Commissions

MN Statewide Environment Commissions Conference 2023
Saturday, May 20 2023 9am – 12:30pm CDT
Ridgedale Library, in the Robert H. Rohlf Room 12601 Ridgedale Drive Minnetonka, MN 55305 Please RSVP at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-environment-commissions-conference-tickets-602736108927

We invite Environment Commission Members from across Minnesota to learn from other environmental commissions, see what issues are affecting other communities, and network with commission volunteers.
Opportunities to participate online and in person are available.

This event will feature presentations from:

• Jennifer Fierce the sustainability coordinator for the City of Eden Prairie will be presenting on the city’s successful electric vehicle initiatives.

• Elizabeth Kramer public services analyst and Rocio Durkot utilities water quality specialist with the City of St. Cloud will be presenting on energy and water quality projects at the city’s wastewater treatment facility.

•  Addressing the Sustainability Gap in the Development Review Process (GSC and Michael Orange, 2021). The guide has 8 main sections: climate change future – a call to action; the third “E” in Sustainability – equity, and climate refugees; environmental advocacy and the development review process; Minnesota programs for local governments; municipal development code; 2 case studies; and resources. 

GreenStep City Best Practices: Resilient Economic and Community Development
#24.1 – Benchmarks and Community Engagement

Contact: Sean Gosiewski, Green Step Best Practice Advisor, BPA #24 612 240-0389 sean@rccmn.co

BPA 24.1 Use a city commission, or committee to lead, coordinate, and report to and engage community members on implementation of sustainability best practices.

Many GreenStep cities use an existing group, such as a city environmental commission or an existing civic group, as their GreenStep implementation or “green” team. Those forming a new committee to lead, coordinate and report on the implementation of GreenStep best practices

Helpful Resources

• Tips for creating and maintaining successful green teams 
•  PowerPoint on commission formation,
• Organizing Guide from GreenStep.

• RCC’s New-Resources-GSC-BP-24-Benchmarks-Community-Engagement
• Forming a Team (Section 4) Sustainability Planning Toolkit (ICLEI, 2009)

• Read about how green teams work in the cities of Scandia and Crosslake.  
• New : The GreenStep Green Team Work Plan  covers tips for creating and maintaining successful green teams and much more: case studies, testimonials, and step-by-step guidance on how Green Teams might move forward on Benchmarking Public Buildings (BP 1.1) and Comprehensive and Related Plans (BP 6).