The Citizens League was established in 1952 as an organization of citizens dedicated to good government. Over the past fifty-three years, the Citizens League has produced some of the most innovative and influential public policy thinking in Minnesota.

The first Citizens League Board of Directors was elected on February 14, 1952; the League's first president was Stuart Leck. Dues were $5.

In the past 53 years, the Citizens League has had only six executive directors. They were Ray Black (1952-1958), Verne Johnson (1958-1967), Ted Kolderie (1967-1980), Curt Johnson (1980-1991), Lyle Wray (1992 - 2003) and Sean Kershaw (2003-present).

Many of Minnesota’s most successful institutions trace their roots to Citizens League recommendations. Included among the Citizens League’s accomplishments are the establishment of the Three Rivers Park District, the Minnesota Zoo, the Metropolitan Council and Metropolitan State University. The Citizens League also developed the Minnesota Miracle, Minnesota’s system of tax-base sharing and the initial concept of charter schools.

External links

Citizens League