Alisa Benson for Orono City Council

10/09/2024

What would you do if you were mayor for a day? The annual League of Minnesota Cities Mayor for a Day Essay Contest asks 4th, 5th and 6th graders this question. It's inspiring to see young people envision themselves as civic leaders. Thanks to the LMC for giving youth a chance to show how they would help people as mayor.

Fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students from Minnesota can submit essays in the 2024 Mayor for a Day Essay Contest until Friday, Dec. 13.

10/09/2024

Thanks to the Maple Plain Fire Department for hosting a fun and informative open house last night. Appreciated fire personnel and officers from West Hennepin Public Safety taking time between vehicle tours to chat and share details about the essential service you provide to the community. Thanks for being so welcoming, it was a great night!

07/28/2024

Great time joining in the LLFD Red Hot Run festivities today! Thanks to all who helped make it a safe and fun community event. Appreciate the shared efforts of so many, including neighboring Maple Plain and Wayzata Fire Departments.

07/01/2024

Thanks to the League of Minnesota Cities and the City of Rochester, MN Government for hosting the 2024 Annual Conference.
It was an honor to celebrate City of Excellence and Sustainable City Award winners for their collaborative work. The Taxpayer Receipt program created by Shakopee, MN City Government makes it easy for community members to see the cost of city services and find detailed information on property taxes.
Connecting with city leaders and experts across the state is always inspiring!

02/17/2024

Hands-only CPR saves lives. Today's training hosted by the Long Lake Fire Department was an opportunity to learn this critical skill. Thanks to the many volunteers who made it possible!

01/27/2024

Thanks to the organizers and all who came out for today's Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Minnesota. A big thanks to the Orono Police Department and Mound Fire Department for providing safety and support at Surfside Beach. Cold water was no match for so many warm cheers!

11/02/2023

Community Connection Day at Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners focused on the notion of Belonging and how it informs the work done at IOCP to address suburban poverty. Areas served include Plymouth (west of 494), Hamel, Long Lake, Medina, Minnetonka Beach, Orono and Wayzata.

Kevin Ward, Executive Director of IOCP, presented on how service delivery (food shelf, employment, financial and educational resources) is guided by the goal of creating a space where individuals feel they belong.

Guest speaker Dr. Ramon Pastrano, founder of Third Sphere, offered inspiration and encouragement to those working hard to bring positive change to their communities.

Many thanks to the staff and volunteers of IOCP for the much needed, meaningful work you do to serve our collective communities.

09/10/2023

Thanks to all who helped make the annual City of Loretto, MN Fun Fest a memorable night. This year's celebration included recognition of the Loretto Fire Department. After a 75 year history, it integrated this year with the Hamel Fire Department to form the West Suburban Fire District. Congratulations to the firefighters of both former departments and to Chief Jeff Leuer on this incredible accomplishment!

09/05/2023

Great time at the Fair, including a visit with Minnesota GreenStep Cities. In partnership with League of Minnesota Cities, they provide free support for city governments committed to voluntary sustainability goals like reduced energy consumption and cost savings. Participation has grown to 146 large and small cities across Minnesota, equaling 52% of our population. Thanks to Minnesota GreenStep Cities staff for the informative chat!

08/01/2023

Had a great time participating in the Long Lake Fire Relief Association's annual Red Hot Fun Run over the weekend!

Thank you to event organizers, LLFD, and the many volunteers who dedicated time and effort to make the 5K a successful and memorable community event.

06/27/2023

All those who want to build community while supporting a great cause, please join me on July 29th. Hoping to see some fellow walkers at this Fun Run!

Ready to let off some steam after being cooped up for months?  The Red Hot Run 5K is back!  Join us Saturday, July 29th for a 5K that will benefit the Long Lake Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association.  The purpose of the event is threefold – support local firefighters and local businesses wh...

06/24/2023

Time spent learning new things in the company of supportive people is time well spent. The League of Minnesota Cities annual statewide conference wrapped yesterday and I returned to Orono more informed and inspired.
Over 700 elected officials and city staff from across Minnesota attended the three day conference in Duluth. It's a powerful experience spending time with hundreds of others who share a common goal of doing better for their communities. Thank you LMC!