About Us

Government and Community Relations advances the interests of the entire University of Minnesota system at the Capitol in Saint Paul, in Washington, D.C., and among our community partners and neighbors.

State capitol building in St. Paul, MN

State Relations

State Relations promotes the interests of all five University of Minnesota campuses with our elected officials in St. Paul and with other organizations around the state. We increase support for the University’s mission by illuminating the University’s contributions to research, education, public service, and the economy.

Capitol building in Washington DC

Federal Relations

Federal Relations advances the University of Minnesota’s interests at the federal level. We monitor the federal budget and major spending bills—as well as agencies that provide significant funding for U of M research—and nurture relationships with our members in Congress and our colleagues in higher education associations.

Photograph of buildings in Dinkytown, a neighborhood next to the U of M campus.

Community and Local Government Relations

Community and Local Government Relations works to strengthen the University’s relationships with local and regional partners in order to improve the quality of life in the neighborhoods and communities that are home to the University’s Twin Cities campus in both Minneapolis and St. Paul.

President Kaler and others in front of the Minnesota capitol building

UMN Advocates

UMN Advocates helps U of M supporters stay informed about higher education, politics, and the legislative process, and it engages students, alumni, staff, and community members to help build a stronger U of M for years to come.

Setting University Legislative Priorities

Legislative priorities of the University are prepared in consultation with the President, the Provost, the Office of the Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations, and Government Relations and then referred to the Board of Regents for review and action. Once the recommendations are approved, the Board submits them to the Minnesota Legislature and executive branch agencies for consideration in the upcoming legislative session.

If you are interested in submitting a budget or capital request for consideration by the Legislature or Governor, please consult with the Dean of your college and the Office of the Provost. Government Relations cannot approve or deny budget or capital requests, and will only support projects or budget requests submitted by the Board of Regents.