Bemidji councilor Thayer joins Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities board

BEMIDJI — Bemidji council member Audrey Thayer will serve on the Board of Directors for the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities.

The organization includes more than 100 cities throughout the state "dedicated to developing viable progressive communities for families and businesses through good local government and strong economic growth," according to a news release.

As a board member, Thayer will help guide efforts to inform state legislators on issues important to Greater Minnesota, such as local government aid, economic development, transportation and environmental policy.

Thayer joins fellow city officials from across the state to help craft and promote the legislative priorities of the group.

“Audrey has been a dedicated servant to her community and consistently advocates on issues that impact her city and others in Greater Minnesota,” stated Bradley Peterson, coalition executive director. “She will be an excellent addition to the Board, and we look forward to the commitment and expertise she will undoubtedly bring to the table.”

Thayer stated in the release that she is ready to dive in and work hard to help find solutions to the challenges facing Greater Minnesota communities.

“I have been an active member of the CGMC for five years, so I am excited to level up my engagement in this new role and help my fellow members further the Coalition’s priorities,” she stated.

Other Northern Minnesota board members include First Vice President Rick Blake of the Grand Rapids City Council, Ely Mayor Heidi Omerza, Hibbing City Administrator Greg Pruszinske, Virginia City Administrator Britt See-Benes and Detroit Lakes City Administrator Kelcey Klemm.

The coalition gathered Nov. 13-14 at Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids for its fall conference, which included discussions about the upcoming changes to the state’s paid leave law, a Q-and-A on rural health care and a Grand Rapids case study of the growing legal cannabis industry.