Senator Nelson honored as a 2023 Legislator of Distinction by the League of Minnesota Cities

The League of Minnesota Cities has recognized 35 state lawmakers, including Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester), as 2023 Legislators of Distinction. Chosen legislators are honored for specific actions that aided efforts of Minnesota cities during the past year’s state legislative session.

“I am honored to receive the League of Minnesota Cities Legislator of Distinction award,” Senator Nelson said. “I care deeply about ensuring that all of our cities, big and small, have the resources and support they need to thrive, innovate, and grow. The League of Minnesota Cities has been an invaluable partner in this mission. I’m proud to stand with the League as we work to shape policies that will allow all Minnesotans to enjoy a high quality of life no matter where they call home.”

Sen. Nelson was the chief author of a proposal to provide numerous policy and technical changes to the local sales tax process that would benefit cities. She also co-authored several proposals to support additional tax increment financing authority and changes that benefit small cities. She also regularly checked in with League staff on issues regarding local control and opposed unfunded mandates placed on local governments.

Legislators of Distinction are approved annually by the League’s Board of Directors in recognition of the collaboration of state and city officials needed to successfully serve shared communities and meet the unique needs of rural, urban, and suburban residents across Minnesota.

To be eligible for the award, legislators must achieve one or more of the following criteria:

• Be generally and reasonably accessible to League representatives
• Seek input on issues of importance to cities
• Listen to League concerns and be receptive to League-provided information on issues
• Sponsor and/or support League initiatives
• Speak out on behalf of the interest of cities
• Demonstrate the importance of partnership between the state and cities

Award winners received a letter of appreciation and a certificate. A copy of the acknowledgement letter was also sent to the mayor of each city in the legislator’s district.

The League of Minnesota Cities is a membership organization dedicated to helping cities throughout Minnesota build quality communities through effective advocacy, expert analysis, trusted guidance, and collective action. The League serves its more than 830 members through advocacy, education and training, policy development, risk management, and other services. For more information, visit lmc.org.