09-11-2000 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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d. Minnesota Cities: Building Quality Communities BACKGROUND In the past few years, members of the League of Minnesota Cities have become concerned about what some state legislators and other groups are saying about city government. More and more comments seem to describe cities as special interest groups, rather than as representatives of Minnesota citizens. Add to that a disconnection from government felt by a growing number of Americans, especially among young people, and League leaders decided to take action. Cities are the means to "community." We work in the interest of the families and businesses that live and work in our communities, and we are major contributors to quality of life in Minnesota. This is the message we must make clear to "key influencers" - legislators, the media, other influential groups - and directly to our citizens. Last year, the LMC Board of Directors worked with a public relations firm to obtain candid feedback from citizens and key influencers to determine what quality of life means to them and how their city government helps contribute to that quality of life. Through focus groups and one-on-one interviews, we heard from citizens and key influencers about their top priorities for a high quality of life. Top Priorities of Quality of Life • Safety • Family • Job opportunities • Good health care . Good schools • Recreational opportunities • Strong sense of community From these findings, we developed key messages and the foundation of the Building Quality Communities effort. Since many of these priorities reflect the services cities provide to Minnesota citizens, city officials can begin to connect the value of city services to the values of our citizens. The mission of Building Quality Communities 1. To enhance the perception of Minnesota city governments and city officials. 2. To reinvigorate and increase citizen involvement in city government. 3. To reinstill a sense of pride in public service, inspiring young people to seek careers in city government. The key to achieving this mission is a grassroots effort among all cities, focusing on clearly and consistently making the connection between the work of city governments and the high quality of life Minnesotans experience. We also will work to: • Seek effective ways to get citizens involved in building their community. • Continue improving our partnership with legislators and the media. • Strengthen our collaboration with other community groups. For more information and resources, visit the League's BQC Web site: wvm.lmnc.org/bqc/home.htm ■1