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A chance to hear from state leaders and industry experts!
Join the League of Minnesota Cities and state leaders Oct. 21-25 as we tackle important topics impacting cities and local governments across Minnesota!
We will explore topics such as:
- Digital Accessibility
- Employment laws and working with unions
- Budget policy considerations in the current economic climate
- Elections
- Cybersecurity
- The legislative process
- Leadership strategies
This series of seven webinars will shed light on issues facing Minnesota cities and help you strategize potential solutions with your communities.
Registration grants you an all-access pass to all seven webinars. Attend every webinar or pick-and-choose as you go!
Claim your all-access pass today!
Fall Forums Lineup
Monday, Oct. 21
Digital Accessibility for Cities
Tuesday, Oct. 22
Public Sector Labor Law Quick Hits
Tuesday, Oct. 22
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Secure and Trustworthy Elections Processes
Thursday, Oct. 24
Cybersecurity Risks in Local Government
Thursday, Oct. 24
Understanding the Legislative Process
Friday, Oct. 25
Fall Forums – Webinar Descriptions
Session 1: Monday, Oct. 21 | 9-10 a.m.
Digital Accessibility for Cities
Presenter: Jay Wyant, Chief Information Accessibility Officer, Office of Accessibility MN IT Services
Accessibility is vital for cities in ensuring that all residents have access to information, physical spaces, and community life. While many cities have taken steps to address physical accessibility, some are wondering where to start regarding digital accessibility, including websites and other forms of digital communication. This session will provide an overview of upcoming changes in what is legally required of cities regarding digital accessibility. The session will generate ideas on how to start small and gain greater impact as you create more effective access for your residents.
By attending this session, you will:
- Understand the legal requirements of your city’s website and digital communication and services.
- Know what WCAG 2.1 Level AA means and how it applies to your city.
- Learn three ways you can improve your city’s digital accessibility.
Session 2: Tuesday, Oct. 22 | 9-10 a.m.
Public Sector Labor Law Quick Hits
Presenter: Susan Hansen, Labor Attorney, Madden Galanter Hansen, PLLC
Collective bargaining can be a daunting topic for those new to local government. In this session, you will get an overview of how labor laws impact your city, negotiation topics, and considerations for labor relations strategies in a mixed union/non-union work environment. This session will also feature an overview of new bargaining table trends.
By attending this session, you will:
- Understand the public sector collective bargaining definition and process.
- Analyze methods and policies for fairly managing unionized and unrepresented employees.
- Understand important labor relations changes, their impact, and action steps for cities.
Session 3: Tuesday, Oct. 22 | 1-2 p.m.
Financial Decision Science
Presenters: Shayne Kavanagh, Senior Manager of Research, Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA); Chris Morrill, Executive Director, GFOA
Think finance for the non-accountant. This session will help you understand considerations for sound financial decision-making, including understanding budget policy and how to talk about finance and municipal financial decisions with your residents. The session will also include observations about the economic market and what it might mean for city investing.
By attending this session, you will:
- Come away with a list of what to consider before making financial decisions.
- Apply tools to help break down complex financial concepts when communicating with the public.
- Learn what indicators government finance officers pay attention to regarding the economy.
Session 4: Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 9-10 a.m.
Secure and Trustworthy Elections Processes
Presenters: Steve Simon, Minnesota Secretary of State; Paul Linnell, Director, Acting Elections
Minnesota’s cities have firsthand experience in contributing to the security and trustworthiness of our electoral process–from working with our counties to seeking out and training election judges to even administering local elections. The layers of security that exist in the multiple levels of election administration can be hard to follow. Join this session to hear from the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State (OSS) to gain insight into the processes they use to ensure election security. You will also learn tips for how to communicate secure processes with residents and demonstrate the checks and balances used.
By attending this session, you will:
- Get a behind-the-scenes look at the systems and processes the OSS uses to ensure the security of Minnesota’s elections.
- Hear why our elections are trustworthy and secure and how to communicate this with residents.
- Hear directly from Secretary of State Steve Simon on how OSS is prepared for the Nov. 5 General Election.
Session 5: Thursday, Oct. 24 | 9-10 a.m.
Cybersecurity Risks in Local Government
Presenter: Michael Slack, Director of Cyber Programs, Norwich University Applied Research Institutes
As a city leader, you must ensure that your community, city budget, staff, and physical infrastructure are all protected in the case of an emergency. But how confident are you that your city’s digital infrastructure is protected from cyber attacks? Join Michael Slack, Director of Cyber Programs for Norwich University Applied Research Institutes as he shares problem-solving solutions in this important safety arena.
By attending this session, you will:
- Identify three common cyber threats in local government.
- Understand the various roles in protecting your city—from policy development to budgeting and training staff.
- Apply strategies to ensure better cyber security in your city.
Session 6: Thursday, Oct. 24 | 1-2 p.m.
Understanding the Legislative Process
Presenters: The League’s intergovernmental relations team
For many of us, the legislative session is full of unknowns, complicated jargon, and intimidating pacing and scheduling. Thankfully, the League’s intergovernmental relations team is here to help you understand the legislative process as well as your role in advocating for your city.
By attending this session, you will:
- Understand key elements of the legislative process.
- Learn tips on how to advocate for your city and LMC priorities.
- Gain resources that can help you better understand legislative issues.
Session 7: Friday, Oct. 25 | 9-10 a.m.
Leading Well in Complex Times
Presenters: Katie Pratt, Director, Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution (OCDR), State of Minnesota Department of Administration
Public servants in local government are facing new challenges in their roles compared to even a few years ago. From staffing shortages to heightened polarization over policy issues, the work of local government officials is increasingly complex. While staff and elected leaders are continually innovating to meet these challenges, the pace of change can leave public servants feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and filled with new questions and concerns.
By attending this session, you will:
- Understand factors affecting local governments and their communities.
- Learn from recent research highlighting new trends and top recommendations for leading in complex times.
- Discover resources available to help when there is conflict around complex issues.
Who Should Attend
Council members, mayors, city administrators/managers, clerks, human resources personnel, finance officers, economic development and planning personnel, technology staff
Fee
$30 all-access pass
How to Participate
Upon registering for the program, you will receive one unique link that grants you access to all available sessions. Your Zoom link will be emailed to you within 24 hours of registering.
Missed a session? Those registered for Fall Forums will have access to recordings of each webinar in MemberLearn, the League’s online learning platform, by the end of each day.