About Us

Citizens Shaping Minnesota's Agenda for More Than 50 Years

The Citizens League promotes the public interest in Minnesota by involving citizens in identifying and framing critical public policy choices, forging recommendations and advocating their adoption.

Staff

Board

History

Business Plan


Founded in 1952, the independent, non-partisan Citizens League is one of the nation's premier citizen-based "good government" organizations. The organization is distinguished by its pioneering process that involves citizens in studying public issues and developing policy solutions.

Based in Minneapolis, the League focuses on public policy issues at the local, metropolitan and state levels. Over the years, the League has been one of the most effective agents of change in Minnesota public policy. The League's impact can be seen in areas such as public finance, regional government, education, transportation and health care.

The 1,500 members of the League contribute their time and money not as agents of special interest groups or single-issue devotees, but as citizens who are concerned about the quality of life in Minnesota and the Twin Cities.

Citizens League members don't all think alike, but they do share some common beliefs, such as:

  • Effective government depends on uninhibited discussion and ensuring that special interest groups are challenged;
  • Issues must be probed beyond the narrow confines of partisanship;
  • Results need to be more than just talk - League members want to see things happen.

The League is governed by a 36 member Board of Directors, two-thirds of whom are elected by the membership. A professional staff supports the activities of the 1,500 members with an annual budget of approximately $500,000.

Citizens League By-Laws
(revised Nov. 2003)