City Detail

Background Information

City of Long Beach
County: Pope
Population: 338
GreenStep City category: C
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 0
Participating township, county, school: Xcel Energy; PeopleServices

GreenStep Coordinator

Mike Pfeiffer
Elected Official
mikep@longbeachmn.org
320-634-6710
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
https://www.longbeachmn.com/
GreenStep City resolution: Click here to view the file.
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 1 ( )

City Assessment Files and City Performance Metrics

City councils pass a resolution to join the GreenStep program and are recognized at Step 1. Step 2 and Step 3 recognition levels reflect completed city actions, reported and rated below with stars (1 star = good, 2 stars = better, 3 stars = best). The Assessment File below summarizes completed city actions in a short Word file. Step 4 recognition is awarded to cities who report a minimum number of core metrics for the previous calendar year. These metrics aim to show the aggregate, quantitative results of taking multiple GreenStep actions. Step 5 cities show improvement in the Step 4 metrics. See yearly data for Steps 4&5. Additional city data can be found by reviewing information on B3 Benchmarking and Regional Indicators Initiative.

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 30

Buildings and Lighting Buildings and Lighting

Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}

Pending - 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: 2024
Implementation details:
Installed all LED lighting in the renovated Long Beach Community Hub. Lighting options were decided and chosen using an energy efficiency framework in order to reduce the energy consumption of the space.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710
Pending - Action 5:

Document that the new construction or major remodeling of a public building has met the SB 2030 energy standard or has met or qualified under a green building or energy framework.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
In the planning stage of the Community Hub renovation that replaced the 70 year-old City Hall, we participated in the Xcel Energy new construction rebate program, "Energy Efficient Buildings" (EEB). This program reviews the design documents, makes recommendation, and then confirms completion.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://mn.my.xcelenergy.com/s/business/new-building-programs/energy-efficient-buildings
Xcel Energy
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710
Pending - Action 6:

Improve the operations & maintenance of city-owned/school buildings and leased buildings by using a customized online energy efficiency tool, asset management tool, green building framework or green lease.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
As part of the Energy Efficient Buildings program, Xcel Energy utilized their energy tools to review our design documents. Upon their energy recommendations, we adjusted our design and installation plan to meet their recommendations.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://mn.my.xcelenergy.com/s/business/new-building-programs/energy-efficient-buildings
Xcel Energy
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710

New Green Buildings {BP no.3}

Pending - 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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
When renovating the 70-year-old City Hall building into the new Community Hub and Resilinecy Center, we worked in partnership with Xcel Energy to make the new building as energy efficient as possible. The city participated in the "Energy Efficient Buildings" (EEB) rebate program for new construction projects. This program reviews the design documents, makes recommendation, and then confirms completion.
The Community Hub was designed and built to accommodate for rooftop solar and battery storage energy solutions. Unfortunately, our application was denied by Xcel Energy because we are in GLD021 grid that is marked RED as an over-capacitated area for solar. The city is still applying for battery storage solutions with external grant funding since Xcel will not fund battery storage either due to its status as residing in RED grid area.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Xcel Energy
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710

Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}

Pending - Action 2:

Purchase LEDs for all future street lighting and traffic signals.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
Working in partnership with Xcel Energy, all existing street lighting was outfitted with LED lightbulbs that are dark sky compliant models.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Xcel Energy
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710
Pending - Action 3:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
Working with Xcel Energy, all city street lighting was converted to more efficient LED bulbs that dark sky compliant.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Xcel Energy
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710
Pending - Action 6:

Relamp/improve exterior building lighting for city-owned buildings/facilities with energy efficient, Dark-Sky compliant lighting.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
Worked with Xcel Energy to put in LED energy efficient bulbs along the exterior of the Community Hub and adjoining parking lot lighting systems so that they are Dark-Sky compliant.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Xcel Energy
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710

