2026.07.21 Council Meeting Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: July 17, 2026
City Council Meeting Schedule
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Time Meeting Location
6:30 p.m.
City council work session to discuss:
1. Bass Lake Road interchange bridge aesthetics
and color-changing lights.*
2. Design updates - holiday lighting, TIF-funded
improvements and Douglas Drive medians.
3. Council liaison reports.*
4. Constituent issues update.*
5. City manager update.*
6. New business.*
7. Council comments and announcements.*
Upper Community Room/Zoom
7 p.m. City council meeting Council Chambers/Zoom
Immediately
following the city
council meeting
Continuation of city council work session, if necessary Upper Community Room/Zoom
Per the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.02, council members may participate by interactive
technology.
The public may attend the meetings via Zoom by connecting through one of the methods identified below.
Topic: Crystal City Council work session and regular meeting
Time: July 21, 2026, 6:30 p.m., Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom meeting: https://crystalmn.zoom.us/j/84561083616?pwd=ovlb6c9eX8JrhTkby9wCijmNOEJWiZ.1
Meeting ID: 845 6108 3616 | Passcode: 4141
Find your local number: https://crystalmn.zoom.us/u/kcYj1TarxN
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.
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: July 17, 2026
City Council Work Session Agenda
Tuesday, July 21, 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, July 21, 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
____ Budziszewski ____ Bell ____ Sutter
____ Cummings ____ Tierney ____ Serres
____ Deshler ____ Therres
____ Eidbo ____ Elholm
____ Kamish ____ Hubbard
____ Kiser ____ Kunde
____ Onesirosan ____ Struve
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1) Bass Lake Road interchange bridge aesthetics and color-changing lights.*
2) Design updates – holiday lighting, TIF-funded improvements and Douglas Drive
medians.
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.
Design Updates
July 21, 2026 Work Session
•Holiday lighting
•TIF -funded public improvements
•Douglas Drive project
John Sutter
Community Development Director
(763) 531-1130
john.sutter@crystalmn.gov
www.crystalmn.gov
Holiday Lighting Update
•50 streetlight poles in downtown Crystal
•Vendor would furnish and install the lights
One quote for approx. $5,000 from RTD Services
We purchased one of their specified strands and put it on a pole
to confirm it’s comparable to the lights on our two tests poles
Other quotes never received
Additional cost to replace any failed receptacles
•Lights would operate year-round
Anticipated average 5 year lifespan
•Photocell-controlled with the streetlights
Would be activated from dusk to dawn
Estimated annual power consumption is 2,018 kilowatt
hours ($273 annual cost)
•Staff will proceed with RTD Services
TIF-funded Improvements
Scope Change: Add decorative sidewalk and lighting on Jersey
Existing Conditions
57th -Kentucky to Jersey 57th -Jersey to West Broadway Jersey -57th to Bass Lake Road*
*Not currently in project -should it be?
Jersey Avenue
•Only 7 feet of space behind
curb
•6 foot wide sidewalk with city
logo medallions every 8 feet
•1 foot buffer will have extra
tooled joints for visual
definition
57th Avenue
•8-9 feet of space behind curb
•6 foot wide sidewalk with city
logo medallions every 8 feet
•Space to do a second pour for
a paved boulevard with a
different color and texture
Jersey Avenue
•Only 7 feet of space behind
curb
•6 foot wide sidewalk with city
logo medallions every 8 feet
•1 foot buffer will have extra
tooled joints for visual
definition
57th Avenue
•8-9 feet of space behind curb
•6 foot wide sidewalk with city
logo medallions every 8 feet
•Space to do a second pour for
a paved boulevard with a
different color and texture
Pedestrian-scale lighting options
Traditional Neotraditional Hook w/ city logo
(Hopkins) (57xx Oregon Ct) (Maple Grove)
This one is most similar to those in Becker Park
TIF-funded public improvements
Council feedback and discussion requested
•Preferred color for sidewalk -what do you think?
Reddish, like “Harvest Moon”?
Sandstone-y, like “Morchella Gold”?
Something else from the available color choices?
•Staff really likes the city logo medallions in the sidewalk
(similar to The Artery in Hopkins) -what do you think?
•Staff recommends the Maple Grove-style hook lighting
with the city logo panel -what do you think?
Our second choice would be Neotraditional because they would be the
least expensive in terms of both capital cost and ongoing maintenance.
Next steps:
•90% plans fall 2026
Council work session -final check-
in before preparing bid plans &
specs
•Bid early 2027
Council approves plans & specs
and orders advertisement for bids
Council receives bids and awards
contract
•Construction in 2027
Douglas Drive Medians
2027 Project:
•Replaces pedestrian ramps, removes right turn lanes at 36th and
42nd, adds or replaces medians, and adds an RRFB at Fairview
•Specs include decorative concrete instead of standard concrete
in the medians at 32nd, 36th and 42nd
38th and Fairview medians are wide enough for landscaping
•Staff recommends the same dark gray ashlar stone pattern as
for the paved boulevard on 57th Avenue (previous item)
•Council feedback requested
Page 1 of 2
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: July 17, 2026
City Council Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
7 p.m.
Council Chambers/Zoom Meeting
The city manager’s comments are in bold.
1. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Pledge of Allegiance
2. Approval of Agenda
The council will consider approval of the agenda.
3. Appearances
3.1 Chief Hubbard will introduce Officer Alex Nelson, who has completed probation.*
3.2 Chief Hubbard will present awards to police officers.*
4. Consent Agenda
The council will consider the following items, which are routine and non-controversial in nature,
in a single motion:
4.1 Approval of the minutes from the following meetings:
a. The city council work session on June 16, 2026.
b. The city council meeting on June 16, 2026.
c. The city council work session on July 9, 2026.
4.2 Approval of disbursements over $25,000 submitted by the finance department.
4.3 Approval of the list of license applications submitted by the city clerk.
4.4 Adoption of a resolution accepting a donation.
4.5 Adoption of a resolution approving a Site Improvement Agreement and a Stormwater Facility
Maintenance and Right of Entry Agreement for new development at 7000 56th Ave. N.
5. Open Forum
(The city council appreciates hearing from citizens about items of concern and desires to set aside
time during each meeting for open forum. To provide ample opportunity for all, speaking time is
limited to three minutes and topic discussion is limited to ten minutes. The mayor may, as
presiding officer, extend the total time allowed for a topic. By rule, no action may be taken on any
item brought before the council during open forum. The council may place items discussed
during open forum onto subsequent council meeting agendas.)
6. Regular Agenda
6.1 The council will consider approval of the final Climate Action Plan.
Page 2 of 2
Over the past year, staff, the council, and the Sustainability Commission have worked with the
consultant paleBLUEdot to develop a climate action plan. This process has included multiple
public engagement opportunities to solicit public input. The final Climate Action Plan provides a
flexible menu of options to help staff, commissions, and the City Council identify priorities,
consider future projects and funding opportunities, and track progress over time. Adoption of the
plan would establish a shared framework for future sustainability work. Recommend approval.
6.2 The council will consider approval the 2027 West Metro Fire-Rescue District (WMFRD) budget.
Over several meetings beginning in May of this year, the proposed 2027 WMFRD budget has
been discussed and finalized. In July, the WMFRD Board approved the proposed budget. Crystal’s
portion of the 2027 WMFRD budget is $2,058,820, which is a $112,497 (5.78%) increase. This
amount is approximately 48.7% of the total increase. Recommend approval.
7. Council Comments and Announcements
a. Crystal Frolics is July 24 – 26, 2026. For more information, visit www.crystalfrolics.org
b. Night to Unite is Tuesday, Aug. 4. To host a block party, visit the city’s website at
www.crystalmn.gov.
c. The Parks and Recreation Commission will be holding a neighborhood meeting on
Wednesday, Aug. 5 at the Cavanagh Apartments Patio. Music by a local artist begins at 5 p.m.,
an open house to review Cavanagh Park concept plans begins at 6 p.m. and a general
neighborhood meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
d. The next city council work session is Thursday, Aug. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in Conference Room A at
city hall and via Zoom.
e. The city council will hold a special budget work session on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in
the Upper Community Room at city hall and via Zoom.
f. Due to the state primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 11, the next city council meeting is
Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall and via Zoom.
g. The Crystal Lions Corn Feed will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the
Crystal Community Center.
h. The city is accepting applications for several volunteer positions on our boards and
commissions. For more information, please visit go.crystalmn.gov/volunteer.
i. City council meetings and work sessions are open to the public. Current and previous
meetings are available to view and listen to at www.crystalmn.gov.
8. Adjournment
* Denotes no supporting information included in the packet.
Have a great weekend; stay healthy. See you at Tuesday’s meeting.
Crystal City Council work session minutes June 16, 2026
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 at 6:31 p.m. on June 16, 2026, in the upper community
room at city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, MN, and via Zoom. Mayor Deshler called the meeting to
order.
I.Attendance
The city clerk recorded the attendance for city council members and staff:
Council members present: Onesirosan, Budziszewski, Cummings, Deshler, Kamish and Kiser.
Council member Eidbo was present virtually via Zoom.
City staff present: City Manager A. Bell, City Attorney R. Tierney, Assistant City Manager/HR
Manager K. Therres, Recreation Director J. Elholm, Police Chief B. Hubbard, West Metro Fire-
Rescue District Chief J. Kunde, Community Development Director J. Sutter and City Clerk C. Serres.
II.Agenda
The council and staff discussed the following agenda items:
1)West Metro Fire-Rescue District 2027 budget.
2)Council liaison reports.
At 6:56 p.m., Mayor Deshler recessed the work session.
Mayor Deshler reconvened the work session at 8:50 p.m. to continue discussion of the council
liaison reports and the following agenda items:
3)Constituent issues update.
4)City manager update.
5)New business.
6)Council comments and announcements.
7)TIF-funded public improvement near Wells Fargo site.
8)Decorative concrete options for Douglas Drive medians (2027 project).
9)Holiday lighting update.
III.Adjournment
The work session adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
Adam R. Bell, City Manager
4.1(a)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes June 16, 2026
Page 1 of 3
1.Call to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter,
the Crystal City Council meeting was held on June 16, 2026, at 7:01 p.m. in the council chambers at
city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N. in Crystal, MN, and via Zoom. Mayor Deshler called the meeting to order.
Roll Call
Mayor Deshler asked the city clerk to call the roll for elected officials. Upon roll call, the following
attendance was recorded:
Council members present: Onesirosan, Budziszewski, Cummings, Deshler, Kamish and Kiser.
Council Member Eidbo was present via Zoom and participated as a voting member.
City staff present: City Manager A. Bell, City Attorney R. Tierney, Assistant City Manager/HR Manager
K. Therres, Police Chief B. Hubbard, West Metro Fire-Rescue District Chief J. Kunde, Recreation
Director J. Elholm, Community Development Director J. Sutter and City Clerk C. Serres.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Deshler led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2.Approval of Agenda
The council considered approval of the agenda.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Cummings to approve the
agenda.
By roll call voting aye: Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan, Budziszewski, Cummings, Deshler and Eidbo.
Motion carried.
3.Proclamations
3.1 The Mayor read a proclamation honoring Senator Ann Rest for her extraordinary public service.
3.2 The Mayor proclaimed July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Crystal.
4.Appearances
4.1 Chief Hubbard introduced Crime Services Coordinator Amanda Keuseman and Mental Health
Coordinator Savanna Farmer.
4.2 Hennepin County Commissioner Lunde provided a county update.
5.Consent Agenda
The council considered the following items, which are routine and non-controversial in nature, in a
single motion:
5.1 Approval of the minutes from the following meetings:
a.The city council work session June 2, 2026
b.The city council meeting on June 2, 2026.
5.2 Approval of disbursements over $25,000 submitted by the finance department.
5.3 Approval of the list of license applications submitted by the city clerk.
5.4 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-73, recognizing Independence Day.
5.5 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-74, establishing an Absentee Ballot Board for the 2026 elections.
4.1(b)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes June 16, 2026
Page 2 of 3
5.6 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-75, appointing election judges for the 2026 elections.
5.7 Approval of the following items for the 2026 Crystal Frolics:
a. A permit for a fireworks display at Welcome Park on Saturday, July 25, 2026, submitted by PC
Pyrotechnics, LLC.
b. Temporary closure of portions of 46th Avenue N. and 47th Avenue N. from July 24 – 26, 2026,
for city and volunteer staff vehicle parking and the fireworks display.
c. A request for live music at Welcome Park on July 25 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
d. Resolution No. 2026-76, supporting the 2026 Crystal Frolics.
Moved by Council Member Kamish and seconded by Council Member Kiser to approve the consent
agenda.
By roll call voting aye: Kiser, Onesirosan, Budziszewski, Cummings, Deshler, Eidbo and Kamish.
Motion carried.
6. Open Forum
The following persons addressed the council regarding concerns related to the police department:
• Samantha Huberty, 3335 Nevada Ave. N.
• Kate Kacaleu, 3904 Quail Ave. N., Robbinsdale.
• An additional speaker who declined to provide a name and address.
7. Regular Agenda
7.1 The council considered a resolution authorizing execution of a petition and waiver agreement for
special assessment financing of a fire sprinkler system at 4801 Welcome Ave. N.
Community Development Director John Sutter addressed the council.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Kiser to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 – 77
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PETITION AND
WAIVER AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF CRYSTAL,
AKY GROUP, AND ISLAMIC EDUCATION AND CULTURAL CENTER
By roll call voting aye: Onesirosan, Budziszewski, Cummings, Deshler, Eidbo, Kamish and Kiser.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
7.2 The council received the 2027-2028 budget preview.
City Manager Adam R. Bell addressed the council.
No action required.
8. Council Comments and Announcements
The council and staff made announcements about upcoming events.
4.1(b)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes June 16, 2026
Page 3 of 3
9. Adjournment
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Kiser to adjourn the
meeting.
By roll call voting aye: Budziszewski, Cummings, Deshler, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser and Onesirosan.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
___________________________________
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
4.1(b)
Crystal City Council work session minutes July 9, 2026
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 at 6:34 p.m. on July 9, 2026, in the upper community
room at city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, MN, and via Zoom. Mayor Deshler called the meeting to
order.
I.Attendance
The assistant city manager recorded the attendance for city council members and staff:
Council members present: Onesirosan, Budziszewski, Cummings, Deshler, Eidbo, Kamish, and Kiser.
City staff present: Assistant City Manager/HR Manager K. Therres and City Attorney R. Tierney.
Also present were Hennepin County representative Jacquelyn Siewers and Association for
Nonsmokers representative Emily Anderson.
II.Agenda
Council Member Eidbo proposed to add an open forum or new business item to the agenda. City
Attorney R. Tierney advised the council to make two separate motions: one to suspend the council
rules and a second to add an agenda item.
Moved by Council Member Eidbo and seconded by Council Member Budziszewski to suspend the
council rules.
Motion carried.
Moved by Council Member Eidbo and seconded by Council Member Budziszewski to add open
forum/new business to the agenda.
Motion carried.
The council and staff discussed the following agenda items:
1)Open forum/new business
The following person addressed the council regarding concerns related to the use of flock
cameras:
•Christina Dencklau, 7006 46th Ave. N.
2)Tobacco ordinance update.
III.Adjournment
The work session adjourned at 8 p.m.
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kim Therres, Assistant City Manager/HR Manager
4.1(c)
DATE: July 14, 2026
TO: Adam R. Bell, City Manager
City of Crystal City Council
FROM: Jodi Bursheim, Contracted Finance Director
RE: Expenditures over $25,000
Payee Amount
Kurilla Contracting Company North Lions Park Soccer Field Improvement $188,105.92
Webber Recreational Design Crystal Cove Shade Structures & Installment $34,225.00
GMH Asphalt Corporation 2026 Mill and Overlay $57,038.18
LMCIT Q3 2026 Property/Casualty & Workers Comp Insurance $133,847.00
MN Dept of Health Q2 2026 Water Connection Fees $29,899.00
Municipal Builders Inc JWC Pump House Improvements (Pass-Through Cost )$204,399.31
Northland Recreation LLC Woodland Park Shelter $49,500.00
Waste Management (HRG) New Hope, Brooklyn Center, and Crystal May Recycling $157,555.86
Mansfield Service Partners Fuel for Fleet $26,917.01
Metropolitan Council Wastewater Services for July $178,425.72
BerganKDV LTD 2025 Audit Services $48,625.00
Center for Energy & Environment Home Improvement Grants $36,880.00
WSB LLC 2026 Reconstruction, GIS Migration, & Park Design $60,295.70
Core & Main LP Radios for City Wide Radio Upgrade Project $134,143.14
Metropolitan Council Sewer Access Charge for June $428,066.10
Northwest Asphalt Inc 2024 Utility Reconstruction $402,010.19
MN PERA Employee & City Required Contributions for 6/5/26 Pay Date $91,402.66
IRS - EFTPS Federal & FICA Withholding Taxes for 6/18/26 Pay Date $100,723.80
MN PERA Employee & City Required Contributions for 6/18/26 Pay Date $87,834.64
HealthPartners, Inc.June Health Insurance Premiums $190,532.00
Golden Valley JWC JWC April & May Water Charges $390,787.80
