SAINT PAUL, MN (July 25, 2025) — The State of Minnesota earned a 2025 Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award from Esri for its groundbreaking use of geospatial tools to support data-informed leadership and public transparency across government. 

The award celebrates the Minnesota Executive Map Portfolio, a collaborative effort between the Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office (MnGeo). The project created a powerful, interactive suite of maps that visually communicates key data aligned with the Governor’s One Minnesota Plan. 

Designed with busy decision-makers in mind, the Executive Map Portfolio provides a mobile-friendly interface that organizes data across three critical policy areas: 

• Climate 
• Children, Youth, and Families 
• Jobs, Workforce, and Economy 

By using cutting-edge tools like ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS StoryMaps, and ArcGIS Experience Builder, the portfolio empowers state leaders to quickly explore trends, identify challenges, and act on data-driven insights. This resource supports executive decision-making and promotes public transparency by making complex information easier to access and understand. 

“This award recognizes the power of cross-agency collaboration and the incredible talent of Minnesota’s public servants,” said Alison Slaats, MnGeo Director. “The Executive Map Portfolio is more than a tool—it’s a reflection of our commitment to equity, transparency, and data-informed leadership.” 

The portfolio was developed with contributions from communications and policy staff from the Governor’s Office, GIS and IT experts from Minnesota IT Services (MNIT), and subject-matter experts from across state agencies and academic partners including the University of Minnesota’s U-Spatial. 

Explore the Executive Map Portfolio to learn more.

About Minnesota IT Services

Minnesota IT Services, led by the state’s Chief Information Officer, is the Information Technology agency for Minnesota’s executive branch, providing enterprise and local IT services to over 70 agencies, boards, and commissions. MNIT employs more than 2,800 people. Together, we build, maintain, and secure the State’s IT infrastructure, applications, projects, and services. MNIT sets IT strategy, direction, policies, and standards for enterprise IT leadership and planning. We also serve Minnesotans by connecting all 87 counties, 300 cities, and 200 public higher education campuses across the state on the MNET network. Through public-private partnerships, our team proactively protects the state’s information systems and the private data of 5.7 million Minnesotans. 

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