City Detail

Background Information

City of Winona
County: Winona
Population: 27591
GreenStep City category: A
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 170
Participating township, county, school: NA

GreenStep Coordinator

John Howard
City Staff
jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us
507-457-8273
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
https://www.cityofwinona.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
2020 - click to view assessment

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 32
1 star actions: 6
2 star actions: 13
3 star actions: 13

Buildings and Lighting Buildings and Lighting

Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}

3 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: 2018
Implementation details:
A MN GreenCorps member serving with the city 2018-2019 updated the Winona B3 with electric and natural gas usage data from 2016 onwards for the majority of city buildings. B3 continues to be updated on a regular basis, and is now being used in making decisions about facility use.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Scoring of buildings entered in the B3 database. # of facilities that improved benchmark score.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://mn.b3benchmarking.com/Report?OrganizationID=843
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273
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: 2019
Implementation details:
Lights at the City's Central Garage and City Hall are being retrofitted with LED tubes in place of T8 fluorescent tubes. Staff is working on determining feasibility of LEEP and GESP which would address lighting in other facilities.

Lights were converted from T-12 to T-8 in 2011 as part of a performance contracting project in all major city buildings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Conversion of at least 15 light fixtures to LED tubes.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273
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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2014
Implementation details:
Performance contracting with McKinstry for largest city buildings. Began in 2008 and concluded in 2014.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Annual savings of 909 metric tons of CO2 over the course of the project. Approximate annual reduction of 936,402 kWh of electrical use and 49,584 Therms
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
McKinstry
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273

Efficient Existing Private Buildings {BP no.2}

3 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: 2017
Implementation details:
The City of Winona participated in Xcel Energy Partners in Energy program. We are promoting WindSource and Home Energy Squad Visits. Energy efficiency is incorporated into block development grants.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Xcel Energy
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Two sets of pedestrian crossing signals on Broadway are solar powered as is a speed reader. Two stop signs near a school are powered by solar panels.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273

Building Redevelopment {BP no.5}

2 star - Action 1:

Adopt an historic preservation ordinance/regulations and encourage adaptive reuse.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1989
Implementation details:
The City of Winona has an heritage preservation ordinance defined in City Code 22.27. A heritage preservation commission meets on a monthly basis to identify, designate, protect, and promote significant historic resources of the City.

The City has two historic districts: Downtown (commercial) and Windom Park (residential).
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
https://www.cityofwinona.com/city-services/boards-commissions/heritage-preservation-commission/heritage-preservation-committee/
For more information contact:
Luke Sims (City staff) | lsims@ci.winona.mn.us | (507) 457-8250
3 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: 2011
Implementation details:
Winona is a designated Minnesota Main Street Community.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.mnpreservation.org/services/minnesota-main-street/
For more information contact:
Myron White (City staff) | mwhite@ci.winona.mn.us | (507) 457-8250

Land Use Land Use

Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans {BP no.6}

3 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: 1995
Implementation details:
The most recent comprehensive plan was adopted in 2007 and is available at the descriptive weblink. The comprehensive plan's chapter 7 addresses energy and environmental goals. A pedestrian and bike plan was completed in December 2017.

The City's Capital Improvement Plan catalogs public system maintenance obligations by date and cost.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.cityofwinona.com/city-services/planning-zoning/comprehensive-plan-2007/
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273
2 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: 2017
Implementation details:
The City's unified development code (UDC), which contains the zoning code, states in the "Purposes" section (43.01.11) that one of the goals for the document is to implement the comprehensive plan.

Also, in section 43.01.21, the UDC reads, "The Comprehensive Plan for the City of Winona or “comprehensive plan”, including amendments adopted by the City Council, is the guiding policy document for the UDC. A primary intent of the UDC is to implement the goals and objectives of the comprehensive plan while remaining consistent with all applicable requirements of federal and state laws.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Carlos Espinosa (City staff) | cespinosa@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8250
2 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: 2009
Implementation details:
Chapter 7 of the City of Winona's comprehensive plan addresses environmental protection. There are four specific goals and objectives to chapter 7: Protect key resources, maintain and enhance open space connections, protect water quality and aquatic resources, and to foster stewardship. All these goals further ecological protection.

