2026 Legislative Conference
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
Registration Options
|
Registration Options
|
Price |
|---|---|
|
Member registration
|
$420.00
Price will increase to $470.00 on
2/23/26
|
|
Non-member registration
|
$630.00
Price will increase to $680.00 on
2/23/26
|
|
Reception only
|
$80.00
Price will increase to $85.00 on
3/14/26
|
|
Guest lunch
|
$45.00
Price will increase to $50.00 on
3/14/26
|
|
Guest reception
|
$55.00
Price will increase to $60.00 on
3/14/26
|
Agenda
| March 24 | |
| 8:30 AM | Registration opens |
| 9:15 AM | Welcome and conference overview |
| 9:30 AM - 11:45 AM |
Program
To be announced |
| 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM | Lunch served |
| 12:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Shuttle service to and from 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 - 12:00 PM |
Program
To be announced |
| 12:00 PM | Event concludes |
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:
