2006-02-08 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Members of the League of Minnesota Cities Page 2 What's the time commitment? Two or three meetings. The committee meets in two-year sessions, and typically meets two or three times each year over the summer. Meetings are held in St. Paul at the LMC Building to facilitate face-to-face discussions on city issues and priorities. During the legislative session, the chairs and vice chairs of the policy committees work with the LMC Board to develop interim policies as needed. What becomes of the committee work? The policy committees make their recommendations to the Board of Directors, who ultimately vote on final approval ofthe policies. Once approved by the LMC Board, the "City Policies" document is published on the LMC web site as well as distributed to each city and to each of the 201 state legislators prior to the legislative session. However, prior to Board consideration the committee's work - the draft policies - are published online and distributed to all member cities for comments (see time line below). The draft policies are also shared with other local government interests and discussed at member events such as the annual conference and regional meetings before being considered for approval by the LMC Board of Directors. Did you say 2007-2008, what's the rush? As you may know, the LMC policy committees meet in two-year sessions, which correspond to the next legislative biennium. The 2006 LMC City Policies, for example, is the product ofthe 2005 policy committees. The policy committees meeting in the summer of 2006 will be working on the policies for the 2007 legislative session. City Policies are designed and discussed ahead ofthe next legislative session in an attempt to pro actively address a variety of municipal issues and concerns. What else do I need to know about the LMC policy development process? First, this is a member-driven, member-focused policy development process. The ideas that become City Policies come from city officials like you. Second, the City Policies document addresses more than 100 legislative issues that impact cities and serves as the foundation of the LMC advocacy efforts. Policies are considered, discussed, and revised annually--with considerable member input. Listed below is a brief chronology of the major events in the policy development process. January The Minnesota Legislature begins the first session of each two-year biennium in January of odd-numbered years. Guided by the City Policies, LMC member cities and staff actively advocate for city-friendly legislation. LMC solicits member city officials to serve on the policy committees. FebruarylMarch The Minnesota Legislature typically begins the second session of each biennium in February or March of even-numbered years. Despite the later start of second sessions, legislative hearings can begin as early as January. March State of the Cities Legislative Conference & City Day at the Capitol brings city leaders to St. Paul for policy updates and face-to-face meetings with state lawmakers. Also in March, the National League of Cities hosts the Congressional City Congress in Washington, D.C.