Alexandria Mayor Sara Carlson has been honored by the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) with the Jack Murray Award for her excellence in service to Greater Minnesota.
The Jack Murray Award is given to city officials who demonstrate knowledge, leadership, and active participation in CGMC program areas over their public service career. The award is named for Jack Murray, former mayor of International Falls, who was instrumental in the coalition's formation.
Carlson, who did not run for re-election this year after serving as Alexandria’s mayor since 2013, has been a strong advocate for the CGMC and Greater Minnesota throughout her time in public service, according to coalition leaders.
In 2017, she served as president of the CGMC and helped guide the organization through a legislative session that resulted in success for several CGMC priorities including in a modest increase in Local Government Aid, passage of a bonding bill that funded water and wastewater infrastructure and other important economic development initiatives, and the creation of a new grant program to fund small-city streets.
In addition to her active involvement in CGMC events and activities, Carlson has been diligent about reaching out to her state legislators and speaking out in the media about issues that are important to Greater Minnesota communities, the coalition said.
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“Whether it be leading press conferences, writing guest columns or advocating at the State Capitol, Mayor Carlson was always willing to speak up for the needs of Greater Minnesota cities,” said Greg Zylka, mayor of Little Falls and president of the CGMC. “Not only does she put in the hard work to lead her city and our organization, but she does it with a positive attitude and a real desire to seek common ground and bring people together. Her kind, respectful leadership style has set a great example for other mayors to aspire to.”
CGMC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization representing more than 100 cities outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The coalition educates legislators about issues important to Greater Minnesota.
