http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/ Copyright 2008 Thu, 08 May 2008 09:03:00 -0600 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=3.31 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss

Policy and a Pint: The Mortgage Meltdown

"Help Us Decide": Name the new Citizens League weekly email newsletter Policy and a Pint^®: The Mortgage Meltdown

Thursday, May 15
Main event: Doors at 5:30 p.m., program at 6:00 p.m.
After party: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
The Varsity Theater, 1308 4th Street SE, Minneapolis

$10, $5 for students with valid ID
Appetizers from the Loring Pasta Bar included

Join the Citizens League and 89.3 The Current for good food, good conversations -- and great beer!

Everyone knows the mortgage market is in crisis and that it's dragging down the rest of the economy. But what caused it? How can we get out of it? And how can homeowners and potential buyers in Minnesota protect themselves?

Richard Todd from the Federal Reserve will help explain how we got here, and personal finance writer Kara McGuire from the Star Tribune will be on hand for practical advice for owners, buyers, sellers and renters alike. Steve Seel from 89.3 The Current will moderate.

Join us for the Policy and a Pint after party! After the main event, Citizens League staff will be heading over to the Red Room at the Loring Pasta Bar (just around the corner from the Varsity) to continue the conversation. Join staff and members to learn more about the mortgage crisis in Minnesota, what other organizations are doing about it - and what is going on at the Citizens League. We hope to see you there! (Can't make it to Policy and a Pint? We'd still love to see you at the after party - just come to the Loring Pasta Bar after 7:00 on May 15!)

Click here for more information and to register.

Policy and a Pint: The Mortgage Meltdown is generously sponsored by Best Buy.

"Help Us Decide" -- Name the new Citizens League email newsletter

In the coming weeks, the Citizens League will launch a new and improved email newsletter - and you can name it and shape the kind of information we include. Click here to submit your ideas.

By the way: You will see "Help Us Decide" as an occasional feature of the new Citizens League newsletter as a way for us to take advantage of our members' good thinking and great ideas.
]]> http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/05/join_us_for_pol.php http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/05/join_us_for_pol.php Thu, 08 May 2008 09:03:00 -0600
Violates the fundamental purpose of the pool

Using fiscal disparities to subsidize Mall of America is a direct violation of the purpose of the pool, which is to share regional tax base. Fiscal disparities is not a subsidy tool; it is the opposite of a subsidy tool. The purpose of fiscal disparities is to share tax base to reduce competition; subsidy tools are used by communities to compete with one another. From a regional perspective, therefore, the policy statement is that MOA Phase II does not benefit from being part of the metro region. If successful, this use of fiscal disparities will quickly lead to more perverse effects when implemented. It will increase property taxes on everyone else in the region without having to go through any process to determine whether the subsidy is needed.

Sets an extremely bad precedent

The use of fiscal disparities to subsidize one development at the expense of everyone else breaks a 35-year regional contract among communities and sets the precedent for widespread misuse of the fiscal disparities pool. Fiscal disparities would become a desired approach for subsidy, since there are no established processes to evaluate who should receive it. On what policy basis could we then deny use of the pool to others who compete with the MOA? Why should other malls and the myriad other businesses that may compete with the MOA first be required to subsidize their competitor and then not be subsidized in the same manner when they build or expand? Why should other projects of regional and statewide importance not seek a subsidy through fiscal disparities?

There is no process to determine need

Fiscal disparities has no evaluative process as a subsidy tool because it is based on a fundamentally different premise and perspective than subsidy tools, namely that each community benefits from being part of the region. In other words, we are all in this together. Without such a process that involves the entire region, the door will be open for state policymakers and developers to raid this pool whenever they want a subsidy to the detriment of the entire region.

We leave it to you as a member or supporter of the Citizens League to determine if you want to weigh in on this with your elected officials, but we want to make sure you understand how this relates to the work and priorities of the Citizens League.

For more information see our letter to member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and our past work on Fiscal Disparities. ]]> http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/04/citizens_league_14.php http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/04/citizens_league_14.php Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:49:13 -0600 strongly opposing the use of fiscal disparities to subsidize the proposed Mall of America expansion. Look for another email from us on this topic in the next few minutes.

• Upcoming Events: May Transportation events and May 15 Policy and a Pint: The Mortgage Meltdown
• Take the MAP 150 Citizen Involvement Survey - and forward it to your contacts
• Apply to serve on the Water Policy Study Committee - applications due at the end of the day today!
• Use GoodSearch.com to help raise funds for the Citizens League
• "Help Us Decide:” Name the new Citizens League weekly email newsletter

Upcoming Events

Mind Opener & Policy Forum: Transparent Funding Options for Meaningful Transportation Choices
Monday, May 5
Mind Opener Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Policy Forum: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Join the Citizens League on May 5 to advance transportation policy. Come for breakfast or stay the entire morning. Both events are free and open to the public - click here to register!

Mind-Opener Breakfast with Professor David Levinson
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Minneapolis Central Library, Mary and David Doty board room

Dr. Levinson is a leading thinker on transportation finance and behavior and has authored the books Financing Transportation Networks, The Transportation Experience and Access to Destinations. Dr. Levinson is also the director of the Networks, Economics, and Urban Systems (NEXUS) research group.

Policy Forum with U.S. DOT Policy Undersecretary Tyler Duvall
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Minneapolis Central Library, Pohlad Hall

The Policy Forum will include a keynote from Tyler Duvall as well as sessions on funding meaningful transportation choices, perspectives and possible approaches to value capture and steps to take to advance a sustainable transportation system.

