Leadership and funding opportunities at the conference
We invite you explore leadership and funding opportunities at the 2025 Community Connections Conference to take action in your community and local government.
Breakout sessions
Join one of our breakout sessions to find opportunities to advise local governments and create your own community projects.
Get funding for your community project
Learn how to get funding for your community project through the Partnership Engagement Fund. This fund is all about bringing different voices into decision-making, creating meaningful connections, and supporting strong partnerships between communities and neighbors. We’ll walk you through the basics, share tips for applying and help you take the next step to bring your ideas to life.
Boards and Commissions: Your Voice and Your Seat At The Table
Shape policy and take leadership by joining a board or commission. State and local governments work with these groups to guide policy-making. Learn about what they do, why it matters and common barriers to participation.
See more breakout sessions.
Exhibits
This year's exhibit hall has many ways to lead and take action in your community.
 Elections and Voter Services
Learn about all the ways you can vote in Minneapolis before this year's city elections on Nov. 4, 2025. Find your options for early voting, voting by mail or at your precinct. Minneapolis is also hiring election judges. Read more on the Elections and Voter Services website.
Budget Division
The Budget Division will host an exhibit table to share information about the City of Minneapolis' budget process. We aim to educate residents on how they can engage with the Budget Division and provide valuable resources for understanding the budget process. Learn more about the City budget.
Nexus Community Partners - Boards & Commissions Leadership Institute
Nexus Community Partners will bring information about the Boards & Commissions Leadership Institute. The institute supports, trains and helps place BIPOC and other community members on city and county publicly appointed boards and commissions. They will also be leading a workshop at the conference. Read more about the institute.
View the full list of exhibits on the conference website.
Neighborhood organizations
Neighborhood organizations receive City funding for projects and programs in their area. You can run for the boards of these organizations or get involved as a volunteer. Some of the City's 68 neighborhood organizations that will be at this year's conference include:
- Heritage Park Neighborhood Association
- East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (EPNI)
- Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association
- Stevens Square Community Organization
- North Loop Neighborhood Association
- East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership
- Waite Park Community Council
- Audubon Neighborhood Association
Find your neighborhood organization with this City tool.
Register for the conference
 Registration is open now! You can pre-register ahead of time online or in person on conference day in multiple languages.
Community Connections Conference
Saturday, Feb. 8, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Minneapolis Convention Center, first floor, Hall E
The Community Connections Conference is an annual free event that connects residents of Minneapolis, community groups, neighborhoods and local government. Join us for:
- Exciting exhibits from the City of Minneapolis, other public institutions and community groups.
- Workshops and community dialogues on important topics.
- Performances from local artists.
- Free lunch.
- A fun scavenger hunt side quest.
- Opportunities to connect with City leaders.
View the exhibit list
Volunteer
 We are seeking volunteers to:
- Spread the word about the conference.
- Welcome guests.
- Guide people to breakout sessions.
- Keep lunch services running smoothly.
Bilingual volunteers are especially helpful.
Sign up to volunteer
Share the conference
 If you have already registered to attend the conference, we invite you to share the event with your friends and neighbors.
You can let others know that you'll be there by sharing the links below:
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