MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Coon Rapids, Blaine and Columbia Heights Earn Statewide Recognition for Government Communications

COON RAPIDS, MN (July 18, 2026) Coon Rapids, Blaine and Columbia Heights are among the Minnesota cities recognized in the 2026 Northern Lights Awards for excellence in public-sector communications.

The annual competition is organized by the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators and recognizes work produced by Minnesota government agencies, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations.

Awards are evaluated by communications professionals and cover writing, publications, public-information campaigns, video production, digital communications and other methods governments use to reach residents.

The 2026 awards ceremony was held July 15.

Coon Rapids, Blaine and Columbia Heights were among more than two dozen cities receiving recognition. Other honorees included St. Paul, Shoreview, Maplewood, Woodbury, Plymouth, Edina, Bloomington and St. Louis Park.

Communication Has Direct Civic Consequences

Municipal communications can affect whether residents understand construction detours, elections, emergency warnings, public meetings, recreation programs and changes to city services.

The awards are intended to recognize work that communicates such information accurately and accessibly while strengthening public understanding of government.

The League of Minnesota Cities also received five awards, including top Northern Lights honors for writing and promotional video work.

The complete awards gallery provides the individual projects and recognition levels associated with each recipient.

Sources

• Minnesota Association of Government Communicators
• League of Minnesota Cities
• City of Columbia Heights

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