International Legislators' Forum

ABOUT

The International Legislators’ Forum (ILF) is a nonpartisan, consensus-oriented convening of legislators from the northern plains region of North America. Legislators from across the political spectrum meet, learn, share information, explore problems, build relationships, and develop collaborative approaches and solutions on a wide variety of issues relevant to and affecting their jurisdictions. The ILF is convened and facilitated by Consensus Council.

HISTORY

The ILF grew out of the International Flood Mitigation Initiative, a series of consultations between Manitoba, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota following the 1997 Red River Basin flood.

IMPACT

ILF participation strengthens individual leadership and regional cooperation. Since 2001, delegates have:

• Identified shared challenges and practical, transferable solutions.
• Engaged in nonpartisan dialogue that transcends political and ideological divides
• Built lasting relationships that move beyond the Forum

The International Legislators’ Forum demonstrates that when legislators engage in open dialogue grounded in trust and consensus, durable solutions emerge.

PAST FOCUS AREAS

Over the years, the International Legislators’ Forum has brought legislators together to explore timely and complex issues affecting the Northern Plains region. The topics below highlight select focus areas from past events and are not a comprehensive list.

• Agriculture
• Behavioral Health
• Community & Economic Development
• Criminal Justice Reform
• Drug Trafficking
• Emergency Management
• Energy Transmission
• Technology
• Trade
• Tribal Sovereignty
• Tourism
• Water Issues
• Workforce Development
• Working Across Differences