating for Greater Impact

Recognizing that no city tackles today’s challenges alone, the League deepened partnerships across the state. A joint workforce study with the Citizens League and the Association of Minnesota Counties explored recruitment and retention challenges in public service, offering strategies to build strong, sustainable teams.

Additional partnerships with organizations like Norwich University Applied Research Institutes and the University of Minnesota Extension expanded access to cybersecurity training and economic development leadership tools.

By the Numbers

Behind every program and initiative are real people and real results. Over the past year:

  • More than 4,100 participants attended League events and trainings
  • 11,600+ courses were completed through the MemberLearn platform
  • League staff travelled across the state to connect in person with leaders from 123 cities
  • Nearly 99% of Minnesota cities were League members

These numbers reflect a shared belief in the value of strong, local government.

 

Luke Fischer and Daniel Lightfoot attend a meeting in Sandstone.

 

Looking Ahead

Cities are evolving. So is the League. With a strong financial foundation, dedicated staff, and engaged members across Minnesota, the League enters the coming year ready to meet new challenges and seize new opportunities.

No matter what changes lie ahead, one thing remains constant: the League’s commitment to serving as a steady beacon for Minnesota cities, today and in the years to come.

View the League’s 2024-2025 Annual Report.