City Detail

Background Information

City of Columbia Heights
County: Anoka
Population: 21973
GreenStep City category: A
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 150
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Andrew Boucher
City Staff
aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov
763-706-3673
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
http://www.ci.columbia-heights.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: 25
1 star actions: 10
2 star actions: 13
3 star actions: 2

Buildings and Lighting Buildings and Lighting

Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}

2 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:
The City has 5 main government buildings and 3 liquor stores. All 5 main buildings are entered in the BM3 system with data entered as far back as 2007 for some buildings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Data to be used for building capital improvement priorities and scheduling. Also to implement energy reduction procedures and changes during routine maintenance.
Note to PHillip--still gathering more info on projects completed.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
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:
Starting in 2010 with the MSC (Municipal Service Center), Columbia Heights has been evaluating the older buildings for lighting improvements and efficiency. See attached for the project completed in 2010.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The City has noticed using the B3 tracking program that electrical usage is down since the upgrade for the MSC.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
1 star - Action 3:

Invest in larger energy efficiency projects through performance contracting or other funding or through smaller retro-commissioning/retrofit projects in city-owned/school buildings.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City Facilities Maintenance Supervisor has been switching sections of the existing buildings over to LED as lighting fails or is due for upgrades, instead of waiting for a complete building project. See for example the LED outside lighting done for the liquor store attached.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706

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: 2023
Implementation details:
The City provides a welcome packet including information on the Home Energy Squad which conducts energy audits, creates customized reports with recommendations, and provide instant energy savings by installing free materials such as LED lights, weather stripping, and high efficiency water fixtures as well as offering residents a discounted rate for HES visits. There are two kinds of visits available one for homes built before 2000 and one for homes built after 2000. This handout also includes information about the seasonal yard waste and organics collection and how to order compost carts. The City also partners with Xcel Energy to provide a Business Incentive and Sustainability Rider for new and existing commercial and industrial customers with new or additional loads of 350kW or more. Xcel Energy also offers Energy Design Assistance, a free integrated design service for larger facilities, and Energy Efficient Buildings to incorporate energy efficiency measures into new construction, expansion or renovation projects.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
https://www.columbiaheightsmn.gov/business/business_resources/public_financial_assistance_incentives/xcel_energy.php
For more information contact:
Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673

Land Use Land Use

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

2 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:
The comprehensive plan was adopted in 2010 by City Council and subsequently the Met Council, as required by our City. There are sections integrated within the plan that address sustainability strategies, culminating in goals such as:
Goal (Chapter 10 page 7 ): Provide convenient access to mixed land use developments to encourage
more trips via non-motorized modes of travel and less by automobile.
Goal (chapter 10 page9): Preserve and reinvest in the housing stock...5. Encourage energy efficiency and sustainability in renovation and new construction.
Goal (chapter 10 page 12): Preserve and protect natural features and resources in existing parks and when planning and redeveloping park and recreational facilities. 1. Explore methods and costs of transitioning to more sustainable operational practices.
Goal (chapter 10 page 13): Increase and promote safe and efficient alternative modes of transportation.
Goal (chapter 10 page 15): Maintain or improve the quality of water resources within the City.
Goal (chapter 10 page 16): Prevent, to the extent possible, sediment from construction sites from
entering the City's surface water resources and to control the erosion from drainageways within the City.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Policies and ordinances updated to reference Comp plan.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.ci.columbia-heights.mn.us/index.aspx?nid=198
For more information contact:
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
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:
The comprehensive plan is referenced by the City code and especially for the zoning ordinances Chapter 9: Land Use. See attached sampling.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.ci.columbia-heights.mn.us/index.aspx?nid=148

Resilient City Growth {BP no.7}

1 star - Action 2:

Achieve higher density housing through at least two of the following strategies:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City's current residential redevelopment project, Grand Central Lofts, only allows condo and town home development on the lot (see link). Past residential redevelopment also focused on town home lots such as the Park View project as reported in the Comprehensive Plan (http://mn-columbiaheights.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/266) page 6. In addition, the City always has had small lots as allowing in the Code (see attached excepts).
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://mn-columbiaheights.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=195
For more information contact:
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706

Mixed Uses {BP no.8}

2 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: 2023
Implementation details:
New City Hall is located along Central Avenue along a transit line with 250 apartments above the municipal center. Electric vehicle charging for private, public, and fleet vehicles are available and there is a municipal parking ramp across the street as well as a transit center.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The new City Hall location will house Administration, Community Development, Engineering, Finance, Information Technology, and Utility Billing. Located in the new City Hall building will be the City Council Chambers, a City Council Work Room, and a community room, in which civic and community groups will be able to hold meetings and events. The overall development project includes 266 apartments, a 3,500 square foot café space, and new City Hall.

