Our 2026 Legislative Agenda
Public policy shapes our daily lives in Minnesota—from the schools our children attend to the strength of our local economy to the health of our democracy.
That’s why the Minneapolis Foundation continues to show up at the State Capitol to advocate for policies and investments that help our communities thrive.
Our policy work aligns with everything else we do as a community foundation, from grantmaking and research to community convenings and the philanthropic services we provide to our fundholders.
“We’re committed to using every tool we have to strengthen our community,” said R.T. Rybak, the Foundation’s President and CEO. “That includes speaking up for policy solutions that improve the lives of Minnesotans.”
Our 2026 legislative agenda centers on strengthening schools and increasing economic mobility—two priorities that also guide our grantmaking. We’re also supporting critical legislation to advance affordable housing, immigration policy, and equal rights for all Minnesotans.
“Advocacy is one of the most powerful tools we have to create lasting change,” said Patrice Relerford, Vice President of Collective Impact and Giving. “Our policy agenda is about removing barriers that have limited opportunity for too many Minnesotans and making sure everyone has a fair chance to succeed.”
Our 2026 priorities include...
Education
Supporting students and schools by…
- Providing ongoing state funding to conduct the Minnesota Principals Survey.
- Requiring Minnesota teacher preparation programs to align their literacy instruction with READ Act standards.
- Adopting recommendations made by the Student Attendance and Truancy Legislative Study Group.
- Expanding the definition of instructional hours for high school students to allow for more engaging and relevant educational opportunities.
Economic Mobility
Driving financial resilience and equitable opportunity for all Minnesotans by…
- Providing state funding to Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota businesses that experienced significant revenue losses during Operation Metro Surge.
- Investing $50 million in the GroundBreak Capital Access and Innovation Fund.
Housing
Expanding access to safe, affordable homes by…
- Putting the Our Future Starts at Home Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution on the ballot for voters to ratify.
Immigration
Preserving constitutional boundaries and local public safety priorities by…
- Ensuring state and local resources are not used for federal civil immigration enforcement, including data sharing or federally conditioned funding.
Equal Rights
Ensuring equal protection under the law for all Minnesotans by…
- Putting the Equal Rights Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution on the ballot for voters to ratify.
