City Detail

Background Information

City of Ely
County: St. Louis
Population: 3268
GreenStep City category: B
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 38
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Scott Kochendorfer
City Staff
pzadmin@ely.mn.us
218-365-3224
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
www.ely.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
2026 - click to view assessment

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 32
1 star actions: 22
2 star actions: 8
3 star actions: 2

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: 2025
Implementation details:
Since January of 2025, I am entering the monthly building Data of all city owned buildings into the B3 Benchmarking system.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
We have not seen anything as of yet, it will most likely take 1 year of data reporting to see if costs have decreased or any savings have been seen.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3
2 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: 2024
Implementation details:
City Hall currently has all LED and Motion Sensor Lighting.
The Library has all LED and Motion Sensor Lighting
Ely Rec Center has all LED Lighting
Veterans Clinic (Building owned by the City) Currently has LED Lighting
MN Department of Revenue building (Owned by the City) has LED Light bulbs
Ely Wastewater treatment plant has LED in the offices and lab, but not throughout the entire plant.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Unknown at this time.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3

Efficient Existing Private Buildings {BP no.2}

2 star - Action 6:

Provide a financial or other incentive to private parties who add energy/sustainability improvements, meet the SB 2030 energy standard, or renovate using a green building or energy framework.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Loan and grant opportunities for business and residential upgrades
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Business energy retrofit program

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:
Study was completed to repurpose the Community Center.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3

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:
Ely made a comprehensive plan that was updated in 2012.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
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:
Regulatory ordinances comply with the comprehensive plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3

Resilient City Growth {BP no.7}

1 star - Action 1:

Eliminate barriers and actively encourage higher density housing by including in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City has 17 acres of single family housing with 8-10 lots per acre.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3
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:
In the downtown district,apartments are allowed above existing businesses.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3
1 star - Action 3:

Achieve higher intensity commercial/industrial land uses through at least one of the following strategies:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Central Business District has no minimum lot size and zero-lot-line setbacks.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3

Mixed Uses {BP no.8}

1 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:
City is redeveloping commercial 2 district to allow for residential and commercial development. Also redeveloping downtown zoning district to encourage mixed use development.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3
1 star - Action 7:

Create incentives for vertical mixed-use development in appropriate locations (downtown, commercial districts near colleges or universities, historic commercial districts, commercial districts with minority-owned businesses).

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The zoning code encourages space above businesses to be used as residential and office space.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3

Transportation Transportation

Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}

1 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:
Implementation details:
The City operates under a complete streets policy for decisions on streets and sidewalks. The "Ely Tree Board," made up of urban foresters, manage all public/urban trees.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3
2 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:
9th Avenue was completely redeveloped to incorporate retaining walls, drains, storm water catches, and sidewalks.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3

Mobility Options {BP no.12}

1 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:
The "Incredible Ely Group" and "Ely Health and Wellness" are working to develop route maps and signs for walking and biking.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3
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:
Ely has a Safe Routes to School program. As part of the 9th Avenue redevelopment the sidewalk was extended to the youth center building.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Sustainable Purchasing {BP no.15}

1 star - Action 1:

Adopt a sustainable purchasing policy or administrative guidelines/practices directing that the city purchase at least:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2014
Implementation details:
It is encouraged when purchasing new infrastructure items that they meet all EnergyStar and EPEAT certifications. New building projects, such as the Library, and new Trail Head Center were built with energy efficient equipment and appliances.

We continue to encourage purchasing post-consumer based recycled paper for office printing.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
With the Library and Trail Head Building projects, the city has received additional grant funds to promote the growth and development of these projects.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3
1 star - Action 2:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City purchases power from Lake Country Power. LCP utilizes renewables such as hydropower and is increasing renewable sources this year.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3

Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}

1 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:
City has a "Tree Board" that manages city owned trees. One member on the Board, a local botany professor, provides technical assistance on tree management. Bill, another local expert, consults the City on invasive species such as buckthorn and other water based invasive species.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3

Parks and Trails {BP no.18}

1 star - Action 1:

Make improvements within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
A new playground was installed in the downtown park. The band shell was also reroofed. The area is being designated to be an off road trail head.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3
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:
Implementation details:
The City has approximately 70 acres of municipal park for its 3,500 residents. Over 90% of residents live within 1/2 mile of park and protected green space.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3

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 has a shoreland ordinance.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3

Septic Systems {BP no.21}

1 star - Action 1:

Report to landowners suspected noncompliant or failing septic systems as part of an educational, informational and financial assistance and outreach program designed to trigger voluntary landowner action to improve septic systems.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City speaks with landowners about existing septic systems outside of town. If septic systems fail it becomes a community process to address the failing system.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3

Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}

1 star - Action 6:

Improve recycling services and expand to multi-unit housing and commercial businesses.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
There is only 1 private waste hauler.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3
1 star - Action 7:

Improve/organize residential trash, recycling and organics collection by private and/or public operations and offer significant volume-based pricing on residential garbage and/or incentives for recycling.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City's 1 waste hauler service offers volume-based pricing.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3

Resilient Economic & Community Development Resilient Economic and Community Development

Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}

3 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: 2025
Implementation details:
Ely Green Team: A subcommittee for the Green Step Initiative https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/city-detail/12011

Creation of the Ely Green Team is to Use the city committee to lead, coordinate, report and engage community members on sustainability best practices with regard to economic and community development, to include:
1. Benchmarks and Community Engagement
2. Green Business Development
3. Renewable Energy
4. Local Food
5. Business Synergies and Eco districts
6. Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience

Eight (8) total members with 7 voting members – 1 Council Representative, 1 Projects Representative, 1 EUC Representative, 4 at Large Representatives and 1 non-voting Planning & Zoning Administrator, majority members would be City of Ely Residents.
The Green Team committee will meet Quarterly as needed.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Ely Climate Group, City of Ely, Morse Township
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3
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: 2025
Implementation details:
Summer internship program with the Police Department allows youth and students of law enforcement a chance to learn about the police department and city government.

Public works hires summer help to mow grass, and help out with public works projects. In the winter, rink attendants are hired to help maintain the outdoor ice rink, and these are sometimes youth.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Saves money on having to hire other full-time staff.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3

Green Business Development {BP no.25}

2 star - Action 3:

Promote sustainable tourism in your city, and green tourism resources to tourism and hospitality businesses in/around the city.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City promotes outdoor based tourism. The City promotes itself as the "Gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area."
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.ely.org/
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3
1 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: unknown
Implementation details:
Ely Chamber of Commerce promotes Shopping local, and promoting business endeavors in Ely through there "Shop Local Events", and Buying a business workshop.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.ely.org/search/?q=buy%20local
Ely Chamber of Commerce
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3

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:
Ely has a community garden that brings local, fresh food to the people of Ely
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
2 star - Action 3:

Create, assist with and promote local food production/distribution within the city:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City owns an open lot where the community can grow produce. School uses garden for educational programs.

City has a farmer's market.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3

Business Synergies and EcoDistricts {BP no.28}

1 star - Action 3:

Require, build or facilitate at least four sustainability attributes in a business/industrial park project:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Because the City is 1 mile by 1 mile, everything is within walking distance.

The City has renovated several buildings including the Insula Restaurant; buildings adjacent to the old movie theater were renovated to create a bigger theater; drug store is undergoing renovation to become a mixed use building with bakery, retail, and office space. All buildings were brought up to MN code including new water heaters, furnaces, and other energy efficiency measures.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3

Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience {BP no.29}

2 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: 2024
Implementation details:
Currently, we have a City of Ely Employee designated as the City Emergency Manager. The city currently has plans for fire evacuations, and other natural disasters using a mapping location system, and having the city set up in quadrants. The City of Ely currently uses Northland Alerts to send messages to residences in times of emergency. Also, in times of water emergencies, the city can send out alerts via our online utility billing system.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
St. Louis County Emergency Management
For more information contact:
Scott Kochendorfer (City Staff) | pzadmin@ely.mn.us | 218-226-3224 Ext 3