Featured speakers will include John Adams (University Metropolitan Consortium), Steve Elkins (Bloomington City Council), Jim Erkel (MN Center for Environmental Advocacy), Elizabeth Glidden (Minneapolis City Council), Peter McLaughlin (Hennepin County Commissioner, invited) and Jerry Zhao (Humphrey Institute).

Click here for more information and to register!

The Mind Opener and Policy Forum on Transparent Funding Options for Meaningful Transportation Choices are generously sponsored by the PFM Group.

Policy and a Pint^®: The Mortgage Meltdown
Thursday, May 15
Doors at 5:30 p.m., program at 6:00 p.m.
The Varsity Theater, 1308 4th Street SE, Minneapolis

$10, $5 for students with valid ID
Appetizers from the Loring Pasta Bar included

Join the Citizens League and 89.3 The Current for good food, good conversations -- and great beer!

Everyone knows the mortgage market is in crisis and that it's dragging down the rest of the economy. But what caused it? How can we get out of it? And how can homeowners and potential buyers in Minnesota protect themselves?

Richard Todd from the Federal Reserve will help explain how we got here, and personal finance writer Kara McGuire from the Star Tribune will be on hand for practical advice for owners, buyers, sellers and renters alike.

Click here for more information and to register.

Policy and a Pint: The Mortgage Meltdown is generously sponsored by Best Buy.

Sandra Day O'Connor: Protecting Impartial Courts in a Political Culture
Friday, May 2, 11:45 a.m.
Humphrey Institute Atrium

]]> http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/04/register_now_fo_3.php http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/04/register_now_fo_3.php Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:45:50 -0600

Upcoming Events: May Transportation events and May 15 Policy and a Pint: The Mortgage Meltdown

The Citizens League is hiring: Membership and Policy Internships - deadline April 25!

Apply to serve on the Water Policy Study Committee - deadline April 30!

Have an idea for another project? Submit a study proposal to the Citizens League - deadline April 30!

Citizens League on the Road: Upcoming appearances by Sean Kershaw Upcoming Events

Mind Opener & Policy Forum: Transparent Funding Options for Meaningful Transportation Choices
Monday, May 5
Mind Opener: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Policy Forum: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Join the Citizens League on May 5 to advance transportation policy. Come for breakfast or stay the entire morning. Both events are free and open to the public - click here to register!

Mind-Opener Breakfast with Professor David Levinson
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Minneapolis Central Library, Mary and David Doty Board room

Dr. Levinson is a leading thinker on transportation finance and behavior and has authored the books Financing Transportation Networks, The Transportation Experience and Access to Destinations. Dr. Levinson is also the director of the Networks, Economics, and Urban Systems (NEXUS) research group.

Policy Forum with U.S. DOT Policy Undersecretary Tyler Duvall
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Minneapolis Central Library, Pohlad Hall

The Policy Forum will include a keynote from Tyler Duvall as well as sessions on funding meaningful transportation choices, perspectives and possible approaches to value capture and steps to take to advance a sustainable transportation system.

Featured speakers will include John Adams (University Metropolitan Consortium), Steve Elkins (Bloomington City Council), Jim Erkel (MN Center for Environmental Advocacy), Elizabeth Glidden (Minneapolis City Council), Peter McLaughlin (Hennepin County Commissioner, invited) and Jerry Zhao (Humphrey Institute).

Both the Mind Opener and the Policy Forum are free and open to the public. Click here for more information and to register!

The Mind Opener and Policy Forum on Transparent Funding Options for Meaningful Transportation Choices are generously sponsored by the PFM Group.

Policy and a Pint: The Mortgage Meltdown
Thursday, May 15
Doors at 5:30 p.m., program at 6:00 p.m.
The Varsity Theater, 1308 4th Street SE, Minneapolis

$10, $5 for students with valid ID
Appetizers from the Loring Pasta Bar included

Everyone knows the mortgage market is in crisis - and that it's dragging down the rest of the economy. But what caused it? How can we get out of it? And how can homeowners and potential buyers in Minnesota protect themselves?

Richard Todd from the Federal Reserve will help explain how we got here, and personal finance writer Kara McGuire from the Star Tribune will be on hand for practical advice for owners, buyers, sellers and renters alike.

Click here for more information and to register.

Policy and a Pint: The Mortgage Meltdown is generously sponsored by Best Buy.

Citizens League Membership and Policy Internships

The Citizens League is currently seeking three interns: a membership and engagement intern and interns for our upcoming study committees on water policy and poverty. Interns will play a vital role in the the Citizens League's ability to be successful in our work in public policy and active citizenship by providing consistent and high-caliber support. Click to view the job descriptions for the Membership and Engagement Internship, Water Policy Project Internship and the Poverty Project Internship. Applications are due on April 25.

Apply to serve on the Water Policy Study Committee

The Citizens League is still recruiting members for the Water Policy Study Committee. Click here to apply - the deadline is April 30.

Some of the questions the committee will explore include:

• What are the demands for water in Minnesota and how are they changing?
• What major principles should be applied to all water policies?
• What types of institutions can best address emerging water issues?
• How can citizens be more meaningfully involved in water policy development and implementation?

The Water Policy Study Committee will meet approximately every other week from the end of May through November 2008. We're looking for members with a wide range of backgrounds - everyone knows something about water! - so apply online.

