About

The original Farmer-Labor movement was built by regular people — farmers, workers, and small-town folks — who got tired of being pushed around by big business and forgotten by politicians. Back then, they organized for fair pay, safe working conditions, and rules that kept powerful corporations in check. It wasn’t about fancy speeches or chasing votes, it was about standing up for each other and fighting for a better life.

That same spirit lives on in the Farmer-Labor Policy Center. We’re not a political party. We don’t answer to lobbyists or big donors. We’re a policy and organizing center that writes good, solid plans to make life better for working people — and we help push those plans through at the local and state level. We’re rooted in Minnesota, and focused on making Minnesota thrive.

We write policies that come straight from real life; backed by research, polling, and what folks on the ground are actually asking for. These aren’t pipe dreams. They’re practical, common-sense solutions that invest public dollars in ways that help everyone: strengthening communities, more affordable housing, improving education for all, decent healthcare, better roads and transit, clean air and water, protections for workers and renters, and much more.

We’re not just about writing policy — we’re about building power. We work alongside unions, community organizations, and working-class leaders to win real change at the local and state level. Our work shows up where decisions are made: city halls, school boards, commissions, and state capitols. While membership is by invitation, we openly share tools, guidance, and education to help people engage in their local governments. We break down how to speak up, where to show up, and how to make an impact, whether that means attending a meeting, joining a board, or standing with your neighbors when it counts. Here is how you can Get Started.

This work isn’t about politics-as-usual. It’s about building real people power — so decisions aren’t made by the richest folks in the room, but by the communities who actually live with the results.

The Farmer-Labor Policy Center stands on a simple belief:
– Nobody should be too poor to live a decent life.
– Nobody should be so rich they can buy our government.

From the Iron Mountains, to the streets of Minneapolis, to the suburbs of the Twin Cities, and to every farm/town/city of Minnesota – we’re standing up for the working class with policy, organizing, and old-school solidarity.