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.
- 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
Metrics Files
Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed
Completed actions are denoted by stars.
Total completed actions: 77Buildings and Lighting
Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned/school buildings to reduce energy costs.
- Action 2:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Invest in larger energy efficiency projects through performance contracting or other funding or through smaller retro-commissioning/retrofit projects in city-owned/school buildings.
- Action 3:The City is working closely with McKinstry Company, a firm touted by President Barack Obama as a “model for the nation” for its work in retrofitting schools and office buildings throughout the country to make them more energy efficient.
The City’s partnership with McKinstry Company guarantees the estimated savings from the projects it recommends will pay for the cost of implementing those projects as well as the firm’s consulting fees. If the savings fall short of the costs the City incurs, McKinstry Company will make up the difference.
The City encourages Eden Prairie residents and business owners to become more energy efficient and embrace environmental stewardship. The January 2009 issue of Life in the Prairie includes some great tips to get started, as well as other resources to help in this effort.
The City encourages Eden Prairie residents and business owners to become more energy efficient and embrace environmental stewardship. The January 2009 issue of Life in the Prairie includes some great tips to get started, as well as other resources to help in this effort.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Implement IT efforts and city employee engagement to reduce plug loads, building energy use and workflow efficiency.
- Action 4:The 20-40-15 Initiative, first rolled out by the City of Eden Prairie in December 2006, calls for the City to improve energy efficiency in all of its facilities by 20 percent, increase the fuel efficiency of its vehicle fleet by 40 percent, and accomplish these goals by the year 2015.
Fuel Misers Challenge: Employees are asked the following question through the intranet--What are your ideas for how the City can find even more energy savings?
Help the City of Eden Prairie meet and maybe exceed its energy efficiency goals!
How does Fuel Misers work?
Employees use an online form to submit an idea to help the City increase the energy efficiency of its vehicles or buildings. Employees are encouraged to make energy-saving suggestions and give thoughts on how the City could implement the idea.
Scoring
All ideas are reviewed and scored by the Fuel Misers Committee bimonthly for eight months, beginning May 2013.
Committee members independently rate all submissions scoring each from 0-60 points. Based on total points, the first and second-highest scoring employee ideas will be eligible for the bimonthly prizes. Employee ideas must score at least 30 points and receive City Manager approval to be eligible for prizes.
If the same suggestion is submitted by different employees, the committee will accept the first one submitted, as shown by email time stamp.
If an employee suggestion scores at least 30 points, but does not garner a rating necessary for first or second place, it will remain in the pool for consideration for the duration of the challenge. Once an employee has earned a prize for an idea, they may continue to submit suggestions, but will not earn additional prizes.
Suggestion: Coordinate all city mowing crews. This will allow route mapping for all mowing operations, resulting in reduced fuel usage. It will also allow reduction in equipment required.
Implementation: Map and evaluate all city areas currently mowed. Identify sites where multiple crews from different departments overlap. Use GPS/AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location) to track and plan progress. System will be similar to our snow plowing.
Suggestion: Improve driving habits to increase mileage. Pick one driving habit every month for your group.
Implementation: First driving habit to work on – be aware of traffic and upcoming traffic signs and signals where you know you will be stopping. For example, the light up ahead is turning yellow and you know it will turn red before you get up there, traffic ahead is stopped and you see brake lights, etc. At that point, take your foot off the gas and coast to a stop, thus not using fuel.
Suggestion: Place encouraging "take the stairs" stickers near elevators in all City buildings (including the Community Center) to encourage stair use when feasible. Not only does it save the City energy, it promotes good health. Stickers could be positive, saying, "Save Energy! Burn Calories! Take the Stairs."
Implementation: Decals could be purchased and placed near elevator buttons or even on elevator doors.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Efficient Existing Private Buildings {BP no.2}
Create or participate in a marketing/outreach/incentive program to promote/achieve residential energy/water use reduction and energy efficiency.
- Action 1:The City also provides outreach and marketing on energy savings, water conservation, and recycling to it's residents through the City produced "Living Green" newsletter.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Describe energy/water efficiency outcomes and other green building practices at businesses and not-for-profit organizations located within/nearby the city.
