2026.05.19 Work Session Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: May 15, 2026
City Council
Work Session Agenda
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
Upper Community Room/Zoom
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City
Charter, the Crystal City Council work session was held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at _____
p.m. electronically via Zoom and in the upper community room at city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N.,
Crystal, Minnesota. If the agenda items are not completed in time for the regular city council
meeting at 7 p.m., the meeting will be continued and resumed immediately following the city
council meeting.
I. Attendance
Council members Staff
____ Kamish ____ Bell ____ Kunde
____ Kiser ____ Tierney ____ Struve
____ Onesirosan ____ Therres ____ Sutter
____ Budziszewski ____ Elholm ____ Serres
____ Cummings ____ Hubbard
____ Deshler
____ Eidbo
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1) Commission candidate interviews:
• Alex Willard – Employee Review Board.
• Daniel Hron – Sustainability Commission.
2) Draft Climate Action Plan follow-up discussion.
3) Council liaison reports.*
4) Constituent issues update.*
5) City manager update.*
6) New business.*
7) Council comments and announcements.*
III. Adjournment
The work session adjourned at ______ p.m.
* Denotes no supporting information included in the packet.
Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling the city clerk at
(763) 531-1145 at least 96 hours in advance. TTY users may call Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529.
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
May 15, 2026
Mayor and City Council
Adam R. Bell, City ManagerSarah Nissen, Administrative Program Specialist
Draft Climate Action Plan Strategies and Actions for Council Review
Overview
Attached for your review is a draft of the proposed strategy statements and supporting actions for
the City’s Climate Action Plan, prepared in coordination with the City’s climate action plan
consultant, paleBLUEdot.
The attached draft is intended to provide a high-level overview of the proposed direction, themes,
and organizational structure of the Climate Action Plan. The strategies and supporting actions are
still being refined and will continue to evolve based on Council feedback, community input, and
ongoing staff and consultant review.
The consultant team is currently working toward completion of the full draft Climate Action Plan.
A preview of the draft plan was presented at the May 14th Council work session summarizing the
overall framework, major themes, and recommended actions. That presentation is also attached.
At this stage of the process, staff is seeking Council review and initial feedback on the draft
strategies and supporting actions.
Each of the 119 Action Items needs to be prioritized into four categories:
1)The city should prioritize this strategy in the next 10 years.
2)The city should consider this strategy if feasible and resources are or become available.
3)The city should consider this strategy as aspirational, but may not be feasible within the
proposed time frame.
4)The city should not consider this strategy due to policy, fiscal, or feasibility challenges.
Staff will provide its perspective and feedback as well for each of the strategies. The final list will
become part of the final Climate Action Plan.
Memorandum
TL 1: Decrease community wide Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) by 5% by 2035
TL 1- 1 Adopt a Complete Streets policy to formalize the City’s commitment to safe, accessible streets for people of all ages and abilitfes, with flexible
guidance that considers network and surrounding context to balance all travel modes in street projects.
TL 1- 2 Following adoptfon of a Complete Streets Policy, conduct a community-wide assessment to determine current compliance, set improvement
targets, and prioritfze upgrades.
TL 1- 3 Identffy streets where a “road diet" (a reductfon in the number of travel lanes and/or effectfve street width, replacement of car lanes with bike
lanes) would achieve systemic improvements and establish a tfmeline to implement road diets.
TL 1- 4 Offer incentfves—such as density bonuses, or reduced parking requirements—for mixed-use developments that commit to sustainable
transportatfon practfces, including pedestrian and bicycle priority, enhanced bike parking, EV charging, discounted transit passes, and
appropriately priced parking.
TL 1- 5 Adopt or strengthen antf-idling measures for City operatfons and public educatfon on antf-idling requirements and benefits.
TL 2: Increase bicycle commuting and bike lane miles within the city by 100% by 2035. (Goal represents incresing bicycle
commutfng from 0.04% to at least 0.08%according to US Census 5 year estfmates and increasing bike lanes from 8.9 to at
least 18 miles in the city)
TL 2- 1 Develop a City of Crystal Bike and Pedestrian Plan to guide the development of a more connected network of protected and dedicated bike and
pedestrian facilitfes with increased safe road crossings, prioritfzing safe connectfons to schools, parks, transit, and commercial areas. Implement
recommended infrastructure chagnes by 2035.
