Local Government

Political debates aren't just about candidates performing well. They're an opportunity for voters to hear real answers, see how candidates think and engage in democracy.

Minnesota’s local elected offices are legally nonpartisan. In this contributed essay, Majority in the Middle's Executive Director Shannon Watson looks at what that means for voters, candidates and local government.

The Bemidji Planning Board voted 6-1 to prohibit new developments of data centers greater than 10,000 square feet during its meeting Sept. 14, 2026.

The Bemidji City Council voted to pursue in-house management of the Sanford Center rather than renew a contract with Legends Global, slated to expire in March 2027.

The project uses aeration and a gravity filter to treat iron and manganese.

A misconduct complaint and investigation into Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk were not addressed at a Sept. 8, 2026, forum. His opponent, Deputy Aaron Ammerman, said the office is “fractured from within.”

An ordinance for a one-year moratorium on data center developments is on its way to the Bemidji Planning Board, with another opportunity for public comment on Sept. 14, 2026.

Carlton County's Board of Commissioners considered a data center moratorium for months before approving it unanimously on Aug. 24, 2026.

The discussion comes months after an inaccurate news report listed Bemidji among places where data centers were being considered.

Tyler Anderson, Larry Olson, Joe Swiers and Tina Starkey are advancing to the Nov. 3, 2026, general election, based on unofficial results from Minnesota's primary election.