Submit a study proposal to the Citizens League

Have an idea for another study committee, an event or something else? Click here to submit your proposal to the Policy Advisory Committee. To be considered in the next round of reviews, proposals should be submitted by April 30.

Citizens League on the Road: Upcoming appearances by Sean Kershaw

Vital Aging Network Forum: Leadership for the Common Good
Tuesday, May 13
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The Wellington Assisted Living
2235 Rockwood Ave., St. Paul

The Vital Aging Network's May Forum focuses on leadership. Sean Kershaw will lead a lively discussion designed to sharpen your skills as a leader. Topics include:

• What leadership skills are needed to govern for the common good?
• How can we find common ground in an increasingly diverse Minnesota and a rapidly changing world?
• Is it possible to reconnect the vision, values, and voices of Minnesotans with policy-making on the issues that matter most to our future?
• What is the work and purpose of the Citizens League?

]]> http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/04/_upcoming_event.php http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/04/_upcoming_event.php Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:18:00 -0600 YOUR help!

Here are three very simple but important things you can do to help the Citizens League!

Survey on Citizen Involvement Processes

Through MAP 150, we have been carefully observing how citizen involvement processes work. We’ve also done an extensive literature search that seems to verify much of what we’re experiencing and observing. It also verifies that the Citizens League is at the cutting edge of understanding citizen involvement processes. We want to add to that understanding by trying to draw a realistic picture of how citizen involvement processes work today.

What you can do:

1. Take this citizen survey (it's multiple choice and it will take less than 10 minutes.)
2. Forward the link to the citizen survey to friends, family and colleagues - we want to hear from as many people as possible!

The more people who take the survey, the more accurate the results will be - so please take a few moments to think about your many contacts. Your answers will be tallied and compared with those of government officials.

I Am Minnesota's Future video contest
In celebration of Minnesota’s 150th anniversary of statehood on May 11, we have announced the “I Am Minnesota’s Future” video contest for teenagers. There are great prizes for individuals as well as group entries (such as classroom projects), including a Sony camcorder and Target gift cards. Please help spread the word. The contest will have a distinguished panel of judges and we are arranging for the winning videos to be shown in a number of venues. (If you have ideas or contacts for these, that would be fabulous too!)

3. Help publicize our Students Speak Out video contest (for example, send an email link, post a link on your website or blog, tell your children and grandchildren). Go to www.StudentsSpeakOut.org for more information.
]]> http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/03/easy_and_import.php http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/03/easy_and_import.php Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:20:00 -0600

Apply to serve on the Water Policy Study Committee

Have an idea for another project?: Submit a study proposal to the Citizens League

Civic engagement opportunities for students: Students Speak Out and I Am Minnesota's Future video contest

Upcoming event: Civic Leadership: Building a Vibrant Democracy

Help us reach our membership goal!

Welcome Sean Skibbie: The Citizens League has a new office manager! Apply to serve on the Water Policy Study Committee

This spring, the Citizens League is preparing for a study committee on water policy - and we are starting to recruit members now.

Some of the questions the committee will explore include:

• What are the demands for water in Minnesota and how are they changing?
• What major principles should be applied to all water policies?
• What types of institutions can best address emerging water issues?
• How can citizens be more meaningfully involved in water policy development and implementation?

The Water Policy Study Committee will meet approximately every other week from the end of May through November 2008. We're looking for members with a wide range of backgrounds - everyone knows something about water! - so apply online.

Click here for more information or to apply to serve on the committee.

Submit a study proposal to the Citizens League

Have an idea for another study committee, an event or something else? Click here to submit your proposal to the Policy Advisory Committee. To be considered in the next round of reviews, proposals should be submitted by March 25.

Civic Engagement Opportunities for Students

Students Speak Out
Last summer, the Citizens League launched www.StudentsSpeakOut.org, a social networking website designed to elevate student voices in education policy conversations. Now, two student leadership groups are using the website to gather stories from other students about their experiences in schools - and, eventually, to come up with policy recommendations.

One group is focusing on bullying and harassment in schools and whether an increase in trust between students and teachers could help decrease bullying. The other group is investigating the assumptions people make about alternative school students and how those assumptions impact alternative schools and who attends them.

Students and recent graduates who share their stories on will be entered into a raffle to win a Sony camcorder - so invite your kids and their friends to check it out (the deadline is March 17). More details and full contest rules are at www.StudentsSpeakOut.org.

Video Contest -- I Am Minnesota's Future
To celebrate Minnesota's 150th birthday in May 2008, the Citizens League has launched a video contest for high-school aged students. The 3 minute video submissions (written, directed, shot, and cast by young people) will answer: What kind of state you want to live in when you're an adult? And what do you think ought to be done to make sure that happens?

Prizes include a digital video camera, a $150 Target gift card, and more. To get more information and get involved go to www.StudentsSpeakOut.org

Upcoming event: Civic Leadership: Building a Vibrant Democracy

Friday, April 4
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Inver Hills Community College
2500 East 80th Street
Theatre, Fine Arts Building
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

Presented by MN Campus Compact and co-sponsored by the Citizens League, the program will explore new ways of civic engagement in the context of the 2008 elections. Presenters will include Cyndi Lesher of the Republican National Convention host committee, Deanna Cummings of Juxtaposition Arts, former Governor Al Quie, Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, and representatives from the Project on Civic Reflection.

