Watch and read presentations from the CGMC’s Virtual Fall Conference

Thank you to the more than 100 city leaders who attended the CGMC Virtual Fall Conference last week! While we certainly missed seeing everyone in person, we still had a great day filled with informative presentations and panel discussions:
 
One Seat, Two Seat, Red Seat, Blue Seat: 2020 Election Recap
Now that the dust has (mostly) settled from the election, CGMC Executive Director Bradley Peterson provided an in-depth analysis of the 2020 election results, their possible implications for governing in Minnesota and the issues that impact Greater Minnesota cities. You can watch Bradley’s presentation on YouTube here and read the Power Point presentation here.
 
Minnesota’s Economy in a Pandemic
Joe Mahon, director of regional outreach for the Minneapolis Federal Reserve, shared insights into the state’s economy, including unemployment, hiring trends and regional comparisons, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can watch his presentation on YouTube here.
 
What Is Greater Minnesota Jeopardy?
CGMC staff members Ania McDonnell and Kelly Haff challenged CGMC members to a friendly game of “Jeopardy!” featuring questions related to CGMC member cities across the state. Want to test your knowledge? See the questions and answers here.
 
Legislative panel discussion: Goodbye Surplus, Hello Deficit
With the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc on the state’s economy, the 2021 Legislature is faced with the daunting task of creating the next state budget. In a panel discussion moderated by Bradley Peterson, state legislators Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Vernon Center), Sen. Melisa Franzen (DFL-Edina), Rep. Liz Olson (DFL-Duluth) and Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington) shared their insights on the state budget, Local Government Aid, the challenges of legislating without being in the Capitol, and other important topics. You can watch the panel discussion on YouTube here.
 
The Good Fight: How CGMC Will Protect & Defend Our Cities at the Legislature
CGMC staff members Bradley Peterson, Elizabeth Wefel and Shane Zahrt provided information on the top issues impacting Greater Minnesota and the CGMC’s plans to advocate for our members at the Legislature. Topics addressed included Local Government Aid, the COVID-19 pandemic, water infrastructure and regulations, annexation, transportation and economic development. You can watch the presentation on YouTube here and read the Power Point presentation here.