How is your city or township weathering the current economic crisis? Have you had to make tough, financial choices for your citizens? What are your funding priorities? How is your city coping with recent budget cuts? By what means did you decide your course of action?

Region Five is hosting a discussion on the "Impact of Fiscal Hardship on Local Units of Government" Thursday, April 30, from 5-8:30 p.m. at The Lodge in Baxter behind Famous Dave's. Please RSVP by April 24; contact Ann at Region Five at 218-894-3233 or ahanson@ regionfive.org.

The number of attendees from each local government is not limited. All who are interested are encouraged to attend this assessment of current spending policy.

A panel discussion will begin the evening. Panelists from the Minnesota Association of Townships, the Minnesota Association of Counties and a representative from David Drown Associates will be on hand to offer their perspectives and to answer questions.

Those attending will also be asked to contribute success stories and share challenges during small facilitated discussions.

Light snacks will be provided. A free will donation is requested to defray the meeting costs.