ST. PAUL—On July 23, the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) hosted a Legislative Awards dinner recognizing city officials and legislators for their advocacy and contributions to Greater Minnesota throughout the 2026 legislative session and their careers. The event was held in New Ulm as a part of the Coalition’s annual summer conference.

 

“There is no debating that this year’s award winners have shown an unwavering commitment to Greater Minnesota,” said CGMC Executive Director Bradley Peterson. “Each and every one has put their best foot forward and stepped up for the needs of our cities, consistently advocating for solutions to address the issues facing our communities. These recipients are the epitome of civic leadership, and our Coalition is beyond grateful for each of their hard work and dedication.” Read on for a complete list of award recipients. Click here to view a PDF version of this release.

 

Legislator of Distinction Award: Awarded to legislators who played key roles in the CGMC’s policy success or advancing CGMC priorities during the preceding session.

 

Representative Patty Acomb (DFL – 45B)

As a former city councilor, Rep. Acomb understands why centralized one-size-fits-all zoning requirements will cost cities without increasing affordable housing. Throughout the last several legislative sessions, she has been a fierce champion for cities’ ability to make their own decisions about zoning and housing. [PHOTO]

 

Representative Greg Davids (R – 26B)

As co-chair of the House Taxes Committee, Rep. Davids has been a defender of Local Government Aid through a turbulent time for the State Budget. He has also been a supporter of cities pursuing new or creative tax proposals to support community development. During the 2026 session, he ensured every local government had the opportunity for a hearing on its local sales tax proposal—and tried to guess the high school mascot of every city along the way.

 

Representative Mary Franson (R – 12B)

As co-chair of the House Capital Investment Committee, Rep. Franson has worked diligently to ensure that the legislature passed a bonding bill two years in a row that funded desperately needed infrastructure across the state.

 

Senator Nick Frentz (DFL – 18)

Throughout his Senate career, Sen. Frentz has been a critical ally for the CGMC. This year, Sen. Frentz is being honored for his work as the chair of the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement, where he was instrumental in ensuring that local governments’ concerns and voices were heard during a session-long debate over issues related to the ongoing discussion around duty disability designations for public safety employees. [PHOTO]

 

Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL – 3)

Always an energetic advocate for Greater Minnesota, Sen. Hauschild has consistently carried bills and led discussions on critical issues. He has advocated for key tax policies that will benefit Greater Minnesota, including rural housing dollars, child care solutions, and EMS solutions, and continues to work on other critical issues. Sen. Hauschild has been a consistent and tenacious advocate for the policies and programs that support Greater Minnesota and has never shied away from carrying hard bills.

 

Representative Josh Heintzeman (R – 6B)

Throughout his legislative career, Rep. Heintzeman has been a quiet champion for Greater Minnesota. Over the last several years, as co-chair of the Environment Committee, he has stepped up to ensure our communities can access much-needed park and trail funding, as well as other infrastructure support in Greater Minnesota.

 

Senator John Jasinski (R – 19)

A tenacious and consistent advocate for key Greater Minnesota programs, no lawmaker understands or advocates for the region’s Business Development Public Infrastructure (BDPI) program better than Sen. Jasinski. He consistently draws on his prior experience as a mayor to remind lawmakers why this key program needs adequate funding and to make the case for its impact on Greater Minnesota communities. [PHOTO]

 

Representative Spencer Igo (R – 7A)

As the co-chair of the House Housing Committee, Rep. Igo has consistently pushed for funding that benefits Greater Minnesota communities. His work has led to increased funding for Greater Minnesota housing development and greater transparency in Minnesota Housing’s funding allocations.

 

Representative Ginny Klevorn (DFL – 42B)

Over the last several years, Rep. Klevorn has steadfastly championed cities’ ability to make zoning and land use decisions at the local level. Her commitment to working with local governments on this issue has been greatly appreciated. [PHOTO]

 

Representative Fue Lee (DFL – 59A)

As the co-chair of the House Capital Investment Committee, Rep. Lee has diligently worked with legislators of both parties across the state to ensure the passage of multiple bonding bills that included much-needed water and other infrastructure spending.

 

Representative Joe McDonald (R – 29A)

As the legislature continues to wrestle with bills that would preempt local decision-making around land use and zoning, Rep. McDonald has been a voice of reason, digging into the details of the proposals and calling out the challenges they would create for local governments, including unfunded mandates and confusing and contradictory provisions, with his colleagues.

 

Representative Roger Skraba (R – 3A)

In both the House Capital Investment Committee and the House Housing Committee, Rep. Skraba has consistently advocated for the policies and programs that Greater Minnesota needs. Rep. Skraba’s efforts have supported key bonding investments and new housing funding that will serve Greater Minnesota communities for years to come. [PHOTO]

 

Excellence in Service: Awarded to CGMC elected officials, city managers, administrators, and/or city staff who demonstrated knowledge, leadership, and active participation in CGMC program areas over the preceding session and/or an extended period of time.

 

Brainerd Public Utilities

Director Paul Sandy, Finance Manager Danny Loch, and their team stepped up throughout this past legislative session to support funding for water infrastructure and lead line replacement. Their willingness to testify repeatedly, to answer all questions, and to reach out to legislators played an essential role in our infrastructure advocacy this year.

 

City of New Ulm

In addition to hosting this year’s Summer Conference, New Ulm elected officials and staff have stepped up and played a pivotal role at the legislature—by testifying on lead line replacement and water infrastructure, providing crucial support for our housing efforts, and more. Their efforts helped our organization shine at the Capitol. [PHOTO]

 

Darrell Pettis – City Councilor (St. Peter)

As a member of the CGMC Transportation Policy Committee and with 40 years of experience as both a county engineer and county administrator, Darrell has demonstrated leadership by testifying before the transportation committees at the legislature. His expertise was evident and compelling during a hearing on greenhouse gas emissions legislation that could negatively impact important highway projects. [PHOTO]

 

Jack Murray Award for Distinguished Rural Leadership: Awarded—upon their retirement from public service—to CGMC mayors and elected officials who have made special contributions to the CGMC over a multi-year career. The award is named after Jack Murray, former mayor of International Falls, who was instrumental in the CGMC’s formation.

 

Shelly Carlson – Mayor (Moorhead)

Mayor Carlson's tenure has been defined by doing it all at once. While overseeing a massive reconstruction of Moorhead's entire downtown and securing funding to complete a decades-long flood mitigation project, she also made an impact well beyond her city's borders, including serving as president of the CGMC. [PHOTO]

 

Bob Filson Award for Distinguished Rural Leadership: Awarded—upon their retirement from public service—to CGMC city managers/administrators or key staff members who made special contributions to the CGMC over a multi-year career. The award is named after Bob Filson, former city manager of Worthington, who showed consistent and relentless dedication to whatever mattered to the CGMC and its members.

 

Craig Clark – City Administrator (Austin)

For nearly 14 years, Craig has been an active member of the CGMC Board of Directors. Whether it was providing input on challenging legislation, testifying on important bills, or advising the organization on how to move forward, Craig always stepped forward to help.

*Mayor Steve King of the City of Austin accepted the award on behalf of Craig Clark. [PHOTO]

 

Jackie Monahan-Junek – City Administrator (Eveleth)

Jackie served as Eveleth City Administrator from 2004 until her retirement in 2025. During her time in Eveleth, Jackie was a staunch supporter of the CGMC, including our work on LGA and other issues critical to Greater Minnesota cities. Jackie was also instrumental in organizing one of our first regional meetings in 2024.

 

Colleen Winter – City Administrator (Melrose)

As Colleen transitions from city to county work, we want to recognize her service to the City of Melrose and our organization. She served as a Board Member for multiple years, providing valuable input and support to the CGMC’s environmental and energy work. [PHOTO]

 

Friend of the CGMC: Awarded to individuals or organizations who have helped advance CGMC priorities and/or made important contributions to Greater Minnesota.

 

Mark Borseth – GMNP President (DigiKey)

When educating and advocating, having partners who can make a case about why key programs are necessary for Greater Minnesota communities to thrive is essential. In his role at DigiKey, Mark has consistently advocated for Greater Minnesota, sharing impactful stories about workforce attraction and retention in Thief River Falls alongside DigiKey’s own investments that leverage state funding. [PHOTO]

 

Jeff Brand – Executive Director (Cook County Housing & Redevelopment Authority)

Cook County may be located over six hours from St. Paul, but Jeff has made it his mission to show up and advocate passionately for key housing funding at every opportunity. Jeff’s consistent and impactful testimony and advocacy have ensured that even during a legislative session with few dollars, over $14 million in new funding was appropriated for the Greater Minnesota Workforce Housing Development program, due in no small part to Jeff’s hard work. [PHOTO]

 

Chad Kolstad – Acting Executive Director (Public Facilities Authority)

Through his prior work at the Minnesota Department of Health and his current role with the Public Facilities Authority, Chad has been a stalwart champion for water infrastructure funding. His deep knowledge, creative thinking, and willingness to answer any and all questions have made him a strong partner in the push for clean water funding at the Capitol. [PHOTO]

 

Municipal Legislative Commission

Lobbying at the legislature is a team sport. Often, the CGMC will partner with other organizations and their lobbyists on issues of common interest. This year, as cities faced significant threats to local control over zoning and housing policy, the team at MLC was a key partner in the CGMC’s efforts. Through many strategy sessions and meetings, it was clear that MLC was perfectly aligned with the CGMC and our members. That strong partnership has been fundamental to legislative success for both organizations this year.

*City Manager Rick Getschow of the City of Eden Prairie accepted the award on behalf of the Municipal Legislative Commission. [PHOTO]

 

Minnesota Legacy Award: Awarded—upon their retirement—to legislators who have demonstrated unfailing commitment and made extraordinary contributions to Greater Minnesota during their legislative careers.

