By Ted Bengston

Every year, city leaders look to the state Legislature for support in serving Minnesotans and helping to solve issues at the local level. When it comes to communicating issues to legislators, perhaps no one is in a better position to do so than city officials.

Legislators and city officials may share the same constituents, but city officials are the first line of communication when residents have a problem. Cities directly deliver vital services to their residents, and are the first to know when those services fall short and when issues arise. As such, it is important for city officials to communicate the needs of their communities to legislators.

However, lawmakers’ time and attention can be scarce, particularly in the midst of a fast-paced legislative session. Minnesota legislators typically only meet for about four months per year and during that time there are hundreds of hearings and meetings, and thousands of pieces of legislation to consider. That is why it is important for city officials to make their messaging as clear, concise, and as useful as possible. Legislators need to be able to easily understand the issue, and subsequently present and explain it to their colleagues to gain support.

Fitting your messaging onto one sheet of paper — a one-pager — is an excellent communication tool when city officials and legislators only have 15 minutes to meet — and even less time to testify at a committee hearing. Legislators often expect advocates to provide one-pagers to quickly explain an issue and so they can refer to it as legislation progresses. In fact, the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) team often uses one-page fact sheets in its advocacy efforts — check out these fact sheets at lmc.org/advocacy.

We highly recommend cities craft one-pagers when advocating for issues. Here are some considerations in creating a good one-pager:

• What is the “ask”? Are you seeking funding for a bonding project or general funding? Is it policy related? Provide a paragraph or two about what you are specifically asking for, and, if you can, reference specific legislation or bills.
• Provide background. Legislators like to tell stories. They want to explain how problems came to be, how they impact Minnesotans, and how the Legislature can help. Provide brief background on the problem your community or residents are facing and how the legislation will help. Requesting a new public safety facility, community center, or street funding? Explain why it’s needed and how it will serve your community.
• Quantify the ask. If you’re asking for funding, provide an exact dollar amount or projection of the financial need. Legislators want to know specific figures when attempting to budget among hundreds of other funding requests.
• Provide visuals. Adding photos paints a more complete picture of the ask and makes the one-pager easier to skim at a quick glance. Is your city’s infrastructure clearly in need of repair? Include a photo. Minnesotans all know what a street in dire need of repair looks like, but they may not be as familiar with wastewater infrastructure. Concept photos of proposed projects or infographics are also a great choice.
• Highlight and enlarge the main issue and ask. Break the issue down into three memorable points. With limited time, it is important to emphasize the main points of your ask.
• Beyond the one-pager. Make sure your one-pager includes contact information and note that you are available to answer any questions. You can always supplement a one-pager with separate information such as design and cost details, testimony notes, etc. And remember that the one-pager is just one component of your advocacy plan — don’t forget to regularly follow up with your legislators with emails, phone calls, or meetings.

Reach out to your legislators early in the legislative session or even before the start of the 2024 session on Feb. 12. Once session begins, legislators will immediately be busy with constituent meetings, committee hearings, and working on legislation. Make sure your city’s needs and issues are on their radar now.

As always, the League is here to help. Whether it’s reviewing your messaging or helping you get in touch with key lawmakers, the League’s IGR team can assist. The League’s advocacy toolkits include information on prominent legislative topics and general tips on how to get in contact with your legislators. Learn more at lmc.org/advocacy. If you have any legislative questions you can refer to the League’s website at lmc.org or email the League’s IGR team at [email protected].

Ted Bengtson is IGR administrative coordinator with the League of Minnesota Cities. Contact: [email protected] or (651) 281-1242.