LMC Lobbyist Jennifer O’Rourke Departs
Over the past 11 years, O'Rourke worked to influence several legislative issues affecting cities, including economic development and city revenue sources.
(Published May 31, 2012)
June 1 marks Jennifer O’Rourke’s last day with the League of Minnesota Cities as she departs to assume the position of chief of staff for Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. O’Rourke has been with the League since January 2001, working all 11 years in the League’s Intergovernmental Relations Department.
During O’Rourke’s career with the League, she devoted her energy to several key legislative issues, including economic development and redevelopment, tax increment financing, public finance, aid to cities, taxes, liquor and tobacco regulation, property taxes, and general revenue sources for cities.
In her new position, O’Rourke will lead the work of Mayor Rybak’s office to advance the mayor’s policy goals both within city hall and in the broader community. She will provide the mayor with strategic policy and political advice and will work closely with the mayor, council president, and city coordinator to implement the strategic direction of the city.
In addition to the internal city functions, O’Rourke will serve as the mayor’s point person with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Minnesota’s congressional delegation, the White House, the Regional Council of Mayors, the governor’s office, the Minnesota Legislature, and other important local, state, and national policymakers. She will also manage the mayor’s office budget and supervise the office staff.
“For many years I’ve seen Jenn O’Rourke build effective coalitions that have helped Minnesota cities, including Minneapolis, meet the challenges that we all face,” Mayor Rybak said. “She’s smart and well-versed in the many issues that affect us at the state Capitol, especially property tax reform, but her knowledge and experience translates very well outside the Capitol. I admire her ability to collaborate across layers of government and look forward to her putting those skills to work in my office. I’m very pleased that she’s joining our team. She will hit the ground running.”
If you have questions on any of the issues formerly covered by O’Rourke, please contact Intergovernmental Relations Director Gary Carlson or Assistant Intergovernmental Relations Director Anne Finn at the League. Please join us in congratulating Jennifer on her new position.