Joint Powers
Minnesota cities often look for more effective and efficient ways to deliver services to citizens.
Cities have statutory authority to enter into agreements with virtually any other governmental entity—other cities, counties, towns, special districts, service cooperatives and the state. These agreements can take the form of joint powers entities, service contracts, mutual aid agreements, shared resources and shared personnel. And, while these can be effective ways to conserve a range of resources, these partnerships also can create unique liability issues.
A number of coverages, informational resources, and staff are available to assist members with these agreements.
Background and Overviews
- Cities Across Minnesota Cooperating to Provide Services (pdf)
- Combining Governmental Services: Issues to Consider (pdf)
- Coverage for Joint Powers Agreements (pdf)
- Minnesota Cities Handbook—Intergovernmental Cooperation (pdf)
- Risk Allocation and Coverage Issues for Joint Powers and Mutual Aid Agreements (pdf)
- Ten Things to Watch for When Entering Into Joint Powers Agreements (pdf)
- Risk Allocation and Coverage Issues for Joint Powers and Mutual Aid Agreements (pdf)
Coordinating Public Safety
- Considerations in Drafting Inter-Agency Drug Task Force Agreements (pdf)
- Drug Task Force Agreements (pdf)
- Stretching Public Safety Services (pdf)
Sample Agreements and Model Language
Other Resources
Learn more about Best Practices Review: Cooperative Efforts in Public Service Delivery from the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor.
Your LMC Resource
Staff can answer your joint powers questions, including providing review of mutual aid and other city contracts.
Contact Chris Smith
Risk Management Attorney
(651) 281-1269 or (800) 925-1122
csmith@lmc.org
Podcast: 3-Minute Risk Management
Joint powers agreements can be arranged in many forms. This edition of 3-Minute Risk Management touches on the ten things cities should be mindful of when creating joint powers agreements. More resources on joint powers are located on this page.
Read Ten Things to Watch for When Entering Into Joint Powers Agreements (pdf)
Read more about the Contract Review Service
Risk Management Information
The Resource Library offers a wide range of information on issues related Risk Management. Visit the Resource Library to do key word searches, or use the "Browse by Resource Type" and "Hot Topic" searches to view broad categories of information. The Resource Library is home to Risk Management memos and more. Use the link below to easily browse all Risk Management memos.
View a list of Risk Management Memos in the Resource Library