City Detail

Background Information

City of Saint Louis Park
County: Hennepin
Population: 50010
GreenStep City category: A
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 250
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Ellie Rabine
City Staff
952-924-2131
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
GreenStep City resolution: Click here to view the file.
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 5 ( )

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: 45
1 star actions: 16
2 star actions: 18
3 star actions: 10

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
The City of Saint Louis Park has B3 billing information for many buildings dating back to 2007 uninterrupted to the present. For newer buildings, there's B3 billing information dating to 2012 which is uninterruped to present. Both City staff and Minnesota GreenCorps members work to maintain the B3 page.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191
2 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:
Implementation details:
Retrofitted all city buildings with motion detectors for lights; computer operated HVAC systems control heat and cooling;
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Decreased utility bills
Decreased use of electricty and natural gas
Descriptive File:
Building Contractors; State of MN; Xcel Energy; CenterPoint Energy
For more information contact:
Rick Beane (City staff) | rbeane@stlouispark.org | 952-928-2854
1 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: 2016
Implementation details:
The City of St. Louis Park purchased a software program, PwrSmart, which enables computer & monitor power management for all city owned computers. The program allows for multiple schedules put the majority of computers and monitors are shutdown at 7:00 pm.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The program provides data on greenhouse gas reduction and energy savings based on the computer schedules.
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city matches 50% of the utility rebates for energy efficient furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners, in addition to air sealing and insulation.

City also offers discount home energy audits to residential property owners.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Many people converting their homes to energy efficient alternatives.
Descriptive File:
Center for Environment Energy; Xcel and CenterPoint Energy
For more information contact:
Jim Vaughan (City staff) | jvaughan@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2699
1 star - Action 7:

Customize a model sustainable building renovation policy that includes the SB 2030 energy standard and adopt the language to govern private renovation projects that:

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
On February 16th 2010, the City of Saint Louis Park Economic Development Authority adopted a city wide Green Building Policy. This policy affects new municipal, commercial, hotel, industrual and mixed use construction, additions 15,000 square feet or greater (gross) and renovations 50,000 square feet or greater (gross) receiving $200,000 or more in City financial assistance. This policy also affects new and renovated multifamily residential buildings receiving $200,000 or more in City financial assistance and all new and renovated detached single family home projects receiving $10,000 or more in City financial assistance.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191

New Green Buildings {BP no.3}

2 star - Action 1:

Require by city policy that new city-owned buildings be built using the SB 2030 energy standard and/or a green building framework.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
On February 16th 2010, the City of Saint Louis Park Economic Development Authority adopted a city wide Green Building Policy. This policy affects new municipal, commercial, hotel, industrual and mixed use construction, additions 15,000 square feet or greater (gross) and renovations 50,000 square feet or greater (gross) receiving $200,000 or more in City financial assistance. This policy also affects new and renovated multifamily residential buildings receiving $200,000 or more in City financial assistance and all new and renovated detached single family home projects receiving $10,000 or more in City financial assistance.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191
2 star - Action 3:

Adopt a sustainable building policy for private buildings; include the SB 2030 energy standard; adopt language governing new development projects that:

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
On February 16th 2010, the City of Saint Louis Park Economic Development Authority adopted a city wide Green Building Policy. This policy affects new municipal, commercial, hotel, industrual and mixed use construction, additions 15,000 square feet or greater (gross) and renovations 50,000 square feet or greater (gross) receiving $200,000 or more in City financial assistance. This policy also affects new and renovated multifamily residential buildings receiving $200,000 or more in City financial assistance and all new and renovated detached single family home projects receiving $10,000 or more in City financial assistance.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191

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:
Implementation details:
City has been implementing this plan sicne 2009 and will continue to do so.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Meg McMonigal (City staff) | mmcmonigal@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2573
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:
Implementation details:
General provisions of the Zoning Code require that all development comply with the Comprehensive Plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191

Mixed Uses {BP no.8}

2 star - Action 1:

Organize or participate in a community planning/placemaking/design process for the city/a mixed-use district, including specific community engagement practices that engage cultural and income diverse community members.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City implemented a recent set of meetings directed to a mixed use area that will be on the SW LRT Line. A stormwater study is also a part of this action.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Design guidlelines developed for this area, including zoning changes, stormwater BMP placement, master traffic plan and green space/park options.
Descriptive File: view file
SRF Consulting, HKGi Consulting
For more information contact:
Meg McMonigal (City staff) | mmcmonigal@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2573

