Again this summer, Flaherty & Hood is directing the “Thank LGA” public relations campaign created by Glen Fladeboe. This program brings together the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, AFSCME Council 5, and the cities of Duluth, Minneapolis, and St. Paul, to educate citizens and lawmakers on the purpose and importance of local government aid (LGA).

The 2012 Thank LGA program hosts community leader roundtable discussions in targeted Greater Minnesota cities on the past, present, and future of LGA in Minnesota. City elected officials and staff, the local chamber of commerce and community businesses, and other influential local leaders are invited to join in these discussions, which are moderated by Bradley Peterson. St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak will be traveling to these Greater Minnesota cities to convey the message that LGA is a program of statewide benefit and importance.

The first Thank LGA event was held Worthington on July 30. The next day, the Worthington Daily Globe featured an editorial stating the importance of LGA for cities’ vitality and calling for the program’s continued funding. Click here to read the article. This favorable press is instrumental to gaining advocates in the Minnesota Legislature; support for LGA will be especially important in the 2013 Legislative Session, as major reforms to Minnesota’s tax system will be considered.

The next Thank LGA community leader roundtable is scheduled for August 15 in Duluth. Several more meetings throughout Greater Minnesota will take place in the months ahead.