A coalition of 98 Minnesota Mayors, from the metro and outstate Minnesota areas, are sounding the alarm on statewide financial burdens.
Crosslake Mayor Jackson Purfeerst says every unfunded mandate or cost shift at the state level makes for difficult decisions at the local level. He says the strain extends to every part of the community…
“Cities are the level of government closest to the people, responding when snowplows don’t arrive, when streetlights or water mains fail, when businesses need permitting help, or when seniors seek support.”
Purfeers says economic performance has slipped, citing the 2026 Minnesota Chamber of Commerce report, which shows Minnesota is ranked 33rd in GDP growth, 39th in job growth, 40th in labor force growth, and 44th in overall tax competitiveness.
The mayors of Hanover, Montrose, Rockford, Cokato, Corcoran and Watkins are among the 98 Minnesota mayors to jointly sign the letter to the governor and state lawmakers.
