Benefits of Membership

MMUA is a nonprofit member-led trade association representing the interests of the state’s municipal utility systems.

Together with the thousands of community leaders and volunteers who are dedicating their lives to ensuring their neighbors and friends have reliable, affordable, and sustainable services, we work to promote the value of community ownership and to assist them in achieving excellence.

Here are some benefits included in MMUA membership:

Government relations

MMUA’s legislative team actively represents members’ interests on a wide variety of state and federal legislative and regulatory issues. Our legislative team includes two staff lobbyists, bolstered by additional senior staff. MMUA works closely on state issues with contract lobbyists. We work closely with the League of Minnesota Cities and other local government organizations on state issues. MMUA also retains a Washington firm to monitor Congressional activity and represent member interests on federal issues.

Technical assistance

The utility industry presents complex and evolving challenges to everyone from council members to meter readers. Municipal utility workers are amazing problem solvers, but sometimes a situation requires immediate attention when there is no attention left to give. MMUA is a one-stop shop for expertise, and our staff is eager to help hometown utilities solve issues whenever, wherever, and however they may arise. 

Access to services

MMUA offers to members a wide range of paid consulting services and technical training opportunities. By becoming a member, a utility can save significantly on safety training and oversight, skill development, apprenticeship, regulatory management, and more. For a better snapshot of all the ways members can customize their MMUA experience, visit the "Programs and Services" and "Events" tabs above. 

Mutual aid

MMUA coordinates emergency recovery efforts within and outside the state. From repairing broken lines in the wake of a storm to restoring a generator on its last legs, when a municipal utility needs help, MMUA eagerly answers the call to coordinate mutual aid among members and beyond the borders of the Association. MMUA also offers the Emergency Preparedness Conference to help your utility plan for how to respond to crises. 

Publications

MMUA will keep you up to date with our weekly enewsletter, The Digest, and go in-depth on the stories you care about with our monthly newspaper, The Resource. MMUA also publishes an Annual Report and a Membership Directory to keep you informed and connected.

Grant assistance

MMUA has expert staff available to provide guidance, feedback, and resources to help you secure and administer grants. MMUA also monitors for relevant funding opportunities and shares them with members regularly.

Tools for municipals

MMUA offers resources and expertise that can help any utility run more smoothly. From the cold weather rule to DERs, public relations to strategic planning, MMUA can help your utility provide quality material and service to your customers.