West Metro Fire Rescue District June Contribution to West Metro Fire $162,193.61
IRS - EFTPS Federal & FICA Withholding Taxes for 7/2/26 Pay Date $103,721.28
MN PERA Employee & City Required Contributions for 7/2/26 Pay Date $87,824.29
$3,384,953.21
Description
4.2
Page 1 of 2
City of Crystal Council Meeting
July 21, 2026
Applications for City License
Rental (new)
4524 Colorado Ave. N. – Christina Thompson (Conditional)
5657 Maryland Ave. N. – Karla Tapia (Conditional)
3108 Virginia Ave. N. – Ndudi Giwa (Conditional)
4336 Zane Ave. N. – Max Zelayaran (Conditional)
6422 46th Pl. N. – Jaclyn Smith
Rental (renewal)
5415 Angeline Ave. N. – Anna Novak
6524 Brentwood Ave. N. – Eero Mattson (Conditional)
4641 Brunswick Ave. N. – Dwayne Meier (Conditional)
6600 Cloverdale Ave. N. – Olufemi Isawumi
4552 Colorado Ave. N. – Amanda Maveus
2749 Douglas Dr. N. – Reese Pfeiffer (Conditional)
3501 Douglas Dr. N. – Coventry Properties of Crystal
3601-3603 Douglas Dr. N. – Logan Ridpath (Conditional)
4126 Douglas Dr. N. – Serenity Village Community Church
4134 Douglas Dr. N. – Serenity Village Community Church
4308 Douglas Dr. N. – JNP Home Construction (Conditional)
5126 Edgewood Ave. N. – Wally Anderson (Conditional)
5136 Edgewood Ave. N. – Stephanie Holmes (Conditional)
5312 Florida Ave. N. – Twaambo Sibajene (Conditional)
2925 Hampshire Ave. N. – Michael Kaldor
3917 Hampshire Ave. N. – Jonathan Berndt (Conditional)
4528 Hampshire Ave. N. – Alyssa Zenz (Conditional)
4553 Hampshire Ave. N. – Sokari Afonya
4818-4820 Idaho Ave. N. – Jason Flaa (Conditional)
2717 Jersey Ave. N. – Yuan Chai (Conditional)
2959 Jersey Ave. N. – Roxanne Elfering (Conditional)
4075 Jersey Ave. N. – Pro Operam Sub XIV LLC (Conditional)
5000 Lakeside Ave. N. – Justin Holt (Conditional)
3537 Lee Ave. N. – S&S Real Estate Starts LLC
4601 Louisiana Ave. N. – Reill Properties LLC (Conditional)
4616 Maryland Ave. N. – Chen Zhou (Conditional)
4700 Maryland Ave. N. – Marvin Campos (Conditional)
5300 Maryland Ave. N. – Ben Williams (Conditional)
5413 Maryland Ave. N. – Lan Feng Burke
5644 Maryland Ave. N. – Invitation Homes (Conditional)
5673 Maryland Ave. N. – Chad Tesmer
3220-3226 Nevada Ave. N. – Andrey Ryvlin
3406 Noble Ave. N. – Susan Kowaliw (Conditional)
8110 Northern Dr. – TC Rentals LLC
8224 Northern Dr. – 8224 Northern Dr LLC
8332 Northern Dr. – Vincent Martin (Conditional)
5844 Orchard Ave. N. – Libman Bros LLC
4.3
Page 2 of 2
3517 Perry Ave. N. – Camerson Wilson
5879 Quebec Ave. N. – Bria Wunderlich (Conditional)
3401 Regent Ave. N. – Matthew Meyer (Conditional)
5540 Regent Ave. N. – Arlynn Parker
5800 Regent Ave. N. – Legacy 5 Investments (Conditional)
5801 Regent Ave. N. – Allison Knutsen
3427 Utah Ave. N. – Jeff Dehler (Conditional)
4263 Welcome Ave. N. – Yong Lin and Yuzhu Xiao
5240 West Broadway – Crystal Housing Group LLC (Conditional)
4730 Xenia Ave. N. – Rebecca Mathison (Conditional)
5527 Xenia Ave. N. – Josh Asp (Conditional)
4542 Zane Ave. N. – Tracy Kriz (Conditional)
6300 31st Ave. N. – Norm Hillesland
6511 31st Ave. N. – Larry Emond (Conditional)
8316 32nd Pl. N. – Christopher Narins
6600 34th Ave. N. – Matthew Healy (Conditional)
6629 41st Ave. N. – Jean Witthoft (Conditional)
6820-6824 44th Ave. N. – Minny Investments LLC
6723 50th Ave. N. – Matthew Selden (Conditional)
4912 56th Ave. N. – Joseph Rice
5708 56th Ave. N. – Helen Osonowo (Conditional)
5724 56th Ave. N. – Helen Osonowo (Conditional)
5802 56th Ave. N. – Helen Osonowo (Conditional)
5700 57th Ave. N. – 5700 Crystal LLC – Jerry Ziemiecki
4825 58th Ave. N. – Kenneth Wutoh and Amanda Vatsaas (Conditional)
6324 61st Ave. N. – Ignacio Ruiz Ruiz
Solicitors
Josiah Hass for Custom Remodelers LLC, dba Custom Remodelers, 474 Apollo Dr., Lino Lakes, MN 55014
(pre-approved by City Manager Bell on June 22, 2026)
Anthony Dimmick for Custom Remodelers LLC, dba Custom Remodelers, 474 Apollo Dr., Lino Lakes, MN
55014 (pre-approved by City Manager Bell on June 22, 2026)
Dylan Magney for Custom Remodelers LLC, dba Custom Remodelers, 474 Apollo Dr., Lino Lakes, MN
55014 (pre-approved by City Manager Bell on June 22, 2026)
Zachary Carlson for Custom Remodelers LLC, dba Custom Remodelers, 474 Apollo Dr., Lino Lakes, MN
55014 (pre-approved by City Manager Bell on June 22, 2026)
Riley Mortensen for Custom Remodelers LLC, dba Custom Remodelers, 474 Apollo Dr., Lino Lakes, MN
55014 (pre-approved by City Manager Bell on June 22, 2026)
Jordan Johnson for Custom Remodelers LLC, dba Custom Remodelers, 474 Apollo Dr., Lino Lakes, MN
55014 (pre-approved by City Manager Bell on June 22, 2026)
Oliver Roush for Custom Remodelers LLC, dba Custom Remodelers, 474 Apollo Dr., Lino Lakes, MN 55014
(pre-approved by City Manager Bell on June 22, 2026)
Herman Reinmaa for Southwestern Advantage, 12401 63rd Ave., Maple Grove, MN 55369 (pre-approved
by City Manager Bell on June 25, 2026)
Roland Sats for Southwestern Advantage, 12401 63rd Ave., Maple Grove, MN 55369 (pre-approved by
City Manager Bell on June 25, 2026)
Tree Trimmer
Vital Tree Service LLC, 2820 White Pine Way, Stillwater, MN 55082 (pre-approved by City Manager Bell
on June 11, 2026)
4.3
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 – ___
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A DONATION
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes §465.03 requires that all gifts and donations of real or personal property
be accepted only with the adoption of a resolution; and
WHEREAS, said donations must be accepted by a resolution adopted by the City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Crystal to accept the following
donation:
Donor Purpose Amount
Friends of Crystal Parks 2026 Arbor Day trees $1,216.50
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Crystal City Council sincerely thanks the above-named for their
generous donation.
