Local governments in Minnesota spent more than $8 million to lobby other units of government in 2013, according to a new report from the state auditor.

The annual Local Government Lobbying Services Report released today said the 2013 total of $8,066,489 spent on lobbying activities was a 3.3 percent increase over the amount spent in 2012.

There were 84 local governments (cities, counties, school districts and special districts) that reported having designated lobbyists on staff or hiring contract lobbyists, at a total cost of $3.8 million. Topping the list was the city of Minneapolis ($306,953), followed by Hennepin County ($244,543), Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency ($206,390), city of St. Paul ($157,936), Ramsey County ($151,143) and the Metropolitan Airports Commission ($148,853).

In addition, local government paid dues totaling nearly $11 million to associations that lobby on their behalf. The top spending associations were the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities ($835,674), League of Minnesota Cities ($628,945) and the Minnesota School Boards Association ($511,404).

Read the full report here.