City Detail

Background Information

City of Grand Rapids
County: Itasca
Population: 10869
GreenStep City category: B
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 75
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Julie Kennedy
City Staff
jakennedy@grpuc.org
218-326-7687
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
http://www.cityofgrandrapidsmn.com
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
2023 - click to view assessment

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 29
1 star actions: 12
2 star actions: 8
3 star actions: 7

Buildings and Lighting Buildings and Lighting

Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}

2 star - Action 1:

Enter/update building information into the MN B3 Benchmarking database, and routinely enter monthly usage data for all city-owned buildings/infrastructure that consume energy/water.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Grand Rapids Public Library began using B-3
Benchmarking in Feb. 2010. As of 12/5/2012 The City of Grand Rapids has implemented B3 benchmarking on five additional city buildings. These six buildings are the six main buildings owned by the City of Grand Rapids. At least three years of data has been entered for each building. Data will continually be monitored and modifications will be made to improve building efficency when possible.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
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:
Yearly boiler inspection is Performed by Gartner Refridgeration and Temperature controls to insure that all city boilers are running at their maximum efficency. B3 is used in all major city building to monitor energy use and is update monthly.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Gartner Refridgeration and Temperature Controls Duluth MN.
For more information contact:
Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
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: 2020
Implementation details:
3 New 97% high efficency mini boilers were installed in the Grand Rapids Fire Hall in 2011 replacing the 78% ribbion type boiler that were 25 years old.

This is updated - check with Matt Wegwerth.

Performance contracting and retrofit projects
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
20% reduction is gas consumption
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Work was performed by Klamm Mechanical Nashwauk MN.
For more information contact:
Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
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:
Implementation details:
Building management program installed to manage all heating and cooling units in all major city buildings from office computer or home laptop. Allows us to program units for evening set back temp, none work days, holidays and occupance sensors to shut rooftop units off.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Building management system gives us the opportunity to save on our gas and electric bills by controlling the run time of our heating and cooling units.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
2 star - Action 7:

Install for one or more city-owned/school buildings one of the following efficiency measures:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In Decemeber of 2011 a wide gap plate heat exchanger was installed at the Grand Rapids Public Library which utilizes waste water from the Blandin Paper Co.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Use of this new heating system has reduced our natural gas usage by nearly 70%.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Gartner Refridgeration and Temperature Control Duluth MN.
For more information contact:
Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024

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:
The traffic signal system is owned/operated by MNDOT. MNDOT has recently upgraded and interconnected the city wide signal system to optimize the flow of traffic through the city.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
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:
The City of Grand Rapids utilizes solar powered led lights as warning signal in residential areas to identify approaching intersections. They are also used at crosswalks at school road entrances.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024

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: 2020
Implementation details:
The City of Grand Rapids updated its Comprehensive Plan in 2020; this plan is the policy guide the City of Grand Rapids guides future land use and development activities through 2040. Planning is an ongoing attempt to guide future development or redevelopment in order to solve and avoid problems, meet future needs, and create new opportunities to enhance community life, the region’s economy, and its environmental quality. The Comprehensive Plan is a dynamic document that represents an ongoing opportunity for community members and the City to discuss issues of concern and to reassess the direction the community wishes to pursue.

The Comprehensive Plan is intended to guide local government policy and zoning decisions and provide guidance to citizens, developers, and anyone concerned with the development of the community. It also communicates the direction the City is heading. Furthermore, it is an initial step in helping the City to qualify for federal or state grants to address issues identified within it.



Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The plan notes the percentage of land in various uses: residential, forest (the two largest), and so on. the plan is not intended to save money. Having the plan does qualify the city for certain grants.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
https://cityofgrandrapidsmn.com/development/page/grow-grand-rapids-2040-comprehensive-plan
Planning Commission
For more information contact:
Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
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: 2020
Implementation details:
City comprehensive plan updated 2020; part of the purpose of the update was to provide the legal basis for zoning. The city has 19 zoning districts which set allowed uses, residential density, building height, lot size, lot setbacks, parking and other standards.
Zoning identifies the preferred and permitted uses, form and character of development and redevelopment for each parcel. The zoning map depicts the zoning district that applies to each parcel and sets the use and dimensional standards.
Table 4.2 on p 7, Chapter 4, has the zoning districts, acreage in the district, acreage in shoreland overlay and percent.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
https://cityofgrandrapidsmn.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community_development/page/2333/chapter_4_-_land_use.pdf
For more information contact:
Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
3 star - Action 4:

Include ecological provisions in the comprehensive plan that explicitly aim to minimize open space fragmentation and/or establish a growth area with expansion criteria.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
GROW Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 7, Natural Environment
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Itasca County
For more information contact:
Molly MacGregor (Community Volunteer) | dakise53@gmail.com | 12182567646

Transportation Transportation

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: 2013
Implementation details:
We produce/distribute route maps, signage or a web site by posting maps at all kiosks, and having trail maps on our website
We document increased bike facilities by showing all bike facilities on our maps
Recognition by bikeMN and the League of American Bicyclists as a bike friendly community starting in 2013

Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
https://gisgrandrapidsmn.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=bef11ad11ec54adf907ca5dee1105608
League of American Bicyclists
For more information contact:
Simon Gretton (Community Volunteer) | simongretton@gmail.com | 2184913713
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: 2012
Implementation details:
We currently are members of the Safe Routes to School committee that is run by ISD 318
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Independent school district 318
For more information contact:
Simon Gretton (Community Volunteer) | simongretton@gmail.com | 2184913713
2 star - Action 3:

Prominently promote mobility options: public transit; paratransit/Dial-A-Ride; cab services; rental cars; bike lanes; trails; airports.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2012
Implementation details:
We currently advertise on our website for all mobility options
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://cityofgrandrapidsmn.com/community/page/grand-rapids-area-transit
Arrowhead Transit, Jefferson Lines, Rapid Taxi
For more information contact:
Simon Gretton (Community Volunteer) | simongretton@gmail.com | 2184913713
3 star - Action 6:

Add/expand public transit service.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
We currently have a free bike sharing program. Bicycles are available for sharing at several locations throughout the city. Bike can be checked out for free with submission of a personal ID at any of the participating locations.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.facebook.com/GRBikeShare/
YMCA, Get Fit Itasca
For more information contact:
Simon Gretton (Community Volunteer) | simongretton@gmail.com | 2184913713

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:
The city of Grand Rapids was reconized as a tree city usa in 1989 and has been continualy reconized each year since.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
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 City Of Grand Rapids currently have two certified tree inspectors on is also a member of International society of Arboriculture..Kelly Morris Mn. Dept. of Natural Resources Certified Tree inspector.#20064920 Kelly Morris International Society of Arboriculture #MN-4041A

Jim Columbus Mn. Dept of Natural Resources Certified Tree Inspector #20073056
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:

Stormwater Management {BP no.17}

3 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:
Implementation details:
The City of Grand Rapids has been recognized on the Leader Board of the Blue Star Award program.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
2 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:
The City's Stormwater Utility Ordinance combines 1.5 inch rainfall on-site rainwater infiltration design requirement for construction sites and a stormwater runoff volume limit to pre-development volumes for the 5-year, 24-hour rainfall maximum event.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
2 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:
The City's stormwater utility fees are variable on residential, multi-family, institutional, commercial and industrial pacels. Fees are variable on all parcels with the exception of residential.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Not rated - Action 6:

Improve smart-salting by reducing chloride use in winter maintenance and dust suppressants to prevent permanent surfacewater and groundwater pollution.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Stormwater Utility Ordinance has been adopted and implemented. Sites < and > 1 acre are identified in ordinance. Annual on-site inspections are preformed by the City.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:

Parks and Trails {BP no.18}

3 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:
In the last 5 years several notable projects remedied gaps in our trail sidewalk trail system. Southwest grade school had a fragmented sidewalk system virtually making it impossible for safe pedestrian accessibility for childrem walking to school. Solar powered crosswalks signage,a pedestrian bridge and 1.5 miles of trails and sidewalks to connect the school and Grussendorf Park to the neighborhoods in the SW quadrant of town. In 1999 an Orderly Annexation Plan was developed and passed to annex the rural areas of Grand Rapids Township into the City of Grand Rapids. Over four miles of paved trails were developed in our largest annexed area to connect the Horseshoe lake/Isleview area of road pedestrian travel to the amenities of the City Of Grand Rapids. This travel as developed into one of our most popular recreational pedestrian trails. Crystal Lake Park was an open space park without any connectivity between North Pokegama Ave and 1st Ave NE sidewalks. A concrete sidewalk was placed through Crystal Lake Park to aconnecat the two sidewalks. A major project which took multi projects and several years to complete was connecting the SW,SE and NE quadrants with trails and sidewalks. This included safe travel crossing major (Highways 169S, Hwy 169N), the Mississippi River and the BNSF railroad. Now you can safely walk or bike to the gateway of the Mesabi Trail which is located in Grand Rapids. The Mesabi Trail offers an abundance of nature and outdoor experiences. You may choose to walk,hike,bike,roller blade,ski,snowshoe and in some areas snowmobile. The trail is over 150 miles long and traqverses through 25 comminities with rich significane of the Mesabi Iron Range,Forest Lands,Lakes and streams.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024
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 of Grand Rapids contains 15,613 acres. In side the city limits there are 23 parks containing 226.4 acres,nearly 1400 acres of lakes and rivers and countless acres of county tax forfiet land. This is nearley 22.6 acres per 1000 residents based on parks alone and a city population of 10,000. All city residents are with in one half mile of park, river or lake.The countless county tax forfiet land allows for miles of walking and hunting oportunities with in the city limites.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The abundance of parks, lakes, Mississippi River and county tax forfiet land makes for an incridible oportunity for all residents to enjoy the outdoors.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
1 star - Action 8:

Develop a program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration, invasive species management and stewardship projects.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Established as a subcommited under the Economic Developement Commitee the Mississippi River Front Commitee was establishe in January of 2010.The group is responsible for the clean up of trash along the banks of the Mississippi with in the city limits of Grand Rapids.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
As a result of this comittee we now have clean river banks.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024

Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}

1 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:
Implementation details:
The City of Grand Rapids has gone to paperless agenda packets for the City Council and Planning Commission. The Legistar software was purchased in an effort to reduce the amount of paper used to create agenda packets. The packets are all generated electroniclly and emailed out to the City Council and Planning Commission. The hope is to eventually have all City Boards and Commissions using the Legistar software.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
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:
In August 2012 a contract was signed with Waste Management for garbage removal and recyclable materials. Using a 64 gallon cart recycling volumes have increased typically 35%-40%. The old bins only held 18 gallons of material by going to 64 gallon carts every other week the availabe volume is almost quadrupled. Additionally, trash volume has decreased between 18% to23%.Byreducing the trash volume, residents are often able to down size to a smaller trash container, enabling a further reduction in their monthly rate.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024

Resilient Economic & Community Development Resilient Economic and Community Development

Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}

Not rated - 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: 2022
Implementation details:
Inclusive and coordinated decision-making has been used in development of the city's plans, including the GROW comprehensive plan and the downtown plan update, in progress. city has been using focus groups to gather information from specific groups, such as retail businesses.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Molly MacGregor (Community Volunteer) | dakise53@gmail.com | 12182567646

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: 2022
Implementation details:
City participates in regional Advanced Business Energy Retrofit Program (BER), which is designed to educate and help assist businesses with energy efficient decisions, working directly with the contractors and aid in financing the energy retrofit project to include estimated payback calculations. The BER Program will support and provide the business up to $20,000 in eligible retrofit expenses or 1/3 of the total project up to $60,000. A $500.00 application fee plus $900.00 audit fee will be required to participate in this program and processed at the time of a project closing.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Molly MacGregor (Community Volunteer) | dakise53@gmail.com | 12182567646

Renewable Energy {BP no.26}

3 star - Action 6:

Report installed private sector-owned renewable energy/energy efficient generation capacity with at least one of the following attributes:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
In 2020 Grand Rapids Public Utilities (GRPU) partnered with wholesale power supplier Minnesota Power to contract for installation of a 2 MW solar array on City-owned land. The project includes a one megawatt/2.5 hour energy storage battery. Construction was completed in November 2021. Minnesota Power owns the array but the energy generated by the system is passed through to GRPU customers through the local grid.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Minnesota Power
For more information contact:
Bill Schnell (Community Volunteer) | bschnel50@gmail.com | 2183983079

Business Synergies and EcoDistricts {BP no.28}

2 star - Action 2:

Document that at least one business/building uses waste heat or water discharge from another business or conducts materials exchange activities with another organization.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
In January 2012 the City of Grand Rapids began using waste hot water from paper production at the Blandin Paper Mill to heat the Grand Rapids Public Library. This was accomplished by construction a new building to house a wide-gap plate heat exchanger which transfers the heat from the waste water to the glycol which circulates through the library. This project has allowed us to reduce our natural gas consumption by nearly 70%. The new building also has a living roof. Half of the new building also will house and education center which will be able to be monitored by anyone with access to the internet. One can view the flow through the heat exchange from an adjoining viewing room. Those viewing the internet will be able to monitor the entire library heating system and actually see how the system works. Internet users will also have access to the k-12 curriculum which will pose a question and answer specific to each grade. Solar and wind project will also be monitored in educational portion of this project.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
70% natural gas reduction. Educational portion of project available for all to view via internet.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Julie Kennedy (City staff) | jakennedy@grpuc.org | 218-326-7024