Regional Council of Mayors
The RCM provides a nonpartisan platform for networking, learning, collaboration, and action that supports the region’s overall economic competitiveness, prosperity and quality of life.
Mayors and cities are being asked to take on more in this time of new localism. The collaboration, rapport, trust, and support from other mayors along with content experts provided by ULI MN is invaluable. We can accomplish so much more when we work together.
Molly Cummings
Former Mayor and RCM Co-Chair
The nationally recognized Regional Council of Mayors (RCM) was formed in 2004 as a voluntary opportunity for regional mayors to convene and focus on issues of regional significance. The RCM provides a nonpartisan platform for networking, learning, collaboration, and action that supports the region’s overall economic competitiveness, prosperity and quality of life. The RCM forms initiative advisory committees to catalyze action strategies focused on relevant and timely issues, e.g., housing, environment, transportation, jobs, healthy communities. The RCM is supported by the Urban Land Institute Minnesota.
Meetings
RCM meetings are held the second Monday of each month, hosted by Dorsey & Whitney, located at 50 South 6th Street, Suite 1500, Minneapolis, MN 55402. Mayors are encouraged to participate on a consistent basis.
Governance
The RCM operates without a formal legal structure. It is guided by two co-chairs who serve two year, staggered terms. A RCM Executive Committee, (current and former chairs and the ULI MN Executive Director), set agendas and recommend leadership positions. Initiative advisory committees are co-chaired by a mayor and a private sector leader. Initiative committee terms are open ended.
Financial Support
There are no dues. The RCM is supported by contributions from Target, BlueCross and BlueShield MN and the Family Housing Fund; parking, lunch and staff support are provided. RCM mayors are encouraged to join ULI as individual members or under the public agency program.
Actions
The RCM, as an informal organization, will not take actions that obligate or act on behalf of participating mayors or their city. From time to time, Mayors and/or their cities will lend their support on matters of regional significance, which have been vetted by the RCM, through resolutions, testimony or letters.
Minnesota Mayors Together
In 2017, the RCM launched Minnesota Mayors Together seeking to break down the urban/rural divide by bringing MN mayors together in conversation to build civic trust. The goal is to shift a negative culture, not to build a structure. On October 11-12, thirteen mayors, including five members of the Regional Council of Mayors, gathered in Bemidji, MN for the first of a series of conversations across the state.
In The News
Cities say it’s time to step it up
By Mary Jane Smetanka | Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011
Read the full article.
Regional Council of Mayors: A Vacation From Bitter Partisanship
By Steve Berg | Monday, Feb. 28, 2011
Read the full article.
Mayor Kautz takes the lead at the US Conference of Mayors (USCM)
RCM co-chair Mayor Elizabeth Kautz (Burnsville) serves as the 68th president of the USCM.
Read or watch Mayor Kautz’s inaugural address or read the USCM press release.
RCM Contacts
Caren Dewar
Executive Director
Cathy Bennett
Advisory Services
Rachel Keenan
Senior Associate
612.338.1332