Adopted by the Crystal City Council this 21st day of July 2026.
______________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Chrissy Serres,
City Clerk
4.4
7000 – 56TH AVENUE NORTH – APPROVE AGREEMENTS
PAGE 1 OF 2
___________________________________________________________________________________
FROM: Dan Olson, City Planner
___________________________________________________________________________________
TO: Adam R. Bell, City Manager (for July 21 Meeting)
DATE: July 15, 2026
RE: Consider adoption of a resolution approving two agreements for apartment building
construction at 7000 - 56th Avenue North
A.BACKGROUND
On January 6, 2026 City Council approved a rezoning of the property at 7000 – 56th Avenue N.
to allow the developer, Yellow Tree corporation (legally known for this development as
Apartment Crystal Holdings LLC), to construct a 174-unit apartment building on the property.
An amendment to this zoning approval was later approved by City Council on March 3, 2026
to increase the height of the building by six feet and add four apartment units.
One of the conditions for the rezoning approval required Yellow Tree to enter into two
specific agreements with the city with regard to the project:
1.Site improvement agreement. This agreement, which includes a letter of credit, is to
ensure that Yellow Tree constructs the building and other site improvements according to
the plans approved by City Council.
2.Stormwater maintenance agreement. This agreement guarantees that Yellow Tree will
maintain the stormwater tank on the north side of the property, and any other
stormwater improvements which may be constructed.
Copies of the respective agreements are included as exhibits to the resolution (attachmen t A).
The city attorney and public works director have reviewed and approved the agreement s.
Yellow Tree has signed the agreements, and upon execution by the mayor and city manager
the agreements will be recorded with Hennepin County.
Attachment:
A.Resolution, with two agreements
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Approve Agreements
7000 – 56th Avenue N.
4.5
7000 – 56TH AVENUE NORTH – APPROVE AGREEMENTS
PAGE 2 OF 2
2025 Aerial Photo:
B. REQUESTED ACTION
City Council approval of the attached resolution is requested.
4.5
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-
APPROVAL OF AGREEMENTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND FUTURE MAINTENANCE OF THE
APARTMENT BUILDING AT 7000 – 56TH AVENUE NORTH
WHEREAS, Apartment Crystal Holdings LLC, (the “Developer”) previously applied to
rezone the property located at 7000 56th Avenue North in Crystal, MN (the “Property”); and
WHEREAS, the City previously approved such rezoning request, subject to certain
conditions, including but not limited to requiring the Developer to enter into certain
development-related agreements with the City regarding the project proposed on the Property;
and
WHEREAS, no building permit may be issued for the Property until the Developer has
entered into the agreements required by the City; and
WHEREAS, the Developer must enter into a site improvement agreement to guarantee
that the building and site improvements are constructed according to the Council-approved
plans, a copy of which agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit A;
WHEREAS, the Developer must enter into a stormwater maintenance agreement to
guarantee on-going maintenance of stormwater improvements on the Property, and a copy of
which agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit B;
WHEREAS, City staff and the Developer have drafted agreements which have been
presented to the City Council for review and approval; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Crystal City Council hereby approves the
Agreements in the form attached hereto;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council further authorizes the City Manager and
Mayor to execute the Agreements and any other documents which, in the City Manager and
Mayor’s reasonable estimation are necessary to effectuate and carry out the duty and obligations
provided hereunder; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this approval shall further authorize the City Manager,
Mayor, and staff to make any additional corrections, additions, deletions or other edits to the
Agreements which are, in the opinion of the city attorney, necessary to effectuate and carry out
the City’s intent herein.
Adopted by the Crystal City Council this 21st day of July, 2026.
4.5
____________________________________
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
4.5
EXHIBIT A
Form of Site Improvement Agreement
4.5
CITY OF CRYSTAL
SITE IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT
Apartment Crystal Holdings, LLC
1834 East 38th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55407
THIS SITE IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made by and between
the City of Crystal, a municipal corporation under the laws of the State of Minnesota, (“City”)
and Apartment Crystal Holdings, LLC, a Minnesota limited partnership (”Developer”).
WHEREAS, this Agreement is applicable to certain property in the City to be addressed
as 7000 – 56th Avenue North, legally described as Lot 1, Block 1, Crystal State Bank 3rd
Addition, Hennepin County, Minnesota (“Property”); and
WHEREAS, on November 10, 2025 Developer submitted an application to the City
requesting approval of a Rezoning to Town Center - Planned Development (TC-PD), lot
consolidation and utility easement vacation to construct a new 44-unit apartment building on the
Property (“Project”); and
WHEREAS, on January 6, 2026 the City Council gave final approval of the Rezoning to
TC-PD, lot consolidation and utility easement vacation, subject to certain conditions; and
WHEREAS, on January 18, 2026 Developer submitted an application to the City
requesting approval of an amendment to the Town Center - Planned Development (TC-PD) to
make changes to the Council-approved rezoning plan approved on January 6, 2026; and
WHEREAS, on March 3, 2026 the City Council gave final approval of the amendment to
the TC-PD zoning, subject to certain conditions (the “Approvals”); and
WHEREAS, the Approvals were expressly conditioned upon, among other things,
Developer entering into this Agreement ensuring that certain improvements be properly
constructed as part of the Project.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the granting of the Approvals for the Project
and in furtherance of the requirements of the site plan approved for the Property, the City and
Developer agree as follows:
1. Developer agrees and covenants to construct the following elements of the Project in
accordance with the Approvals (collectively, the “Improvements” or individually an
“Improvement”): surface parking lot, underground stormwater chamber, and landscaping
plan.