Design for Natural Resource Conservation {BP no.10}

1 star - Action 1:

Conduct a Natural Resource Inventory or Assessment (NRI or NRA); incorporate protection of priority natural systems or resources such as groundwater through the subdivision or development process.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city, through Hennepin County, conducted and received our Natural Resource inventory which we base natural resource decisions on. The entire inventory can be found in about internal computer drive within SLP organization; too large to include as file here.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Increase in natural resourced base initiatives and projects within specified resource areas.
Descriptive File: view file
Hennepin County
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191
1 star - Action 3:

For cities within metropolitan areas, incorporate woodland best management practices addressing protection of wooded areas into zoning or development review.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City always implements land use requirments for projects that trigger ordinance. Tree Preservation and landscape preservation points and incentives area applied.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Amount of trees preserved as well as the number of trees replaced, as a start.
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191

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:
On June 17th 2013, the Saint Louis Park City Council adopted a complete street resolution in transportation planning and community design. This includes considering the needs of motorists, pedestrians, transit users, bicylclists, vehicles, commercial vehicles and emergency vehicles when planning new streets.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191
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: 2017
Implementation details:
In 2017, following the Connect the Park Plan, the City of Saint Louis Park has been modifying a number of streets: 1) 33 St, Virginia Ave to Rhode Island Ave 2) Texas Ave corridor, Hwy 77 to Cedar Lake Trail 3) Texas Ave, minnetonka Blvd to 28th St.4) 28th St Corridor, Virginia Ave to Hwy 100.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191
3 star - Action 5:

Identify and remedy street-trail gaps between city streets and off-road trails/bike trails to better facilitate walking and biking.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
With the Connect the Park Plan, adopted in 2007, the city had identified gaps of sidewalks, trails, bike lanes and bikeways through their community. In 2017, the city has been implementing the plan with tangible communtiy results found at this link. https://www.stlouispark.org/2017-connect-the-park-sidewalk-and-trails.html
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191

Mobility Options {BP no.12}

3 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: 2009
Implementation details:
Trail/sidewalk maps are updated annually and provided at https://www.stlouispark.org/parks-trails/regional-bike-trails.html, at events and in brochure racks in each public building. In Nov. 2016 the city was recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) at the Bronze Level by the League of American Bicyclists.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
More people using trails and sidewalks and biking; national certification of the city as a Bicycle Friendly Community.
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sean Walther (City staff) | swalther@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2574
2 star - Action 2:

Conduct an Active Living campaign such as a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of St. Louis Park has earned the opportunity to engage its citizens in a city-wide conversation about well-being through the “Health in the Park” initiative. The Center for Prevention at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota chose the City of St. Louis Park as one of nine communities out of over 100 applicants to receive funding to be used over the next three years to promote healthy and active living
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Health parameters such as weight, blood pressure, et al. Along with number of participants in programs
Descriptive File: view file
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN; SLP Schools: Hennepin County
For more information contact:
Sean Walther (City staff) | swalther@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2574
2 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:
Implementation details:
City promotes transit options, MTCO bus routes, in this example. The City used to have a Dial-a-ride service, but was recently halted due to budget constraints.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
increased bus ridership
Descriptive File: view file
MTCO
For more information contact:
Sean Walther (City staff) | swalther@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2574

Efficient City Fleets {BP no.13}

1 star - Action 4:

Phase in bike, e-bike, foot or horseback modes for police, inspectors and other city staff.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The bike patrol works primarily in the City's parks and trails, interacting with the public, answering questions and providing information and literature about the City and the parks. Both sworn police officers and police reserve officers serve as bike patrol. Bike patrol also works with other agencies on problem areas.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Number of contacts with SLP residents and visitors.
Descriptive File:
Hennepin County Sheriff
For more information contact:
Jim Vaughan (City Staff) | jvaughan@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2184

Demand-Side Travel Planning {BP no.14}

2 star - Action 4:

Require new developments or redevelopments to prepare a travel demand management plan or transit-oriented development standards or LEED for Neighborhood Development certification.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
St. Louis Park has identified a TDM District as part of its Zoning Code (article IV. Zoning Districts; division 10. Travel Demand Management District; section 36) that outlines requirements that must be met with respect to development or redevelopment in this district. The district is centered on the I-394 corridor. The corridor runs along the common border between the city and Golden Valley; they have entered into a joint powers agreement. This overlay district imposes on dense developments a condition to prepare and effectuate traffic management plans which will serve to reduce the traffic congestion, air and noise pollution and other environmental problems associated with them. It should be noted that there is a traffic management administrative fee imposed upon each development
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Smoother traffic flow within district, particularly when new development is completed.
Descriptive File: view file
City of Golden Valley; MNDOT; Hennepin County
For more information contact:
Sean Walther (City staff) | swalther@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2574

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Sustainable Purchasing {BP no.15}

3 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:
Implementation details:
The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy was passed by the City Council on April 6, 2015, and became effective on June 1, 2015. It includes renewable energy, EnergyStar products, green cleaning, and 30% or more recycled products.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Environment & Sustainability Commission; Staff
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191
1 star - Action 7:

Lower the environmental footprint of meetings and events in the city.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Since 2010, the City of St. Louis Park has been implementing zero waste events and meetings, such as City Open Houses, Westwood Hills Nature Center Annual Halloween program and many internal meetings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
We measure the amoung of garbage (waste)at each zero waste event.
The number of zero waste events we hold - increasing each year.
Descriptive File: view file
Eureka Recycling, Hennepin County, State of MN
For more information contact:
Shannon Hansen (City staff) | shansen@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2183

Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}

2 star - Action 1:

Certify as a Tree City USA.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City of St. Louis Park has been a Tree City USA for over 30 years...we will continue to be one for the foreseeable future.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Adhered to all Tree City requirements and have planted 300+ trees annually for last 5 years.
Descriptive File: view file
Minnesota Socitey or Arboriculture; MN DNR: MDA; Tree Contractors
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191
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:
Implementation details:
$60000 annual CIP budget item for boulevard and Park tree planting
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
number of trees planted
number of trees survive after 2 years
diversity of trees planted throughout Ciyt
Descriptive File: view file
local tree nurseries; MN DNR
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191
2 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:
Implementation details:
This list is for 2012 only...we create this type of list every year with a minimum of 225 trees planted throughout boulevards and parks.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
-number of trees planted
-diversity of trees planted
-number of trees planted/ward
-number of different streets and parks where
trees are planted
Descriptive File: view file
Tree Trust; Local Tree Nurseries; MN NDR
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191
2 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:
Implementation details:
have implemented 8 native vegetation permits since inception of new native vegetation section to ordinance.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Number of native vegetation permits and sites throughout city.
Descriptive File: view file
City of Robbinsdale; City Attorney
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191
2 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:
Implementation details:
St. Louis Park employs an ISA Certified Arborist on staff.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Increased number of grants, trees ID'd with "issues", increase diversity of trees planted and heightened educational initiativess.
Descriptive File: view file
International Society of Arboriculture; Minnesota Society of Arboriculture
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191

Stormwater Management {BP no.17}

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2000
Implementation details:
The City if St. Louis Park’s Stormwater Utility, Section 32-141, was established in the year 2000 to fund citywide stormwater initiatives.

Stormwater Utility rates are developed through the use of a residential equivalent factor (REF), which is a comparative ratio between the volume of stormwater runoff generated, based on average rainfall amounts, from specifically identified landuses. Stormwater Utility rates to be made against each property are determined by multiplying the REF by each parcel's acreage and the basic system rate. In addition, landuses that are not specifically identified within the REF can be reclassified by the probable hydrologic response.

City ordinance also allows for the adjustment of Stormwater Utility rates for specific properties based on hydrologic analysis, which is supplied by the affected property owner. Property owners may provide hydrologic analysis developed specifically for their property. If the results of the analysis demonstrate a significant different outcome than what is identified within the REF, the resident may receive a Stormwater Utility rate reduction.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Erick Francis (City staff) | efrancis@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2690
Not rated - 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:
Implementation details:
This ordinance was created in conjunction with the NPDES Permit the city is required to have. City inspects all land-disturbing activities and requlates all sites under 1 acre with specific thresholds for action, 50 cubic yards or 500 square feet of site disturbance, kickistarting erosion control permit process.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Continuing to implement ordinance and can evaluate metrics via erosion control citations, educational brochures handed out, plans conforming to ordiance specifications, public input/feedback and other means.
Descriptive File: view file
MNDOT, MN DNR, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, Bassett Creek Watershed Commission, MPCA
For more information contact:
Perry Edman (City staff) | pedman@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2690