Click here for more information and to register!

Help us reach our membership goal

The Citizens League has been challenged by the Pohlad Family Foundation to increase our membership to 2,000, and we'll receive $15,000 when we reach that goal. Just 150 new members to go -- and you can help.

If you're not a member, consider joining -- dues are flexible, with suggested dues starting at just $25, and you can include two names at a single address. Members receive a subscription to the MN Journal and the opportunity to create non-partisan policy solutions by serving on policy committees.

And, if you are a member, gift memberships to family and friends are a great way to build the common ground.

Click here to find out more and join.

Welcome Sean Skibbie!

The Citizens League is pleased to welcome our new office manager and external relations assistant, Sean Skibbie. Sean maintains daily office functions, serves as assistant to Sean Kershaw, and guides current and prospective members on their involvement with the activities of the Citizens League.

Before joining the staff of the Citizens League, Sean served as co-chair of our Energy and the Environment Action Group and worked at Capella University. He lives in North Minneapolis with his wife Vang, daughter Emma and dog Millie.

We are delighted that Sean has joined our team. Be sure to say hello when you see him at an upcoming event!

]]> http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/03/citizens_league_13.php http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/03/citizens_league_13.php Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:13:00 -0600
Interested in our upcoming water policy and poverty projects? How about legislative redistricting, school funding and property taxes, or long term care? Help us frame these projects at the Policy Open House!

Have a student in the house? Send them to www.StudentsSpeakOut.org to talk about their experiences in schools - and be entered in a raffle to win a Sony camcorder!

• Welcome Sean Skibbie: The Citizens League has a new office manager!
• Apply to serve on the Water Policy Study Committee
• Important Provisions in the Transportation Bill
• Pictures from recent Citizens League events

Welcome Sean Skibbie!

The Citizens League is pleased to welcome our new office manager and external relations assistant, Sean Skibbie. Sean maintains daily office functions, serves as assistant to Sean Kershaw, and guides current and prospective members on their involvement with the activities of the Citizens League.

Before joining the staff of the Citizens League, Sean served as co-chair of our Energy and the Environment Action Group and worked at Capella University. He lives in North Minneapolis with his wife Vang, daughter Emma and dog Millie.

We are delighted that Sean has joined our team. Be sure to say hello when you see him at an upcoming event!

Apply to serve on the Water Policy Study Committee

This spring, the Citizens League is preparing for a study committee on water policy - and we are starting to recruit members now!

Some of the questions the committee will explore include:

• What are the demands for water in Minnesota and how are they changing?
• What major principles should be applied to all water policies?
• What types of institutions can best address emerging water issues?
• How can citizens be more meaningfully involved in water policy development and implementation?

The Water Policy Study Committee will meet approximately every other week from the end of May through November 2008. We're looking for members with a wide range of backgrounds - everyone knows something about water! - so apply online.

Click here for more information or to apply to serve on the committee.
Policy Open House

We hope you'll join us for the Policy Open House - and please forward this invitation to your friends and colleagues. It will be a great introduction to the Citizens League!

Thursday, February 28, 2008 (that's tomorrow!)
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
St. Paul College, 235 Marshall Ave., St. Paul

Join us to find out more about 2008 Citizens League policy agenda - and how you can get involved. The event will feature various policy activities scattered throughout the evening. From transportation policy to student videos, the Open House will give members an opportunity to learn from each other about key issues for the coming year. Information on our current work will be available the whole time, and other Citizens League members and staff will be on hand to talk about this year's policy priorities. The event is free and open to the public. Stop by for half an hour or stay for longer -- doors will be open all evening. Click here to read more about some of the activities and to sign up. (Online registration will close soon, but walk-ins are welcome.)

We need volunteers for the Policy Open House. Volunteers will be needed in several areas, including to help host information tables on various projects, to record summaries of the break-out sessions for posting on the Citizens League website, and just to be on hand to discuss Citizens League projects you've been part of with other attendees. Interested volunteers should contact Annie Levenson-Falk at alevensonfalk@citizensleague.org.

Students Speak Out

Last summer, the Citizens League launched www.StudentsSpeakOut.org, a social networking website designed to elevate student voices in education policy conversations. Now, two student leadership groups are using the website to gather stories from other students about their experiences in schools.

One group is focusing on bullying and harassment in schools, and whether an increase in trust between students and teachers could help decrease bullying. The other group is investigating the assumptions people make about alternative school students and how those assumptions impact alternative schools and who attends them.

Students and recent graduates who share their stories on will be entered into a raffle to win a Sony camcorder - so invite your kids and their friends to check it out. More details and full contest rules are at www.StudentsSpeakOut.org.

Important Provisions in the Transportation Bill

The veto override of the transportation finance bill (HF2800) included several provisions that advance the Citizens League policy agenda on transportation, including the Urban Partnership Agreement, and a value capture study. Click here for more information on these provisions and what they mean for Minnesota.

Connect for a Cause and Mental Health Innovations Conference photos

Attended either of these event and want to see the photos, or unable to attend and would like to see what you missed out on? Click this link to see photos from the February 11th Connect for a Cause event where local nonprofits and eager volunteers "got acquainted." Click on this link to see photos from the Mental Health Innovations Conference. This event was the culmination of a several year initiative convened by the Citizens League.
]]> http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/02/policy_open_hou.php http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/02/policy_open_hou.php Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:10:00 -0600 Interested in our upcoming water policy and poverty projects? How about legislative redistricting, school funding and property taxes, or long term care? Help us frame these projects at the Policy Open House!

