2026 Communications Strategies: Lessons from Minnesota

A strategic communications plan is essential during ongoing crises. Brand responses offer important public relations lessons. Amid the recent influx of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota, our local leaders are leveraging crisis communication tactics to share critical updates, including school district and small business closures.

The Importance of Communication Strategy

Good communicators understand that strategy helps prevent leaders from getting stuck in internal debates. This enables timely and relevant messaging. Minnesota’s crisis response shows that when leaders do not share their vision, employee commitments, or community responsibilities, a lack of executive communication can damage public reputation. In both cases, having a communications plan is crucial.

Building a Strong Foundation

Developing a communication strategy is challenging, even under normal circumstances. Distilling your organization’s identity and activities into clear messages and talking points requires careful prioritization. In unstable times, a strong communications foundation builds confidence, attracts new customers, and creates brand advocates.

Showing integrity in tough times matters. When deciding how your organization should reach out to the community, focus on sharing your values, your support for democracy, and your commitment to treating everyone with respect.

The Role of Leadership in Communication

A communications plan enables leaders to speak with certainty and credibility. If you invest in one area to strengthen your organization in 2026, focus on your communication strategy and provide a clear plan for your leaders. Sharing your voice and values may be your organization’s most significant contribution over this challenging time.

Navigating Crisis Communication

Crisis communication is not just about managing the immediate situation. It’s about building trust and maintaining relationships. When crises arise, people look to leaders for guidance. How can you ensure your message resonates? By being transparent and empathetic, you can foster a sense of community and support.

Engaging with Your Audience

Engagement is key. Use various platforms to reach your audience effectively. Social media, newsletters, and community forums are great ways to keep everyone informed. Remember, communication is a two-way street. Encourage feedback and be open to dialogue.

The Long-Term Impact of Effective Communication

The impact of effective communication extends beyond the crisis. It shapes your organization’s reputation and builds lasting relationships. When you communicate effectively, you not only address immediate concerns but also lay the groundwork for future success.

Stay safe.

Client Wins

Congratulations to James Burroughs and Lulete Mola of the Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity on their sunset op-ed in the Star Tribune.

Please read our client Duchess Harris’s op-ed, “Minnesota should deploy the National Guard so kids can safely attend school,” published in the Star Tribune.

McKnight Foundation CEO Tonya Allen published an op-ed in the Chronicle of Philanthropy “Philanthropy Must Stand Up for Minneapolis — and Our Country” urging readers to call out excessive force, share resources, and tell the truth. Well said, Tonya!

McKnight’s response to the ICE crisis in Minneapolis is also featured in Inside Philanthropy. The article also mentions LW’s past client, Black Collective Foundation. It’s great to see meaningful work recognized. Congrats to all!

Congratulations to the Pritzker Traubert Foundation on the 2025 Chicago Prize awarded to Reclaiming Chicago, an affordable housing initiative. The Prize’s commitment will result in new community assets totaling over $225 million.

Words Create Wins

The Leverette Weekes team has a combined 100+ years of experience creating communications strategies that cut through the noise and crisis communication plans that allow clients to take control of the narrative. Strong communications have never been more important. Schedule a free discovery call today to learn more.

Want to Support Minnesotans?

Leverette Weekes is closed on Friday, January 23rd, in solidarity with ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth & Freedom. If you are looking for ways to support Minnesotans, please learn more and consider donating to the local organizations below:

The Black Collective Foundation’s MN Lead https://www.minnesotablackcollectivefoundation.org/mnlead

Women’s Foundation of Minnesota Immigrant Response Fund https://www.wfmn.org/funds/immigrant-rapid-response/