- Action 4:Liberty Property Trust Developed the first speculative, office building designed to achieve LEED certification in the Twin Cities region, 7625 Smetana Lane, Eden Prairie, MN which earned Gold certification
Energy Star Buildings
There are 10 Energy Star rated privately owned buildings in Eden Prairie.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Conserve/protect drinking/groundwater resources by creating a water-wise landscaping ordinance/guidance, WaterSense purchasing program, or guidance on rainwater harvesting and home water softener use.
- Action 5:Lawn Watering uses a significant portion of Eden Prairie's water supply. It is very important that residents and businesses follow the City's ordinance to ensure there is enough water for all uses, including vital services such as fighting fires.
Eden Prairie also offers eUtilityBilling service to its utility customers. With eUtilityBilling, you are able to:
"Pay your utility bill 24/7
"Receive electronic billing statements
"View your billing and payment history online
"View your water consumption history online
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
New Green Buildings {BP no.3}
Require by city policy that new city-owned buildings be built using the SB 2030 energy standard and/or a green building framework.
- Action 1:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Adopt a sustainable building policy for private buildings; include the SB 2030 energy standard; adopt language governing new development projects that:
- Action 3:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}
Require energy efficient, Dark-Sky compliant new or replacement outdoor lighting fixtures on city-owned/private buildings and facilities.
- Action 1:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Purchase LEDs for all future street lighting and traffic signals.
- Action 2:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Use LED/solar-powered lighting for a flashing sign or in a street, parking lot or park project.
- Action 5:While LED street lights are not new to the market, we are one of the few cities that have installed them. Additionally, the manner in which we installed the lights is very unique. Working with our vendor we were able to reuse the existing street light housing units and just simply replace the internal system with LED panels. This reduced the amount of new material needed to retrofit the lights, resulting in a significant cost savings to the city and less material being land filled.
The total cost of the project was $3,108.00 for seven lights – much less than the cost of all new LED lights and fixtures.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Relamp/improve exterior building lighting for city-owned buildings/facilities with energy efficient, Dark-Sky compliant lighting.
- Action 6:Replace the city's existing traffic signal indications with LEDs.
- Action 8:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Building Redevelopment {BP no.5}
Adopt an historic preservation ordinance/regulations and encourage adaptive reuse.
- Action 1:The City is also a Certified Local Government (CLG) and has an active Heritage Preservation Commision.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Land Use
Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans {BP no.6}
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 1:1. Air Quality
2. Water Quality
3. Pathways and accessibility
4. Open Space locations
5. Destinations and land use mix
6. Physical safety and mobility
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
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:CHAPTER 11
LAND USE REGULATIONS (ZONING)
SECTION 11.01. OBJECTIVES.
This Chapter is adopted to protect and to promote the public health, safety, peace, comfort, convenience, prosperity, and
general welfare, and specifically to achieve the following objectives: (1) to assist in the implementation of the City
Comprehensive Guide Plan as amended; (2) to foster a harmonious, convenient workable relationship among land uses;
(3) to promote the stability of existing land uses that conform with the Guide Plan and to protect them from inharmonious
influences and harmful intrusions; (4) to insure that public and private lands ultimately are used for the purposes which
are most appropriate and most beneficial from the standpoint of the City as a whole; (5) to prevent excessive population
densities and over-crowding of the land with structures; (6) to promote a safe, effective traffic circulation system; (7) to
foster the provision of adequate off-street parking and off-street truck loading facilities; (8) to facilitate the appropriate
location of community facilities and institutions; (9) to provide human and physical resources of sufficient quantity and
quality to sustain needed public services and facilities; (10) to protect and enhance real property values; and, (11) to
safeguard and enhance the appearance of the City, including natural amenities of hills, woods, lakes, and ponds.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
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.