The comprehensive plan goals are expressed through a bluffland protection ordinance (City Code 43.02.32 Bluffland Protection Overlay District) that protects the natural bluffs from development.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273

Resilient City Growth {BP no.7}

3 star - Action 1:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
The City's Medium (R-2) and High residential (R-3) zoning districts allow 7.25 dwellings per acre. The mixed use district has no lot minimum. Two, three and four plexes are allowed in all but the rural and suburban residential zoning districts.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Carlos Espinosa (City staff) | cespinosa@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8250
2 star - Action 3:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
The mixed use and business districts, including the Downtown district, have zero lot line setbacks except if the lot line is adjacent to another district with lot line setbacks.

In late 2018, the City opened a co-working space called the Garage.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
https://www.cityofwinona.com/city-services/planning-zoning/development-code-update/
Garage Cowork (https://www.thegaragecowork.com/)
For more information contact:
Carlos Espinosa (City staff) | cespinosa@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8250

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:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1937
Implementation details:
City Hall is located along two bus routes in Winona, and is adjacent to the downtown business area.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273
2 star - Action 6:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
The City of Winona passed a unified development code in 2017 that is form based. The code applies to downtown and residential areas.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
https://www.cityofwinona.com/city-services/planning-zoning/development-code-update/
For more information contact:
Carlos Espinosa (City staff) | cespinosa@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8250

Design for Natural Resource Conservation {BP no.10}

2 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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
City completed a street and park tree inventory in 2017. Ordinances protecting blufflands and shoreland are actively enforced.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273

Transportation Transportation

Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}

3 star - Action 1:

Adopt a complete streets policy, or a living streets policy, which addresses landscaping and stormwater.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
The City of Winona approved a Complete Streets and Pedestrian & Bicycle plan on Dec. 4, 2017. The plan provides guidance for implementing more pedestrian and bicycling features with road construction projects.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Miles of new pedestrian and bike trails. Reduced crashes between cars and pedestrians and bikes.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.cityofwinona.com/city-services/planning-zoning/complete-streets/
City of Winona Active Transportation Committee
For more information contact:
Luke Sims (City staff) | lsims@ci.winona.mn.us | (507) 457-8250

Mobility Options {BP no.12}

3 star - Action 1:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City website features a page on "Bicycling" that lists route maps, rules and other resources. Since 2013, the City of Winona is a bronze level bicycle friendly community: http://bikeleague.org/sites/default/files/bfareportcards/BFC_Fall_2013_ReportCard_Winona_MN.pdf

The City's recently approved Pedestrian and Bicycle plan should help improve the infrastructure for human powered transit. The plan is available online here: https://www.cityofwinona.com/city-services/planning-zoning/complete-streets/
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.cityofwinona.com/city-services/planning-zoning/bicycling/
LiveWell Winona; Winona County; The League of American Bicyclists
For more information contact:
Luke Sims (City staff) | lsims@ci.winona.mn.us | (507) 457-8250
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:
Implementation details:
The City of Winona operates a bus transit service within the City. The routes and timetables are available on the City's website at the descriptive link above. Google maps also has the City bus routes to help with navigation. The City website also describes the cost and fare options. Recently, the City unveiled a dial-a-ride service to expand transit options, and instructions to use the service are on the City website. The Winona Transit service also provides an after-hours Safe Ride available on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7pm to 1:30am during the local universities school sessions.

