RCLLG December Newsletter

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Newsletter Content:

1. Annual Dinner & Program Recap

2. Join Us on the January R&E Tour

3. Program Recaps

Thank you to those who joined us for our Annual Dinner & Program on December 12th at the Shoreview Community Center. After convening multiple times virtually throughout the year, we truly enjoyed your in-person company at this annual event. Recap the evening with us:

President Marylee Abrams presented RCLLG’s Year-In-Review and shared the 2025 strategic plan. We also welcomed our 2025 Executive Board:

• President: Marylee Abrams, Mayor of Maplewood
• Vice President: John Doan, City Council, Shoreview
• Treasurer: Robin Schroeder, City Council, Roseville
• Past President: Scott Arcand, Board, White Bear Lake Schools

We were pleased to welcome Shannon Watson, Founder and Executive Director of Majority in the Middle, as our featured presenter. Shannon presented on "What’s Next? How to Lead Communities Forward After a Divisive Election Season." Check out the recap and presentation below!

Featured Presentation with Shannon Watson

The Minnesota House is deadlocked at an evenly divided 67-67 split, highlighting deep partisan divisions. In such a contentious environment, the importance of maintaining the neutrality of nonpartisan roles is crucial. How can Minnesota officials work to uphold impartiality and avoid bias in their roles?

How to Lead Your Community Forward:

• Prioritize Your Community: Focus on the constituents who live within your community. Are the opinions you're hearing representative of your jurisdiction?
• Model the Behavior You Want to See: If an elected official strongly wears their ideology on their sleeve, respond by modeling positive behavior. Highlight and praise examples of effective, collaborative actions.
• Be Careful of Certain Words: Replace “BUT” with “AND” to promote inclusivity and cooperation without dismissing differing perspectives.
• Seek Win-Win Solutions: Aim for resolutions where all parties benefit. Collaboration doesn’t require a “winner” and a “loser.”
• Recognize Public Accountability: In today’s connected world, there’s no “private citizen hat.” Everything is public, so act with transparency.
• Approach Like a Juror: Base your decisions on evidence, not predetermined positions as an activist may. Let facts guide your judgment rather than ideological assumptions.
• Think Like a Snow Plow: Avoid duplicating efforts already in progress. Collaborate and partner with others but maintain focus on your core responsibilities to prevent mission creep—like snowplows efficiently working side-by-side.
• Know When to Say, ‘It’s Not My Jurisdiction’: Don’t hesitate to redirect constituents to the correct authority when needed. Provide accurate and relevant contact information for the appropriate channels.
• Provide the 'Good Info': When disagreements arise, consider whether the root issue is misinformation. Sometimes an opinion is simply lacking information. Your job is to educate yourself and constituents time and time again.

Event Sponsors

From Trash to Treasure:

Behind-the-Scenes at the R&E Center

January 10, 8:00-9:30 AM

Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy Center



Ever wonder where your waste goes after it leaves the curb? At the Ramsey and Washington County Recycling & Energy (R&E) center, trash doesn't just disappear—it gets a second chance at life! From transforming food scraps into future fuel to recycling hidden treasures, this facility turns yesterday’s waste into today’s energy.

Join us for an exciting behind-the-scenes tour on January 10 from 8:00-9:30 AM. You'll walk through the brand-new food scrap bag building, see recyclables reborn on the recovery line, and peek into the control room where all the magic (and management) happens. It's a waste opportunity you won't want to miss!

Don't waste this opportunity for a sneak-peak!

2024 RCLLG Directory

Find contact information for members and state legislators, read handy information about RCLLG, and more.

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

January: On January 12th, 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 learned 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 Recycling & Energy 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.

September: On September 13th, Part 1 of the AI series kicked off. Dr. Alan Shark presented on the core concepts of AI technology and its various applications within the public sector.

October: On October 11th, Dr. Alan Shark talked about the ethics, bias, and challenges of AI in Part 2 of the AI Series. Alan discuss the importance of transparency, responsibility, fairness, and accountability.

November: The AI series concluded November 8th, Dr. Alan Shark discussing the future of AI and its potential applications in government, including concerns and environmental impacts.

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