An attorney and former Minnesota Senate DFL minority leader, Melisa Lopez Franzen is the chief advocate for the University of Minnesota at the state Legislature. During the 2024 session, she’ll urge lawmakers to support a $500 million capital request for urgent renovations and updates to campus facilities. “Asset preservation is one of the smartest, most cost-effective investments for our state,” she says. As she establishes her government relations team, she notes that “increasing our advocacy and presence does not only happen during the legislative session or when Congress is in session.” On a 12-month basis, she’ll be highlighting the value and needs of the U’s five-campus system.

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