Parks and Trails {BP no.18}

3 star - Action 1:

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

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City is in the process of implementing, in man;y phases, the master trail and sidewalk plan that links gaps and increases connectivity throughout the City of St. Louis park
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Checking off areas completed through CIP and other related projects.
Descriptive File: view file
Contractors, SRF Consulting
For more information contact:
Sean Walther (City staff) | swalther@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2574
3 star - Action 3:

Achieve minimum levels of city green space and maximize the percent within a ten-minute walk of community members.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Over 90% of St. Louis Park residents live within 1/2 mile of a park or open green space.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
maps of park locations
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191
3 star - Action 5:

Create park/city land management standards/practices that maximize at least one of the following:

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City has been adding alternative landscaping around pond/lake perimeters and has added prairie in park open spaces. City hires Prairie Restorations to manage sites- IPM based management. In 2018 the grounds staff replaced their large, aging collection of two-cycle gas-powered landscaping equipment with all electric-powered equipment.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
increase in alternative landscaped areas throughout park system. The electric-powered equipment is easy to use, lightweight, quiet, and no-smell.
Descriptive File: view file
Prairie Restorations, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, Metro Blooms
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191
2 star - Action 8:

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

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City promotes all types of land stewardship and this attachment is one example, using hundreds of volunteers to pick up litter in our parks and city. This action item is just one of many in our Beautify the Park annual campaign/program.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
number of volunteers participating
number of garbage bags collected
weight of garbage collected
Descriptive File: view file
SLP Schoold District'; Boy Scouts; Girl Scouts; SLP Lions; Benilde-St. Margarets School
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191

Surface Water {BP no.19}

1 star - Action 4:

Adopt a shoreland ordinance for all river and lake shoreland areas.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City has adopted a SWPPP that covers a variety of BMP's, including a shore land ordinance.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Regulate development along surface water bodies with a minimum of 10' buffers.
Descriptive File:
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District; Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191

Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems {BP no.20}

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:
Implementation details:
City has set up a tier system for water conservation. Tier 1 is low consumption consumer rate and Tier 3 is high consumption consumer rate. Tiers are separated by over 25-cents/tier level.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Lower water usage; gallons consumed.
Descriptive File: view file
Met Council
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191

Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}

3 star - Action 2:

Address concerns over consumer products and packaging through encouragement/implementation of one or more of:

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2013
Implementation details:
A Zero Waste Packaging Ordinance went into effect on January 1, 2017, and requires that all single-use food packaging used by licensed food establishments be recyclable or compostable. The City has been recycling in our parks for over 6 years with much success. We hired Randy's sanitation to pick up a dumpster (whenever full) of park recycling gathered from most City parks.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Tonnage of recycling collected from parks per year.
Descriptive File: view file
Hennepin County, RAM
For more information contact:
Jim Vaughan (City staff) | jvaughan@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2699
3 star - Action 6:

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

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City can provide tons of recycling and solid waste collected for many years. City of St. Louis Park has been hiring one contractor/citywide recycling and garbage collection for over 35 years.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
number of tons collected - solid waste and recycling
number of participants - recycling
Descriptive File:
Eureka Recycling; Waste Management; Hennepin County
For more information contact:
Scott Merkley (City staff) | smerkley@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2181

Local Air Quality {BP no.23}

1 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:
Implementation details:
The City just installed 2 electric charging stations at City Hall. These stations will be available (on) during business hours and large events held at City Hall.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
number of electric vehicle charging occurences.
Descriptive File:
Xcel
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The St. Louis Park Environment and Sustainability Commission, through a dedicated Green Step work group, will evaluate present practices and recommend changes and additions as needed.
Green Step accomplishments are reported to the City Council through monthly meeting minutes and an annual report. Green Step program information and action steps will be publicized through City communications channels, and periodic news releases to the St. Louis Park Sun Sailor.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191
3 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: 2017
Implementation details:
The City of Saint Louis Park Environmental Commission produces a yearly sustainability report to the City Council which is publicly available for all residents which shows progress that has been made in the GreenStep Cities program and the city's other sustainability goals.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191