Land Use Land Use

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

Pending - 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: 2024
Implementation details:
In 2024, we engaged with Hometown Planning to lead a community-focus redesign to our city's Comprehensive Plan. The original plan was adopted in 2008 and had been amended over the years. Early in the planning process, a series of meetings were held with a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC)
comprised of community volunteers to help identify the important issues and concerns for the community and to suggest areas of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan to be revisited and updated. Committee members were residents and stakeholders with active involvement, concern, and interest in issues of importance to shaping the future of the City of Long Beach. Their comments and recommendations were considered as elements to include in the Plan update. Using the input from city's citizens, the Comprehensive Plan was edited and subsequently approved by the city council in July of 2024.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.longbeachmn.com/_files/ugd/3229ab_268173b070ee4f9b963ae4b6ec58caac.pdf
Hometown Planning
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710
Pending - 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: 2024
Implementation details:
Our Planning & Zoning ordinances explicitly reference our Comprehensive Plan. The city regularly reviews and updates our Planning & Zoning ordinances to ensure it is aligned with the current Comprehensive Plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Hometown Planning
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710
Pending - 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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
The city adopted a new floodplain ordinance in 2024, having consulted the MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for environmental compliance. We also frequently collaborate with our County Engineer on zoning and land use opportunities and challenges.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.longbeachmn.com/_files/ugd/3229ab_a39a21741db646f59df1f12ee9b3dc54.pdf
MN Department of Natural Resources; FEMA; County Engineer
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710

Transportation Transportation

Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}

Pending - Action 6:

Implement traffic calming policy/measures, including lane conversions (road diets), roundabouts, low-speed streets, shared space and depaving, in at least one street redevelopment project.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
In coordination with the Pope County Engineer, Long Beach has agreed to reduce the traffic lane on N. Lakeshore Dr/County Road 54 from 12' width per lane to 10'. This design adjustment allows for traffic calming due to the narrower driving lane and is a best practiced method where speed bumps and other devices are not feasible due to snowplowing efforts. This will slow traffic and increase safety for bike/pedestrian user by allowing for greater separation.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
County Engineer
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710

Mobility Options {BP no.12}

Pending - 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: 2024
Implementation details:
Our city street N. Lakeshore Drive, where the Community Hub is located, is a shared roadway with Pope County Road 54. We have completed working with the County Engineer and passed a resolution supporting the addition of expanded bike/pedestrian lane from 2' per side to 4' per side to increase the general safety of non-automobile transit along the road.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
County Engineer
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710

Efficient City Fleets {BP no.13}

Pending - Action 3:

Phase-in operational changes, equipment changes including electric vehicles, and no-idling practices for city or local transit fleets.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
In the City's new Community Hub development, we installed the corresponding electric infrastructure to support two EV chargers in the Hub's parking lot. Though we have secured the infrastructure, we are waiting for the state to approve requested EV charger funding beyond interstate corridors to include the State Highway routes. Once that funding is approved, we will purchase and install the chargers to integrate into the system. Additionally, we built the Hub roof to support up to a 40 KW Solar Charging station and have applied to Xcel Solar Team.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Xcel Energy
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Sustainable Purchasing {BP no.15}

Pending - Action 1:

Adopt a sustainable purchasing policy or administrative guidelines/practices directing that the city purchase at least:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
The city has a policy to employ energy efficient and green solutions whenever possible. Through this general policy, we have since adopted a citywide Organics Recycling program for both residents and businesses to participate in. Properly bagged, qualifying organics waste can be dropped off at the Minnewaska House's parking lot location. The city partnered with Pope County Solid Waste Management to add recycling containers. For Community Hub events, biodegradable drinkware, silverware, and plates are stocked and required for both public and private events.
The city worked with our builder and the Xcel Energy team to design and install EnergyStar models.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://popedouglasrecycle.com/waste-type/organics-recycling-drop-sites/
Pope/ Douglas Solid Waste Management; Xcel Energy
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710
Pending - Action 7:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
Using only biodegradable drinkware, silverware, and plates for both public and private events held at the Community Hub, to be properly recycled as organics waste.
Organics and conventional recycling bins located throughout the building.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Pope/ Douglas Solid Waste Management
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710

Parks and Trails {BP no.18}

Pending - Action 1:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
The city created a program to improve access to our "Morning Glory Garden Park" by replacing crushed granite pathways with ADA-compliant paver paths to be welcoming and accessible to all. The program is funded by Charitable Gaming fees, public donations, community grants, and appropriated city budget funds.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.longbeachmn.com/paverproject
Charitable Gaming
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710
Pending - 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: 2024
Implementation details:
The city organized a group called "Friends of Morning Glory Gardens". This group is led by a volunteer caretaker of our park and is comprised of community volunteers who act as stewards of the flower gardens. They tend to the flower beds and have also made efforts to rid the lakeshore and woodland areas of the park of invasive species that could overtake the gardens.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Friends of Morning Glory Gardens
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710

Surface Water {BP no.19}

Pending - 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: 2024
Implementation details:
The city has adopted a shoreland ordinance. We did so in cooperation with the MN Department of Natural Resources to enforce with our planning & zoning process contracted with our consulted Hometown Planning professional.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.longbeachmn.com/_files/ugd/3229ab_a39a21741db646f59df1f12ee9b3dc54.pdf
Hometown Planning; MN Department of Natural Resources
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710
Pending - Action 8:

Reduce flooding damage and costs through the National Flood Insurance Programs and the NFIP’s Community Rating System.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
in 2024, The city adopted a new floodplain ordinance working with the MN Department of Natural Resources and FEMA. This process enabled our city residents to continue to apply for flood insurance if applicable to their housing location.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
MN Department of Natural Resources
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710

Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems {BP no.20}

Pending - 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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
The city works with PeopleService for contracted wastewater maintenance services. As part of an annual program, older and less-efficient wastewater pumps are replaced with new energy efficient models. Additionally, we monitor amperage of pumps at commercial locations to upgrade them when they become less efficient with age and use.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
PeopleService
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710

Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}

Pending - Action 1:

Improve city operations and procurement to prevent and reuse, recycle and compost waste from all public facilities (including libraries, parks, schools, municipal health care facilities), and minimize use of toxics and generation of hazardous waste.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
We expanded our Organic Recyling program to include an additional collection station at our new Community Hub and the Hub is exclusively using biodegradable drinkware, plates, and flatware for all events.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Pope/ Douglas Solid Waste Management
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710
Pending - Action 2:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
Our new Community Hub uses Recycling services for conventional plastics as well as organics. We have installed well marked containers to separate our Plastics Recycling, Organics Recycling, and Landfill trash to limit waste produced at the facility.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710
Pending - Action 5:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
The city deployed an organics recycling program for residents and businesses within the city. We distributed tubs, instructions, and bags for the collection of organic waste to remove it from the solid waste stream in collaboration with Pope Douglas County Solid Waste.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Pope/ Douglas Solid Waste Management
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710

Resilient Economic & Community Development Resilient Economic and Community Development

Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}

Pending - 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: 2024
Implementation details:
Forming a Parks Board composed of community members to provide stewardship for our parklands with regard to emphasize and prioritize sustainability in the preservation of the green spaces.
The city also organized a group of volunteer community members called the "Friends of Morning Glory Gardens" to act as stewards of the flower gardens. They tend to the needs of gardens and have been working on eliminating invasive species along the lakeshore and wooded areas of the park.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Friends of Morning Glory Gardens
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710
Pending - Action 7:

Expanding Community Engagement: Engage Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), renters, low-income, new Americans, differently abled and other traditionally under-represented community members by encouragement, and support to participate in current and new opportunities in city government.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
Partnered with United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties to sponsor "Food Drops" and "Backpack Attacks" programs, providing essential resources to those in need. These events are intended to support financially challenged populations in Long Beach and the county as a whole.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://uwdp.org/what-we-do/united-way-programs/
United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710

Green Business Development {BP no.25}

Pending - Action 7:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
When the city undertook a project to replace our 70-year-old city hall into the new Community Hub, we emphasized using local partners in the construction process. The Hub was built with all local vendors to support the members of the community.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710

Renewable Energy {BP no.26}

Pending - 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: 2024
Implementation details:
Worked with Xcel Energy to participate in their "Energy Efficient Buildings" (EEB) new construction rebate program when planning the Community Hub. This program reviews the design documents, makes recommendation, and then confirms completion.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Xcel Energy
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710

Local Food {BP no.27}

Pending - Action 3:

Create, assist with and promote local food production/distribution within the city:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
In 2024, the city partnered with Minnewaska Area HS Agricultural Department for the planning and management of our Morning Glory Gardens Park. The program acted as part of the Career and College Ready Pathway the school offers to students in the Agriculture, Engineering, Manufacturing & Technology (AEMT) Department. The program provides funding for flowers and materials that the students used to design, install, and maintain the park under the guidance of the city's caretaker and the MAHS department teacher.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Minnewaska Area High School
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710

Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience {BP no.29}

Pending - 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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
The city partnered with Pope County Emergency Management while they updated their emergency action plan throughout 2024. As a result, we share updates on our city website, email, and other communications regarding important emergency preparedness information pertinent to city residents.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.popecountymn.gov/emergency-management/
Pope County Emergency Management
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710
Pending - Action 2:

Integrate climate resilience into city or tribal planning, policy, operations, and budgeting processes.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
The city replaced our 70-year-old city hall with a Community Hub. The Hub was designed to be city offices, rentable community space, and our wastewater utility shop. The facility is intended to act as a Resiliency Hub for future critical resource distribution and shelter if needed. We are seeking funding to make resiliency solutions available to residents.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710