Have a student in the house? Send them to www.StudentsSpeakOut.org to talk about their experiences in schools - and be entered in a raffle to win a Sony camcorder!

• Policy Open House: Learn more about the Citizens League's ongoing and upcoming policy projects
• Students Speak Out: Help our student leaders gather stories about bullying, trust, and learning alternatives
• Pictures from recent Citizens League events

Policy Open House

We hope you'll join us for the Policy Open House - and please forward this invitation to your friends and colleagues. It will be a great introduction to the Citizens League!

Thursday, February 28, 2008
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
St. Paul College, 235 Marshall Ave., St. Paul

Join us to find out more about 2008 Citizens League policy agenda - and how you can get involved. The event will feature various policy activities scattered throughout the evening. From transportation policy to a video booth, the Open House will give members an opportunity to learn from each other about key issues for the coming year. Information on our current work will be available the whole time, and other Citizens League members and staff will be on hand to talk about this year's policy priorities. The event is free and open to members and non-members alike. Stop by for half an hour or stay for longer - doors will be open all evening. Click here to read more about some of the activities and to sign up.

We need volunteers for the Policy Open House! Volunteers will be needed in several areas, including to help host information tables on various projects, to record summaries of the break-out sessions for posting on the Citizens League website, and just to be on hand to discuss Citizens League projects you've been part of with other attendees. Interested volunteers should contact Annie Levenson-Falk at alevensonfalk@citizensleague.org.

Students Speak Out

Last summer, the Citizens League launched www.StudentsSpeakOut.org, a social networking website designed to elevate student voices in education policy conversations. Now, two student leadership groups are using the website to gather stories from other students about their experiences in schools.

One group is focusing on bullying and harassment in schools, and whether an INCREASE in trust between students and teachers could help DECREASE bullying. The other group is investigating the assumptions people make about alternative school students and how those assumptions impact alternative schools and who attends them.

Students and recent graduates who share their stories on will be entered into a raffle to win a Sony camcorder - so invite your kids and their friends to check it out. More details and full contest rules are at www.StudentsSpeakOut.org.

Connect for a Cause and Mental Health Innovations Conference photos

Attended either of these event and want to see the photos, or unable to attend and would like to see what you missed out on? Click this link to see photos from the February 11th Connect for a Cause event where local nonprofits and eager volunteers "got acquainted." Click on this link to see photos from the Mental Health Innovations Conference. This event was the culmination of a several year initiative of the Citizens League.
]]> http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/02/get_involved_an_1.php http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/02/get_involved_an_1.php E-mail Digest Mon, 04 Feb 2008 09:46:00 -0600

Policy Advancement Meetings: Help us advance our policy work

Upcoming Events: Connect for a Cause and the Policy Open House

Help the Citizens League archive historic reports electronically Policy Advancement Meetings

Please help the Citizens League advance our policy work around health care and transportation. If you want to attend either meeting please reply to this email (Brian Bell).

Citizens League 2008 Transportation Priorities
Friday, February 8, 2008
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
555 N. Wabasha Street
Fourth Floor Boardroom

How is the Citizens League advancing transportation policy and what decisions are coming up? Stay tuned to the Citizens League policy blog for more details.

Upcoming Events

Connect for a Cause

Monday, February 11, 2008
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Varsity Theater, 1308 4th Street SE, Minneapolis

Looking for an opportunity to volunteer in a substantive role with a local organization? Join us for an exciting event by young people for young people in the Twin Cities. Connect for a Cause will bring together area nonprofits looking for volunteers with young leaders searching for the right fit. We'll begin with "speed-matching" - similar to speed-dating, individuals will move from table to table learning about participating organizations and their volunteer opportunities. The organizations will have just three minutes to impress potential volunteers before finding out if they will be asked on a second "date." The speed-matching will be followed by a more casual social hour. Participants are welcome to attend either or both sessions. Click here to find out more or to sign up.

Policy Open House

We hope you'll join us for the Policy Open House - and please forward this invitation to your friends and colleagues. It will be a great introduction to the Citizens League!

Thursday, February 28, 2008
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
St. Paul College, 235 Marshall Ave., St. Paul

Join us find out more about 2008 Citizens League policy agenda - and how you can get involved. The event will feature various policy activities scattered through the evening. From transportation policy to a video booth, the Open House will give members an opportunity to learn from each other about key issues for the coming year. Information on our current work will be available the whole time, and other Citizens League members and staff will be on hand to talk about this year's policy priorities. The event is free and open to members and non-members alike. Stop by for half an hour or stay for longer - doors will be open all evening. Click here to read more about some of the activities and to sign up.

Help the Citizens League archive our historic reports

The Citizens League is looking for someone with the capacity to scan our historic work. We are hoping that the reports can be scanned into PDFs that are searchable (using character recognition software) and are a reasonable size.

The Citizens League has over 400 reports that need to be scanned. We'll provide staff support - but we need all the help we can get.

The reports are a great asset to the Citizens League and to Minnesota. If you can help, please reply to this email (bbell@citizensleague.org">) or call Brian at 651-293-0575 ext. 17.
]]> http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/01/new_ways_to_get.php http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/01/new_ways_to_get.php E-mail Digest Fri, 25 Jan 2008 09:46:00 -0600

Upcoming Events: Connect for a Cause, Mental Health Innovations Conference and the Policy Open House

Join the Citizens League - new reduced membership rates!