Green Business Development {BP no.25}

1 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:
Implementation details:
St. Louis Park produced an informational packet describing its Green Building Policy, and directing users to sources of assistance to assess and improve energy conservation, increase use of renewable energy, reduce waste, and prevent pollution.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191
2 star - Action 5:

Lower the environmental and health risk footprint of a brownfield remediation/redevelopment project beyond regulatory requirements; report brightfield projects.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2002
Implementation details:
80-acres of the City of Saint Louis Park are sitting on an old coal tar distillation and creosote wood preserving plant. This entire area has been redeveloped into homes, condos, townhouses, a restaurant, bowling alley, office building, recreational park with athletic fields, walking paths, recreation cetner, pond and playground. This webpage goes into further detail about remediation efforts by the city and state: https://www.stlouispark.org/reilly-tar-chemical-corp.html
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City Council Passed a Bee Friendly Resolution defining 8 parks as Bee Friendly, along with education and other bee friendly practices.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Educate property owners to provide bee habitat on their properties, increase number of bee friendly parks, minimize use of pesticides on City properties.
Descriptive File: view file
Humming for Bees
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
The City of St Louis Park is part of the Lakes Region Emergency Management Planning Group. The group has established a regional Emergency Operations Plan which describes strategies and mechanisms through which cities will mobilize resources and conduct activities to guide and support emergency management efforts using the National Incident Management System. The City has developed a crisis communication plan that includes our reverse 911 system, our own PSAP Public Safety Answering Point and a full time staff in the Communications and Marketing including our own Public Information Officer. The City utilizes Emergency Support Functions (ESF) that identify resources to meet the needs of any incident and point to the Hennepin County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan for any instances that exceeds local control. The City maintains within its current Emergency Operations Plan and identifies specific SOGs that relate to evacuation, mass Care, heat and cooling shelters and severe weather shelters. The City’s GIS department maintains maps of flood prone areas, outdoor warning sirens and other specific information tied to hazards and mitigation. The coordination of the Cities EOP and the Hennepin County EOP is critical to maintaining continuity of operations and allows for access to real time weather and climate date on the Hennepin Mesonet. We have a connection to the Hennepin EOC through both WEB EOC and video conferencing that allows for management of incidents locally and access to resources such as specialist, interpreters and Incident Management staff if needs exceed local control. The City of St Louis Park works hard to serve all of its residents and businesses, and understands that there may be populations that are considered vulnerable or more susceptible to the impacts of weather and climate related events and service disruptions. The Fire Department has created a work group with all Senior Facilities to address common challenges and to provide information. The City has embarked on a City wide effort to address and advance racial equity within our community. All City Staff have been trained to the awareness level by the Center for Social Inclusion and the Governmental Alliance on Race Equity (GARE). We have invested in the creation of Cohort teams and each department is working on a strategic plan to advance racial equity and to identify gaps where needs might exist to better serve our diverse populations. This partnership with GARE and the cohort teams will us help identify what the needs are from vulnerable populations directly, so that we can incorporate those solutions into our procedures going forward. At this point we think directing non-English speakers to translators through our emergency dispatch is the best way to convey information, and are further researching best practices in this evolving area.
Responsible Staff: Fire Chief Steve Koering
952.924.2595
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191
1 star - Action 4:

Encourage private sector action and incentivize investment in preventive approaches that reduce risk and minimize impacts of extreme weather and the changing climate for human health and the built environment.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
"Ready and Resilient: A Guide to Extreme Weather" was prepared by the City using the Macalester College brochure as a model. Print copies were distributed during a community-wide workshop in August 2015 and mailed to city residents. City staff tabulated results of an on-line/printed survey. The August public event included presentations by Dr. Mark Seeley and Patrick Hamilton on the current state of Minnesota's climate and changes that have been observed and are expected in the future.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
12 questions were asked in both the paper and online surveys. Each question had a risk factor based on the answer provided. Questions ranged from a health focus to current conditions in the home as well as preparedness status. City staff plans to use information from the survey to target more specific messaging and education on resiliency and preparedness.
Descriptive File:
MPCA
For more information contact:
Emily Ziring (City Staff) | eziring@stlouispark.org | 952-924-2191