Mankato Cohort: Feb. 7-8

In-Person Agenda – Mankato (Foundational Program)

Friday, February 7

10:15 a.m.
Check-in opens! 

10:45 a.m.
Greeting from Host City and Welcome from League Leadership

LMC Board President Justin Miller,  League of Minnesota Cities staff

11 a.m.
Elected Leadership: An Invitation to Make a Positive Difference

Luke Fischer, Executive Director, League of Minnesota Cities

Explore the skills required to be an effective leader, including how values and ethics help shape your personal leadership style and set a course for your public service career.

Learning Objectives:
• Demonstrate insight into leadership expectations you most likely will encounter in this role.
• Apply key skills which will aid your experience as a leader and help build relationships.
• Reflect on your own personal leadership principles that you bring to the city.

12 p.m.
Networking Lunch

1 p.m.
Good Governance and Open Meeting Law

Amber Eisenschenk, Research Manager, League of Minnesota Cities

There is a lot to learn as you get started in local government. This session will walk you through common Open Meeting Law challenges elected officials face. Ask questions, hear from others, and work through scenarios. Please note: This session builds on information learned in the Open Meeting Law MemberLearn course. It is recommended that you complete the course in MemberLearn ahead of this session.

Learning Objectives:
• Understand the basic requirements of an open meeting and how/when you can close a meeting.
• Explore common trip-ups your city may face and how to avoid breaking the Open Meeting Law.

2:15 p.m.
Break

2:30 p.m.
Public Finance in Context

Mark Ruff, Finance Director, League of Minnesota Cities; Lisa Sova, Assistant Finance Director, League of Minnesota Cities

Put theory into practice through discussion and examining common financial situations. Practice with other participants during breakouts, where you will get a chance to share questions and hear from others. Please note: this session builds on information learned in the Finance 101 and 201 MemberLearn courses. It is recommended that you complete the courses in MemberLearn ahead of this session.

Learning Objectives:
• Understand your role in the city’s budgeting process.
• Learn critical components of public finance.
• Gain confidence in making budget decisions.

3:45 p.m.
Break

4 p.m.
Advocacy at the Capitol

League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations Team
In this session you will identify the role you and the League play in lobbying at the Capitol. Understand the League’s policy development process, gain tips for communicating with legislators, discover models and toolkits available to city councils, and become familiar with the way Minnesota cities impact Washington D.C.

Learning Objectives:
• Become familiar with the League’s legislative policy development process.
• Learn how you can make an impact at the Capitol through advocacy efforts.

4:30 p.m.
Social Time

5:30 p.m.
Dinner & Remarks from League Leadership and Event Sponsors 

6:30 p.m.
Adjourn

Saturday, Feb. 8

7:45 a.m. 
Continental Breakfast

8:30 a.m.
Risk and Legal Obligations for Cities in Context

Patricia Beety, General Counsel, League of Minnesota Cities

Revisit common legal scenarios that elected leaders may face, including considerations around social media. Practice with other participants during breakouts, where you will get a chance to share questions and hear from others. Please note: This session builds on information learned during the Risk and Legal Obligations and Social Media Best Practices MemberLearn courses. It is recommended that you complete the courses in MemberLearn ahead of this session.

Learning Objectives
• Become familiar with the legal standards and concepts you need to uphold as an elected official.
• Understand how to work with city staff and your city attorney, and develop a habit of perusing the League’s website for latest trends and issues, including loss control and risk reduction from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. 
• Recognize where to go if you need assistance navigating a tricky problem or have questions.

9:45 a.m.
Break

10 a.m.
Elected Leaders Panel

Moderator: Dan Greensweig, Administrator, League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust
Panel: Representatives from League Board of Directors and member cities

A perennial favorite! Learn from a panel of experienced elected and appointed officials about the expectations and duties of an elected official. Share your challenges and get tips on how to be successful in your critical city role.

Learning Objectives:
• Feel confident in the duties and opportunities of your new role.
• Distinguish how other elected officials manage challenges and expectations for their city.
• Gain insight on how to have a successful relationship with your city departments and staff.

11 a.m.
The Power of Purpose

Charles Weinstein, Ethical Leaders in Action

All local government leaders want their communities to thrive – it provides a sense of purpose in our work. But how do you sustain yourself without burning out or burning bridges? How do you consistently engage others in pursuit of common goals that put your city, staff, and community first? This interactive session will present practical skills and techniques that will help you act with integrity, honesty, and fairness while strengthening relationships and building trust.

Learning Objectives:
• Recognize the Power of Purpose in order to maintain energy and focus.
• Identify Greenleaf’s Principles of Servant Leadership with a goal of incorporating them into daily leadership activities.
• Use Ethical Persuasion when communicating and interacting with fellow leaders, staff, and the community.
• Use Fair Process principles in civic discussions to build trust.

12 p.m.
Closing Remarks