NORTHEAST MINNESOTA ELECTED LEADERS LEARNING COHORT

EMPOWERED LEADERS. STRONGER COMMUNITIES.

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Strengthening civic leadership and regional collaboration for sustainable and thriving communities. 

Program Overview

The Northeast Minnesota Elected Leaders Learning Cohort is a nonpartisan leadership development program designed for elected officials across Northeast Minnesota and Tribal Nations. Through six interactive workshops, participants will strengthen civic leadership skills, build regional connections, and gain practical tools to support sustainable and thriving communities.This unique opportunity brings together elected leaders to learn from subject matter experts, exchange ideas with peers, and develop skills in data-informed decision-making, effective communication, intergovernmental collaboration, and problem-solving — tools you can apply immediately in your role.

To participate, you must:

  • Serve in a nonpartisan elected position (mayor, city council, tribal council member, school board, county commissioner, etc.)
  • Represent a community in Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, or St. Louis County, or a Tribal Nation sharing this geographic area including Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, or Red Lake Nation.

Time Commitment 

Participants will commit to attending at least four of the six sessions and actively engaging with fellow cohort members. Workshops will be held on one Thursday evening per month, September 2025 to February 2026 (see the list below for specific dates) from 5:00-8:00 PM. 

Workshops all run for 3 hours from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. The workshop topics are as follows: 

workshop 1

Building Trust and Understanding: Foundations for Meaningful Dialogue

September 25, 2025 (Northspan Downtown Duluth Office | 202 West Superior Street, Suite 600, Duluth, MN 55802)
Join us for a practical and engaging session focused on building trust, strengthening communication, and grounding our work in shared values and local context. We’ll explore data that reflects changes in our community and region, and introduce a common framework for respectful, productive dialogue.


Why is this important? Because effective communication helps us better understand one another’s perspectives, even when we don’t always agree. It’s about creating space for honest conversations where all voices are heard and respected.


Be part of a conversation that promotes collaboration, mutual respect, and a stronger sense of community. Together, we can work toward solutions that reflect our shared goals and commitment to serving all members of our community.

workshop 2

Unlocking Potential: Using Data to Support Community Priorities

October 23, 2025 (North Shore Area Partners | 36 Shopping Center, Silver Bay, MN 55614)

 

Join us for a hands-on session focused on how data can help inform thoughtful planning and support the long-term success of your community. We’ll explore practical tools for interpreting local data and using it to guide decisions that reflect your community’s unique needs and goals.

 

Why does this matter? Because when we understand the story behind the numbers, we can make better choices—whether it’s about investing resources, planning for growth, or addressing challenges. Data helps us focus on what works and where we can make the greatest impact.

 

Be part of a conversation that values local insight, practical solutions, and collaboration. Together, we can use data to support strong, resilient communities.

workshop 3

Making Sense of the Systems: Understanding Funding, Mandates, and Local Realities

November 13, 2025 (MN Discovery Center | 1003 Discovery Drive, Chisholm, MN 55719)


Join us for a practical and eye-opening session that unpacks the complex systems shaping local government in our region. We’ll explore key programs and policies—including the Taconite Assistance Area, Fiscal Disparities, Local Government Aid (LGA), and state and federal mandates—that impact how resources are distributed and how decisions are made at the local level.


Why is this important? Because many of these systems are decided for us—but we’re still responsible for getting the job done. Understanding how these mechanisms work can help local leaders and community members make informed decisions, advocate effectively, and find creative ways to meet local needs with the tools available.


This session is about more than just policy—it’s about equipping you with the knowledge to navigate constraints, identify opportunities, and work together toward practical, community-driven solutions. Let’s connect the dots between policy and practice—and explore how we can move forward, together.

workshop 4

Building Stronger Bonds: Strengthening Intergovernmental Relationships

December 11, 2025 (Fortune Bay | 1430 Bois Forte Rd, Tower, MN 55790)


Join us for a thoughtful session focused on building respectful and effective relationships across all levels of government in Minnesota—including Tribal Nations, federal and state agencies, school boards, counties, cities, and townships. We’ll explore foundational principles, real-world examples, and practical approaches that support collaboration, trust, and shared problem-solving.


Why does this matter? Because when governments work together—regardless of size or jurisdiction—we can better serve our communities. Strong intergovernmental relationships help ensure that decisions are informed, coordinated, and responsive to the diverse needs of Minnesotans.


Be part of a conversation that values listening, learning, and working across boundaries. Let’s build stronger connections that support good governance, mutual respect, and shared success.

workshop 5

Strengthening Trust in the Digital Age: Media, Technology, and Clear Communication

January 29, 2026 (The Forge | 1201 7th Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MN 55744)

 

Effective communication is essential to strong local leadership. In this session, we’ll explore practical strategies for sharing information clearly, building trust with your community, and navigating today’s evolving media landscape. From traditional press to social media, we’ll look at how to communicate with transparency and confidence—especially during challenging moments.

 

We’ll also introduce the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) in public communication, offering a basic overview of how communities are beginning to use these tools to support engagement and streamline information sharing.

 

Why is this important? Because in a time of rapid change and growing information sources, clear and responsible communication helps reduce confusion, strengthen relationships, and support informed decision-making. Whether you're responding to local concerns or planning long-term outreach, understanding how to use media and technology effectively is key to good governance.

 

Join us for a practical, nonpartisan conversation about building trust, avoiding misinformation, and using communication tools to support strong, connected communities.

workshop 6

Innovate & Collaborate: The Seven Elements of Joint Problem-Solving

February 26, 2026 (Cloquet Forestry Center | 175 University Rd, Cloquet, MN 55720)

 

Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll explore seven practical elements of joint problem-solving—tools that can help you work more effectively with others to address your community’s most pressing challenges. This session is grounded in real-world strategies that support collaboration, clear communication, and shared progress.

 

Why attend? Because solving complex problems requires more than good ideas—it takes strong relationships, thoughtful dialogue, and a structured approach. This workshop offers a space to learn, practice, and apply proven techniques that lead to practical, lasting solutions.

Be part of a practical, solutions-focused conversation that supports stronger communities through collaboration and shared problem-solving.

EMPOWERED LEADERS. STRONGER COMMUNITIES.

APPLY TODAY

Educators

Aaron J. Brown

Editorial Columnist, Author

MinnesotaBrown.com
Minnesota Star Tribune

Vicki Hagberg

Regional Director

Northland Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Heather Worthington

Principal

Urban3

Phillipe Cunningham

Senior Director of Pluarism in Democracy

Urban Rural Action

 

Amber Lewis

Consultant

The Northspan Group, Inc.

 

Carson Gorecki

NE MN REgional Analyst-Labor Market Information

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

Luke Fischer

Executive Director

League of Minnesota Cities

Tony Sertich

President/CEO

Northland Foundation

Ida Rukavina

Commissioner

Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation

 

Paul Peltier

Executive Director

Range Association of Municipalities and Schools (RAMS)

Facilitators

Amber Lewis

The Northspan Group, Inc.

Elissa Hansen

The Northspan Group, Inc.

Karl Schuettler

The Northspan Group, Inc.

Stef Sjelin

The Northspan Group, Inc.

Tony Sertich

The Northland Foundation

Zack Filipovich

The Northspan Group, Inc.

Ali Bilden Camps

The Northspan Group, Inc.

Jared Dunlap

The Northspan Group, Inc.

Team

EHansenCrop

Elissa Hansen

President & CEO
ehansen@northspan.org

Elissa Hansen leads Northspan with more than 20 years of experience in business, community, organizational, and economic development across Minnesota and Wisconsin. She invests her time creatively advancing others’ capabilities. In Elissa’s role at Northspan, she engages with and elevates every client by facilitating tough conversations and moving organizations forward with action-oriented strategic methods. She works to create a setting for meaningful communications that respects diverse perspectives, creates joint resolve, and inspires individual and group action.

A Typical Week

Curiosities or Questions?

Please contact Northspan President & CEO, Elissa Hansen, directly at:

218.216.7530
ehansen@northspan.org