City Detail

Background Information

City of Brainerd
County: Crow Wing
Population: 14395
GreenStep City category: A
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 65
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

James Kramvik
City Staff
jkramvik@ci.brainerd.mn.us
218-828-2307
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
https://www.ci.brainerd.mn.us/
GreenStep City resolution: Click here to view the file.
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 2 ( )

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
2024 - click to view assessment

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 43
1 star actions: 24
2 star actions: 13
3 star actions: 6

Buildings and Lighting Buildings and Lighting

Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}

1 star - Action 1:

Enter/update government-owned building information and monthly usage data into the MN B3 Benchmarking database, and utilize building/energy audits to identify potential improvements.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City Engineer reports this to be up to date.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
1 star - Action 2:

Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned/school buildings to reduce energy costs.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The utility service center features occupancy sensors in break rooms/ storage rooms/ restrooms for both lights and exhaust fans. BPU also installed new high efficiency lighting for the arena and in the shop.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309
1 star - Action 4:

Implement IT efforts and city employee engagement to reduce plug loads, building energy use and workflow efficiency.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2008
Implementation details:
The RETAP team of William Rois and Rin Porter conducted an energy use and waste
reduction assessment of the Brainerd City Hall located at 501 Laurel Street, Brainerd, Minnesota, on July 10,2008. The RETAP team met with Mark Ostgarden, City Planner, and Jeff Hulsether,
Maintenance Supervisor, and then toured the building with Mr. Hulsether. A follow-up meeting was held on September 5 with Rin Porter and Norm Ledeboer from RETAP, and Mr. Ostgarden and Mr.
Hulsether from the City of Brainerd.

Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
This evaluation directed The City of Brainerd in what they need to do in order to be more energy efficient. Issues will be resolved as they come up, and the city was given projections of how much money they can save monthly and yearly from the RETAP evaluation
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
RETAP (Retiree Environmental Technical Assistance Program)
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309

Efficient Existing Private Buildings {BP no.2}

1 star - Action 1:

Create or participate in a marketing/outreach/incentive program to promote/achieve residential energy/water use reduction and energy efficiency.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Brainerd Public Utilities has Implemented a subsidized residential energy audit, in which they offer $25 basic energy audits to all electricity customers, and a $100 energy audit with a blower door and IR test for customers who heat with electricity.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:

Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}

3 star - Action 4:

Coordinate traffic signals and/or optimize signal timing to minimize car idling at intersections yet maintain safe and publicly acceptable vehicle speeds.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
All of the city's traffic signals utilize loop detectors and a majority are synced with a grouping of other traffic signals. The city does coordinate with MnDOT to synchronize signals along the 210/Washington Street and Business 371 corridors.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309
1 star - Action 5:

Use LED/solar-powered lighting for a flashing sign or in a street, parking lot or park project.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
There are two new pedestrian crossing signs along College Drive that use flashing LED lighting.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309
1 star - Action 8:

Replace the city's existing traffic signal indications with LEDs.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Brainerd has relamped over 1/3 of the existing signal lights with LEDs, and has a policy of replacing most all existing signals with LED on their next scheduled maintenance.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Sarah Hayden Shaw (Community volunteer) | sjhaay@gmail.com | 218-760-6837

Building Redevelopment {BP no.5}

1 star - Action 3:

Plan for reuse of large-format retail buildings, or work with a local school, church or commercial building to either add-on space or repurpose space into new uses.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Former Franklin Middle School has been repurposed by the Crossing Arts Alliance. It is now artists' residences, studio space and retail/ gallery space for the Arts community. The auditorium is used for various community purposes, including being used as a church for much of the week.
A second school that has been sitting vacant has been sold by ISD 181 to a third party who performed updates for Energy Efficiency and ADA compliance and leased the building to a Montessori Charter School. A third school, Edison Elementary School, now hosts the Laestadian Lutheran Church of Brainerd. A fourth school, Washington High School, includes administrative offices as well as "Fun and Friends," a preschool and after school program, and the Kingsley School of Music. Finally, Lincoln Elementary School has been repurposed as an alternative learning center providing a safe and positive learning environment to help students become independent, contributing members to Brainerd's community.
Additionally, a former Shopping Mall of 70s vintage has been repurposed into office space for Ascensus, a financial planning company- completed in 2010.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Crossing Arts Alliance
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2310
2 star - Action 5:

Adopt development/design standards and programs that facilitate infill, redevelopment, and adaptable buildings.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city of Brainerd is one of the first in the state to have adopted a "small house" conditional use permit option, as a tool to help encourage infill development on non conforming vacant city lots. New houses as small as 500sf will be permitted to be built on a conditional use permit basis.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Sarah Hayden Shaw (Community volunteer) | sjhaay@gmail.com | 218-760-6837

Land Use Land Use

Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans {BP no.6}

1 star - Action 1:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2004.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2310
1 star - Action 2:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Such language was included in the 2009 Zoning Ordinance rewrite.

