WAITE PARK, Minn. – The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities has named Rep. Dave Lislegard (DFL – Aurora) a recipient of its 2024 Minnesota Legacy Award. The award is for legislators who – upon their retirement – have made extraordinary contributions to Greater Minnesota during their legislative careers.
“During my time in the Legislature, I’ve been committed to putting people before politics so rural communities – including those I represent on the Iron Range – can have the opportunity to thrive and prosper. Working alongside mayors, city council members, and other local leaders, we’ve delivered numerous victories since I came to the Capitol in 2019,” Rep. Lislegard said. “I’m deeply grateful to the Coalition for the recognition of my work to lower property taxes, strengthen public safety, invest in key infrastructure, and so much more to improve our quality of life in Greater Minnesota.”
Over six sessions, Rep. Lislegard has focused on lowering costs for residents, delivering resources to communities, and creating new opportunities for economic growth. During his career, he authored legislation ultimately delivering over $700 million worth of investments across the state. In 2023, as chair of the House Property Tax Division, Rep. Lislegard delivered an $80 million boost in ongoing funding for Local Government Aid, a program cities count on to deliver public services while keeping property taxes in check. This year, Rep. Lislegard successfully delivered a $30 million package of aid for Emergency Medical Services providers, many of whom in Greater Minnesota are facing dire funding and personnel challenges. He also worked with Sen. Grant Hauschild (DFL -- Hermantown) to deliver an $80 million package of investments in schools, communities, and recreation priorities on the core Iron Range.
"No one is more passionate about their part of the state than Rep. Lislegard. Luckily for the rest of Greater Minnesota, that passion extended beyond the Iron Range,” said CGMC President & St. Joseph Mayor Rick Schultz. “During his career, Rep. Lislegard had an outsized impact on everything from LGA to EMS. As Chair of the House Property Tax Division, Rep. Lislegard was instrumental in shepherding an updated LGA formula and increasing appropriation through the House."
The CGMC announced its 2024 award recipients at its annual summer conference last week in Waite Park.