Below is a note from CGMC Executive Director Bradley Peterson.
Two years into a pandemic it is perhaps a cliche to say we are living in “strange and challenging times.” While everyone has been impacted in different ways and to different extents, we have all had to cope with the challenges the pandemic has created in our personal and professional lives. Even as we contend with a new COVID variant on the health front and some uncertainty on the economic front, I’m struck by how different the end of 2021 feels compared to the end of 2020 … in a good way.
One source of optimism has been the opportunity to gather again in person at CGMC events, such as our Summer Conference in Alexandria and Fall Conference in Willmar. Seeing old friends and making new ones is always energizing. It is also inspiring to see all the ways in which city staff and elected officials have risen to the challenges of the past two years. Has it been easy? No. Are there still bumpy times ahead? Absolutely. Nonetheless, I take comfort in the resiliency, creativity, dedication, and thoughtfulness of our CGMC members.
At the beginning of 2021, CGMC was bracing for “worst case scenarios,” especially around the impact the pandemic could have on the state’s budget and what it would mean for local governments across the state. Thankfully, our worst fears were not realized, and the state finds itself in a significantly better economic situation than anticipated. In fact, due to significant federal spending through the American Recovery Plan and the Infrastructure Bill — coupled with a historic state surplus — Minnesota now has the opportunity to make once-in-a-generation investments in infrastructure, workforce development, child care, housing, and LGA.
Because of all this, the 2022 session will be unlike any we have seen in recent memory. Although it is a not a “budget year” for the Legislature (traditionally, the Legislature sets the next two-year state budget in odd-numbered years, like 2021), it is going to feel like a budget year because of all the money available for the state to potentially spend. Working together, we have an opportunity to do so much to position Greater Minnesota communities for a prosperous, healthy future.
Finally, as we enter the holiday season, I want to express — on behalf of the entire staff at the CGMC —how grateful we are to get to work on behalf of Greater Minnesota communities. We appreciate the continued opportunity to work with all the dedicated and determined elected officials and city staff members from our 112 member cities. I hope you get to spend time in good cheer with family and friends over the next two weeks. Also, I hope this time affords you the opportunity to relax and recharge. You deserve it.
Looking forward to important work ahead in 2022!
