Minnsights Blog

Learn more about this year's class of Leadership Minnesota participants.

As we enter a new legislative chapter this year, the uncertainty surrounding the balance of power in the House has caused some initial drama. However, we expect these issues to be resolved, enabling progress during this legislative session. Last fall’s state elections spoke volumes about what matters most to Minnesotans: the economy and costs. Minnesotans desire a balanced approach to governance, and the business community shares this expectation for our elected officials. Bipartisan solutions are crucial to improving our economy, lowering costs for families and businesses, and addressing the challenges facing our state.

The Minnesota Chamber Foundation Business Education Network (BEN) partners gathered at Owatonna High School in mid January. BEN partners reflect more than 20 local and regional chambers across the state who partner with the Minnesota Chamber Foundation on workforce strategies. They are specifically focused on connecting students to employers in the community, and helping them understand the paths to high demand careers in their region – whether its going to work out of high school, or attending a two or four year post secondary institution.

Minnesota experienced significant shifts in immigration patterns this decade. Following a sharp decline in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, international migration rebounded strongly in subsequent years. Recent U.S. Census Bureau data reveals a notable surge in international migration to Minnesota, with nearly 30,000 new arrivals recorded between July 2023 and July 2024—two and a half times the average annual levels of the previous decade. From 2020 to 2024, over 81,000 new Americans moved to Minnesota, making immigration the primary driver of population change and contributing to 94% of the state’s net growth during this period.

We at the Chamber are paying close attention to the start of the 2025 legislative session, which begins next week. The balance of power at the Capitol, both in the House and Senate, is a focus of much attention and headlines. However, it's important to recognize the significant work ahead for the Legislature, and we encourage them to get organized and prepare for the session.