Help recruit new young members

Blog Roundup Connect for a Cause

Monday, February 11, 2008
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Varsity Theater, 1308 4th Street SE, Minneapolis

Looking for an opportunity to volunteer in a substantive role with a local organization? Join us for an exciting event by young people for young people in the Twin Cities. Connect for a Cause will bring together area nonprofits looking for volunteers with young leaders searching for the right fit. We'll begin with "speed-matching" - similar to speed-dating, individuals will move from table to table learning about participating organizations and their volunteer opportunities. The organizations will have just three minutes to impress potential volunteers before finding out if they will be asked on a second "date." The speed-matching will be followed by a more casual social hour. Participants are welcome to attend either or both sessions. Click here to find out more or to sign up.

Mental Health Innovations Conference

Wednesday, February 6, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Earle Brown Heritage Center
Brooklyn Center, MN

This conference will include the latest information on the major changes that are occurring in mental health services and funding (thanks in part to the work of the MN Mental Health Action Group) and how they affect mental health providers and professionals, health plans, counties, consumers, and family members. Guest speakers and panelists will present on innovative mental health projects, national trends, implications of federal cutbacks in case management services, and how broader health care reform proposals coming from the 2008 MN Legislature could affect mental health services. Click here to find out more of to sign up.

Policy Open House

Thursday, February 28, 2008
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
St. Paul College, 235 Marshall Ave., St. Paul

Join us find out more about 2008 Citizens League policy agenda - and how you can get involved. The event will feature various policy activities scattered through the evening. From transportation policy to a video booth, the Open House will give members an opportunity to learn from each other about key issues for the coming year. Information on our current work will be available the whole time, and other Citizens League members and staff will be on hand to talk about this year's policy priorities. The event is free and open to members and non-members alike. Stop by for half an hour or stay for longer - doors will be open all evening. Click here to read more about some of the activities and to sign up.

Join now: Take advantage of the Citizens League's new, flexible dues.

In 2007, we heard what hundreds of you told us: members join because the Citizens League allows them to get trustworthy information about the issues important to our state, and to participate in a nonpartisan organization that makes real progress on these issues. But, you said, we needed to make membership more accessible. So we've lowered our dues - suggested dues start at just $25 per year! If you're not a member, consider joining. You'll receive a subscription to our regular publication, the MN Journal, and have the opportunity to create thoughtful public policy by participating in our citizen-based working groups. Click here to find out more and join.

Call to Action: Recruiting new young members

The Young Member Recruitment Committee (a sub-committee of the Membership and Engagement Committee) is forming a team to plan and execute events aimed at bringing young and diverse members into the Citizens League. If you are interested in joining this effort (a great way to meet people and get involved) please email Tim Schuster at tschuster@citizensleague.org.

Blog Roundup

On the Policy Blog: The Citizens League continues to work on implementing our transportation policy agenda based on the 2005 report "Driving Blind". Click here for Bob's quick summary of our legislative priorities, and to read the Citizens League current position on transportation.

On Sean's blog: Sean wonders whether guidance counseling can move online, and hails voters in New Hampshire and Iowa. Also - stay tuned for a chance to help us think through a new model of policymaking based on our mission and principles.]]> http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/01/connect_for_a_c.php http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2008/01/connect_for_a_c.php E-mail Digest Wed, 16 Jan 2008 09:48:00 -0600

Job Opening: Office Manager and External Relations Assistant

Citizens League: The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Upcoming Events: Connect For a Cause and the Policy Open House

Missed Wikinomics? Job Opening: Office Manager and External Relations Assistant

The Citizens League is seeking an experienced office manager to serve as the coordinator for the central office, participate as a part of the member and donor services team, and assist the executive director with scheduling and board communications. Click here to read the full position description and find out how to apply.

Need a last minute gift idea? How about a New Year's resolution you can achieve right away?

Join or give a gift membership and you'll be a part of building common ground to achieve the common good. And, new membership dues will be matched dollar-for-dollar through a generous grant from the Pohlad Family Foundation. Click here to join.

Upcoming Events

Connect for a Cause
Monday, February 11th
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Varsity Theater, 1308 4th Street SE, Minneapolis

Join the Citizens League Public Leadership Action Group and the Leaders of Today and Tomorrow (LOTT) for an exciting event by young people for young people in the Twin Cities metro area! Connect for a Cause is a speed-networking event bringing together area nonprofits needing volunteers with young leaders looking to contribute civically. It is similar to speed-dating. In speed networking, individuals move from table to table learning about different organizations and their volunteer opportunities. The participating organizations will only have three minutes to impress potential volunteers before finding out if they will be asked on a second "date." The speed-networking will be followed by a more casual post-party atmosphere to connect with other young civic leaders and nonprofit organizations. Click here to find out more or to sign up.

Policy Open House
Thursday, February 28th
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
St. Paul College, 235 Marshall Ave., St. Paul

Join us for our inaugural Policy Open House! We'll have a variety of activities that lay out the Citizens League policy agenda for 2008 and provide an opportunity for you to help the Citizens League discover how "policy happens everywhere." Stop in for 15 minutes or stay for the evening. Hold the date, and watch the website - more information is coming soon.

Missed Wikinomics?

Check out pictures from the Citizens League's event with Anthony Williams, co-author of Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything.

