Resources

A Good Start to Good Governance

A sampling of guidance for new council members.

Published Dec 3, 2024.

Minnesota Mayors Handbook

A resource for practical and legal issues concerning Minnesota city mayors. Focuses on leadership, meeting and public hearing management skills.

Published Oct 14, 2024.

Role With It: Individual Versus Council Authority

Information Memo

Learn common ways council members may overstep their proper role and the personal liability that may ensue.

Published Oct 1, 2024.

Handbook for Minnesota Cities Chapter 6: Elected Officials and Council Structure and Role

Handbook Chapter

Understand the council’s role, including eligibility for office, council powers versus individual council member roles, and delegation of council power.

Published Aug 30, 2024.

Firearm Regulation and Cities

Information Memo

Understand how state laws affect a city’s ability to prohibit guns on city property.

Published Jul 29, 2024.

Administrative Search Warrants

Information Memo

Understand when and why administrative search warrants are needed in certain circumstances.

Published Jul 5, 2024.

First Amendment Concepts for Protests in Cities

Information Memo

Legal concepts related to constitutional free speech rights. How to balance them with public safety concerns.

Published May 24, 2024.

Official Conflict of Interest

Information Memo

Learn responsibilities of city officials to avoid prohibited personal or financial benefits in contracts.

Published May 1, 2024.

Management of Personnel Files

Information Memo

Find out what records should be in a personnel file, and which should be in other special types of files.

Published Aug 25, 2023.

Adult-Use Cannabis: What Cities Need to Know

Get answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on what cities need to know regarding Minnesota's new law on adult-use cannabis.

Published Jun 12, 2023.