MINNESOTA SESQUICENTENNIAL 1858-2008

The Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission

Plan for Our Future Forums – Many Voices, One Minnesota

On May 11, 2008, Minnesota will reach its 150th anniversary as the 32nd state in the United States of America.  The Sesquicentennial will be a yearlong, statewide commemoration and a catalyst, to learn from our past and connect all of us as Minnesotans in creating a thriving, innovative future.  In order to facilitate this process, the Minnesota Legislature has created a 17 member body know as the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission.  It is the Commission’s job to plan, promote, and oversee Sesquicentennial projects throughout the state.  Two of the more well-known projects include the Sesquicentennial Grants Program and the Capital for a Day Program.  For more information concerning the Commission’s various projects and programs, contact their website at www.mn150years.org.

The Plan for Our Future: Many Voices, One Minnesota is a statewide effort to provide a snapshot of Minnesotans' ideas for the future at the crossroads of our 150th year.  There will be at least one Plan for Our Future forum in each of Minnesota's 87 counties in the hope that every Minnesotan will have the opportunity to weigh in.  During these forums, the community will be asked to discuss the following questions:   

• What do we want our future to be like for the next generations? 

• What are the must deal with issues if we are going to make that future real?

• What would you like to tell Minnesotans 50 years from now and what are you personally doing to ensure they will have the same or better quality of life you have now? 

The forums will be held in Gaylord, Le Sueur, Saint Peter, New Ulm, Saint James, Fairmont, Blue Earth, Waseca, and Mankato.  In the Region 9 area, these public forums will be facilitated by the Region Nine Development Commission.  However, the voices and perspectives of the forums will be owned by the citizens of region.  We ask that all public and private civically minded organizations promote these forums and encourage the community to attend.  The forums will be open to the public.  This will be an excellent opportunity for communities to influence their future and have their voices be heard.  Dates and times are posted on the right sidebar. Contact Jonathan Hammel at Region Nine, (507) 389-8886.