This event explored how to prosper in a world where new communications technologies are democratizing the creation of value. Based on a $9 million research project, Wikinomics shows how the masses are starting to participate in the economy like never before.

Recently, Anthony Williams has been turning his attention to the implications of wikinomics for government. He writes: "[s]ome politicans and public officials would genuinely like to strengthen representative democracy. The reality is that getting to genuine citizen engagement is hard - it entails a truly massive shift in the culture of government and the apparatus of political decision-making."

Anthony D. Williams has been researching and writing about trends in technology and society for more than a decade. He holds a Masters in Research from the London School of Economics and is Vice President and Executive Editor at New Paradigm, a think tank focused on business innovation in the global economy.
]]> http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2007/12/office_manager.php http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2007/12/office_manager.php E-mail Digest Wed, 19 Dec 2007 09:51:00 -0600

Beyond Property Taxes

Fiscal Disparities

Save the Date! Policy Happens Here: The Citizens League Policy Open House

Annual Meeting Recap Part Deux Beyond Property Taxes

The 2007 homeowner property tax review by the Citizens League has expanded greatly this year - and has gotten a lot of press. The survey covers nearly 350 cities and towns in Minnesota and at least one city in every county. For the first time it is organized by city cluster for better comparative value (see Table 3 on our website). But we have also done a lot more than look at property taxes. Through the MAP 150 project, we found out what citizens wanted to know and provided basic data on the 99 school referenda that were voted on throughout the state on November 6. In addition, we have tracked special assessments as a complement to our property tax data and now have 2001-2006 available for all the cities and towns in the property tax review. To check out all the data, go to our homepage at www.citizensleague.org.

Fiscal Disparities

The Citizens League recently joined with the Minnesota Chapter of NAOIP (National Association of Office and Industrial Properties) to produce an important information piece on fiscal disparities, the regional tax base sharing program that was created out of the 1969 Citizens League report "Breaking the Tyranny of the Local Property Tax." The tax bill that was vetoed at the end of last session included a study of fiscal disparities and there was also a provision to use fiscal disparities to subsidize the Mall of America which the Governor mentioned in his veto message. The elevated interest in fiscal disparities called for timely information, which we hope this provides.

Save the Date! Policy Happens Here: The Citizens League Policy Open House

On February 28, 2008, the Citizens League will hold the inaugural Policy Open House from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Paul College, just off the Kellogg Avenue exit from I-94 in St. Paul. This event will lay out the Citizens League policy agenda and provide an opportunity for you to help the Citizens League discover how "Policy Happens Everywhere." Please plan on coming by for 15 minutes or 4 hours. There will be everything from information tables to policy creation.

Annual Meeting Recap Part Deux

Thanks to everyone who gave us their feedback on our October 24th annual meeting! We received many compliments and lots of good criticism. You can read a summary of the feedback on our website and add comments on Sean's blog post about the event.

]]> http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2007/11/policy_work_on.php http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2007/11/policy_work_on.php E-mail Digest Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:36:54 -0600

Property Tax and School Referenda Data

Annual Meeting Recap

Listen to Policy and a Pint: The Death of Environmentalism online

Special offer for Citizens League members from Politics in Minnesota Property Tax and School Referendum Data

In Thursday's (Nov. 1) Pioneer Press, the Citizens League annual homeowner property tax survey was the focus of a story related to property taxes and school funding. The main point? Communities where the property taxes on homes for schools are the highest aren't necessarily the best funded. Click here to read the story, and click here to see the data.

This story ties in directly with one of our MAP 150 topics, "How can we remove the mystery from how our taxes are used?" We have begun a small project to ask taxpayers what kind of information, and in what form, they'd like to have. Many mentioned that they'd like more credible information related to school referenda.

We have completed a basic set of that information, in an easy-to-use web format. You can find it at www.propertytaxfacts.mn. We want to share this data with you, and look forward to any feedback you may have. Forward it on to friends and colleagues!

(Please note that the Citizens League has taken no position on any of the referenda - we are just putting the facts out there.)

Annual Meeting Recap

Thank you to everyone who made it to (and helped put together) this year's Annual Meeting. Just under 400 people attended this year's meeting - our largest in recent years - and almost 50 new members joined that night.

Stay tuned for photos and more on our website soon!

In the meantime, if you're interested in getting more involved in our work on public policy, save this date: the Citizens League's first annual Policy Open House event will be held on the evening February 28th, 2008 at St. Paul College. The open house will continue the "policy happens here" theme from the Annual Meeting. It will showcase some of our most active work on various issues and will be a great opportunity for individuals to see how they can participate.

Missed Policy and a Pint: The Death of Environmentalism?

Missed our last Policy and a Pint? You can still listen online and join the conversation on Gather.com - and we highly recommend that you do. The event was illuminating and fun - and our largest Policy and a Pint so far.

Special offer from Politics in Minnesota

Here's an offer from Sarah Janecek, publisher of Politics In Minnesota, to all Citizens League members: Free Politics in Minnesota Morning Reports.

"The Morning Report is a unique source of Minnesota political news. Monday through Friday, we amalgamate the day's MSM print and broadcast news into subject categories, along with significant commentary, editorials and noteworthy posts from online news sources, blogs and think tanks.

We do the web surfing so you don't have to. Most people we know can barely find the time to read the St. Paul Pioneer Press or the Star Tribune, let alone check the Mankato Free Press or the Bemidji Pioneer, we take care of it.

