Questions about GreenStep and/or Gold Leaf? Stop in!
Welcome to GreenStep Cities & Tribal Nations
Minnesota GreenStep Cities & Tribal Nations is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help communities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. This free continuous improvement program, managed by a public-private partnership, is based upon a menu of 29 optional best practices. Each best practice can be implemented, as decided by elected officials, staff and community members, by completing one or more actions at a 1, 2 or 3-star level, from a list of over 180 actions. These voluntary actions are tailored to Minnesota, focus on cost savings and energy use reduction, and encourage civic innovation. [More]
Recognition Steps 1-5
Learn about the benefits of program participation, and then
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Build community interest; have program staff visit your community; join GreenStep by adopting a city or Tribal resolution |
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Post brief info on this website about what you've already done; be recognized for implementing between 4 & 8 best practices |
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Implement at your own pace an additional 4 – 8 best practices; complete a handful of high-impact best practice actions (ask us for help) |
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Measure and report on between 7 & 15 performance metrics |
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Show improvement in performance metrics |
News
- Matching funds for development/rehabing housing, renter/homebuyer assistance programs, and/or admin expenses
- Nominate a GreenStep City that has achieved sustainability goals through implementation of 1+ BPAs
The Blazing Star is a native prairie plant found in Minnesota that has characteristics that Conservation Minnesota celebrates; it’s hardy, adaptable, and environmentally-friendly. That’s why the Blazing Star Award is given to local governments around the state for exciting projects that advance conservation, climate resilience, environmental protection, or outdoor recreation opportunities.
- MPCA $ to promote collaboration among political subdivisions to adopt best practices and assess the infrastructure and programming needed
Buildings and Lighting

Land Use

Transportation

Environmental Management

Resilient Economic and Community Development
