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2026 Legislative Conference

Tuesday, March 24, 2026
at
8:30 AM (CDT)
to Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Paul Downtown


175 10th St E Saint Paul, MN 55101
* Registration open until 3/13/26 at 5:00 PM (CDT)
* Registration open until 3/13/26 at 5:00 PM (CDT)
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About the conference

MMUA’s Legislative Conference is an essential opportunity for municipal utilities to inform and influence state lawmakers on issues of importance to municipal utilities. The 2026 conference will occur approximately one month into session, and just before lawmakers take their annual Easter/Passover break. This will make it a perfect time to push hard for MMUA's legislative agenda.

Day one

Activities will kick off with the return of popular 2025 keynote speaker Blois Olson who will highlight what the retirement of long-time legislators means to the institution of State Government and how the loss of institutional memory changes how issues need to be approached.

Next up will be staff from the Department of Commerce and the Secretary of State’s office to discuss the role utilities play in ensuring preparedness for the highly consequential 2026 elections. The morning session will wrap up with MMUA staff preparing you for what we hope will be productive hill visits to meet with state legislators.

The afternoon will be spent at the Capitol and nearby office buildings. Attendees are encouraged to make appointments with their legislators between noon and 4:00 pm on the 24th.  If you are unable to make an appointment, legislators will usually respond to a quick note and step off the floor or out of committee to at least say hello and take written materials on key issues.

Day one ends with members returning to the Drury Hotel hopefully with legislators in tow, to enjoy a fun social reception. Please note that shuttles will run between the hotel and the Capitol complex from 12:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Day two

Day two will begin with reports on the legislative visits from the previous afternoon. This will be followed by speakers on topics related to public financing of utility infrastructure. Specific issues will include the process of getting a project included in a bonding bill, grants, educating and building support from the public, and the importance of staying above reproach when dealing with public funds. The conference will end by noon, leaving your afternoon free for safe travel back home.

 

  • Municipal utility leaders and staff
  • Mayors, city council members, and local utility commissioners
  • Others who want to get involved and advocate for public power, municipal gas utilities, and city-owned and operated water and wastewater facilities
Bus transportation will be provided for your visits to the Capitol. The bus will take attendees from the hotel to the Capitol starting at 12:30 pm and later back to the hotel.
MMUA will issue a refund on advanced registrations, less $50 per person processing fee, provided MMUA is notified by 4:30 pm on March 6, 2026. Refunds issued to a credit card will be subject to an additional 3% fee. Sorry, no refunds after March 6.
By registering for this event attendees authorize Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA) to photograph them at this event and use such photographs in MMUA marketing materials (both electronic and print). Attendees understand that they will not be paid for giving this consent.

 
Credits Price
Member registration
Conference registration includes conference materials, refreshment breaks, Tuesday lunch, shuttle service, and evening reception. Registration Ended 3/13/26 at 5:00 PM CDT
$520.00
Member reception only
This is for the member who wishes to attend the evening reception only. Registration Ended 3/13/26 at 5:00 PM CDT
$85.00
Member guest reception
This ticket is for a spouse or guest to accompany the conference registrant for the Tuesday evening reception. Additional ticket required to attend the afternoon lunch. Registration Ended 3/13/26 at 5:00 PM CDT
$60.00
Member guest lunch
This ticket is for a spouse or guest to accompany the conference attendee for Tuesday lunch. Additional ticket required to attend the evening reception. Registration Ended 3/13/26 at 5:00 PM CDT
$50.00
Credits Price
Non-member registration
Conference registration includes conference materials, refreshment breaks, Tuesday lunch, shuttle service, and evening reception. Registration Ended 3/13/26 at 5:00 PM CDT
$730.00
Non-member reception only
This is for the non-member who wishes to attend the evening reception only. Registration Ended 3/13/26 at 5:00 PM CDT
$125.00
Non-member guest reception
This ticket is for a spouse or guest to accompany the non-member conference registrant for the Tuesday evening reception. Additional ticket required to attend the afternoon lunch. Registration Ended 3/13/26 at 5:00 PM CDT
$85.00
Non-member guest lunch
This ticket is for a spouse or guest to accompany the conference attendee for Tuesday lunch. Additional ticket required to attend the evening reception. Registration Ended 3/13/26 at 5:00 PM CDT
$75.00

Agenda

March 24
8:30 AM Registration opens
9:15 AM Welcome and conference overview
Karleen Kos, MMUA
Roger Warehime, Owatonna Public Utilities
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM The impact of the loss of institutional memory at the State Capitol
Blois Olson, Fluence Advisory
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM The role of utilities in safeguarding elections
Barbara Conti and Chris Watkins, Minnesota Dept. of Commerce
Kyle Jenner and Grace Doyle, Office of the Secretary of State
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM MMUA's 2026 legislative agenda—Where we are and where we want to be
Kent Sulem and Bill Black, MMUA
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM Lunch served
12:30 PM - 8:00 PM Shuttle service between hotel and the Capitol
12:30 PM - 4:30 PM Capitol Hill visits
Contact MMUA if you need assistance scheduling your appointments.
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM Legislative reception
Invite your legislators to join us! A shuttle service will be provided for them as well.
Location: Drury Plaza Hotel
March 25
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM Feedback from Capitol Hill visits
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM Building public support
Elizabeth Emerson George and Sara Swenson, Goff Public
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM Options for financing utility projects
Mia Thibodeau, Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick, P.A.
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM Staying above reproach when working with public dollard
Julie Blaha, Minnesota State Auditor
12:00 PM Event concludes
* Registration open until 3/13/26 at 5:00 PM (CDT)
* Registration open until 3/13/26 at 5:00 PM (CDT)
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Lodging

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Paul Downtown
175 10th Street East
St. Paul, MN 55101

Reservations can be made online using our special link. Make sure the dates are set properly for your stay.

You can also call 800-325-0720 and ask for MMUA's group number 10159036. MMUA’s standard room rate is $119 per night plus tax. Hot breakfast is included.

Cut-off: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Reservation requests received after this date will be accepted on a space and rate availability basis.

Check-in: 3:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am

For More Information:

Rita Kelly

Rita Kelly

Director of Administration, Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association

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(763)746-0707