The City also has a "Bicycling" page to highlight bicycling routes and other pertinent rules and regulations: https://www.cityofwinona.com/city-services/planning-zoning/bicycling/
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
https://www.cityofwinona.com/city-services/city-clerks-office/winona-transit-services/
For more information contact:
Luke Sims (City staff) | lsims@ci.winona.mn.us | (507) 457-8250
2 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:
Starting on Nov. 30, 2017, the City added a Dial-a-ride service to our transit options. The service allows for pick-up 4 blocks or greater from the standard bus stops and expands the service area of transit to 2 miles beyond the city limits of Winona and Goodview.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.cityofwinona.com/city-services/city-clerks-office/winona-transit-services/
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273

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: 1996
Implementation details:
The City of Winona has been a Tree City USA member for 22 years.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273
3 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: 2014
Implementation details:
The City's tree department is led by a ISA Certified Arborist (Chris Kramer, ISA# MN-4408AM). The city strives for 5-10-15, and is working to plant tree species that will thrive in a warmer climate.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273

Stormwater Management {BP no.17}

1 star - Action 5:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Winona offers cost-sharing grants for residents to create their own rain gardens. Design standards are built into the application.

In 2018, the City funded the construction of 37 rainbarrels. The project included construction instructions so resident can build their own from reused 55 gallon drums.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Healthy Lake Winona
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273

Parks and Trails {BP no.18}

1 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:
City of Winona has 1873.18 acres of park land, which is equivalent to 69 acres per 1000 residents (2017 population).
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
3 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:
Healthy Lake Winona
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://healthylakewinona.weebly.com/
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273

Surface Water {BP no.19}

3 star - Action 2:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Healthy Lake Winona group
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273
1 star - Action 4:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Shoreland overlay district
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Luke Sims (City staff) | lsims@ci.winona.mn.us | (507) 457-8250

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Citizen's Environmental Quality Committee acts as an advisory to City Planning Commission. This Committee is responsible for the attainment of environmental goals and implementation of environmental policies, of the Winona 2007 Comprehensive Plan along with modifications of the plan as they occur. The committee meets monthly.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.cityofwinona.com/city-services/planning-zoning/citizens-environmental-quality-committee/
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273

Green Business Development {BP no.25}

1 star - Action 6:

Promote green businesses that are recognized under a local, regional or national program.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Winona is in the process of creating a Green Ribbon Commission to encourage sustainable actions in local businesses.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273

Renewable Energy {BP no.26}

3 star - Action 3:

Promote financing and incentive programs, such as PACE, for clean energy:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
Winona County authorized PACE for the County in the summer of 2016. The City in partnership with CERTs and the Chamber of Commerce, held a "lunch and learn" for businesses to learn about the PACE program on April 18, 2017. Currently one 39.9 kw PV system funded by PACE exists within City limits. The City and partners will promote PACE through Xcel's Partners in Energy implementation process.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Number of businesses participating in PACE.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
CERTs, Winona County
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273
3 star - Action 4:

Support a community solar garden or help community members participate in a community solar project by:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Winona will be subscribing to a Community Solar Garden through SolarStone
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273
3 star - Action 7:

Become a solar-ready community, including adopting ordinance/zoning language and an expedited permit process for residents and businesses to install solar energy systems.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
The City of Winona is a bronze level SolSmart certified city.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Current report on SolSmart actions achieved by Winona.
SolSmart
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273

Local Food {BP no.27}

2 star - Action 2:

Facilitate creation of home/community gardens, chicken & bee keeping, and incorporation of food growing areas/access in multifamily and residential developments.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Since 2008, the City has allowed homeowners to keep 12 chicken hens at residential properties. In 2017, the City established a 50 plot community garden at our East Recreation Center. Before the garden opened, all plots were reserved. All plots are reserved in 2018. The East Recreation Center will also be hosting a seed library in conjunction with a WSU student in February 2018.

Redeemer Lutheran Church leases land to gardeners, with a community garden run by the County Master Gardeners (http://winonaeducationgardens.weebly.com/). Produce grown in the Redeemer Lutheran community garden plot is donated to local food shelves, or given to other gardeners.

The City's Unified Development Code, approved in June 2017, allows community gardens in all residential and mixed use zones.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.winonadailynews.com/news/local/a-fruitful-first-season-east-recreation-center-community-garden-looks/article_c5e12e07-963f-530c-9421-77148fc06e2d.html
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273