We have some positive news to share as part of the Governor’s budget announcement. Although the state’s budget forecast was lower than expected for the upcoming biennium, the Explore Minnesota base budget for FY26-27 will remain intact. We are fortunate to have the continued support of the current administration, and to be included in a responsible, measured and honest budget that will ensure long term stability.
Notably, the Governor’s budget proposal did not include special or one-time funding for Explore Minnesota tourism initiatives, or funding for Explore Minnesota for Business. For programs that received one-time funding from the previous budget session, we will continue discussions with our teams and the administration about how we may sustain this work moving forward.
Agency leadership is diligently crafting a strategic plan for the years ahead, allowing the tourism industry and state to thrive. We hope to share more about those plans soon.
At Explore Minnesota, we take immense pride in our work and are pleased to be able to continue to work with you to support the State’s tourism industry.
If you'd like to connect with your Senators and Representatives and ask for their support of Explore Minnesota, you can find their contact information here: https://www.gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts/
If you have questions or concerns about the legislative process, please contact our Government Relations Supervisor, Lyndsey Hanson at Lyndsey.Hanson@state.mn.us
