05/21/2026
For most, holding a local office doesn’t sound very glamorous, but local officials hold a surprising amount of sway.
When it comes to land stewardship, the most influential local officials often serve as County Commissioners, on a Township Board, or on the Soil and Water Conservation District board. They decide whether policies such as zoning rules or water quality rules need review and oversee the distribution of state conservation funding requested by local farmers.
For example, when a farmer seeks a variance (exception) from a land use ordinance, county Planning and Zoning commissioners decide whether that variance will be approved. Minnesota is a state where local control laws are strong, which means that people serving in county and township government play a critical role in shaping the Minnesota we need!
Local Government is for Everyone: Is this the year you run for office?
https://landstewardshipaction.org/2026/05/15/local-government-is-for-everyone/