- Action 3:a. Transportation
b. Watershed impacts
c. Land use
d. Economic Development
e. Housing and foreclosures
f. Police
g. Fire
h. Health
i. Sewer and Water
Resilient City Growth {BP no.7}
Eliminate barriers and actively encourage higher density housing by including in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map:
- Action 1:R1-9.5(9,500 square foot minimum lot size)
R1-13.5 (13,500 square foot minimum lot size)
R1-22(22,000 square foot minimum lot size)
R1-44(44,000 square foot minimum lot size)
RM-6.5 (Multi Family-6.7 Units Per Acre Max)
RM-2.5 (Multi Family-17.4 Units Per Acre Max)
Town Center Residental Use--Allows for a minimum gross density of 40 UPA for Mid Rise and 60 UPA for high-rise multi-family.
The Town Center Zoning district is to provide an area for development of an attactive, compact, walkable, mixed-use environment that creates a live/work/play environment for the community.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Provide incentives for affordable housing, workforce housing, infill projects, or for life-cycle housing at or near job or retail centers, or for achieving an average net residential density of seven units per acre.
- Action 4:1979, the City of Eden Prairie has
established 21 TIF District project areas.
The funds gathered from these districts go
into the Tax Increment Development Fund,
which is part of the Capital Project Funds,
which the City has used for projects such as
transportation improvements and rent
reduction to create affordable housing units.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Use design to create social trust and interaction among neighbors and allow developments that meet the prerequisites for LEED for Neighborhood Development certification.
- Action 5:The specific goals of this partnership are to:
A. Use the criteria of the LEED for Neighborhood Development rating system as a framework for assessing the Citys assets and needs in the areas of physical infrastructure, land use plans, and other relevant policy related to Golden Triangle Light Rail Transit Station Area.
B. Develop comprehensive recommendations for infrastructure and policy changes that can help the City build a future that is more resource-efficient, livable, healthy, and environmentally responsible.
C. Engage local leaders, stakeholders, and other interested parties to create momentum for implementing the proposed recommendations in the Golden Triangle Light Rail Transit Station Area and, as applicable, more broadly in the City.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Mixed Uses {BP no.8}
Organize or participate in a community planning/placemaking/design process for the city/a mixed-use district, including specific community engagement practices that engage cultural and income diverse community members.
- Action 1:http://www.corridorsofopportunity.org/Corridors_News?page=8
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Design for Natural Resource Conservation {BP no.10}
Conduct a Natural Resource Inventory or Assessment (NRI or NRA); incorporate protection of priority natural systems or resources such as groundwater through the subdivision or development process.
- Action 1:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
For cities within metropolitan areas, incorporate woodland best management practices addressing protection of wooded areas into zoning or development review.
- Action 3:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Preserve environmentally sensitive, community-valued land by placing a conservation easement on city lands, and by encouraging/funding private landowners to place land in conservation easements.
- Action 5:721 Conservation Easements are in place on parcels of land.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Transportation
Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}
Adopt a complete streets policy, or a living streets policy, which addresses landscaping and stormwater.
- Action 1:On 3/25/12 the Metropolitan Council approved our Livable Communities grant request for approximately $45,000 to fund the Town Center storm water analysis project.
Complete streets standards are evaluated on a project by project basis in other areas of the city.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
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.
- Action 4:compliant facilities, support local plans, and support the implementation of the Hennepin County
Transportation Systems Plan including the Hennepin County Complete Streets Policy. Due to
the high priority of the sidewalk improvement connecting existing sidewalks along Mitchell
Road/Baker Road. The project was successful in receiving a grant award, and it was used to help fund the Mitchell Road/Baker Road (CSAH 60) Sidewalk Improvement. This improvement was needed to complete the sidewalk system along the west side of Mitchell Road/Baker Road between Martin Drive on the south and the westerly extension of Roberts Drive on the north. As a test project the City included 2 pervious sections of sidewalk along Mitchell Road. The City will determine how to utilize these segments as testing for future sidewalk improvements.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Identify and remedy street-trail gaps between city streets and off-road trails/bike trails to better facilitate walking and biking.
- Action 5:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
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.
- Action 6:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Mobility Options {BP no.12}
Increase walking, biking and transit use by one or more of the following means:
- Action 1:Paper trail maps are also available at City Hall and included in new resident packets.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Conduct an Active Living campaign such as a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.
