Business View Magazine | March 2020

252 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE MARCH 2020 state entrepreneurship and startup business survival rate, technology, and education. Having worked in both the private and public sectors, I understand the necessity of successful cross-sector partnerships to drive prosperity and economic growth. The reputation for good governance among cities here plays a major role in our state’s healthy business climate and fiscal prosperity. That role is not assumed by accident. Through vision, planning, and successful execution of governing goals, local leaders in our communities establish the foundation for an appealing quality of life that attracts highly- skilled and highly-educated workers. Many of these workers are graduates of some of our state’s fine public and private universities, and technical schools. Our cities in Minnesota are proud to partner with these institutions to attract and retain talented students who go on to contribute to the state’s economic vibrancy. Additionally, city-provided amenities available in our Minnesota communities attract the next generation of workers, including young families from all around the Midwest. Beyond outstanding service provision of basic services – like fire, police, and street maintenance – our cities take pride in their parks and recreation programs, transportation services, and senior services, for example. With burgeoning immigrant populations on the horizon, cities in our state are also heavily invested in promotion of programs to advance racial equity and economic diversity. Those programs benefit not only residents and employees who are people of color, but also existing employers and potential start-up businesses who seek talented professional and