Adopt a comprehensive plan or (for Category B & C cities) adopt a future land use plan that was adopted by the county or a regional entity.
- Action 1:City Detail
Background Information
City Assessment Files and City Performance Metrics
City councils pass a resolution to join the GreenStep program and are recognized at Step 1. Step 2 and Step 3 recognition levels reflect completed city actions, reported and rated below with stars (1 star = good, 2 stars = better, 3 stars = best). The Assessment File below summarizes completed city actions in a short Word file. Step 4 recognition is awarded to cities who report a minimum number of core metrics for the previous calendar year. These metrics aim to show the aggregate, quantitative results of taking multiple GreenStep actions. Step 5 cities show improvement in the Step 4 metrics. See yearly data for Steps 4&5. Additional city data can be found by reviewing information on B3 Benchmarking and Regional Indicators Initiative.
Assessment File
Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed
Completed actions are denoted by stars.
Total completed actions: 20Land Use
Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans {BP no.6}
Michael Healy (City staff) | mhealy@biglakemn.org | 763-251-2977
Demonstrate that regulatory ordinances comply with the comprehensive plan including but not limited to having the zoning ordinance explicitly reference the comprehensive plan as the foundational document for decision making.
- Action 2:accordance with the policies and purpose of this Ordinance. In accordance with Minnesota Statutes Chapter 473 as amended, the City will not approve any rezoning or other change in these regulations that are inconsistent with the City Comprehensive Plan.
Michael Healy (City staff) | mhealy@biglakemn.org | 763-251-2977
Mixed Uses {BP no.8}
Have a downtown zoning district that emphasizes small and destination business, entrepreneurial spaces, and allows or requires residential and residential-compatible commercial development.
- Action 5:Michael Healy (City staff) | mhealy@biglakemn.org | 763-251-2977
Efficient Highway- and Auto-Oriented Development {BP no.9}
Participate in regional economic development planning with representatives from surrounding townships, cities, the county and business interests to:
- Action 2:Hanna Klimmek (City staff) | hklimmek@biglakemn.org | 763-251-2979
Adopt development policies for large-format developments, zoning for auto-oriented commercial districts at the sub-urban edge and/or in tightly defined and smaller urban development corridors/nodes that have some bike/walk/transit access.
- Action 4:Michael Healy (City staff) | mhealy@biglakemn.org | 763-251-2977
Transportation
Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}
Adopt a complete streets policy, or a living streets policy, which addresses landscaping and stormwater.
- Action 1:Layne Otteson (City staff) | lotteson@biglakemn.org | 763-251-2984
Identify and remedy street-trail gaps between city streets and off-road trails/bike trails to better facilitate walking and biking.
- Action 5:Michael Healy (City staff) | mhealy@biglakemn.org | 763-251-2977
Mobility Options {BP no.12}
Conduct an Active Living campaign such as a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.
- Action 2:Clay Wilfahrt (City staff) | cwilfahrt@biglakmn.org | 763-251-2968
Prominently promote mobility options: public transit; paratransit/Dial-A-Ride; cab services; rental cars; bike lanes; trails; airports.
- Action 3:Hanna Klimmek (City staff) | hklimmek@biglakemn.org | 763-251-2979
Environmental Management
Parks and Trails {BP no.18}
Make improvements within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces.
- Action 1:Mike Goebel (City staff) | mgoebel@biglakemn.org | 763-251-8010
Plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails for areas where new development is planned.
- Action 2:Achieve minimum levels of city green space and maximize the percent within a ten-minute walk of community members.
- Action 3:Mike Goebel (City staff) | mgoebel@biglakemn.org | 763-251-8010
Surface Water {BP no.19}
Conduct or support multi-party community conversations, assessments, plans and actions around improving local water quality and quantity.
- Action 2:Clay Wilfahrt (City staff) | cwilfahrt@biglakmn.org | 763-251-2968
Adopt a shoreland ordinance for all river and lake shoreland areas.
- Action 4:Michael Healy (City staff) | mhealy@biglakemn.org | 763-251-2977
Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}
Publicize, promote and use the varied businesses/services collecting and marketing used, repaired and rental consumer goods, especially electronics, in the city/county.
- Action 4:Katie Stelzner (City staff) | kstelzner@biglakemn.org | 763-307-6040
Resilient Economic and Community Development
Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}
Inclusive and Coordinated Decision-Making: Use a city commission or committee to lead, coordinate, report to and engage community members on the identification and equitable implementation of sustainability best practices.
- Action 1:Katie Stelzner (City staff) | kstelzner@biglakemn.org | 763-307-6040
Public Education for Action: Conduct or support a broad sustainability education and action campaign, building on existing community relationships, networks & events involving:
- Action 4:Katie Stelzner (City staff) | kstelzner@biglakemn.org | 763-307-6040
Green Business Development {BP no.25}
Create or participate in a marketing/outreach program to connect businesses with assistance providers, including utilities, who provide personalized energy, waste or sustainability audits and assistance.
- Action 2:Hanna Klimmek (City staff) | hklimmek@biglakemn.org | 763-251-2979
Conduct or participate in a buy local campaign for community members and local businesses.
- Action 7:Hanna Klimmek (City staff) | hklimmek@biglakemn.org | 763-251-2979
Local Food {BP no.27}
Create, assist with and promote local food production/distribution within the city:
- Action 3:Corrie Scott (City staff) | cscott@biglakemn.org | 763-263-7800