4.5
2. The Improvements shall be constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications
approved as part of the Approvals (the “Plans”). No modification to the Plans or
specifications is allowed without advanced written approval of the City.
3. Developer shall notify the City as it completes an Improvement and arrange for an
inspection by the City. The City will notify Developer in writing if any additional or
corrective work is needed to properly complete the Improvement in accordance with the
Plans. Developer shall be responsible for completing the additional or corrective work
identified by the City and for otherwise ensuring the Improvements are constructed
consistent with the Plans.
4. Developer warrants and guarantees all work done to construct the Improvements against
any defect in workmanship, materials, or other defects that may occur within one year
from the date of final completion of all of the Improvements (“Warranty Period”). The
City will conduct a final inspection of the Improvements and provide Developer a written
notice of final completion. The date of the notice shall constitute the date of final
completion for the purposes of determining the Warranty Period. Developer shall be
required to promptly complete any warranty work needed and shall complete all warranty
work within 30 days from the end of the Warranty Period. Any work completed during
the Warranty Period shall include an additional warranty for the lesser of (i) the
remainder of the Warranty Period, or (ii) 90 days from the date the City determines the
warranty work has been completed.
5. Work on the Project and the Improvements shall not begin until Developer has obtained
all necessary permits and permissions from the City.
6. For the purposes of this Agreement, the final completion date for the Project and the
Improvements shall be no later than 2 years from the issuance of the building permit (the
“Completion Date”).
7. Developer agrees to defend and hold the City harmless, including attorney fees, from any
and all claims which may arise from third parties for any claim, loss, costs, or damages
related to or arising out of the Project or construction of the Improvements.
8. Developer shall be responsible for paying all costs related to the Project, construction of
the Improvements, and any corrective and warranty work related to the Improvements.
9. Upon completion of the underground stormwater chamber, Developer shall test and
demonstrate infiltration rates for the underground stormwater facility that meet or exceed
design requirements for the Improvements.
10. Developer shall provide as-built utility and grading plans and GPS surveyed utility
service locations before the release of the cash escrow or letter of credit.
4.5
11. If deviations from the approved landscape plan have been approved by the City in
writing, Developer shall provide an as-planted landscape plan before the release of the
cash escrow or letter of credit.
12. Developer is responsible, at its own cost, for installing any private utilities that may be
required for the Project. The installation of such private utilities is not considered part of
the Improvements for the purposes of this Agreement.
13. Developer shall construct the Project and the Improvements in accordance with the
Approvals and all applicable laws, rules, and regulations and shall obtain all other
permits and permissions that may be required.
14. Developer shall provide the City an irrevocable Letter of Credit in the amount of
$297,675 (“Surety”) in a form acceptable to the City. The Surety is intended to ensure the
Improvements are properly installed, any corrective work is completed, and to provide
the City funds to perform such work if Developer defaults on its obligations under this
Agreement. Following satisfactory inspection by the City, the Developer may replace the
Surety with a cash escrow or letter of credit in the amount of $13,700 (the “Replacement
Surety”), and the original Surety will be released by the City upon receipt of the
Replacement Surety. Upon expiration of the Warranty Period, the City shall return or
release, without interest, any of the Replacement Surety that the City was not required to
use.
15. In the event that Developer fails to complete the Improvements by the Completion Date,
then Developer shall be considered in default. Upon such default, then Developer
authorizes the City, its officers, employees, authorized agents, and contractors to enter the
Property as needed to complete any or all such incomplete or improperly performed work
on the Improvements or to otherwise eliminate any hazards on the Property resulting
from the default. This Agreement authorizes, but does not require, the City to complete
the Improvements or to eliminate any hazards on the Property. If the City elects to
undertake any work in response to Developer’s default, Developer agrees the City may
deduct all costs it incurs related to such default from the Surety or Replacement Surety.
If the Surety or Replacement Surety are not sufficient to fully reimburse the City for its
costs, Developer agrees the City may specially assess such amounts on the Property, and
Developer hereby waives any and all procedural and substantive objections to the special
assessment including, but not limited to, hearing requirements and any claim that the
assessments exceed the benefit to the Property. Developer further waives any appeal
rights under Minnesota Statutes, section 429.081 or other law.
16. The Approvals and any exhibits attached thereto, the recitals to this Agreement, and any
Exhibits attached hereto are incorporated in and made part of this Agreement.
17. This Agreement shall run with the Property and shall bind the parties hereto and their
successors and assigns.
4.5
18. Developer may not assign this Agreement without the prior written permission of the
City.
19. Each right, power or remedy conferred upon the City by this Agreement is cumulative
and in addition to every other right, power or remedy, express or implied, now or
hereafter arising, or available to the City at law or in equity, or under any other
agreement.
20. This Agreement shall be governed by construed in accordance with the laws of the State
of Minnesota. Any disputes, controversies, or claims arising out of this Agreement shall
be heard in the state or federal courts of Hennepin County, Minnesota, and all parties to
this Agreement waive any objection to the jurisdiction of these courts, whether based on
convenience or otherwise.
21. If any provision of this Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to
be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force
and effect to the fullest extent permitted by law, and the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable
provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted so as to effect the intent of
the Parties.
22. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument. Signatures transmitted electronically, including by PDF or other electronic
means, shall be deemed original signatures and shall have the same force and effect as
original ink signatures. Each party hereby waives any its right to challenge the validity of
such signature based on it being electronic.
23. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous negotiations,
representations, understandings, and agreements, whether written or oral. This
Agreement may be amended, modified, or supplemented only by a written instrument
executed by both Parties. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective
unless in writing and signed by the Party against whom the waiver is sought to be
enforced. No waiver of any breach shall be deemed a waiver of any preceding or
subsequent breach.
