City Detail

Background Information

City of Lake City
County: Wabasha,Goodhue
Population: 5100
GreenStep City category: A
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 50
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Scott Jensen
City Staff
sjensen@ci.lake-city.mn.us
651-345-6850
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
https://www.ci.lake-city.mn.us/
GreenStep City resolution: Click here to view the file.
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 1 ( )

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
2025 - click to view assessment

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 8
1 star actions: 4
2 star actions: 4

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: 2024
Implementation details:
Lake City has 11 current municipal buildings collecting data in the B3 database. By using this database we are able to monitor our electric, natural gas and water usage from 2021 to present day.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Amanda Jackson (City Staff) | ajackson@ci.lake-city.mn.us | 1-651-345-4711
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: Ongoing
Implementation details:
The City of Lake City has implemented several energy efficiency improvements in city-owned buildings, including the library, which underwent a recent remodel. During the renovation, we retrofitted the entire facility with energy-efficient LED lighting, significantly reducing energy costs. This approach has since become standard practice, with the City actively replacing outdated fluorescent lighting with LED alternatives in other facilities.
In addition to the library, energy-efficient lighting upgrades have also been completed in the Public Safety Building and the Public Works Building, both of which were renovated within the last ten years. These efforts contribute to ongoing reductions in energy consumption and align with the City’s commitment to sustainable operations.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Tyler Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@ci.lake-city.mn.us | 1-651-345-6850
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: 2015
Implementation details:
One of our significant energy efficiency initiatives was incorporated into the remodel of our city library. The City undertook extensive efforts to retrofit all lighting in the library with LED technology.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Tyler Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@ci.lake-city.mn.us | 1-651-345-6850

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: This action has been a long standing occurance.
Implementation details:
The City of Lake City, in partnership with the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA), offers a variety of residential, commercial and industrial energy use reduction incentives to encourage energy efficiency and sustainable practices. These programs include ongoing utility rebates for energy-saving appliances and home improvements, as well as annual holiday lighting rebates to support residents in reducing energy consumption during the winter months.

Additionally, the City regularly promotes energy-saving tips through utility bill inserts and on the City’s utility board, helping residents make informed choices about reducing energy and water usage. These initiatives are part of Lake City’s commitment to fostering a more sustainable and energy-efficient community.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Tyler Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@ci.lake-city.mn.us | 1-651-345-6850
1 star - Action 3:

Implement an energy rating/disclosure policy for residential and/or commercial buildings.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: Unknown
Implementation details:
The City of Lake City has implemented an energy rating system for residential utility billing. On residents' utility bills, we provide an energy comparison that shows how their energy use compares to the average for similar homes. This disclosure helps raise awareness about energy efficiency and encourages residents to consider ways to reduce their energy consumption.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Tyler Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@ci.lake-city.mn.us | 1-651-345-6850

Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}

2 star - Action 3:

Replace the city's existing street lighting with Dark Sky-compliant LEDs, modifying any city franchise/utility agreement and adding smart grid attributes.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: Ongoing
Implementation details:
The City of Lake City is in the process of updating its street lighting to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. To date, we have replaced the majority of our existing streetlights, with approximately 90% now using Dark Sky-compliant LED lights. This upgrade helps reduce light pollution, improve nighttime visibility, and lower energy consumption.

Additionally, the City is working toward incorporating smart grid attributes and modifying our utility agreements to support more sustainable and efficient lighting solutions. This is an ongoing effort, and we are committed to completing the transition as part of our broader sustainability goals.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Tyler Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@ci.lake-city.mn.us | 1-651-345-6850
2 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: Ongoing
Implementation details:
The City of Lake City has incorporated solar-powered lighting in various projects, including solar-powered speed signs located at key entry points into the city. These signs are designed to improve traffic safety while also reducing energy consumption and supporting sustainability goals.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Tyler Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@ci.lake-city.mn.us | 1-651-345-6850

Building Redevelopment {BP no.5}

1 star - Action 2:

Implement the Minnesota Main Street model for commercial revitalization.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
The City of Lake City is committed to revitalizing its commercial areas by implementing the Minnesota Main Street model for economic development and downtown revitalization. This model focuses on preserving historic buildings, enhancing the pedestrian experience, and supporting local businesses to create vibrant, attractive, and economically resilient commercial districts.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Tyler Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@ci.lake-city.mn.us | 1-651-345-6850