The award recognized the city for hosting the coalition’s summer conference and for the work of its elected officials and staff at the State Capitol on lead line replacement, water infrastructure and housing. 

According to the recognition, New Ulm elected officials and staff stepped up during the legislative session and helped the organization at the Capitol.

Mayor Kathleen Backer accepted the award on behalf of the city. She was joined on stage by City Council President Andrea Boettger, City Manager Chris Dalton, Councilor Eric Warmka, HR Director Shawna Boomgarden and Councilor Dave Christian. 

Backer said she was honored to serve with her local team and the coalition staff. She recalled being asked by a coalition staff member to speak on lead pipe abatement.

Mayor Kathleen Backer and City Manager Chris Dalton pose with the Excellence in Service award Thursday at the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities dinner. (Photo by Amy Zents)

“Sometimes it pays to have a big mouth,” Backer said “if you’re using it for the right reason.”

Backer said New Ulm is making progress because city leadership is willing to take risks. She said her team has shared the city’s experiences on housing and zoning with other communities across the state.

The awards program recognized dozens of individuals and groups across several categories: Legislator of Distinction, Minnesota Legacy Award, Bob Filson Award for Distinguished Rural Leadership, Friend of the CGMC, Excellence in Service, Jack Murray Award for Distinguished Rural Leadership, and the President’s Award.

Legislator of Distinction awards went to lawmakers who supported local control on zoning and land use, carried bonding bills, advanced rural housing and workforce programs, and defended Local Government Aid during the session. 

Minnesota Legacy Awards recognized retiring and long-serving legislators for careers that included committee leadership and specific legislation on water, wastewater, infrastructure and tax policy.

Several legislators from southern and southwestern Minnesota received Minnesota Legacy Awards. Sen. Gary Dahms of Redwood Falls, Rep. Paul Torkelson and Sen. Bill Weber of Luverne were among those recognized. 

The awards cited their work on transportation, infrastructure funding, capital investment and support for rural communities. 

Rep. Paul Torkelson was recognized for his efforts on programs such as Corridors of Commerce and for consistent support of bonding measures that benefit Greater Minnesota.

Torkelson reflected on his time in the Legislature and the district he has represented.

“It’s been a great pleasure to represent New Ulm and the rest of my district, of course all of Brown County,” Torkelson said. “It’s been a great run in the legislature. I’ve enjoyed my work very much working with both sides of the aisle.”

Keri Johnson of St. Peter, the outgoing board president, received the President’s Award.

“I just want to thank my fellow board members for all of your expertise, everything I’ve learned from you,” Johnson said. “We are such a strong group, and I think we represent the membership very well. The CGMC staff have always set me up for success in this role. And to the membership, it is truly an honor and privilege to serve as president, but it’s even more of an honor to know all of you.”

Darrell Pettis of St. Peter received an Excellence in Service award for his testimony on transportation issues and his experience as a county engineer and city councilor.

City administrators from Austin, Eveleth and Melrose received the Bob Filson Award for Distinguished Rural Leadership. 

The awards recognized their service on the coalition board, work on Local Government Aid, and support for environmental and energy issues.

Partners in workforce housing and public facilities were recognized as Friends of the CGMC. Those awards went to individuals and organizations that advocated for housing funding, water infrastructure and collaboration between cities and other partners at the Capitol.

The Jack Murray Award for Distinguished Rural Leadership was presented to a mayor recognized for work on downtown reconstruction and flood mitigation. 

Brainerd Public Utilities also received an Excellence in Service award for its support of water infrastructure and lead line replacement funding during the session.

The program focused on issues facing Greater Minnesota cities, including water and wastewater systems, attainable housing, roads and bridges, and the preservation of local decision-making authority on zoning and land use. 

Speakers repeatedly returned to the need for reliable infrastructure funding and practical partnerships between cities and the Legislature.

Coalition Executive Director Bradley Peterson closed the evening by underscoring the collaborative nature of the work.

“This is a team sport,” Peterson said. “The work at the legislature does not get done without partnership between local communities, legislators, us as staff, and other like-minded people.”