4.5
4.5
CITY: City of Crystal
By: ________________________________
Its: Mayor Julie Deshler
By: __________________________
Its City Manager, Adam R. Bell
STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN } ss.
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this __________ day of
_________________, 2026, by ____________________________ and
__________________________, the Mayor and City Manager, respectively, of the City of
Crystal, a Minnesota municipal corporation, on behalf of said municipal corporation.
NOTARIAL STAMP OR SEAL (OR OTHER TITLE OR RANK)
__________________________________________
SIGNATURE OF PERSON TAKING ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
4.5
EXHIBIT B
Form of Stormwater Maintenance Agreement
4.5
AGREEMENT FOR MAINTENANCE AND RIGHT OF ENTRY FOR STORMWATER
FACILITIES AT 7000 56TH AVENUE NORTH (Crystal Apartments)
THIS AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made this _______ day of
________________________, 2026, by and between Apartments Crystal Holdings LLC,
(“Owner”), and the City of CRYSTAL, a Minnesota municipal corporation (“City”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Owner owns real property located in the City of Crystal, County of
Hennepin, State of Minnesota, 7000 56th Avenue North, P.I.D. legally described as Lot 1, Block
1, Crystal State Bank 3rd Addition, Hennepin County, Minnesota (the “Property”); and
WHEREAS, Owner has applied for, and the City Council has approved, a rezoning of the
Property and, as a condition of that rezoning, Owner is required to enter into a maintenance and
right of way entry agreement for certain stormwater facilities; and
WHEREAS, the Owner proposes to construct those certain stormwater facilities as more
fully set out in the utility plan (the “Plans”) attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Facilities”); and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this Agreement is to ensure Owner’s performance of regular
maintenance of the Facilities.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing facts and circumstances and
mutual covenants of the parties set forth herein and other valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. Construction and Maintenance of the Facilities.
a. Owner and its successor or assigns as fee owner of the Property shall be
responsible for constructing all portions of the Facilities in accordance with the
Plans.
4.5
b. Owner will inspect the Facilities according to the Stormwater Best Management
Practices (BMPs) Inspection and Maintenance Plan, a copy of which is attached
hereto as Exhibit B.
c. Owner will, at a minimum, maintain and repair the Facilities:
a. In the case of basins and other Facilities where sediment collects, to
preserve live storage or capacity at or above the design volume or, where
no design live storage volume or capacity is incorporated into the permit,
the volume or capacity recommended by the manufacturer. Owner will
clean out the sumps annually and include the volume of sediment removed
in the annual report.
b. In the case of conveyances and other structures, to preserve designed
hydraulic capacities.
c. In the case of Facilities relying on soils and vegetation for stormwater
management or treatment, to preserve healthy vegetation and designed soil
permeability.
d. In the case of all Facilities, as necessary to preserve the integrity and
intended function of the Facilities.
2. Schedule of Maintenance. Owner will submit to the City of Crystal, by December 31
annually, a written report listing inspection dates, Facilities inspected, Facilities
conditions, maintenance and repair actions taken, and dates that such actions were
taken.
3. City’s Maintenance Rights. The City may, but is under no obligation to, maintain or
repair the Facilities if the City reasonably believes Owner has failed to maintain them
as needed to preserve their designed functions. Except in emergency situations, the City
will provide Owner twenty (20) days’ written notice of the failure to maintain, what
must be done to correct the situation, and provide an opportunity for Owner to complete
the required work. In each case where Owner fails to perform the work as provided in
the notice, the City may undertake such maintenance or repair activities on the
Facilities and invoice Owner for its costs. The recoverable costs include, but are not
necessarily limited to, all costs incurred for the contractor hired to perform the work
and all administrative, engineering, legal, and other costs incurred to undertake and
complete the work or to otherwise enforce this Agreement. The invoiced amount is
due upon receipt and must be paid to the City in full within 30 days from the date of
the invoice. If Owner fails to pay the full amount of the invoice by the indicated
deadline, the City may act to recover its costs as provided in this Agreement or as may
otherwise be allowed under law.
4. Right of Entry. The City and its contractors, agents and employees have the right to
enter the Property for purposes of inspecting, accessing, maintaining, repairing, and
4.5
taking corrective action relating to the Facilities and for all other purposes allowed
under the law.
5. Notice. Any notice under this declaration shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt
requested, or delivered to the following address:
To Owner:. Apartments Crystal Holdings, LLC
1834 East 38th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55407
To City: . Director of Public Works
City of Crystal
4141 Douglas Dr N
Crystal, MN 55422
All Notices given hereunder shall be deemed given when personally delivered or two
(2) business days after being placed in the mail properly addressed as provided herein.
6. Successors. All duties and obligations of Owner under this Agreement shall also be
duties and obligations of Owner’s successors and assigns.
7. Effective Date. This Agreement shall be binding and effective as of the date hereof.
8. Recording of this Agreement. An executed copy of this Agreement shall be delivered
to the City Attorney for recording with the appropriate Hennepin County office(s).
9. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of
which will be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the
same instrument.
10. Rights Cumulative. Each right, power or remedy conferred upon the City by this
Agreement is cumulative and in addition to every other right, power or remedy,
express or implied, now or hereafter arising, or available to the City at law or in
equity, or under any other agreement.
11. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of Minnesota. Any disputes, controversies, or claims arising out
of this Agreement shall be heard in the state or federal courts of Hennepin County,
Minnesota, and all parties to this Agreement waive any objection to the jurisdiction of
these courts, whether based on convenience or otherwise.
12. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is determined by a court of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining
provisions shall remain in full force and effect to the fullest extent permitted by law,
and the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision shall be enforced to the maximum
extent permitted so as to effect the intent of the Parties.
4.5
13. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and
the same instrument. Signatures transmitted electronically, including by PDF or other
electronic means, shall be deemed original signatures and shall have the same force
and effect as original ink signatures. Each party hereby waives any its right to
challenge the validity of such signature based on it being electronic.
14. Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior
and contemporaneous negotiations, representations, understandings, and agreements,
whether written or oral. This Agreement may be amended, modified, or supplemented
only by a written instrument executed by both Parties.