City Hall Garage – There is a parking garage located at 3989 Central Ave NE. Visitors will have to enter off 40th Ave NE to enter. The garage is only open during business hours and for scheduled City meetings. City Hall offers public and fleet EV charging and the Ratio Apartments has private EV chargers as well.

Van Buren St NE Ramp – The Van Buren St NE Ramp is located north of 40th Ave NE between Van Buren St NE and Central Ave NE.

Municipal Parking Lot – The Municipal Parking lot is located south of 40th Ave NE between Van Buren St NE and Central Ave NE.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.columbiaheightsmn.gov/government/newcityhall.php
Alatus LLC
For more information contact:
Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673
3 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: Pre-2012
Implementation details:
The Central Business District is a zoning district that is designed to provide for the development and redevelopment of the established downtown core, including a mix of retail, financial, office, service, civic, and educational uses with residential units allowed above a first floor commercial use.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.columbiaheightsmn.gov/business/facade_improvement_grant.php
For more information contact:
Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673

Efficient Highway- and Auto-Oriented Development {BP no.9}

2 star - Action 1:

Establish design goals for at least one highway/auto-oriented corridor/cluster.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Columbia Heights adopted new design guidelines for the City in 2003. This included guidelines for the Central Ave (Hwy 65) corridor. The Central Ave street-scaping project was also completed in 2003 which included wider sidewalks, safer pedestrian crosswalks, and new tree/shrub plantings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.ci.columbia-heights.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=201
For more information contact:
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706

Transportation Transportation

Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}

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:
Columbia Heights between 2004 and 2007 the City redeveloped and old industrial area into a town home residential district. This was projected to increase traffic considerably at the corner of Jefferson and 39th Ave (now called Huset parkway). A roundabout was designed and built to improve traffic flow for the area. This was in accordance with the Comprehensive plan (Chapter 6 page 2)
GOAL: Provide for safe and efficient roadway transportation.
1. Review and analyze high traffic crash locations on a biannual basis.
2. Work with MnDOT and Anoka County to provide means for low-cost traffic congestion mitigation.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.ci.columbia-heights.mn.us/index.aspx?nid=198
For more information contact:
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706

Mobility Options {BP no.12}

2 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: 2024
Implementation details:
The Columbia Heights Police Department has a program where if bicycles are left as unclaimed property, the Police Department will refurbish the bicycles and donate approximately 10 bikes per year; with an estimated 100 bikes donated to the School District over the last decade.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
An average of 10 bikes a year are diverted from the waste stream and refurbished to provide the products with additional lifespan when they are given to the school.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Columba Heights School District; Columbia Heights Police Department
For more information contact:
Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673

Efficient City Fleets {BP no.13}

2 star - Action 4:

Phase in bike, e-bike, foot or horseback modes for police, inspectors and other city staff.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
Columbia Heights' City Hall is located within one mile of the City's Public Safety Building, Community Center, and Municipal Service Center. It's a quick trip for City Hall staff who frequently travel between buildings, which presented a great opportunity to utilize bikes rather than city fleet or personal vehicles. The City offers two bikes that are available at City Hall for staff to use when they need to travel to other buildings for meetings and other City business.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Two bikes are available for use at City Hall, the Municipal Service Center, Community Center, and Public Safety Building
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
https://www.columbiaheightsmn.gov/government/boards_and_commissions/sustainability_commission.php
For more information contact:
Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}

1 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:
Columbia Heights has met the requirements for a designated "Tree City" USA for the last 22 years. In addition, the Mayor and Council declare May as Arbor Month for the City and encourages additional tree plantings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.arborday.org/programs/treeCityUSA/treecities.cfm?chosenstate=Minnesota
For more information contact:
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
2 star - Action 6:

Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Public Works Maintenance Superintendent is also a Certified Forester (see attached certificate). He inspects City owned trees as well as private hazardous and diseased trees and manages the City's diseased tree management program (see link).
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://mn-columbiaheights.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=250
For more information contact:
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706

Surface Water {BP no.19}

1 star - Action 4:

Adopt a shoreland ordinance for all river and lake shoreland areas.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City's Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (see link) includes an ordinance to protect and regulate shoreline design and activity (see attached).
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.ci.columbia-heights.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=240
For more information contact:
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706

Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems {BP no.20}

1 star - Action 1:

Compare the energy use and financial performance of your facilities with other peer facilities using standardized, free tools.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City's Comprehensive plan (see link Chapter 9) requires the water distribution system to complete an engineering study and CIP every 5 years (see attached report cover) to look for water losses, flow and pressure evaluations, and infrastructure improvements to improve efficiency of the system.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.ci.columbia-heights.mn.us/index.aspx?nid=198
For more information contact:
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
2 star - Action 2:

Plan and budget for motor maintenance and upgrades to assure the most energy efficient, durable and appropriate equipment is available when upgrades or breakdowns occur.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City recently conducted upgrades to Pump Station #2 per the Engineering study and CIP. Part of the requirements as set out in the contract (see attached excepts of project manual) was to improve energy efficiency of the pump station and better motors.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Project was recently finished and will use SCADA data to review energy efficiency outcomes.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706
1 star - Action 3:

Establish an on-going budget and program for decreasing inflow and infiltration into sewer lines and losses in drinking water systems.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Columbia Heights has been working on decreasing inflow and infiltration into the sanitary sewer system since 2004. The city replaced all low lying manhole covers and included an inspection of manhole structures and sewer mains. The City also completed a sump pump inspection program that inspected every property in the city and removed sump pump and roof drain cross-connections to the sanitary sewer. The City annually lines sewer mains in priority based on engineering studies (distance lined is limited by annual budget amounts). The City is also conducting smoke testing in problem areas to check service lines as well.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://metrocouncil.org/About-Us/Facts/Wastewater-WaterF/Inflow-and-Infiltration.aspx
For more information contact:
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706

Septic Systems {BP no.21}

1 star - Action 7:

Arrange for assistance to commercial, retail and industrial businesses with water use reduction, pollution prevention and pretreatment prior to discharge to septics.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
The City partners with Xcel Energy to provide a Business Incentive and Sustainability Rider for new and existing commercial and industrial customers with new or additional loads of 350kW or more. Xcel Energy also offers Energy Design Assistance, a free integrated design service for larger facilities, and Energy Efficient Buildings to incorporate energy efficiency measures into new construction, expansion or renovation projects.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.columbiaheightsmn.gov/business/business_resources/public_financial_assistance_incentives/xcel_energy.php
Xcel Energy
For more information contact:
Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | info@shakopeemn.gov | 952-233-9300

Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}

2 star - Action 1:

Improve city operations and procurement to prevent and reuse, recycle and compost waste from all public facilities (including libraries, parks, schools, municipal health care facilities), and minimize use of toxics and generation of hazardous waste.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
The Columbia Heights Police Department has a program where if bicycles are left as unclaimed property, the Police Department will refurbish the bicycles and donate approximately 10 bikes per year; with an estimated 100 bikes donated to the School District over the last decade.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
An average of 10 bikes a year are diverted from the waste stream and refurbished to provide the products with additional lifespan when they are given to the school.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Columba Heights School District; Columbia Heights Police Department
For more information contact:
Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673

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: 2023
Implementation details:
The City Council passed an ordinance amending the Boards and Commissions to establish a nine-member Sustainability Commission with a Councilmember serving as a liaison between the Commission and Council; additionally, the City Engineer, City Planner, and Urban Forester all serve as staff resources.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673
2 star - Action 6:

Engaging the Next Generation: Engage wide representation of community youth and college students by creating opportunities to participate in city government (including commissions).

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
The City has an established Youth Commission where students at Columbia Heights’s High School are able to serve as an advisory body to the City Council.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Students are given an active voice and opportunity to participate in government through the Youth Commission.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.columbiaheightsmn.gov/government/boards_and_commissions/youth_commission.php
Columba Heights School District
For more information contact:
Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov | 7637063673

Green Business Development {BP no.25}

3 star - Action 5:

Lower the environmental and health risk footprint of a brownfield remediation/redevelopment project beyond regulatory requirements; report brightfield projects.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Columbia Heights created a new vibrant public place on a former dump site with past buildings that had become blighted. The new Columbia Heights Library is a well-positioned hub that will spark revitalization of the community’s “Main Street”.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
MN Brownfields recognized the Library with a 2016 ReScape award in their Small City Impact category.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://mnbrownfields.org/case-studies/columbia-heights-library/
Mississippi Watershed Management Organization; Anoka Co.; US HUD; Friends of the Library
For more information contact:
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706

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:
City Code allows permitted accessory use of gardens for single family and multifamily housing units (see attached excepts from City Code of Ordinances).
Columbia Heights has had a residential garden plot for many years (see link). In addition, the school has a garden to teach kids how to grow their own food see link http://www.colheights.k12.mn.us/education/components/layout/default.php?sectiondetailid=10127&.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.ci.columbia-heights.mn.us/index.aspx?nid=93
For more information contact:
Jesse Davies (City staff) | Jesse.Davies@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us | 763-706-3706