Advocacy Resources

Greater Mankato Advocacy
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Advocacy Resources

Greater Mankato Growth serves as the voice of the business community, working tirelessly to advocate for our members and raise the visibility of our regional marketplace among policymakers. Our advocacy efforts are highly regarded throughout the state among lawmakers, business, non-profits, and other industry trade groups. GMG ensures that members remain up-to-date on key public policy matters and are able to have input and impact on that policy. 

Importance for Members 

One of our strategic areas of focus is advocacy of the marketplace. We believe our advocacy work is critical for our members and is one of the best benefits of chamber membership. Our elected officials have the power to make decisions about critical issues impacting the success of our members and vitality of our regional marketplace. Greater Mankato Growth works to influence and create awareness among its members, the community, and elected officials about public policy matters affecting the Greater Mankato region. GMG ensures that members remain up-to-date on key public policy matters and are able to have input and impact on that policy. 

2023 NEW POLICIES Timeline

When Will New Policies Impact Your Business?

The Minnesota legislature passed many bills this legislative session. Here is a timeline of when those bills become a reality for your business.

Check out and reference this timeline to stay on top of changes that might affect your business or organization.

Tax Competitiveness
Taxes continue to be the top priority for businesses of all sizes in the greater Mankato region, especially small businesses. High tax rates in Minnesota create an undue burden on business growth. Work must be done at all levels of government to relieve this tax burden that deters entrepreneurship, business growth, workforce development, and capital investment. 
2023 new policies timeline
Strategic Investments

Investments in our critical infrastructure and community amenities are critical to the economic vitality of the greater Mankato region.

Supported Capital Investment Projects

  • City of Mankato – Regional Water Resource Recovery Facility: $44.5 million
  • City of North Mankato – Caswell Regional Sporting Complex Phase 2: $10 million
  • Minnesota State University Bonding Requests
    • Minnesota State University, Mankato – Armstrong Hall Replacement Phase 1: $8.46 million
    • Minnesota State University, Mankato – HEAPR: $15.6 million
    • South Central College – HEAPR: $2.6 million
  • The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota: $10 million
  • Minnesota River Trail (Mankato to St. Peter): $6.45 million 
GreenSeam: $600,000

GreenSeam works to elevate our region in southern Minnesota as the world-class food and agribusiness epicenter with focus areas of business retention and attraction, talent development, and regional awareness. The Minnesota Legislature should continue to financially support GreenSeam. Continued support and awareness of GreenSeam will celebrate the agricultural tradition of Minnesota and position us for success long into the future.  

Transportation
We support the continued investment in critical transportation projects that drive the economic prosperity and cultural enrichment throughout greater Minnesota region, including key arteries like Highway 169 and Highway 14. Additional sources of sustainable and equitable transportation funding should be considered within the context of current tax environment. Any investments in EV infrastructure should include public-private partnerships throughout Greater Minnesota.  
Economic Development
We support incentives and other economic development programs offered through the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and other agencies that are an important set of tools to help communities in greater Minnesota grow and thrive. 
Common Ground
The success of our state relies on community and political leaders coming together to find common ground on issues that impact the daily lives of residents and businesses. When partisanship gets in the way of progress, everybody loses. We encourage public officials at all levels to work to overcome partisanship to order to get work done. Our future depends on it. 
Partner Organizations
  • Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Federation
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  • Highway 14 Partnership
  • Highway 169 Corridor Coalition
  • Greater Minnesota Partnership
  • AgriGrowth
  • Minnesota Tourism Growth Coalition
  • Minnesota Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus 

Learn more about Advocacy Events within the Greater Mankato community

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Greater Mankato

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