5 Steps to successful advocacy

Every city has interesting stories to tell. Stories about the services, solutions, and partnerships provided to meet local needs and respond to unique city circumstances for efficient, cost-effective ___________ (parks, water, police and fire protection … fill in the blank with any city service!).

By explaining the local impact of state and federal legislation, city officials can educate while they advocate for their city.

To successfully tell your city story, it’s important to create a culture of enhanced public engagement. This requires a focused effort to educate state and federal lawmakers, the media, and the public about the services, solutions, and partnerships found in your city.

Take these important steps:

  • Step 1: Stay informed. The League provides many resources to help you with this. Make sure to take advantage of these resources.
    Access League advocacy resources
  • Step 2: Educate while you advocate. Don’t assume that state and federal lawmakers understand the local impact of every bill. Contact your state legislators and Congress members, and explain the local impact—both positive and negative—of state or federal legislation. Find contact information for your state legislators, and members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
  • Step 3: Relentlessly defend your city. Defend the ability of your city’s residents to identify local needs and solutions through your city’s duly-elected government structure.
  • Step 4: Continuously Build Relationships. Whether it be with your state lawmakers, federal legislators, local business community, or county and other regional groups, build coalitions and develop common interests with interested parties throughout the year for effective advocacy when it is needed the most.

View this video to learn more about using the L.E.G. process to communicate with legislators:

Navigate the state Capitol complex

What can you expect when advocating in St. Paul on behalf of Minnesota cities or simply visiting the Capitol complex? The League has lots of information to help you find your way around!