Aitkin awarded $2.3M for water tower replacement

The city of Aitkin is among several Minnesota communities receiving substantial funding from the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (MPFA), which recently announced more than $44.2 million in loans and grants for 15 wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects across the state. Aitkin was awarded $2,348,190 to replace an aging and undersized water tower. The project is part of a broader effort to modernize essential public infrastructure there.

Stillwater also secured MPFA funding, receiving a $3 million grant to construct a temporary water treatment facility at well number 10. This facility will address elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or “forever chemicals,” found in wells numbered 6 and 10. Using granulated activated carbon to treat the contaminated water, the plant is expected to be operational by late 2025 or early 2026 while the city works toward a permanent solution.

Since its inception in 1987, the MPFA has awarded $6.9 billion for infrastructure projects statewide, supporting efforts to replace aging systems and protect public health. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) publicized the awards and the accompanying projects. Read more here. 

Brainerd pauses its search for a new public utilities director

The Brainerd City Council decided to pause the search for a new public utilities director during its June 2 meeting, voting 4-2 against hiring an interim replacement. Council members expressed a desire to ensure optimal conditions for the city’s public utilities, following the resignation of Christopher Evans in April. In his resignation letter, Evans cited a hostile work environment and challenges integrating the Public Utilities Department with other city operations as reasons for his departure.

Dolly Matten, a member of both the Brainerd Public Utilities Commission and the city’s Personnel Committee, advocated for using GMP Consultants to recruit a permanent replacement instead of appointing an interim director, which aligns with the Commission's previous recommendations. The Council, however, disagrees, due to lingering concerns about the Department's dynamics and leadership.



Council members Kelly Bevans and Gabe Johnson stressed the need to address existing issues before appointing a new director, noting the current public utilities staff continues to manage effectively.

Learn more here (paywall).

President’s budget plan will impact Minnesota’s clean energy progress

President Donald Trump's proposed "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" is expected to repeal key Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provisions, jeopardizing some of Minnesota's clean energy initiatives.



Canadian solar manufacturer Heliene has shelved plans for a $200 million solar cell factory in Minnesota, citing federal tax credit uncertainties. Xcel Energy, which planned major renewable energy projects, faces potential setbacks as well.

The proposed budget would eliminate the $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicle (EV) purchases and enact a new $250 annual fee on EV owners. It would also phase out tax credits for home energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades. Environmental justice initiatives are also at risk. The Trump administration has repealed more than $1.5 billion in grants nationwide focused on environmental justice, with at least $42 million sliced from Minnesota projects.

The Senate is expected to revise the bill, as clean energy advocates and impacted industries lobby to preserve the tax credits, which have been key to advancing Minnesota's clean energy goals. The outcome is likely to significantly affect the state's sustainable energy goals.

Learn more here.

Using “ewe-nergy” to landscape Minnesota solar farm

In an innovative approach to ecological land management, over 600 sheep now roam the Sherco Solar Array in Clear Lake, Minnesota. These woolly landscapers graze among the solar panels, trimming grass and nurturing native prairie plant growth without the need for gas-powered equipment or harmful herbicides. Briana Beck from Minnesota Native Landscapes expects the flock to swell to 1,500 by summer's end, eventually reaching 7,000 sheep.

The partnership between Xcel Energy and Minnesota Native Landscapes is designed to enhance local ecosystems while prepping the land for future agricultural use. “Restoring the native prairie helps thicken the topsoil, benefiting future farming,” explained Luke Molus, head of operations at Sherco Solar Array. The solar project generates energy for 150,000 customers and serves as a habitat for endangered species, including the Karner Blue Butterfly, whose only host plant, the Sundial Lupine, flourishes in the region.

As Minnesota transitions from fossil fuels, this new grazing strategy may soon multiply to other solar sites across the state, combining renewable energy with environmental stewardship.

Read more here.

MMUA's monthly feature, Vendor Spotlight, tells the story of one of our associate members. We know municipal utilities would not exist without the expertise and support of these crucial partners.  