- Action 2:health through healthy eating and active living initiatives in Eden Prairie. The task force is comprised of a crosssection
of leaders throughout Eden Prairie who are involved in healthy/active living initiatives in their businesses,service clubs, or non-profit organizations.
The Committee plans to meet monthly.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Efficient City Fleets {BP no.13}
Right-size/down-size the city fleet with the most fuel-efficient vehicles that are of an optimal size and capacity for their intended functions.
- Action 2:The City's goal, which was established in 2006, is to acheive 40% fuel effiency of the city fleet by the end of 2015.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Phase-in operational changes, equipment changes including electric vehicles, and no-idling practices for city or local transit fleets.
- Action 3:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Retrofit city diesel engines or install auxiliary power units and/or electrified parking spaces, utilizing Project GreenFleet or the like.
- Action 6:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Demand-Side Travel Planning {BP no.14}
Reduce or eliminate parking minimums; add parking maximums; develop district parking; install meters and charge for parking at curb and city-owned lots/ramps.
- Action 1:Through the PUD process the City granted density bonuses and incentives to allow for the higher intensity uses that are supportive of a transit hub.
The site provides a compact and pedestrian friendly mixed-use development that offers retail and restaurant services that are utilized by both transit customers and destination shoppers.
Shared parking occurs between the transit parking lot that is prominantly used during daytime business hours and the adjacent property that has land uses (such as entertainment and dining) that could utilize these parking facilities during evening and weekend hours when transit is not running its peak service.
Two ponds were built for water quality and flood storage for the western portion of the property. Both ponds are privately owned and maintained. The ponds were constructed with a 10:1 bench at the normal water level for vegetation growth and for safety concerns.
The project with waivers results in a design with additional interior green space, including perennial gardens, to help soften the visual appearance of parking lots and provide internal pedestrian connections.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
For cities with regular transit service, require or provide incentives for the siting of retail services at transit/density nodes.
- Action 2:Through the PUD process the City granted density bonuses and incentives to allow for the higher intensity uses that are supportive of a transit hub.
The site provides a compact and pedestrian friendly mixed-use development that offers retail and restaurant services that are utilized by both transit customers and destination shoppers.
Shared parking occurs between the transit parking lot that is prominantly used during daytime business hours and the adjacent property that has land uses (such as entertainment and dining) that could utilize these parking facilities during evening and weekend hours when transit is not running its peak service.
Two ponds were built for water quality and flood storage for the western portion of the property. Both ponds are privately owned and maintained. The ponds were constructed with a 10:1 bench at the normal water level for vegetation growth and for safety concerns.
The project with waivers results in a design with additional interior green space, including perennial gardens, to help soften the visual appearance of parking lots and provide internal pedestrian connections.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
For cities with regular transit service, require or provide incentives for the siting of higher density housing at transit/density nodes.
- Action 3:Through the PUD process the City granted density bonuses and incentives to allow for the higher intensity uses that are supportive of a transit hub.
The site provides a compact and pedestrian friendly mixed-use development that offers retail and restaurant services that are utilized by both transit customers and destination shoppers.
Shared parking occurs between the transit parking lot that is prominantly used during daytime business hours and the adjacent property that has land uses (such as entertainment and dining) that could utilize these parking facilities during evening and weekend hours when transit is not running its peak service.
Two ponds were built for water quality and flood storage for the western portion of the property. Both ponds are privately owned and maintained. The ponds were constructed with a 10:1 bench at the normal water level for vegetation growth and for safety concerns.
The project with waivers results in a design with additional interior green space, including perennial gardens, to help soften the visual appearance of parking lots and provide internal pedestrian connections.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Environmental Management
Sustainable Purchasing {BP no.15}
Adopt a sustainable purchasing policy or administrative guidelines/practices directing that the city purchase at least:
- Action 1:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Purchase energy used by city government - via the municipal utility, green tags, community solar garden, 3rd party - with a higher renewable percentage than required by Minnesota law.
- Action 2:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Lower the environmental footprint of meetings and events in the city.
- Action 7:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}
Certify as a Tree City USA.
- Action 1:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Maximize tree planting along your main downtown street or throughout the city.
- Action 4:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Adopt a tree preservation or native landscaping ordinance.
- Action 5:The City has an adopted tree preservation ordinance located within Chapter 11, Section 11.55 of the City Code.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of:
- Action 6:"Identifying and removing trees with Dutch elm disease or oak wilt.
"Sponsoring the Annual Arbor Day celebration.
"Sponsoring annual Spring Park Cleanup.
"Enforcing the City's tall grass/weed ordinance
"Enforcing state/county noxious weed requirements.
"Work with City Environmental Coordinator to monitor private native grass/flower plantings
"Investigating, overseeing and resolving city/private boundary interface conflicts.
"Forestry and natural resources related consultations.
"Managing the City's conservation areas, which includes oak savanna, remnant prairie, remnant "Big Woods" forests and the riparian zones along creek and river watersheds.
The City Parks and Recreation Department has on Staff, Jeff Cordes--Forestry Technician:
He holds the following certifications:
International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist.
Minnesota Certified Tree Inspector.
EAB First Detector trained.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Stormwater Management {BP no.17}
Complete the GreenStep Municipal Stormwater Management Assessment.
- Action 2:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Adopt by ordinance one or more of the following stormwater infiltration/management strategies to reduce impervious surface:
- Action 3:Lori Haak (City Staff) | lhaak@edenprairie.org | 9529498327
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.
- Action 4:Lori Haak (City Staff) | lhaak@edenprairie.org | 9529498327
Adopt and implement guidelines or design standards/incentives for at least one of the following stormwater infiltration/reuse practices:
- Action 5:Lori Haak (City Staff) | lhaak@edenprairie.org | 9529498327
Improve smart-salting by reducing chloride use in winter maintenance and dust suppressants to prevent permanent surfacewater and groundwater pollution.
- Action 6:Lori Haak (City Staff) | lhaak@edenprairie.org | 9529498327
Parks and Trails {BP no.18}
Make improvements within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces.
- Action 1:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Achieve minimum levels of city green space and maximize the percent within a ten-minute walk of community members.
- Action 3:overlaid lines for 6 pickleball courts 15 football fields 7 rental picnic areas 2 community garden sites off leash dog use areas:
1 year round and 5 seasonal lighted sledding hill disc golf course skate park over 130 miles of bituminous bike trails The passive areas of the park system include an additional 1,400
acres of property that is unmaintained or involves minimal maintenance work. The removal of diseased and hazardous trees,prescribed prairie burns, trail mowing and periodic boundary checks are the primary maintenance work that is done within these areas.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Develop a program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration, invasive species management and stewardship projects.
- Action 8:Arbor Day Walk
Celebrate Eden Prairie’s designation as a “Tree City USA” while enjoying a scenic walk around Staring Lake. Held at the end of April or beginning of May each year.
Last year residents received free tree seedlings
Kids participated in the following activities: Storytelling, Land Sculptures, Living Seed Necklaces, Discovery Walk, Nature Print
And residents receive free tree care information .
Park Clean-Up Day
Typically held in April each year, Park Clean-Up Day is a great opportunity for service organizations, youth organizations and neighborhood groups to do their park in keeping Eden Prairie’ parks and trail systems clean
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Surface Water {BP no.19}
Consistently monitor surface water quality/clarity and report findings to community members.
- Action 1:Lori Haak (City Staff) | lhaak@edenprairie.org | 9529498327
Conduct or support multi-party community conversations, assessments, plans and actions around improving local water quality and quantity.
- Action 2:Lori Haak (City Staff) | lhaak@edenprairie.org | 9529498327
Adopt and publicly report on measurable surface water improvement targets for lake, river, wetland and ditches.
- Action 3:Lori Haak (City Staff) | lhaak@edenprairie.org | 9529498327
Adopt a shoreland ordinance for all river and lake shoreland areas.
- Action 4:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Adopt goals to revegetate shoreland and create a local program or outreach effort to help property owners with revegetation.
- Action 5:Lori Haak (City Staff) | lhaak@edenprairie.org | 9529498327
Implement an existing TMDL implementation plan.
- Action 6:Lori Haak (City Staff) | lhaak@edenprairie.org | 9529498327
Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems {BP no.20}
Create a demand-side pricing program to reduce demands on water and wastewater systems.
