Minneapolis Civic Buzz Events

Civic Buzz: Public Speaker + Discussion Series

Civic Buzz is a community-focused speaker and discussion series hosted by the League of Women Voters of Minneapolis. Civic Buzz is free, open to all and in person or on Zoom. Designed to spark conversation and deepen understanding, Civic Buzz brings together local experts, leaders, and community members to explore the issues shaping Minneapolis.

Whether you want to learn more about city government, public policy, or current local challenges, Civic Buzz offers a welcoming space for thoughtful discussion and civic engagement.

Upcoming 2026 Civic Buzz sessions

Summary Block
This block has no content yet. Items you add to the page connected to this block will display here.
Events

Previous 2026 Civic Buzz sessions

Professor Myron Orfield

Events
Civic Buzz, September 8th: The HERC. Should we trash it?
Sep 8
Civic Buzz, September 8th: The HERC. Should we trash it?

The HERC (Hennepin Energy Recovery Center) is the trash incinerator in downtown Minneapolis. This is where garbage trucks from Minneapolis and some of the surrounding communities bring our trash. According to Hennepin County, the steam from the HERC produces enough electricity to power 25,000 homes and it also provides energy to Target Field and other areas of downtown. The County also reports that emissions from the HERC are consistently below Minnesota Pollution Control Agency permitted levels. Critics of the HERC are concerned about the environmental and health effects generated by the HERCs emissions. They assert that the HERC is a public health risk especially for the people living nearby, many of whom are people of color and low income, who are disproportionately impacted by HERC's emissions. 

Many Minneapolis residents are wondering, where will the trash go without the HERC? Can we afford to close it? Can we afford to keep it open? Will zero waste efforts be enough to divert from the HERC? What is the just course of action for our waste in Minneapolis?

This panel discussion will address the history, benefits, risks, science, and the environmental justice perspective behind the HERC.

Panelists:

Dave McNary is the Assistant Director of Solid Waste & Energy for Hennepin County. In that role, he oversees solid waste operations, recycling, and district energy facilities. He also leads local policy implementation aimed at zero-waste goals. He holds a Masters in Public Administration from Hamline University. 

Leslie Myint is Policy & Research Director for the MN Environmental Justice Table, a nonprofit organization working to transform our waste system away from burning and burying to regeneration and sustainability.  Her work is focused on analyzing data regarding different waste management practices.  She earned her PhD in Biostatistics from Johns Hopkins University and is a professor of Statistics and Data at Macalester College.

Nick Gerold is Director of Solid Waste & Recycling for the City of Minneapolis. He manages collection services for garbage, recycling, and yard waste throughout Minneapolis and oversees community cleanup programs.

Free and Open to All. Tuesday September 8, 6:30-8pm at Minneapolis Central Library, Pohlad Hall

Read more →
Civic Buzz: Find Out What You Didn't Know About The Results of The Charter Schools Initiative.
May 6
Civic Buzz: Find Out What You Didn't Know About The Results of The Charter Schools Initiative.

Find Out What You Didn't Know About The Results of The Charter Schools Initiative.

Pulling from several years of research, Professor Orfield has surprising data to share regarding the outcomes of charter schools and how they are reshaping education in the Twin City metro area. Get informed on a critical subject that impacts Minneapolis Public School students.

Watch recording HERE.

Read more →
Civic Buzz: Training for Ethical Police Practices
Apr 9
Civic Buzz: Training for Ethical Police Practices

Public concern about law enforcement training and practices has grown, especially after Operation Metro Surge when ICE & other federal agents used excessive force, conducted dangerous vehicle pursuits, made aggressive stops and arrests, and engaged in crowd control tactics that felt both alarming and unlawful.  These moments have prompted an important question: What does ethical law enforcement look like, and how is the Mpls Police Department preparing both new and veteran officers to meet the new standards of non‑discriminatory policing outlined in MPD's Settlement Agreement with the MN Dept of Human Rights? 

Watch recording HERE.

Read more →
Civic Buzz - Green Zones: Working Toward Environmental Justice in Minneapolis
Mar 3
Civic Buzz - Green Zones: Working Toward Environmental Justice in Minneapolis

Climate change is one of the most urgent and complex challenges of our time. It affects everyone, but not equally.

