It was great to see so many new and familiar faces as city leaders from throughout Minnesota gathered in New Ulm for the 2026 CGMC Summer Conference! CGMC members, vendors, and staff convened from July 22-24 for one of the Coalition’s most anticipated events of the year.
CGMC Executive Director and Flaherty & Hood Shareholder Attorney Bradley Peterson kicked off the conference with an in-depth look at the upcoming general election and what the results might mean for governing during the 2027 legislative session. Attendees then heard from Joe Sullivan, Vice Chair of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, and Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen.
The first day of the conference wrapped up with a visit to Schell’s Brewery, where attendees enjoyed a German-style meal, private brewery tours, beer tastings, and even a cannon-firing demonstration!
Thursday started with tours of New Ulm, including a bus tour of recent city projects and amenities made possible through their local sales tax and a downtown walking tour that highlighted the city’s rich German roots. After the tours, everyone returned to the conference center to visit 25 conference vendor tables in the exhibit hall. During lunch, Benya Kraus, President and CEO of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, shared what’s on the horizon for economic development in southern Minnesota. Later in the afternoon, Chad Kolstad, Acting Executive Director of the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority, presented on key water infrastructure priorities.
Programming also included visits from Minnesota’s gubernatorial candidates. House Speaker Lisa Demuth, businessman Kendall Qualls, and DFL lieutenant gubernatorial candidate Ben Schierer spoke to attendees and shared their vision for Minnesota’s future. Thursday afternoon concluded with a panel of retiring Minnesota legislators, Rep. Paul Torkelson (R-15B), Rep. Erin Koegel (DFL-39A), and Sen. Bill Weber (R-21).
The second day of the conference concluded with the annual CGMC Legislative Awards banquet at historic Turner Hall, where CGMC members recognized legislators, city officials, and other leaders who were instrumental in advancing CGMC’s goals during the 2026 legislative session or over the course of their careers. Click here to see the full list of 2026 CGMC award winners!
Friday began with an update from Flaherty & Hood senior attorney Nico Garcia Lisle, followed by a presentation from Flaherty & Hood lobbyists to help CGMC members search for “buried treasure,” highlighting lesser-known grants and funding programs that cities can take advantage of. Finally, the conference concluded with CGMC’s membership meeting, where they elected officers and approved the organization’s next budget and dues schedule.
Flaherty & Hood thanks all of the members and vendors who joined us in New Ulm. We’re already looking forward to next year’s conference!