515-1-3:Relation to Comprehensive Plan. It is the policy of the City of Brainerd that the enforcement, amendment, and administration of this Ordinance be accomplished with due consideration of the recommendations contained in the Comprehensive Plan, as developed and amended from time to time by the City Council of the City. The City Council recognizes the Comprehensive Plan as the policy guide for responsible regulation of land use and development in accordance with the policies and purpose herein set forth.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309
1 star - Action 3:

Include requirements in comprehensive and/or other plans for intergovernmental coordination addressing regional land use and watershed / wellhead impacts, infrastructure, transportation, economic development and city/regional services.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Included in 1994 Comprehensive Plan. General Goal #2: Support a strong, ongoing working relationship between Brainerd, Crow Wing County, and the adjacent governmental jurisdictions in all matter related to planning and the provision of public services. Strategies: 1. Recognize the legitimate issues and concerns regarding jurisdictional issues by working and cooperating with surrounding communities through the planning process and outside this process. 2. Encourage joint planning projects and shared community facilities where appropriate and fiscally responsible.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2310

Mixed Uses {BP no.8}

1 star - Action 2:

Locate or lease a property for use as a school, city building or other government facility that has at least two of these attributes:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City Hall and Police Department are located adjacent to the Crow Wing County campus and the Central Business District. Both are near a HUD high-rise and along a bus route. City transit service office is located in City Hall.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309
2 star - Action 5:

Have a downtown zoning district that emphasizes small and destination business, entrepreneurial spaces, and allows or requires residential and residential-compatible commercial development.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Included in the 2009 Zoning Ordinance rewrite. The purpose of this district is to encourage the continuation of a viable, traditional downtown area by allowing retail, service, office and entertainment facilities and public and semi-public uses as well as the allowance of second-story dwelling units located above such uses.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2310

Transportation Transportation

Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}

2 star - Action 1:

Adopt a complete streets policy, or a living streets policy, which addresses landscaping and stormwater.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
The City of Brainerd adopted resolution NO. 11:15 in March of 2015, providing a Complete Streets Policy. This Complete Streets Policy incorporates the simple and basic concept that a network of streets and roadways should be designed and operated to be safe and accessible for all transportation users whether they are pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders or vehicular motorists. Transportation shall include all multi-modal users regardless of age or ability.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.ci.brainerd.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/4054
Walkable and Bikeable City Committee
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309
1 star - Action 3:

Modify a street in compliance with the city's complete streets policy.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Brainerd District installed 17 rain water gardens in the Little Buffalo Creek Watershed in south Brainerd. The rain gardens are being installed to improve water quality in Little Buffalo Creek and downstream waters.

Work involves installing a curb cut rain garden in the front yard of a residence. The landowners signed up to have rain gardens installed in their front yards and agreed to maintain them in the future.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Crow Wing County Soil Water Conservation District
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2310
1 star - Action 4:

Identify, prioritize and remedy complete streets gaps and lack of connectivity/safety within your road network by, for example, bike/pedestrian plan, adding a bike route/lane, truck route, sidewalk or mid-block alley.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The reconstruction of Willow Street, completed in September 2014, included approximately 1 mile of on street bike lanes.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309
1 star - Action 5:

Identify and remedy street-trail gaps between city streets and off-road trails/bike trails to better facilitate walking and biking.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Buffalo Hills Trail completion in 2013 has created a network of connected local and state trail in the community by linking the Spur Line Trail to Kiwanis Park. In May of 2016, the City of Brainerd completed a draft form of the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan which seeks to increase "walkability/bikability" by constructing new sidewalks and multi-use trail systems.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
A Buffalo Hills/Cuyuna Lakes Sate Trail loop now exists that provides a 5 mile multiuse opportunity in the city.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2310
2 star - Action 6:

Implement traffic calming policy/measures, including lane conversions (road diets), roundabouts, low-speed streets, shared space and depaving, in at least one street redevelopment project.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Curb bump-outs and streetscaping were part of the downtown renewal project implemented in 2008. The rebuilt College Drive, completed in 2013, included streetscaping and roundabouts.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309

Mobility Options {BP no.12}

3 star - Action 1:

Increase walking, biking and transit use by one or more of the following means:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Maps and schedules of express bus service have been produced and distributed. In 2014, the League of American Cyclists awarded the City of Brainerd with an honorable mention upon reviewing its application for becoming a Walk and Bike Friendly Community. In the coming months Brainerd will be submitting another application in an attempt to increase its standing.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.ci.brainerd.mn.us/transit/docs/BrdBxt_schedule_2012.pdf
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309
1 star - Action 2:

Conduct an Active Living campaign such as a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Crow Wing Energized and the City of Brainerd cooperated to identify 2 significant walking routes. By 2014, 0.732 miles of Safe Routes to School were constructed. Approval for 0.455 and 0.897 additional miles has been granted for completion by 2019 and 2020 respectively to continue Brainerd's Safe Routes to School Plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2310
1 star - Action 6:

Add/expand public transit service.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Fixed route travel service added in 2012.(Brainerd/Baxter Express Route Service)
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Several mile route now provides regular service to retail, government,educational and medical services across Brainerd and neighboring city of Baxter.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.ci.brainerd.mn.us/transit/
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309

Demand-Side Travel Planning {BP no.14}

2 star - Action 1:

Reduce or eliminate parking minimums; add parking maximums; develop district parking; install meters and charge for parking at curb and city-owned lots/ramps. 

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2012
Implementation details:
The city does not require off-street parking in the downtown area, and we eliminated minimum requirements in 3 commercial zoning districts and 2 industrial districts.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2310

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Sustainable Purchasing {BP no.15}

1 star - Action 5:

Set minimum sustainability standards to reduce the impact of your concrete use, asphalt, roadbed aggregate, or other construction materials.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city requires all city contractors to follow MN-DOT guidelines regarding the percentage of recycled-content material in roadway construction.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309

Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}

2 star - Action 1:

Certify as a Tree City USA.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Brainerd has been certified as a Tree City USA for 33 years.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.arborday.org/programs/treeCityUSA/treecities.cfm?chosenstate=Minnesota
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309
1 star - Action 4:

Maximize tree planting along your main downtown street or throughout the city.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
A 2012 revamp of downtown streets included a street scape/ landscape with many street trees included.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Sarah Hayden Shaw (Community volunteer) | sjhaay@gmail.com | 218-760-6837
2 star - Action 5:

Adopt a tree preservation or native landscaping ordinance.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Ordinance section 1405 adopted in 2012 specifically allows native vegetation in public and right of way plantings, and tree protection policies.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Sarah Hayden Shaw (Community volunteer) | sjhaay@gmail.com | 218-760-6837

Stormwater Management {BP no.17}

1 star - Action 2:

Complete the GreenStep Municipal Stormwater Management Assessment.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
We have registered for the Blue Star City program and are in the process of completing the assessment.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2310
1 star - Action 3:

Adopt by ordinance one or more of the following stormwater infiltration/management strategies to reduce impervious surface:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In accordance with city ordinance 725.04, release rates from storm water treatment basins shall not increase over the predevelopment twenty-four (24) hour two (2) year, ten (10) year and one hundred (100) year peak storm discharge rates, based on the last ten (10) years of how that land was used.

City ordinance 720 prohibits illicit discharges and connections to stormwater system.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309
1 star - Action 4:

Create a stormwater utility that uses variable fees to incentivize stormwater infiltration, minimize the volume of and pollutants in runoff, and educate property owners and renters on the importance of managing stormwater runoff.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Stormwater fees vary by lot size and percent of impervious surface.

Revenues derived from the municipal storm sewer utility shall be dedicated to the
construction, maintenance, operation, establishment and repair of the existing municipal storm
sewer drainage system and additions thereto.

Ref: City Code Section 715
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309

Parks and Trails {BP no.18}

1 star - Action 2:

Plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails for areas where new development is planned.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In accordance with Section 8 of the City's subdivision ordinance, park dedication of suitable land is a prerequisite to any subdivision approval, cash contributions to the City's park dedication fund can be accepted in lieu of land donations.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309
3 star - Action 3:

Achieve minimum levels of city green space and maximize the percent within a ten-minute walk of community members.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
The City of Brainerd has over 200 acres of city owned park land. This is over 15 acres of park land per 1000 residents. In addition to this 96% of residents live within one half mile of a park or public waters.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.ci.brainerd.mn.us/parks/parks.htm
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2310
1 star - Action 4:

Adopt low-impact design standards in parks and trails that infiltrate or retain all 2 inch, 24-hour stormwater events on site.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
New park and trail projects are held to the same stormwater standards as any other development in the city.