This month, we feature Kaela Brennan, of counsel at Spencer Fane. Spencer Fane is a full-service business law firm, and there Kaela plays an instrumental role in representing municipal utilities all over Minnesota. Spencer Fane's work as a firm, and its support of MMUA, make their partnership invaluable to the Association.  

Click here to learn more about how Spencer Fane supports municipal utilities.

MNOSHA Workplace Safety Consultation: Safety Grant Program

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's Safety Grant Program awards funds up to $10,000 to qualifying employers for projects designed to reduce the risk of injury and illness to their workers.

Applications may be submitted at any time. However, submitted applications are compiled and reviewed in two-month intervals, with upcoming submission deadlines on June 15, August 15, October 15, and December 15.

Learn more here.

Fall 2025 DEED grant applications due August 15

DEED’s fall 2025 grant cycle is now open! Apply by August 15 for up to $125,000 in funding per application to support projects that increase efficiency, reduce costs, enhance services, or streamline operations at your utility.

DEED grants advance energy innovation for public power utilities, supporting pilot projects, technology demonstrations, commercialization efforts, and development of best practices. Available exclusively to DEED members, these grants help strengthen reliability, safety, sustainability, and customer service.

Visit the DEED Idea Exchange for inspiration and connect with potential partners. Explore completed and active projects in the DEED Project Library.

To get started on your application or to ask questions, contact DEED@publicpower.org or call 202-467-2942.

It's time to register for MMUA's Summer Conference

MMUA’s Summer Conference is the place to be from August 18 to 20. For the first time, this year's conference is being held in Rochester, and we will be taking full advantage of the location.

This year’s theme, “Utility Leadership at the Speed of Change,” is the backdrop for a program that highlights emerging best practices, key challenges in system reliability, technology, and leadership, as well as actions being taken to strengthen the municipal model.

Over the three-day event, you can enjoy a full program of engaging sessions and activities. New this year is a learning track for HR and administrative leaders, which will complement the existing learning tracks for electrical and water/wastewater professionals, as well as leadership and governance sessions. On Monday, you'll have time to play in the golf tournament or take a hike like the handsome group shown above did last year. Tuesday brings MMUA's awards ceremony and a trade show, where more than 60 vendors will be waiting to meet you. Kicking off the third day, the annual business meeting will be more important than ever, as members consider an updated dues structure and changes to the MMUA bylaws. We'll wrap up with a keynote session on how to gain and retain skilled workers in municipal utilities.

Your registration includes access to the awards luncheon and trade show. Register by July 20 for a discounted rate.

Utility leaders' legislative debrief: Interacting on the issues

June 12: Owatonna

June 17: Halstad

June 18: Grand Rapids

June 26: Glencoe



The Minnesota special legislative session ended on Monday, June 9. What impact will this year's decisions have on municipal utilities? Join the MMUA government relations team to learn about the legislative session, dive deeper into the sound bites you hear on the news, and gain insight into the little-noticed provisions that will affect your utility.

There is no fee for these sessions; however, advance registration is required for planning purposes.

Cross Training



August 5–7

MMUA Training Center

Marshall, MN

The goal of our Cross Training School is to create a competent ground person who will be able to recognize tools, equipment and hazards to help keep the lineworker safe and efficient. The program was developed for the purpose of providing a basic, yet thorough skills training, so that everyone who participates will leave with a solid foundation from which to build upon.

Register by July 11 for the best rate. Advanced registration ends July 25.

Registration is now open for virtual leadership development courses

Did you know MMUA offers a diverse range of elective courses that are open to anyone, not just DUEL^(TM) participants?

These courses cover a wide range of topics relevant to municipal utility leadership, allowing participants to select the topic(s) that best align with their career goals, and areas of interest.

These courses are conducted virtually, with each session lasting 90 minutes. Please click here to view the full list of course details and register below. (Psst! If you decide to enroll for DUEL within the next two years, we'll credit you for the electives you have already taken.)

MMUA events calendar

The calendar lists current enrichment and training opportunities that can help individuals enhance their skills and knowledge in the utility industry. Watch for emails with event specific information. Download the calendar here.