TL 2- 2 Explore partnerships to create a Crystal Bike Hub offering mentorship, bike loans or earn-a-bike programs, guided rides, and opportunitfes for
residents to learn about effectfve bike commutfng in Crystal, and connect through cycling.
TL 2- 3 Collaborate with Robbinsdale Area Public Schools to conduct Safe Routes to Schools audits for all schools to identffy infrastructure
improvements that enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety, expand bike safety educatfon for students through public workshops and web
content, and explore "walking school buses."
TL 2- 4 Collaborate with Xcel Energy and other partners to promote and expand incentfves for eBike adoptfon, including low-cost loan or bulk-purchase
programs to reduce costs.
TL 2- 5 Host community challenges, events, or incentfve programs each year that encourage and celebrate walking and biking.
TL 2- 6 Create financial and zoning incentfves to expand convenient bike parking at commercial and multffamily developments and encourage sitfng
near existfng transit and bike share statfons where feasible.
TL 3: Increase public transit commuter ridership from 3.5% to 7% by 2035.
TL 3- 1 Explore opportunitfes to expand use of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) overlays to increase transit-friendly mixed use development, such
as 42nd Avenue, and the node at Douglas and 36th Street.
TL 3- 2 Preserve and expand affordable housing, especially near bus service, to prevent displacement of vulnerable populatfons through equity-focused
TOD overlays, community benefits agreements, or other zoning and land use tools.
TL 3- 3 Contfnue to improve availability and safety of first- and last-mile transit access through sidewalks, crossings, bike connectfons, shared mobility,
and supportfve land use around transit corridors.
TL 3- 4 Partner with Metro Transit, Robbinsdale Area Public Schools, Hennepin County and others to increase availability of educatfonal materials and
promotfon of public transit optfons and resources.
TL 3- 5 Advocate for better bus frequency, reliability, efficiency, and shelters (especially on streets without sidewalks). Work with Metro Transit and
Hennepin County to expand dedicated lanes, routes, and high-frequency service that improves travel-tfme equity with driving, prioritfzing
routes serving low-income areas, employment centers, and people with mobility challenges.
TL 3- 6 Collaborate with partners and service providers to introduce EV car share, e-bike share, or scooter share near retail and business areas,
prioritfzing locatfons near transit to support first- and last-mile connectfons. Require programs to provide proper use and safety educatfon
resources.
TL 4: Increase average population per developed acre 4% by 2035 (from 8.5 to 8.85 ppl/acre)
TL 4- 1 Use the Comprehensive Plan process to identffy vacant or underused land and assess opportunitfes for higher-density development, improved
walkability, better transit access, or additfonal greenspace.
TL 4- 2 Contfnue and increase awareness of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) to encourage their use, such as by establishing an example ADU library to
promote their use.
TL 4- 3 Explore ordinance changes such as eliminatfon or reductfon of R-1 zoning and other barriers that limit compact, walkable, and transit-
supportfve development.
TL 4- 4 Contfnue to evaluate parking minimums/maximums to reduce the underutflized surface parking and impervious surfaces throughout the city.
TL 4- 5 Explore Cluster Development zoning ordinance revisions to support flexible, compact residentfal development that preserves open space,
strengthens environmental protectfon, and reduces infrastructure costs.
Transportation and Land Use
TL 5: Increase battery electric vehicle (BEV) use to 15% of vehicles on the road by 2035 (from approximately 146 vehicles
to 2,555 vehicles citywide).
TL 5- 1 Develop a citywide EV Roadmap that assesses charging needs, including e-bikes and e-scooters, forecasts demand, identffies priority locatfons,
and guides expansion across public, residentfal, multffamily, and commercial areas using emerging technologies. Include a City EV infrastructure
master plan for municipal propertfes with a phased installatfon tfmeline.
TL 5- 2 Implement an "EV Ready" building ordinance that requires new developments to have wiring capacity to charge electric vehicles and establish
minimum EV parking requirements.
TL 5- 3 Collaborate with Xcel Energy and other partners to promote and expand incentfves for electric vehicles (EVs), and charging infrastructure for
residents and businesses, including low-cost loan or bulk-purchase programs to reduce costs.
TL 5- 4 Promote existfng, or develop, equitable incentfve programs to replace gas-powered lawn equipment with electric alternatfves for residentfal
and non-residentfal users.
TL 5- 5 Use waste hauler licensing or organized collectfon agreements to encourage, or require, the use of zero-emission waste hauler fleet vehicles
serving Crystal, targetfng 10% or greater zero emission fleets by 2035.
TL 6: Reduce City fleet vehicle emissions and fuel use by achieving 20% EV conversion of non -emergency gasoline
vehicles, converting 50% of diesel use to renewable fuels, and increasing remaining combustion fleet fuel efficiency by
5% by 2035.
TL 6- 1 Conduct an Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment (EVSA) for the City fleet to identffy viable electric and alternatfve-fuel replacements in the
near, mid, and long term to meet the goals of this plan. Include City lawn and snow equipment in assessment..
TL 6- 2 Update City vehicle purchasing policies to default all purchases to zero emission electric/alternatfve fuels, with combustfon (ICE) vehicles
allowed only with documented need and emissions impacts considered.
TL 6- 3 Implement an EV pilot project to evaluate vehicle use for police vehicles. EV pilot projects may be implemented through short-term vehicle
trials provided by vehicle supply partners, term lease vehicles, or purchase.
Example: City of Edina and City of Roseville EV police patrol vehicle
TL 6- 4 Develop a diesel transitfon plan that prioritfzes renewable diesel or other lower-carbon fuels where electrificatfon is not yet feasible.
TL 6- 5 Install fleet telematfcs monitoring on all City of Crystal fleet vehicles (or at a minimum one vehicle for each vehicle class and use case within the
fleet). Use the telematfcs data to identffy on-going zero emission vehicle conversion optfons as well as fuel efficiency improvement
opportunitfes and targets.
Transportation and Land Use
BE 1: Improve total Citywide building energy efficiency 5% for electricity and 15% for natural gas by 2035.
BE 1- 1 Develop an energy benchmarking and reportfng program for commercial and multffamily buildings using ENERGY STAR Portiolio Manager or B3
Benchmarking. Explore benefits of making program voluntary or required.
BE 1- 2 Explore optfons to further discount the cost of Xcel Home Energy Squad visits for all households or offer free for income-qualified households.
BE 1- 3 Contfnue to partner with Xcel Energy to promote household partfcipatfon in the Home Energy Squad program. Goal: 100 households annually.
BE 1- 4 Establish an annual "Crystal Energy Challenge" competftfon, or actfvely promote partfcipatfon in Hennepin County challenges, to motfvate
partfcipatfon in energy efficiency programs. Establish annual targets of households/businesses to reach and award incentfves for top efficiency
achievements. Collaborate with Xcel energy for the program and tracking engagement.
BE 1- 5 Explore ordinance modificatfons, such as density bonuses, to incentfvize high performance or net zero constructfon.
BE 1- 6 Partner with groups such as Citfzens Utflity Board to host regular utflity bill clinics that help residents understand their bills, find savings, apply
for rebates, connect to energy and weatherizatfon assistance, and access discounted efficiency products.
BE 2: Increase adoption of high performance building construction technology, achieving 1/2% Net Zero buildings
citywide by 2035. (Net Zero buildings are energy efficient buildings that produce as much energy on -site as they consume
in a year)
BE 2- 1 After adoptfon of the 2026 State Building Code, establish and promote a voluntary Crystal Stretch Energy Code to encourage high-efficiency
constructfon. Provide informatfon about the stretch code with all zoning and building applicatfons, encourage voluntary adoptfon, and consider
requiring projects receiving City financial incentfves to meet or exceed it. Goal: by 2032, 15% of new residentfal and non-residentfal building
permits are Net Zero or Net Zero Ready.
BE 2- 2 Create a Net Zero Energy Building Guide, or compile existfng resources, to help building owners, renters, developers, designers, and contractors
plan new constructfon and renovatfons that achieve Net Zero Energy or are Net Zero Energy ready. Include a project checklist for identffying
and documentfng sustainable design and constructfon strategies.
BE 2- 3 Consider development guidance, incentfves, or policy updates that encourage high-performance buildings beyond minimum code.
BE 2- 4 Incorporate clean energy standards and requirements into the planned unit development (PUD) ordinance.
BE 3: Achieve "fuel switching" of 20% of buildings using on -site fossil fuel combustion to electrification or renewable
fuels by 2035. (13.2% of existfng households use electric heat according to census and natural gas utflity data. Goal would
result in 33.2% of households using electric heat).
BE 3- 1 Launch an annual Electrificatfon & Energy Efficiency Group Purchase Campaign to lower costs and increase adoptfon. This actfon may be
combined with a renewable energy group purchase program. Target: 50 households and 5 businesses per year.
BE 3- 2 Partner with Xcel Energy, Hennepin County and others to develop programs or incentfves that reduce electrificatfon barriers for income-
qualified households and rental propertfes.
BE 3- 3 Collaborate with the Electrify Everything Minnesota campaign to educate community and promote the benefits of electrificatfon.
BE 4: Increase customer owned or purchased renewable electricity to 20% of citywide building electric use by 2035
(10% on-site and 10% green source purchase - existfng is 1.5% on-site and 1.5% green source purchase).
BE 4- 1 Collaborate with Xcel Energy to increase awareness of available renewable energy purchasing optfons for customers.
BE 4- 2 Establish a Solar Ready Home Certfficatfon, or a Solar Ready Ordinance to require all commercial, instftutfonal, and multf-family buildings to be
solar-ready. Support actfon with Solar-Ready Guide and checklist. Goal 100% solar ready new constructfon by 2035.
BE 4- 3 Coordinate an annual Solar Group Purchase Campaign to reduce installatfon costs through bulk buying, designed with an equity focus and
support for small local installers. Goal: 40 households annually; may be combined with electrificatfon and efficiency group purchase programs.
BE 4- 4 Increase solar permitting ease by becoming a SolSmart Silver or Gold level city. Collect and maintain data on solar array name plate capacitfes
and estfmated annual generatfon to support community-wide goal progress tracking.
BE 4- 5 Partner with Xcel Energy, Hennepin County and other local organizatfons to provide informatfon, resources, and technical assistance on
renewable energy systems and available incentfves and distribute them through print, realtors, and an online hub.
BE 5: Improve total municipal building energy efficiency 5% for electricity and 15% for natural gas by 2035. (including
City-owned water and wastewater infrastructure).
BE 5- 1 Adopt a policy requiring municipal buildings to meet energy efficiency standards that support plan goals, such as a designated ENERGY STAR
scores, SB 2030 or LEED. Apply the standards to new constructfon and major renovatfons, and incorporate Net Zero Energy goals into design,
constructfon, and request for proposal (RFP) processes.
BE 5- 2 Based on the City’s 2026 City Facility Solar Feasibility Assessment and Master Plan, conduct detailed energy assessments for all Energy
Benchmark Priority 1 facilitfes within 1–2 years and Priority 2 facilitfes within 4 years, identffying upgrades needed to meet or exceed Minnesota
energy code and achieve an ENERGY STAR score of 75 or higher. Implement upgrades within 5 years.
BE 5- 3 Contfnue conversion of City-owned streetlights and signals to LED. Complete 100% conversion by 2035. Encourage electric utflitfes to convert all
utflity-owned streetlights to LED.
BE 6: Achieve 50% municipal building renewable electricity use and 30% "fuel switching" from on -site fossil fuel
combustion to electrification by 2035. (renewable electricity to include on-site and green source purchase)
BE 6- 1 Adopt a policy for all new municipal buildings to meet a zero on-site fossil fuel combustfon standard.
BE 6- 2 Based on the City’s 2026 City Facility Solar Feasibility Assessment and Master Plan, issue one or more design-build RFPs for Priority 1 and
Priority 2 solar sites using a competftfve process. Request proposals for direct purchase, financing, and third-party delivery models, and consider
bundling sites to reduce costs through bulk procurement. Require all optfons to preserve City ownership of the renewable energy credits
generated by installed systems.
BE 6- 3 Conduct an Electrificatfon Assessment and Actfon Plan to prioritfze electrifying all City facilitfes, including new and existfng buildings, address
energy storage needs, and implement recommendatfons by 2036. Share results as a case study highlightfng challenges, solutfons, and lessons
learned.
BE 6- 4 Explore microgrid opportunitfes centered around municipal facilitfes.
Buildings and Energy
WM 1: Decrease total annual municipal solid waste handled 10% by 2035.
WM 1- 1 Explore establishing organized waste hauling.
WM 1- 2 Use waste hauler licensing or organized collectfon agreements to encourage customer educatfon on recycling, waste reductfon, and diversion,
and to establish rate structures that incentfvize greater diversion such as Pay-As-You-Throw.
WM 1- 3 Establish a Towards Zero Waste policy for City operatfons with annual reductfon targets. Update event permits to include recycling and organics
collectfon, and apply the policy to outside facility users. Encourage local schools and public agencies to adopt similar policies.
Resources: https://www.zerowaste.com/blog/zero-waste-policy-and-legislatfon/
https://ecocycle.org/our-programs/boulder-county-model/zero-waste-programs/schools-programs/schools-guide/ http://
www.zerowastechallenge.org/curriculum.html
WM 1- 4 Collaborate with partners to establish a Library of Things and host regular Repair Cafes and stuff swaps to reduce consumptfon and extend
product life. Explore Hennepin County Community Zero-Waste Grant to support implementatfon and promotfon.
WM 1- 5 Explore partnerships to establish a Resilient Crystal to-go food container program to offer Crystal restaurants a viable, re-useable to-go food
packaging optfon.
WM 1- 6 Consider an ordinance requiring either recyclable or compostable single-use containers or reusable containers for to-go food packaging.
WM 1- 7 Consider requiring constructfon and demolitfon projects to submit waste management plans that meet plan-aligned diversion targets, with
higher standards for City-funded or incentfvized projects.
WM 2: Increase solid waste diversion to 34% for recycling and 20% for organics by 2035. (existfng is 21.8% recycle
diversion and 14.4% organic diversion).
WM 2- 1 Collaborate with Hennepin County Community Recycling Ambassadors and other partners to increase partfcipatfon in recycling and organics
collectfon through a branded outreach campaign, trusted community messengers, and starter kits such as bins and bags. Explore Hennepin
County’s Community Zero-Waste Grant to support program launch and promotfon.
WM 2- 2 Promote use of Hennepin County's Business Recycling grant program to increase business and non-profit organics diversion partfcipatfon.
WM 2- 3 Increase promotfon of backyard compostfng and increased offerings of free or low-cost bins and educatfonal materials. Share guidance on
proper methods to reduce odor and visual impacts.
WM 2- 4 Partner with Hennepin County and the Recycling Ambassador program to reduce barriers to recycling partfcipatfon at multffamily and
commercial propertfes.
Waste Management
W 1: Promote reduced water consumption and wastewater generation Citywide with a targeted per capita reduction
of 5% each by 2035.
W 1- 1 Explore changes to water rates, such as progressive billing rates, to encourage and promote water conservatfon.
W 1- 2 Explore modificatfons to the City's lawn watering restrictfons to strengthen water conservatfon, including restrictfons on private well irrigatfon,
incentfves or requirements for rain and soil sensors on manual systems, rain barrel rebates or exemptfons, and fewer allowable watering days
per week.
W 1- 3 Increase promotfon of Hennepin Recycling Group’s discounted rain barrel sale.
W 1- 4 Collaborate with partners to establish a branded community water conservatfon program focused on adoptfon of low-flow water fixtures in
homes and businesses, prioritfzing low-income residents. Goal: achieve 50 households and 5 businesses upgraded annually.
W 1- 5 Explore opportunitfes for pressure management systems to decrease water distributfon water loss. Goal: 40% loss reductfon by 2035.
W 1- 6 Require rainwater collectfon for irrigatfon and WaterSense-certffied fixtures in new City projects and City-funded developments, and provide
guidance and technical assistance to support implementatfon.
W 2: Strengthen and implement climate-ready stormwater, flood-mitigation, and watershed protection standards to
improve groundwater, stream, river, and wetland health.
W 2- 1 Establish a Green Streets policy to guide integratfon of green stormwater infrastructure into street projects to reduce flooding and improve
water quality.
W 2- 2 Increase natfve plantfngs and install stormwater best management practfces (BMP) on City-managed property. Goal: 100% of all impervious
surfaces on City propertfes flowing to a BMP water quality practfce by 2035. Explore opportunitfes to partner with watershed districts.
W 2- 3 Establish a program, or collaborate with partners, to inspect, maintain, and repair existfng rain gardens and stormwater practfces.
W 2- 4 Explore opportunitfes for stormwater utflity credits to incentfvize increased adoptfon of green infrastructure strategies.
W 2- 5 Encourage, incentfvize, or require new development and redevelopment projects to incorporate low-salt site design practfces that reduce
winter maintenance needs, such as orientfng buildings and parking areas to maximize winter sun exposure, improve drainage, reduce icy
conditfons, and limit reliance on deicing salt.
Water
GE 1: Increase tree cover, particularly in the priority neighborhoods, 20% over the existing tree canopy coverage by
2040. (from 32% to 38% of community-wide ground cover - an estfmated 1,820 new trees planted annually)
GE 1- 1 Expand tree plantfng in priority neighborhoods, parks, schools, and rights-of-way, focusing on areas with lower canopy cover and higher heat
exposure and emphasizing shade equity, species diversity, and long-term maintenance.
GE 1- 2 Contfnue and expand the annual program offering free or discounted trees to residents. Goal: 150 trees per year.
GE 1- 3 Adopt a No Net Loss policy requiring that any removed public street or park tree be replaced and maintained. If on-site replacement is not
feasible, the tree should be planted nearby or within a City-designated tree bank.
GE 1- 4 Update the City’s landscape ordinance to increase minimum tree coverage and new tree size for new development and expansions and
strengthen tree protectfons. Explore optfons to minimize or eliminate burdens on low-income property owners such as flexible mitfgatfon for
income-qualified single family homes or establishing "Green Zone" incentfves.
GE 2: Increase pollinator supportiveness and achieve a 10% turf replacement with native grasses and wildflowers
citywide by 2035 (approximately 12 acres annually)
GE 2- 1 Conduct a turf analysis of parks and City facilitfes to identffy public lawn areas suitable for conversion to pollinator-friendly natfve grasses or
forested landscapes based on soil and topography. Develop an implementatfon plan and carry out priority conversions.
GE 2- 2 Collaborate with partners to a branded climate-friendly yards initfatfve with educatfon, demonstratfon sites, incentfves, and accessible technical
support for natfve landscaping across renter, homeowner, and multffamily propertfes.
GE 2- 3 Publish a preferred plant list and transitfon City landscaping areas to natfve species.
GE 2- 4 Revise City ordinances to reduce or remove lawn and turf requirements and establish clear standards for natfve plantfngs and prairie-style
landscapes and reduced barriers to prairie-style landscaping wtfhing right-of-ways, while maintaining appropriate nuisance enforcement.
GE 2- 5 Promote existfng and future turf replacement programs across the city such as Lawns to Legumes and watershed district program s.
GE 3: Reduce heat island effect through citywide “dark” impervious surface coverage reduction of 5% by 2035,
particularly in neighborhoods identified with higher heat island impacts (approximately 5 acres annually - goal intent is
to retain safe accessibility for pedestrians and alternatfve modes of transportatfon).
GE 3- 1 Revise parking lot guidelines to require plantfng islands with a mix of canopy trees, shrubs, and groundcovers suited to the site to support long-
term growth and reduce heat-island effects.
GE 3- 2 Explore opportunitfes to promote green roof adoptfon through the City's stormwater utflity fee through fee incentfvized fee and credit
structure.
GE 3- 3 Evaluate underutflized paved areas citywide and incentfvize conversion to more beneficial uses such as sustainable green space or
redevelopment for commercial or residentfal purposes.
GE 3- 4 Encourage City-funded projects, and encourage approved planned unit development (PUD), and Conditfonal Use commercial projects to include
heat island mitfgatfon strategies such as cool surfaces, solar-friendly shading, reduced impervious surfaces, and breeze capture.
Greenspace and Ecosystems
HS 1: Assist the City's climate vulnerable population in preparing for and mitigating climate change impacts (prioritfzed
based on elevated risk sensitfvitfes as outlined in the City’s Climate Vulnerability Assessment)
HS 1- 1 Collaborate with Hennepin County, Robbinsdale Area Public Schools and other partners to identffy climate-vulnerable residents and connect
them with preparedness resources, emergency communicatfons, and resilience support.
HS 1- 2 Explore opportunitfes for establishing Resilience Hubs where community members could gather for emergency shelter, cooling, heatfng, and
essentfal services.
HS 1- 3 Collaborate with partners to create and promote a Home and Neighborhood Resilience Checklist that provides guidance and resources for
supportfng social connectfons, resource-sharing, mutual aid, and household resilience during climate-related challenges.
HS 1- 4 Collaborate with partners to launch a branded "Resilient Crystal Together" public climate health and safety educatfon campaign using
workshops, recurring communicatfons, a podcast, video series, or neighborhood-based events
HS 2: Increase resilience of infrastructure, mission critical, emergency services and health care facilities within the City
are prepared for impacts of climate change.
HS 2- 1 Assess climate risks to mission-critfcal facilitfes and emergency services and implement priority resilience upgrades, prioritfzing public-serving
facilitfes in highly vulnerable areas.
HS 2- 2 Install or plan for backup power, flood protectfon, cooling improvements, and emergency communicatfons upgrades at critfcal facilitfes,
prioritfzing sites used as shelters, response hubs, or service centers.
HS 2- 3 Evaluate opportunitfes for deployable solar microgrids and battery storage that can power public facilitfes during normal operatfons and be
moved as needed for emergency or disaster response. (https://www.footprintproject.org/)
Health and Safety
Economy
E 1: Develop the equitable workforce and entrepreneur opportunities of Climate Action in the economy to achieve 75
new sustainability careers within Crystal by 2035.
E 1- 1 Focus the City's economic development actfvitfes and prioritfes on attractfng green businesses that advance plan goals, especially those focused
on renewable energy, energy efficiency, repair and reuse, resilience, and quality of life for vulnerable residents.
E 1- 2 Explore partnerships to develop a green workforce initfatfve that supports training, internships, and career pathways in climate-related fields,
with expanded access for lower-income residents, youth, and underrepresented communitfes.
E 1- 3 Explore partnerships to increase support green Crystal businesses such as technical assistance, informatfon on leveraging state and regional
resources, etc
E 1- 4 Explore partnerships to strengthen Crystal’s repair and reuse networks. Work with reuse organizatfons and provide scholarships or training to
grow repair and reuse businesses, reduce waste, and create job opportunitfes, especially for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
E 2: Support local businesses operations in building climate resilience.
E 2- 1 Create a Crystal green business assistance program connectfng businesses to energy assessments, incentfves, technical assistance, and
resilience planning support. Prioritfze small businesses and those with fewer internal resources.
E 2- 2 Create a community-wide sustainability award to recognize and promote businesses that complete energy, electrificatfon, resilience, or waste-
reductfon improvements. Explore potentfal of Sustainability Commission managing and promotfng program.
E 2- 3 Explore partnerships to establish a Resilient Crystal project grant program to incentfvize and support sustainability initfatfves that align with the
Resilient Crystal plan.
E 2- 4 Make sure key business infrastructure such as internet, telecommunicatfons, are recognized in the City’s general hazard mitfgatfon plan and
emergency response plan.
E 3: Establish sustainable financing for the City’s climate action implementation.
E 3- 1 Establish a policy that accounts for all energy efficiency and renewable energy operatfonal cost savings of City buildings and fleets. All savings
to be invested into a Resilient Crystal Fund as one source of financing for the City's environmental sustainability efforts.
E 3- 2 Establish a utflity franchise fee and commit funds to supportfng the street and transportatfon infrastructure in support of plan goals, such as
complete streets, green streets, and bike infrastructure needs, etc.
E 3- 3 Establish a policy that requires City infrastructure projects and capital budgets to incorporate climate risk and vulnerability analysis and
adaptatfon plans to ensure that future spending contributes to resilience and achieving this plan's goals.
E 3- 4 Explore a dedicated sustainability and resilience funding mechanism, such as a “resilience penny” sales tax or a property tax increase of $0.01
per $100 of assessed value. Revenue could fund strategies directly or serve as a repayment source for bond financing.
FA 1: Increase and support local food production and access —especially programs and initiatives that serve low-
income and food-insecure residents.
FA 1- 1 Identffy City-owned land, park space, and other suitable sites to increase opportunitfes for community gardens, orchards, edible landscaping,
and small-scale food productfon. Prioritfze locatfons that serve low-income and food-insecure communitfes and develop an implementatfon
plan. Explore partnership with Robbinsdale Area Public Schools for use of outdoor classrooms.
FA 1- 2 Partner with gardening groups, schools, food shelves, and community organizatfons to expand local food-growing opportunitfes. Explore
partnership with Robbinsdale Area Public Schools for use of outdoor classrooms.
FA 1- 3 Create incentfves for developers and large property owners to include space in new constructfon, or for the removal of underutflized paved and
turf grass areas to establish community gardens.
FA 1- 4 Establish a locally-sourced food procurement policy for City of Crystal operatfons. Explore inclusion of a plant-based requirement. Encourage
school districts, hospitals, and other government agencies in Crystal to adopt similar policies.
FA 2: Reduce food waste and hunger, achieve a 25% reduction in food insecurity Citywide by 2035.
FA 2- 1 Expand partnerships to rescue edible food from businesses, schools, and instftutfons and redirect it to residents in need.
FA 2- 2 Promote annual partfcipatfon in Hennepin County's "Stop Food Waste Challenge".
FA 2- 3 Explore partnerships with Hennepin County and others to increase community partfcipatfon in available food security programs.
FA 2- 4 Explore partnerships to establish programs that connect locally grown food and culturally relevant food resources with residents experiencing
food insecurity.
Food and Agriculture
Implementation
I 1: Organize for Resilient Crystal 2035 plan implementation.
I 1- 1 Provide clear guidance for how all City of Crystal departments will support and partfcipate in Sustainability and Resilience Plan implementatfon,
and encourage ongoing staff training aligned with plan goals and actfons.
I 1- 2 Establish a cross-departmental SRP Implementatfon Team to coordinate and prioritfze actfons, track and report progress, and work with City
Administratfon to prepare annual implementatfon plans for City Council approval through the budget process, including tfmelines, funding,
capital improvement plan (CIP) integratfon, staffing, and accountability.
I 1- 3 Work with the Sustainability Commission to develop annual work plans that identffy committee prioritfes for plan implementatfon and support.
I 1- 4 Adopt a policy requiring all existfng and future City policies and ordinances to be reviewed for alignment with the Resilient Crystal 2035 plan
and included in commission and council review materials.
Resource: paleBLUEdot Plan Alignment Memo
I 1- 5 Adopt a policy requiring all development proposals to be reviewed for alignment with the Resilient Crystal 2035 plan.
Resource: paleBLUEdot CAP-Aligned Development Review Checklist
I 1- 6 Maintain and support sustainability staffing needed for plan implementatfon efforts.
I 1- 7 Establish a coordinated communicatfon and educatfon campaign annually supportfng the communicatfon and educatfonal needs of each of the
Resilient Crystal plan sectfons and illustratfng implementatfon of the plan as a community priority. Explore use of existfng, expanded, and new
communicatfon channels.
I 1- 8 Regularly evaluate plan progress and impacts (every 1–2 years), including updated community-wide and municipal greenhouse gas (GHG)
inventories, present progress to City Council, and adjust strategies and actfons as needed. Consider establishing a progress dashboard on the
city's website.
City of Crystal
Draft
Climate Action Plan
City Council Presentation
5/14/26
Vulnerability Assessment
GHG Inventory and Forecast
Ground Cover
Renewable Energy Potential
This was a process document
to help the planning team and
have a place to start the
conversation!
Baseline Studies+Community Survey/Input
Our Process
City Facility Solar Master Plan
Our Process –What We Heard
Our Process –What We Heard
Our Process
Resilient Crystal 2035 Diary –Collective Visioning
•Globally, 25 of
the 26 hottest
years on record
have occurred
since the year
2000
•The hottest
years of all have
been the last
12years
Plan Components
Achieving the Climate Action and Plan goals will lower city-wide GHG
emissions to 75,089 metric tons by 2035, a 49.2% reduction
from 2016 levels.
Totaling an 8-year cumulative reduction of over 399,654 metric tons,
equal to eliminating 7.8 billion cubic feet of human-made greenhouse
gas atmosphere.
Impacts
Impacts
Community Input Session 5/23
Location: City Hall
Draft Plan for public review available onlineAvailable May 20th through July 6th , 2026
https://palebluedot.llc/resilient-crystal-draft-menu
Q+A
Next Steps
Bring Final Draft Back to Council
Anticipated July 21 st
Shared PDF File of Full Draft Plan to Council 5/18
Sustainability Commission Review
June 18 th