 

Senator Gary Dahms (R – 15)

Sen. Dahms has been the chief author of PFA funding bills that have been vital for drinking water and wastewater projects throughout Greater Minnesota. He worked in a bipartisan manner to improve Highway 14 safety from New Ulm to the Mankato-Rochester corridor and has been a supporter of many bonding bills to help fund critical infrastructure. The CGMC has appreciated his work as a diligent and bipartisan lawmaker for the region’s priorities. [PHOTO]

 

Senator Jeff Howe (R – 13)

Throughout his distinguished career, Sen. Howe has always been a champion of funding small-city streets for cities with populations under 5,000. On top of that, he was a legislator who led with creativity—always looking for innovative ways to secure funding for the transportation system without overburdening taxpayers. He was a leader in ensuring electric vehicles contribute to our shared responsibility of maintaining our roads and bridges, with those efforts coming to fruition in 2025.

 

Senator Jeremy Miller (R – 26)

Sen. Miller's Senate service has been defined by looking out for Greater Minnesota's economy. Whether he was wielding the gavel as Senate President, serving as Senate Majority Leader, or during his stints on the Taxes, Jobs & Economic Development, and Capital Investment Committees, he brought a collaborative approach that put rural prosperity first.

 

Senator Carla Nelson (R – 24)

Sen. Carla Nelson retires after decades of leadership in the Senate, the House, and various state boards and commissions. Through her service as chair of the Education Finance Committee and later the Senate Taxes Committee, she left an indelible mark on communities and schools throughout the state. [PHOTO]

 

Representative Tim O’Driscoll (R – 13B)

Prior to his election to the legislature in 2010, Rep. O'Driscoll served as Mayor of Sartell and understood firsthand the challenges our cities face. He worked with the CGMC on issues such as pension reform, infrastructure funding, and unfunded mandates. He saw many issues affecting cities through his service on the Commerce Committee and has always had an open door and a listening ear when the CGMC reached out for collaboration.

 

Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL – 65)

Though she represented St. Paul for 3 terms in the House and 10 terms in the Senate, Sen. Pappas was known for supporting legislation that benefited all of Minnesota. As Chair of the Capital Investment Committee, she prioritized investments in water infrastructure and other vital infrastructure programs. Her hard work helped ensure the passage of a bonding bill for two consecutive years.

 

Senator Ann Rest (DFL – 43)

Over decades of legislative service in both the Senate and House, it would be hard to find an area of Minnesota's tax code that Sen. Rest hasn't influenced. She has always stood out as a well-researched, fair, and thoughtful leader who demands the same of others. In recent years, she led the charge to improve how cities authorize local sales taxes and helped numerous cities realize their visions through sales taxes and tax increment financing.

*Mitch Berggren, Committee Administrator of the Senate Tax Committee, accepted the award on behalf of Senator Ann Rest. [PHOTO]

 

Representative Joe Schomacker (R – 21A)

Rep. Schomacker has been a strong advocate for Greater Minnesota issues during his 16 years in the House, always supporting bonding bills that have helped with the region’s infrastructure. He was instrumental in opposing a change to the PFA formula that would have devastated many rural communities by reducing their eligibility for the funding amounts needed for water projects. Over the years, Rep. Schomacker has authored or co-authored numerous pieces of legislation benefiting Greater Minnesota, fighting particularly hard for cities like Luverne, Pipestone, and Slayton.

 

Representative Paul Torkelson (R – 15B)

Over the years, Rep. Torkelson has been an effective champion for rural Minnesota on transportation, capital investment, elections, and more. His work to improve programs like Corridors of Commerce has already had a generational impact, completing dozens of life-saving transportation projects across rural Minnesota. His steady hand and collaborative nature have been essential to the legislature's functioning in recent years. [PHOTO]

 

Senator Bill Weber (R – 21)

Before his election to the Senate, Sen. Weber spent many years in city service on the Luverne City Council and as mayor. He never lost the perspective he gained as a local official and has been a long-time leader on property taxes and Local Government Aid. His accessibility and concern for communities throughout the state have earned multiple CGMC recognitions, and we will miss his collaboration in the Senate. [PHOTO]

 

President’s Award – Awarded to the outgoing CGMC president.

 

Keri Johnson – City Councilor (St. Peter)

During her time as president, Keri served as an adept spokesperson for the CGMC and showed her dedication to a strong Greater Minnesota through various letters and press releases. Despite her busy schedule as a city councilor, she always made time to advocate for rural communities. With her ready enthusiasm and knowledge of issues such as housing and infrastructure needs in Greater Minnesota, she has proved to be a true champion for Greater Minnesota. [PHOTO]

 

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The CGMC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization representing more than 100 cities outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Coalition educates legislators about issues important to Greater Minnesota.