Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
St. Paul, Minn. (AP)

Minn. report: Local government lobbying up in 2009

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

A new report says local governments spent $8.8 million to lobby state legislators last year as their state allowances were cut.

The report released Wednesday by State Auditor Rebecca Otto says cities, counties, school districts and other local government agencies spent nearly 4 percent more on lobbying in 2009 than they did in 2008.

About half the spending came directly from local governments, with top spenders including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Hennepin County and the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, which has been pushing for a new Vikings stadium.

The other half came from associations such as the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, the League of Minnesota Cities and the Minnesota School Board Association.

Local governments and their associations are required to report lobbying expenditures to the state auditor annually.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)