RCLLG September Newsletter

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Newsletter Content:

1. Annual Dinner & Program Save the Date

2. AI Series (Part 1) Summary & Recording

3. Climate Workshop Recap

4. Program Recaps

Save the Date

RCLLG Annual Dinner & Program

Thursday, December, 12th

In-Person | Location TBD

Enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a presentation from Shannon Watson on "What's Next? How to Lead Communities Forward After a Divisive Election Season." Shannon is the Founder and Executive Director of Majority in the Middle. Save the date for the evening of Thursday, December 12th.

Registration opening in October.

Artificial Intelligence Series (Part 1)

Program Recap

P.S. Check out the AI-generated program summary!

Last week, we were thrilled to kick off a new Artificial Intelligence series last week, the first of three programs featuring Dr. Alan Shark, Executive Director of the Public Technology Institute (PTI). Did you know the AI program series kicked off on Friday, the 13^th? How fitting for the topic of AI, filled with unknowns and, perhaps, a bit of spookiness. At the end of this AI series, you will be better armed with information to decide just how you feel about the topic.

Did you know ChatGBT reached 1 million users in 5 days compared to Netflix's 3.5 years? This is just one interesting insight provided by Alan during his presentation. He also explained how, according to Amit Paka, there are three stages for AI – Machine Learning, Machine Intelligence, and Machine Consciousness. We are in Level 2, level 3 on par with human intelligence. Some believe this can happen in 10 years.

Alan discussed his experience with six different AI applications, including Chat GPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot. He discussed the potential of AI tools in enhancing productivity and efficiency, highlighting their use in personal editing, organizing thoughts, creating outlines, summarizing meetings, and scheduling meetings. These applications can greatly benefit local governments, but governments must remain cautious regarding open versus closed systems.

Alan suggested the establishment of an AI community of practice within local governments and state agencies to share information and experiment with new offerings. A resource shared by an attendee includes MNIT’s policy: Artificial Intelligence Personal Productivity Security Standard (mn.gov)

Alan discussed the concerns surrounding AI and its potential impact on jobs and critical thinking skills. He suggested that while AI may not replace humans in the immediate future, it could slow the growth of new hires. Alan also expressed concern about the potential for AI to diminish critical thinking skills, but emphasized that it ultimately depends on individual choices and how people choose to use these tools. 

Looking to Register for the AI Series?

The program will be split into a three-part series, comprising of:

PART ONE: Friday, September 13, 8:00 - 9:00 AM

PART TWO: Friday, October 11, 8:00 - 9:00 AM

PART THREE: Friday, November 8, 8:00 - 9:00 AM

Climate Action Planning Workshop:

September 4th Recap

22 climate planners and 8 elected officials convened at the Shoreview Community Center on Wednesday, September 4^th for a climate planning workshop led by Abi Phillips, Climate and Health Planner in Ramsey County. Climate planners met from 2:00-4:00 PM for a work session to adapt the Ramsey County Climate and Equity Plan to their own jurisdiction’s climate goals. They followed a template created by Ramsey County, facilitators available to answer questions and guide planning. To begin the workshop, everyone wrote on a sticky note – what motivates you to do this work?

Eric Wojchik, Planning and Climate Policy Analyst with the Metropolitan Council, presented on the MET Council’s 2025 plan, overviewing climate requirements, land use policies, and tools available for planning.

Following the work session, elected officials arrived and met with planners to discuss their newly-made goals. At the group share-out at 5:00 PM, recurring themes were observed, including discussion of partnerships, political nuances, formation of committees, implementation of intentional eco-friendly ideas, and the idea that implementation doesn’t have to be expensive e.g., convening of focus groups.

We hope it was an effective and insightful workshop for those who attended.

Resources for RCLLG Members

2024 RCLLG Directory



Find contact information for members and state legislators, read handy information about RCLLG, and more. Visit our website to view this directory at any time.

Add your resources here! Do you have an event or other resource applicable to RCLLG members? Contact RCLLG@fusionLP.org to showcase your event or resource.

2024 Program Recaps

As we look towards our next program, we want to provide you with a lookback on our most recent programs.

January: On January 12^th, we held our annual Legislative Updates & Priorities program. We were fortunate to hear insights and policy priorities from Senator Tou Xiong, Representative Peter Fischer, Representative Mary Frances Clardy, Representative María Isa Pérez-Vega, Senator Heather Gustafson, and Representative Dave Pinto.

February: On February 9th, we heard about various climate action opportunities and initiatives. We welcomed Abi Phillips, Ramsey County Climate & Health Planner; John Doan, Shoreview Council Member and RCLLG Treasurer; and Peter Lindstrom, Metropolitan Council Member.

March: On March 8th, we heard about a “hot’ issue: cannabis legislation. We heard from two guests: Alex Hassel, Intergovernmental Relations Representative at the League of Minnesota Cities, and Jolie Wood, Planning Manager at Ramsey County.

April: On April 12th, we heard from two R&E representatives on waste management in the Ramsey County East Metro and the new Food Scraps Pickup Program.

May: On May 10th, we hosted representatives from each of the Ramsey County watershed organizations to speak on their priorities and governance of watersheds.

June: On June 14th, we heard high-level outcomes from this year’s legislative session. Thank you to our presenters, Melissa Finnegan, Ramsey County; Denise Dittrich and Kim Lewis, Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA); and Nathan Jesson, League of Minnesota Cities.

July: A great time was had at the member social on July 24th at the new venue "Smash Park" in Roseville.

August: Members socialized in Shoreview on August 9th, enjoying a summer picnic dinner, games, and a tour of the Shoreview Community Center.

Check out past program recordings and notes here

If you have any questions about RCLLG, your membership, or news listed above, please email RCLLG@fusionLP.org.

Ramsey County League of Local Governments | www.fusionLP.org/rcllg