The chamber makes it easier to get civically engaged

Minnesota consistently leads the nation in voter turnout rates in presidential, gubernatorial, and senatorial elections.  Yet election participation rates for municipal elections are often far less than the rates for statewide contests, even though these elected officials often have the most impact on our community and businesses at the local level.

Mayors and city council members make decisions that directly impact businesses and communities by raising taxes, charging fees, or changing zoning regulations.  The challenge is to increase awareness of these important elections and make it easier for people to learn about and compare candidates.

Goff Public worked with the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce to help create a Civic Engagement Guide that will make it easier for people in the east metro to learn about candidates who are running for city council this year in Falcon Heights, Maplewood, and Saint Paul.  This new resource will help people learn about candidates’ backgrounds, compare them, and research other issues before Election Day.  The guide is part of the Chamber’s effort to provide members and the community with unbiased access to the political process.

Goff Public has experience finding ways to help create and manage public affairs-focused engagement programs.  We helped Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota develop and implement CitizenBlue, an employee-operated program that educates its 3,000-plus employees about state politics and government.  Now in its 11^th year, CitizenBlue has more than 700 members.