City Detail

Background Information

City of Robbinsdale
County: Hennepin
Population: 14646
GreenStep City category: A
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 117
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Kayla Kirtz
City Staff
763-233-5654
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
GreenStep City resolution: Click here to view the file.
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 3 ( )

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

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 46
1 star actions: 24
2 star actions: 15
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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Completed and Ongoing. Data for gas and electrical usage for main City owned buildings (City Hall, Public Safety and Public Works) is recorded starting 2010 to February 2020. Water usage and energy usage in smaller City owned buildings does not have as much history.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
1 star - Action 2:

Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned/school buildings to reduce energy costs.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Completed. Occupancy switches and dimmers have been installed at City owned buildings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
2 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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Completed. Multiple projects have been undertaken including higher efficiency HVAC systems, LED lighting retrofits, automatic doors and window replacement.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
2 star - Action 4:

Implement IT efforts and city employee engagement to reduce plug loads, building energy use and workflow efficiency.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Completed. Improved thermostats and controls that allow remote access allow better information for our operators. Education with staff has included explanation of the hazards and plug loads of individual heaters / fans.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Completed and Ongoing. The City is participating with the Metropolitan Council in offering water efficiency grants to residents.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
2 star - Action 5:

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Completed and Ongoing. The City allows native prairie plantings as an alternate to turf grass. In addition, the City is participating with the Metropolitan Council in offering water efficiency grants to residents purchasing selected Water Sense equipment.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253

Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}

2 star - Action 5:

Use LED/solar-powered lighting for a flashing sign or in a street, parking lot or park project.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
Completed. The City has installed a number of solar powered / flashing LED street signs in the downtown to improve safety. Further installations will likely occur.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2008
Implementation details:
Completed. The most recent (2040) Comprehensive Plan approval is in process. Previous 2030 Plan in effect.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
Completed. The TOD Zoning Overlay District has been adopted.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
1 star - Action 3:

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2008
Implementation details:
Completed.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253

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:

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
Completed.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
3 star - Action 3:

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

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
a. Include in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map a commercial district with reduced lot sizes and zero-lot-line setbacks, or a FAR minimum of 1. Completed. FAR = 1 is possible in TOD Overlay District.
b. Use density and floor area ratio (FAR) bonuses in selected residential zoning districts. Completed, Included in TOD Zoning Overlay District.
d. Allowing accessory dwelling units, single-room occupancy housing, senior housing, co-housing or tiny houses / apartments by right in selected zoning districts. Completed. Single Room Occupany = Studio / Efficiency Unit is allowed in selected zones.

Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253

Mixed Uses {BP no.8}

1 star - Action 2:

Locate or lease a property for use as a school, city building or other government facility that has at least two of these attributes:

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
a. Adjacent to an existing employment or residential center. c. Accessible by regular transit service. Sacred Heart School is located close to a Transit Center. Robbinsdale Public Safety Building as well.


Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1990s
Implementation details:
Completed. DD-1 Zone.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
1 star - Action 6:

Incorporate form-based zoning approaches into the zoning code, in those areas where a diverse mix of uses is desired.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
Completed. TOD Overlay District.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2013
Implementation details:
Completed. A Complete Streets Resolution (# 7241) was adopted on 16Jul13.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
1 star - Action 3:

Modify a street in compliance with the city's complete streets policy.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
Completed. Noble Avenue reconstruction project in 2017/18.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
1 star - Action 4:

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2014
Implementation details:
Completed. A Pedestrian - Bicycle Plan was adopted on 02Sep14.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253

Mobility Options {BP no.12}

2 star - Action 1:

Increase walking, biking and transit use by one or more of the following means:

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
a. Produce/distribute route maps, signage or a web site. City Council has amended sign ordinance to permit Metro Transit install illuminated route signage.
b. Document increased bike facilities, such as racks, bike stations or showers. Multiple Bike Racks are available in our Downtown area.
c. Add bus infrastructure, such as signage, benches, shelters, park and ride lots, and real-time arrival data-streaming. Benches are provided at many bus stops and the City is working with Met Transit to have a new park and ride structure at the Robbinsdale Station as part of the Blue Line LRT Extension project.




Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
3 star - Action 3:

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

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
The City of Robbinsdale website includes a Transportation page that provides information, pricing, maps, and direct links to various modes of transportation including: local bus routes, Metro Mobility, Metro Link, rideshare, bicycle routes, pedestrian routes, airport, EV charging stations, and information on the planning process for the future Blue Line Light Rail extension.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Kayla Kirtz (City Staff) | kkirtz@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-233-5654

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:

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
The City has made the switch to purchasing copy paper for use in City Hall that contains 30% total recycled content, including 30% postconsumer content, and is Forest Stewardship Council certified and Green Seal certified. The City purchases Energy Star equipment when feasible.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Kayla Kirtz (City Staff) | kkirtz@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-233-5654
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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
The City is a member of a Community Solar Garden in Wright County.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253

Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}

1 star - Action 1:

Certify as a Tree City USA.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
Completed. The City has been a Tree City USA for 40 years as of 2019.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
2 star - Action 2:

Adopt best practices for urban tree planting/quality; require them in private developments and/or use them in at least one development project.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Completed. The City plants bareroot trees using an in-house Missouri Gravelbed Nursery system and follows MnDOT Landscape Specialist recommendations for quality, selection and planting guidelines.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
1 star - Action 3:

Budget for and achieve resilient urban canopy/tree planting goals.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Completed. The City plants approx 150 trees per year, using about 20 species and replaces every removed tree with at least 1 new tree.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
1 star - Action 4:

Maximize tree planting along your main downtown street or throughout the city.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Completed. Where not in conflict with utilities, the City plants to increase canopy coverage.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
1 star - Action 5:

Adopt a tree preservation or native landscaping ordinance.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
Completed. Native plantings are permitted by Ordinance.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
3 star - Action 6:

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

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
a. Having trained tree specialists. Completed. The City has a full time Forester who is a certified Arborist, licensed tree inspector and pesticide applicator.
b. Supporting volunteer forestry efforts. Completed. The City uses "Citizen Pruner" groups who have been trained by U of M staff.
c. Adopting an EAB management plan / climate adaptation plan for the urban forest. Completed. The City has a detailed tree inventory, plants a diverse range of species and proactively treats for Emerald Ash Borer.




Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253

Stormwater Management {BP no.17}

3 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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
The City does have a Stormsewer Utility to improve runoff and educate residents. Larger contributors are incentivized to reduce runoff areas with reduced fees.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
3 star - Action 5:

Adopt and implement guidelines or design standards/incentives for at least one of the following stormwater infiltration/reuse practices:

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
a. Rain gardens/infiltration practices. Completed. The City utilizes infiltration galleries and raingardens where possible on its own projects and requires these facilities in redevelopment sites.
b. Rainwater harvesting practices. Completed. The City has partnered with Shingle Creek Watershed to install a cistern for rainwater reuse.
d. Pervious/permeable pavement or pavers. Completed. The City has partnered with Shingle Creek Watershed and University of MN to install porous asphalt and monitor effectiveness.
e. Green roofs / green walls. In process. The City's new Centralized Water Treatment Plant will include a green roof over the administrative portion of the building.
f. Tree trenches / tree boxes. Completed. New developments in the downtown have provided streetscape trees in a Stockholm Soil configuration to provide enhanced growing conditions and reduce pavement uplift.





Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Shingle Creek Watershed District
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
2 star - Action 6:

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

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Completed. The City utilizes prewetting and calibrated equipment to reduce salt usage while maintaining safety.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253

Surface Water {BP no.19}

1 star - Action 2:

Conduct or support multi-party community conversations, assessments, plans and actions around improving local water quality and quantity.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Completed and Ongoing. The City is a member of the multi community Shingle Creek and Bassett Creek Watersheds whose primary purpose is to facilitate the management of water quality and quantity.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Shingle Creek Watershed District; Bassett Creek Watershed District
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
1 star - Action 6:

Implement an existing TMDL implementation plan.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Completed and Ongoing. The City operates with several TMDL implementation plans.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253

Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems {BP no.20}

1 star - Action 2:

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

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Completed and Ongoing. The City budgets and implements installation of well and high service pump motor VFD's for start and operational efficiencies.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
2 star - Action 3:

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

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
Completed and Ongoing. The City has a robust Capital Improvement Program that includes replacement of old infrastructure to reduce inflows (in sanitary sewer) and water losses (in water mains).
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
2 star - Action 4:

Optimize energy and chemical use at drinking water/wastewater facilities and decrease chloride in wastewater discharges.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Completed and Ongoing. The City was successful in applying to the State to operate the system at the lower level of fluoride required.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
1 star - Action 7:

Create a demand-side pricing program to reduce demands on water and wastewater systems.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010s
Implementation details:
Completed. The City has an increasing block structure of rates to incentivize reduced water usage.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253

Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}

2 star - Action 5:

Arrange for a residential and/or business/institutional source-separated organics collection/management program.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
Completed. The City has entered into a contract for Organics collection with Curbside Waste
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253

Local Air Quality {BP no.23}

2 star - Action 1:

Replace small internal combustion engine lawn and garden equipment (e.g. lawnmowers, weed whips, etc.) with lower polluting equipment.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010s
Implementation details:
Replacement of gasoline-powered small equipment with lower polluting equipment. Completed. The City has replaced gasoline powered small equipment used for parks maintenance with rechargeable battery powered equipment.

Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253
2 star - Action 5:

Install, assist with and promote publicly available EV charging stations or public fueling stations for alternative fuel vehicles. 

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
Completed. A number of electric vehicle charging stations have been implemented at a recent grocery store redevelopment.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
John Tingley (City Staff) | jtingley@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-531-1253

Resilient Economic & Community Development Resilient Economic and Community Development

Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}

2 star - Action 1:

Inclusive and Coordinated Decision-Making: Use a city commission or committee to lead, coordinate, report to and engage community members on the identification and equitable implementation of sustainability best practices.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
The City has an internal Sustainability Committee comprised of 4-6 staff members that meet monthly to discuss sustainability best practices and operations throughout the City. The committee is led by the City's dedicated sustainability staff person. The Committee provides an annual presentation to City Council with an update on progress related to sustainability and that presentation is available to the public. The presentation covers topics including GreenStep Cities, Partners in Energy, and GreenCorps. The dedicated sustainability staff member provides a sustainability update in the biannual newsletter to residents, as well as frequent sustainability best practice messaging in the City's weekly digital newsletter, bimonthly utility billing, and social media.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Kayla Kirtz (City Staff) | kkirtz@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-233-5654
1 star - Action 2:

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
The City has an internal Sustainability Committee comprised of 4-6 staff members that meet monthly to discuss sustainability best practices and operations throughout the City. The committee is led by the City's dedicated sustainability staff person. The Committee provides an annual presentation to City Council with an update on progress related to sustainability and that presentation is available to the public. The presentation covers topics including GreenStep Cities, Partners in Energy, and GreenCorps.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Kayla Kirtz (City Staff) | kkirtz@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-233-5654
1 star - Action 3:

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
The City has an internal Sustainability Committee comprised of 4-6 staff members that meet monthly to discuss sustainability best practices and operations throughout the City. The committee is led by the City's dedicated sustainability staff person. The Committee provides an annual presentation to City Council with an update on progress related to sustainability and that presentation is available to the public. The presentation covers topics including GreenStep Cities, Partners in Energy, and GreenCorps. The dedicated sustainability staff member provides a sustainability update in the biannual newsletter to residents, as well as frequent sustainability best practice messaging in the City's weekly digital newsletter, bimonthly utility billing, and social media.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Kayla Kirtz (City Staff) | kkirtz@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-233-5654

Green Business Development {BP no.25}

3 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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
The City of Robbinsdale works with the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation, an affiliation of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, to connect multifamily housing properties in the City to waste audits. A Robbinsdale staff person and a Waste Wise staff person conduct site visits and provide implementation tactics and materials for multifamily housing units to reduce their waste and improve recycling and waste management.