For a limited time, Citizens Leaguers can sign up to receive our free Morning Reports delivered to your email address. Send us an email request to staff@politicsinminnesota.com."

]]> http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2007/11/property_tax_in.php http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2007/11/property_tax_in.php E-mail Digest Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:29:40 -0600 Policy and a Pint: The Death of Environmentalism, the Policy Analysis Conference and the Citizens League Annual Meeting: Policy Happens Here!

Please note: We expect next week's Policy and a Pint to sell out - and we are already nearing capacity. Sign up now to guarantee yourself a spot! (And check out reviews of the book we'll be discussing, Break Through: From the Death of Environmentalism to the Politics of Possibility, from Wired Magazine, Grist, The New Republic and the New York Review of Books.)

Policy and a Pint^®: The Death of Environmentalism
Tuesday, October 16
Doors at 5:30 p.m., program at 6:00 p.m.
Varsity Theater, 1308 4th Street SE, Minneapolis

$10, $5 for students with valid ID
Appetizers from the Loring Pasta Bar included

Join the Citizens League and 89.3 The Current for our next Policy and a Pint, featuring Michael Shellenberger, co-author of Break Through: From the Death of Environmentalism to the Politics of Possibility. Shellenberger and co-author Ted Nordhaus stirred up controversy a few years ago when they released an essay called "The Death of Environmentalism." They argue that the old ways of talking about pollution and acid rain won't change how people go about their lives, and that "environmentalism" has to die in order for real change to happen - that we need to come up with new models that take into account economics, job creation and people's quality of life.

For more information or to register for Policy and a Pint, click here.

23rd Annual Conference on Policy Analysis
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Continuing Education and Conference Center
University of Minnesota - St. Paul Campus
1890 Buford Avenue, St. Paul

Broadening the conversation: cross-sector cooperation and public policy

Increasing public scrutiny, uncertainty, and skepticism have opened new debates on the role of government in our society and communities. Nonprofit and private entities are taking on more and more responsibilities thought largely to be the purview of the public sector. Against this backdrop, the 23rd Annual Policy Analysis Conference offers a fresh approach. Its plenary sessions will open the door to new visions and new pathways for Minnesota's future. Innovations are emerging in all sectors - nonprofit, private, and public. Conference participants will be challenged to think anew about the state's future and how their work contributes to it, regardless of the sector they represent.

Click here for more information and to register for the Policy Analysis Conference.

Policy Happens Here! The 2007 Citizens League Annual Meeting
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Doors open at 5:00 p.m., program begins at 6:30 p.m.. dessert reception at 7:30 p.m.
The Milwaukee Depot, 225 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis

Admission is free; cash bar; complimentary hors d'oeuvres and dessert buffet

It's time to join friends and neighbors, active citizens, elected officials, and policy wonks to talk about the state of public affairs and the work of the Citizens League at the state's best civic event. It's free and open to all - please come and bring a friend!

For more information or to register, click here.

]]> http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2007/10/register_now_fo_2.php http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2007/10/register_now_fo_2.php E-mail Digest Wed, 10 Oct 2007 15:08:27 -0600

Policy Update: "Free-Flow Pricing" and the Urban Partnership Agreement

MAP 150 Update: CitiZing! focus groups

Blog Roundup "Free-Flow Pricing" and the Urban Partnership Agreement

Would you rather have Bus Rapid Transit on I-35W up and running in 2008... or 2023? Are you willing to be part of a federal demonstration for "free-flow pricing" to do it? These are the choices that citizens face if we want to compete for federal money to reduce congestion as part of the Urban Partnership Agreement.

The Twin Cities Metropolitan Area is one of nine semi-finalists competing for up to $1 billion in federal funding, but we will have to improve our proposal to make it to the final round.

We are hosting community meetings to build public support for an improved proposal. The first meeting will be next Wednesday, June 27 at 7:00 pm - click here for more information. If you live or work along the 35W corridor and would like to help set up a meeting in your community, contact Annie Levenson-Falk.

MAP 150 Update

As MAP 150 works to create an innovative civic engagement web platform, we'd like to know how you use and want to use technology. We're looking for all sorts of people - young, old, techies, tech haters, Citizens Leaguers, non-members, etc. - to participate in a focus group on this topic. Taking place on the evening of Thursday, June 28th at the U, you'll get a $20 gift card to your choice of Target or Best Buy, in addition to food and a parking voucher. Email Erin Sapp for more information and to sign up. Spots are limited, so sign up soon!

Government 2.0: Wikinomics, Government & Democracy is a global research project that will identify and analyze new models of collaboration to transform the public sector. It builds on a wealth of continuing research by New Paradigm - a renowned think tank led by the author of Wikinomics and strategist Don Tapscott - and a global faculty of experts. They've opened up this workspace (which includes MAP 150 as a case study) to invite input on their research. Feel free to jump in and have fun!

Blog Roundup

Check out Sean's June Viewpoint - and let him know what you think!

On the Policy Blog, learn more about the Urban Partnership Agreement, read the full interview with Sean Kenney of the Labor-Managerment Health-Care Coalition (a shorter version is in the June 2007 Minnesota Journal), and catch up on what the Citizens League accomplished in the 2007 Legislative Session. ]]> http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2007/06/learn_more_abou.php http://www.citizensleague.org/weblog/archives/2007/06/learn_more_abou.php E-mail Digest Fri, 22 Jun 2007 11:05:39 -0600