ST. PAUL—Thief River Falls Mayor Brian Holmer was elected to serve as president of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) on July 29 at the Coalition’s summer conference in Red Wing. As president, Holmer will help direct efforts to inform state legislators on issues unique to Greater Minnesota, such as Local Government Aid (LGA), economic development, transportation, and environmental policy.
Holmer was elected by fellow city officials from across the state to lead the CGMC, long considered one of the most active, high-profile organizations to represent rural communities at the State Capitol.
“Mayor Holmer is respected across the state for his passionate leadership on issues that impact his community and other cities in Greater Minnesota,” said Bradley Peterson, Executive Director of the CGMC. “I have no doubt that he will bring the same deep commitment to helping all Greater Minnesota cities that he brings to the City of Thief River Falls.”
Luverne Mayor Pat Baustian, whom Holmer is replacing as CGMC president, praised Holmer’s work on housing and economic development over the past year and said he was happy to “pass the torch” to the Thief River Falls mayor.
“Mayor Holmer has been an excellent spokesperson for Greater Minnesota cities on an array of issues,” Baustian said. “The CGMC will be in good hands as he takes the helm as president.”
Holmer said he is ready to dive in and work hard to help find solutions to the challenges facing Greater Minnesota communities. He noted among the CGMC’s top priorities for the upcoming year will be to increase the LGA appropriation, advocate for a substantial bonding bill that invests in critical infrastructure, and continue to explore solutions to the child care, housing, and workforce shortages in Greater Minnesota.
“I have been an active member of the CGMC for over eight years, and I am just as excited as ever to aggressively fight for the Coalition’s priorities,” said Holmer. “I look forward to the next year as president and the upcoming legislative session.”
The CGMC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization that represents cities outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Coalition educates legislators about issues important to Greater Minnesota. Visit the CGMC’s website at greatermncities.org and follow the CGMC on Twitter @greatermncities.