These requirements are detailed in Ordinance 725.04: Release rates from storm water
treatment basins shall not increase over the predevelopment twenty-four (24) hour two (2) year,
ten (10) year and one hundred (100) year peak storm discharge rates, based on the last ten (10)
years of how that land was used.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Infiltration basins were included as part of reconstruction at Bane Park and Buffalo hills Park. Two new stormwater retention areas have been constructed at Memorial Park.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309

Resilient Economic & Community Development Resilient Economic and Community Development

Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}

2 star - Action 1:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Brainerd City Council authorized and appointed 5 members to the Brainers GreenStep City committee. We meet monthly (or close to it)
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Sarah Hayden (Community volunteer) | sjhaay@gmail.com | 218-760-6837
1 star - Action 2:

Communicating Progress on Goals: Organize goals/outcome measures from all city plans (social, environmental, economic) and report to community members data that show progress toward meeting these goals.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
A strategic plan was created after a Town Hall meeting was held in 2011.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2310
2 star - Action 5:

Planning with a Purpose: Conduct a community visioning and planning initiative that engages a diverse set of community members & stakeholders and uses a sustainability, resilience, or environmental justice framework such as:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
We have an active Strong Towns campaign going on right now.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Sarah Hayden Shaw (Community volunteer) | sjhaay@gmail.com | 218-760-6837

Green Business Development {BP no.25}

2 star - Action 2:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
BPU provides no-cost commercial energy audits. We have regularly achieved our annual 1.5% energy savings goals. Spending and savings goals are reported to the Department of Commerce every year.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.bpu.org/cip.htm
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309
2 star - Action 7:

Conduct or participate in a buy local campaign for community members and local businesses.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
"Showcasing Brainerd" happens monthly at council meetings. Over the past three years many local businesses (both industrial and retail) have used this time to introduce their goods and services to the council and public. (meetings are televised)
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309

Renewable Energy {BP no.26}

2 star - Action 2:

Promote resident/business purchases and/or generation of clean energy by:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
BPU provides a nationally promoted $2 a watt ($4000 maximum) rebate on solar PV.
Residential incentives are provided in a joint effort with MN Power and 7 other utilities. These programs are promoted through bpu.org and the utility's monthly newsletter. BPU newsletters advertise the MyMeter conservation effort aimed at residents. https://mymeter.bpu.org/
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=MN167F
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309
3 star - Action 5:

Install a public sector/municipally-owned renewable energy technology, such as solar electric (PV), wind, biomass, solar hot water/air, or micro-hydro.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Brainerd Public Utility has an 8.9 KW rooftop solar unit at their offices. The city also owns and operates a 3.3 Megawatt Hydro facility.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309

Local Food {BP no.27}

2 star - Action 2:

Facilitate creation of home/community gardens, chicken & bee keeping, and incorporation of food growing areas/access in multifamily and residential developments.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Brainerd approved community member's request to create several personal chicken coops in the Northside neighborhood as well as one at the local charter school, Discovery Woods. Additionally, Crow Wing Energized funded the establishment of various community gardens around the city. Specifically, the City of Brainerd oversees the Kiwanis Community Garden off of the Mississippi River.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2310
3 star - Action 4:

Measurably increase institutional buying and sales of foods and fibers that are local, Minnesota-grown, organic, healthy, humanely raised, and grown by fairly compensated growers.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Farm to School program delivers local foods to the Brainerd School District schools. This enhances the local foods industry and promotes healthy eating among school students.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Pounds of local foods sold, and number of students exposed to local foods.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Farm to School; Sprout
For more information contact:
Sarah Hayden Shaw (Community volunteer) | sjhaay@gmail.com | 218-760-6837

Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience {BP no.29}

3 star - Action 1:

Prepare to maintain public health and safety during extreme weather and climate-change-related events, while also taking a preventive approach to reduce risk for community members.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
The City of Brainerd utilizes the Crow Wing County Hazard Mitigation Plan to ensure the safety of all community members during severe storms, fires, flooding, etc. The plan is regularly reviewed and is currently being updated. The plan is headed by John Bowen, the Crow Wing County Emergency Management Director, and is implemented in the City by the appropriate agencies for each hazard, such as the fire Dept. and DNR. The Plan focuses heavily on the education and outreach to all citizens. Information is made available through the Emergency Warning System(EWS) that everyone is encouraged to sign up for. EWS has been recently updated to provide warning through social media platforms as well as through the City and County websites, the local newspaper, and TV. The Plan also focuses on educating vulnerable populations such as the youth and elderly about staying safe during periods of extreme heat and cold.The Plan also identifies and prepares buildings and schools within the city that can be prepared with backup generators, HVAC, and water and sewer that can be used as critical facilities in case of a major power outage.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2310