Leaders at Minnesota 2020, a progressive think-tank in the Twin Cities, closed its doors over the weekend.

The organization had produced well-researched articles on wide-ranging policy topics, like taxes, education, transit and wages. It was founded by former state House of Representatives Minority Leader Matt Entenza in 2007. Entenza resigned as board chair in 2009, but continued as a senior fellow with the organization.

Although Entenza’s unsuccessful challenge of DFL State Auditor Rebecca Otto in a contentious party primary may have angered many party members, management consultant Dave Colling — who is helping shut down the operation — said the funding problems are not related.

“The organizations that support MN2020 have done so for many years, through Entenza’s time with MN2020 and after he stepped down five years ago,” Colling said.

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Over the years, the group also organized discussions with public officials, including one last month with Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges on racial equity and the budget.

Colling said in an official release:

The Board of Trustees of Minnesota 2020 has made the difficult decision to suspend most operations due to funding constraints. The Board is proud of the work of MN 2020, which for 7 1/2 years has provided accurate, reliable and thought-provoking information and commentary on issues important to progressives. MN 2020 is grateful for the support of the many great people and organizations that have made MN 2020 possible, including the many past and present staff members and the hundreds of volunteers that have contributed to its work.

And Deb Balzer, who’d been communications director for MN2020, said in a message Monday night: