CGMC Executive Director Bradley Peterson opened the conference with an election preview. He said that all 201 legislative seats, the governor’s office and other statewide offices are on the ballot this fall.

Peterson said the current Legislature is evenly divided in the House at 67-67 with a one-seat DFL majority in the Senate. That balance has led to more collaborative and measured lawmaking in recent years, he said.

He highlighted at least 43 legislative retirements, including Rep. Paul Torkelson, Sen. Bill Weber, Sen. Jeremy Miller, Sen. Carla Nelson, Sen. Ann Rest, Sen. Sandy Pappas and Sen. Gary Dahms.

“These members have contributed experience on transportation, environment, taxes, local government aid and capital investment,” Peterson said.

New Ulm Mayor Kathleen L. Backer at the 2026 Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Summer Conference in New Ulm. Backer will receive the CGMC Excellence in Service Award for her collaboration and advocacy on Greater Minnesota housing policies. (Photo by Amy Zents)

He went on to say the election could produce several scenarios. 

A DFL trifecta would likely bring renewed energy around progressive policymaking and revenue measures similar to 2023-24. 

Divided government would probably result in a narrower agenda. A Republican governor would introduce more uncertainty because Minnesota has not seen that combination since 2006.

Local Government Aid (LGA) remains a top priority, Peterson said. Cities have not received an increase since 2023.

Additional funding is needed to maintain services without placing heavier burdens on property taxpayers, he said.

From left to right: Darielle Dannen, Executive Director of the Greater Minnesota Partnership; Emma Cliff, Program Coordinator with Flaherty & Hood, P.A.; Darrin Lee, Lobbyist with Flaherty & Hood, P.A.; New Ulm Mayor Kathleen L. Backer; and Alex Wildfang, Media & Communications with Flaherty & Hood, P.A. The group gathered during the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Summer Conference in New Ulm on Wednesday. (Photo by Amy Zents)

Other key topics include rural emergency medical services shortages, housing development, lead service line replacement and water and wastewater infrastructure projects. 

Peterson said the coalition produced a new, approximately 30-page candidate packet that explains these issues, including how LGA formulas work and the role of the Public Facilities Authority.

He encouraged attendees to speak with legislative candidates. 

“The first six seconds has to be, ‘Hey, when you’re at the Capitol next year, one of the things we need from you is to support an increase in local government aid,'” Peterson said.

Officials can then explain why the funding matters and how their community would use it.

The conference agenda for Thursday includes host city tours, a gubernatorial candidate session, a panel with retiring legislators and the awards dinner. 

Friday’s schedule features presentations on labor and employment updates, grants for Greater Minnesota communities, a membership meeting and adjournment.

New Ulm Mayor Kathleen Backer attending the conference opener. Backer has taken part in CGMC for years. She said she spent her first two years observing before taking a more active role.

“In my case, I don’t jump in. I observe because, first of all, yes it’s a good organization,” Backer said. “After two years of observing and watching and seeing how this would benefit New Ulm and how I could play a role, not for Kathleen Backer, but for the city of New Ulm, I started being more articulate, more vocal, and therefore got involved.”

Backer will receive the CGMC Excellence in Service Award for her collaboration and advocacy on Greater Minnesota housing policies. The award presentation is scheduled for the Legislative Awards Dinner on Thursday evening at Turner Hall. She is receiving the award for her advocacy for housing.

“Our issue is housing,” Backer said. “And look at how we’ve been able to remedy it.”

She highlighted New Ulm’s zoning changes for tiny homes, barn-dominiums, workforce housing and projects such as the Highland Apartments. 

The city has also advocated for lead pipe abatement funding. New Ulm received $1 million but continues pushing for more resources to address its aging infrastructure, she said.

CGMC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization representing more than 100 cities. 

It focuses on issues such as local government aid, economic development, environment, transportation and public infrastructure. 

Peterson said the group keeps members informed through official legislative priorities, informal discussions and subcommittee work. 

The conference runs through Friday. More information is available at greatermncities.org.