The City of Robbinsdale also works with MNimize, a partnership of Hennepin County and the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation, to connect food service businesses in Robbinsdale with waste audits. The City promotes MNimize services on their social media and newsletters, and conducts direct outreach via email and door-knocking to inform businesses of the service. If businesses express interest then they are connected directly with MNimize.

The City of Robbinsdale is also currently involved in the Partners in Energy planning process, and once the Energy Action Plan is finalized and implementation begins, the City will be conducting various forms of outreach to connect businesses with energy and utility programs.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Hennepin County, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation, MNimize, Partners in Energy
For more information contact:
Kayla Kirtz (City Staff) | kkirtz@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-233-5654
2 star - Action 7:

Conduct or participate in a buy local campaign for community members and local businesses.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
The City has a "Hometown Business" webpage on our website that lists a majority of the businesses in our community. The webpage links to other businesses' websites and contains a directory to our Chamber of Commerce.

The City issued a letter of support for Small Business Saturday in November 2022, and the City is participating in a "Love Local" campaign that encourages residents and visitors to shop local. The City is promoting this campaign on our social media platforms and in our print and digital newsletters. The City has created promotional materials for local businesses to use in their own social media. The City is distributing window clings for businesses to display in their storefronts that promote the "Love Local" message and display our city logo.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Hennepin County, Elevate Business MSP
For more information contact:
Kayla Kirtz (City Staff) | kkirtz@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-233-5654

Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience {BP no.29}

3 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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: Unknown
Implementation details:
Robbinsdale’s City Manager is responsible for implementation of emergency preparedness, response, planning, and training, with the assistance of the Robbinsdale Police Department as the emergency preparedness coordination agency. The Robbinsdale Chief of Police acts as the Emergency Manager, and serves as the liaison in the North Suburban Emergency Management Planning Group (NSEMPG). The NSEMPG revised the Emergency Operations Plan in 2018. The Emergency Operations Plan plans for a variety of emergencies, including natural disasters, hazardous materials, medical disasters, exotic animals, etc. The Plan also designates an Emergency Operations Center in a central location to enable the NSEMPG to coordinate policy decisions and manage resources when responding to disasters and emergencies.

Robbinsdale is also included in Hennepin County’s 2018 All-Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Plan identifies vulnerable populations and characteristics of Robbinsdale and identifies the City’s top 3 mitigation priorities. The plan includes goals, actions, and priorities to plan for hazard mitigation and resiliency. This plan is updated on a regular basis.

The City utilizes several resources to communicate potential and impending emergencies with residents, businesses, and visitors. The City uses Tip411 to notify subscribers of hazardous weather, road closures, critical incidents, and other real time information about emergencies that could threaten the health and safety of our residents, businesses, and visitors. Tip411 can be accessed via app, phone call, email, or text. The City also posts real time alerts about emergencies and other pertinent information on our website banner. Additionally, the City has several social media outlets with which we post emergency notifications and updates. The City also uses social media frequently to share resources from Hennepin County about shelters, warming spaces, tornado drills, severe weather, etc.

North Memorial Hospital is located in Robbinsdale and is verified as a Level I Adult Trauma Center with air medical transport service. Robbinsdale’s water treatment plant has a backup power generator in the case of power loss.

Robbinsdale annually updates the Capital Improvement Plan to account for infrastructure updates and improve the resiliency of the City. The Comprehensive Plan is updated every ten years and plans for the updates and improvements to a variety of City resources including land use, housing, transportation, resiliency, parks and trails, and water, sewer, and solid waste. The City is in the process of creating an Energy Action Plan which will plan for energy use and production in changing climatic conditions and foster stronger social and economic vitality. All City plans are available publicly in presentations to the City Council and on the City website.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Hennepin County, North Suburban Emergency Management Planning Group
For more information contact:
Kayla Kirtz (City Staff) | kkirtz@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-233-5654