Some communities that have historically faced racial, economic, and environmental injustices are more vulnerable and less resilient to the impacts of climate change. That is why the City of Mpls has developed a Climate Equity Plan that focuses on actions that benefit diverse and low-income communities, especially in the Green Zones, which are disproporionately harmed. Hear more about the underlying factors that contribute to disparities and solutions to address the problem. Learn about the issues from Jayda Pounds, Sustainability Program Coordinator, Mpls Dept of Health.

Watch recording HERE.

Read more →
Civic Buzz: Federal, State and Local Government: Who Controls Our Elections?
Feb 5
Civic Buzz: Federal, State and Local Government: Who Controls Our Elections?

Federal, State, and Local Government: Who Controls Our Elections?

Guest Speaker David Schultz, Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Legal Studies at Hamline University.

What are the roles and powers of federal, state, and local governments when it comes to election administration and funding? What are possible disruptions to the 2026 elections and how can we prepare to ensure elections run smoothly.

Watch recording HERE.

Read more →

Professor Myron Orfield

Commander Kris Brown

Jada Pounds, Sustainability Coor

2025 Civic Buzz recordings

Stay Connected

New Civic Buzz events are scheduled throughout the year based on current issues and community interest.

Check back regularly or visit our Upcoming Events page to find:

  • Upcoming Civic Buzz discussions

  • Speaker announcements

  • Event details

Join the Conversation

Civic Buzz is more than a speaker series. It is part of the League’s broader mission to empower voters and strengthen democracy through education and engagement.

By creating space for respectful dialogue and shared learning, Civic Buzz helps ensure that more voices are informed, heard, and involved in shaping the future of Minneapolis.

Become a Member

What Is Civic Buzz

Civic Buzz is a recurring public speaker series that focuses on timely topics affecting Minneapolis and surrounding communities. Each event features a knowledgeable speaker followed by an opportunity for discussion.

Our goal is simple: everyone leaves with a broader understanding of the issue and how it impacts our community.

Topics may include:

  • City government and local decision-making

  • Public safety and community well-being

  • Housing, education, and infrastructure

  • Voting rights and civic participation

  • Environmental and climate issues

Why Attend Civic Buzz

Civic Buzz events are designed to be accessible, informative, and engaging for people at all levels of familiarity with local issues.

By attending, you can:

  • Hear directly from experts and community leaders

  • Gain a deeper understanding of complex local topics

  • Ask questions and participate in meaningful discussions

  • Connect with others who care about Minneapolis

These conversations help build a more informed and engaged community.

Watch Past Civic Buzz Events

Missed a discussion or want to revisit a topic? Many Civic Buzz events are recorded and available to watch online. Explore past Civic Buzz recordings and stay connected to ongoing conversations in Minneapolis.

Watch Videos

Join the League of Women Voters of Minneapolis

Support programs like Civic Buzz and help expand access to nonpartisan, community-centered discussions across Minneapolis.

As a member, you can:

  • Help shape future Civic Buzz topics and events

  • Support educational programming and outreach

  • Stay informed on local issues and civic opportunities

  • Connect with others committed to meaningful engagement

Join today and be part of a community that values informed conversation and active participation.

Join Today
View of a conference room with a large crowd of people sitting and a woman speaking at a podium. There are multiple screens displaying a presentation and a table with promotional materials and banners, including one with the text 'Leauge of Women Voters of Minneapolis, VOTE'.
View of a conference room with a large crowd of people sitting and a woman speaking at a podium. There are multiple screens displaying a presentation and a table with promotional materials and banners, including one with the text 'Leauge of Women Voters of Minneapolis, VOTE'.

Common Questions

  • Civic Buzz is a public speaker and discussion series hosted by the League of Women Voters of Minneapolis, focused on local issues and community engagement.

  • Civic Buzz events are free and open to the public. Anyone interested in learning more about Minneapolis and local issues is welcome.

  • Many events are recorded and shared online so you can watch them later at your convenience.

  • Topics vary but often include local government, public safety, housing, education, and civic participation. The LWVMpls gets input from members and the broader community to select topics of interest and importance.

  • You can check the Upcoming Events page or revisit the Civic Buzz page for updates and announcements. LWVMpls promotes Civic Buzz to all members and extends invitations to Minneapolis community contacts.

  • Civic Buzz helps you better understand the issues affecting your community and provides a space for thoughtful, informed discussion.