The 1994 Minnesota Congress on Sustainable Development brought together people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to think about the state's social, economic and environmental future. The congress, held on February 24 and 25, was based on the work of the Minnesota Sustainable Development Initiative's seven citizen teams and provided the first forum for discussing their reports on sustainable agriculture, energy, forestry, manufacturing, mining, recreation and settlement.

Among the Round Table's chief proposals:

Raise awareness and understanding of sustainable development through schools, public forums and business forums

Adopt new measures of progress that reflect the interdependence of Minnesota's economy, environment and communities

Support communities and businesses in pursuing sustainable development

Adjust government purchasing practices, environmental regulations and other policies to encourage sustainable practices and business innovation

The Economics for Lasting Progress project of the Minnesota Sustainable Development Initiative examined the economic signals sent by selected state policies. The report of this project, Smart Signals: Economics for Lasting Progress asks Minnesotans to question basic assumptions about the relationships between the environment, economy and communities. It identifies issues concerning the economic implications of state policies and ways to improve them for a healthier Minnesota.