- Action 7:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
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:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Arrange for a residential and/or business/institutional source-separated organics collection/management program.
- Action 5:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Improve recycling services and expand to multi-unit housing and commercial businesses.
- Action 6:Leslie Stovring (City staff) | lstovring@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8327
Local Air Quality {BP no.23}
Reduce residential burning of wood and yard waste and eliminate ‘backyard’ trash burning.
- Action 2:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
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:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
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.
- Action 2:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Measuring Outcomes: Engage community members and partners in identifying, measuring, and reporting progress on key sustainability and social indicators/ including energy use/greenhouse gas emissions, social vitality/social inclusion outcome measures.
- Action 3:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Engaging the Next Generation: Engage wide representation of community youth and college students by creating opportunities to participate in city government (including commissions).
- Action 6:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
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:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Promote green businesses that are recognized under a local, regional or national program.
- Action 6:Prairie residents and businesses. In addition to the green crawl, the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society’s annual Solar Boat Regatta will take place at Riley Lake. During the event, there will be solar powered boat races, eco-related events and demonstrations at Riley Lake Park, along with activities for kids and food vendors.
The city will reach out to businesses and residents to encouraging their participation in the event.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Renewable Energy {BP no.26}
Promote resident/business purchases and/or generation of clean energy by:
- Action 2:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Promote financing and incentive programs, such as PACE, for clean energy:
- Action 3:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Support a community solar garden or help community members participate in a community solar project by:
- Action 4:Initiated in 2019, the Eden Prairie CSG has 1,989 panels and a total size of 1.084 MW. The city required that at least 25% of production be reserved for residents who were: low to moderate-income (LMI), renters, or immigrant community members. All three groups are typically underserved by renewable energy programs. Through a robust community engagement process that included in-person and online events, translated materials, outreach through local affordable housing property managers, places or worship, and local assistance providers, the project team was able to connect with residents and fill subscriptions, and the project is coming online in May 2024.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Install a public sector/municipally-owned renewable energy technology, such as solar electric (PV), wind, biomass, solar hot water/air, or micro-hydro.
- Action 5:Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Become a solar-ready community, including adopting ordinance/zoning language and an expedited permit process for residents and businesses to install solar energy systems.
- Action 7:As a SolSmart designee, the City has participated in several renewable energy programs and events such as Xcel Energy's Partners in Energy, Midwest Renewable Energy Association Solar Power Hours and the Minnesota Brightfields Initiative. The City also removed restrictions banning solar photovoltaic (PV) development and passed an ordinance allowing solar energy systems as an accessory use in all major zones.
In addition, the City provides information and tips on its website to assist residents and businesses with financing solar projects and navigating the solar permitting process, and is leading by example through installing solar PV systems on municipal buildings.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Local Food {BP no.27}
Facilitate creation of home/community gardens, chicken & bee keeping, and incorporation of food growing areas/access in multifamily and residential developments.
- Action 2:Jim Schedin (City staff) | jschedin@edenprairie.org | 952-949-6200
Create, assist with and promote local food production/distribution within the city:
- Action 3:Community Garden Plots are available for planting from May - October at the following locations:
· Pioneer Trail Gardens:
13180 Pioneer Trail (east of Super America entry)
· Pioneer Park Gardens:
8940 Sutton Drive (behind Senior Center)
Edible Playground Gardens The Minnesota Recreation and Parks Foundation awarded the Parks and Recreation Department $800 for the new initiative Edible Playground Gardens. Raised vegetable beds will be constructed at Prairie View School/Park. Parks and recreation staff are working to make this a collaborative effort with Prairie View Elementary and the Parks and Recreation Playground program. Youth will raise various vegetables from spring planting to fall harvest. The program goal is to teach youth who participate to connect and understand where their food comes from and how to foster sound nutritional practices, responsible food choices and environmental stewardship.
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience {BP no.29}
Protect public buildings and natural/constructed infrastructure to reduce physical damage and sustain their function during extreme weather events.
- Action 5:Lori Haak (City Staff) | lhaak@edenprairie.org | 9529498327