15. No Waiver. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in
writing and signed by the Party against whom the waiver is sought to be enforced. No
waiver of any breach shall be deemed a waiver of any preceding or subsequent
breach.
[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank; signatures to follow]
4.5
4.5
CITY:
City of Crystal
a Minnesota municipal corporation
By: ________________________________
Its: Mayor
By: ________________________________
Its: City Manager
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
)ss.
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this __________ day of
_________________, 2026, by ____________________________ and
__________________________, the Mayor and City Manager, respectively, of the City of
Crystal, a Minnesota municipal corporation, on behalf of said municipal corporation.
Notary Public
This Instrument Was Drafted By:
Kennedy & Graven, Chartered
150 South Fifth Street, Suite 700
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 337-9300
4.5
EXHIBIT A
Stormwater Plans
4.5
4.5
EXHIBIT B
Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs)
4.5
www.CivilSiteGroup.com 5000 Glenwood Ave • Golden Valley • Minnesota • 55422 (612) 615-0060
Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Inspections and Maintenance Plan
Project Name: 7000 56th Avenue
CSG Project Number 25379
Project Owner: Apartments Crystal Holdings, LLC
Property Address: 7000 56th Ave N
Crystal, MN 55428
Date: 3/26/2026
Maintenance Contact
Person/Property Owner: Robb Lubenow
Apartments Crystal Holdings, LLC
1834 East 38th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-275-7210
Robb@yellowtreecorp.com
This Operation and Maintenance Plan has been prepared by Civil Site Group.
Matthew R. Pavek PE, License No. 44263
4.5
www.CivilSiteGroup.com 5000 Glenwood Ave • Golden Valley • Minnesota • 55422 (612) 615-0060
Table of Contents:
1. Summary Narrative
2. BMP Location Map
3. BMP Inspection Activities
4. BMP Maintenance Activities
5. BMP Inspection and Maintenance Report
Introduction:
Stormwater treatment for this site is accomplished by implementing an underground Infiltration
Basin (hereafter referred to as the “system” or “basin”). The system for this project is directing the
project stormwater runoff via surface drainage and storm sewer piping from rain events to an
underground infiltration basin on the northeast side of the site. The stormwater leaves the basin via
infiltration/groundwater recharge at the bottom of the basin & through an “overflow” outlet pipe
discharging into the city’s existing stormwater sewer system. This basin is designed to provide water
quality treatment, volume control, and meet rate control requirements of the Shingle Creek
Watershed Management Commission.
Need for Inspection and Maintenance:
The stormwater system is the first line of defense from conveying pollutants downstream into city
storm sewer and public water ways, worsening water quality. The purpose of regular inspection and
maintenance is to ensure the proper operation of the system and the overall storm system. Regular
maintenance of the system and all its components is required to achieve the water quality objective.
This Operations and Maintenance plan requires frequent inspections, per inspection
activities table. Maintenance activities required per maintenance activities table for each
flagged inspection item are required to be completed as soon as possible following any
inspection.
Responsibility of Property Owner following construction/completion:
Upon installation of the approved system, the property manager assumes responsibility and all costs
associated with the system’s long-term operation and maintenance. The property owner shall
maintain records of all inspections and maintenance of the system/s and submit reports to the
proper authority (city, watershed, etc.) if required. The following document is a guide to the
inspection and maintenance of the system.
4.5
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7487487487487487
4
874874874875875 875875
876876877877
877877
BMP LOCATION MAPProject Number:Issue Date:Revision Number:Revision Date:5000 Glenwood AvenueGolden Valley, MN 55422612-615-0060www.CivilSiteGroup.com7000 56TH AVENUE253797000 56TH AVE N, CRYSTAL, MN 55428EX A..01" = 50'-0"50'-0"25'-0"N2026-03-26UNDERGROUNDINFILTRATION BASIN4'' INSPECTION PORTINLET STRUCTURE &MAINTENANCE ACCESSINLET STRUCTURE &MAINTENANCE ACCESSINLET STRUCTURE &MAINTENANCE ACCESSINLET STRUCTURE &MAINTENANCE ACCESSSUMP CATCH BASINOUTLETSTRUCTURESEDIMENT ROWOUTLETSUMP CATCH BASIN4'' INSPECTION PORTSEDIMENT ROWEXISTING CITY STORM MANHOLEROOF / BUILDINGCONNECTIONROOF / BUILDINGCONNECTIONCATCH BASINSUMP CATCH BASINEXHIBIT AEXISTING CITY CATCH BASIN4.5
www.CivilSiteGroup.com 5000 Glenwood Ave • Golden Valley • Minnesota • 55422 (612) 615-0060
3-4. Inspection & maintenance Activities- Underground Infiltration Basin
These inspections should be completed every 3-6 months and after a significant rainfall event unless otherwise noted.
These are general inspection/maintenance items that should be completed with every Storm Chamber System. Visit the Manufacturer’s
website for a copy of the most current and in -depth system specific inspection/maintenance list.
Site ID: BMP Type/Number: Underground Storm Chamber System
Inspection Date: Inspector:
Inspection Activity
Observations
Maintenance
Procedure/Frequency
Maintenance
Required (Y/N)
Actions
Completed
1. 1. Visual inspection for trash
and debris
Remove trash and debris
from structure as outlined by
manufacturer’s recommendation
Completed by:
Date:
2. Measure and record depth of
sediment at Manholes. If the
average depth of sediment is
at or above, 3 inch depth
clean as indicated.
Remove any floatables,
accumulated trash or debris.
Clean out system using a
JetVac
A) A fixed culvert cleaning
nozzle with rear facing nozzle
spread of 45 inches or
more is preferable
B) Apply multiple passes of
JetVac until backflush water is
clean
C) Vacuum manhole sump as
required
Completed by:
Date:
3. Oil accumulation in device(s) Remove oil from water surface using
method outlined by manufacturer’s
recommendation
Completed by:
Date:
4. Visual inspection of internal
components of device
Dependent on type of damage; Repair
structure per manufacturer’s
recommendations
Completed by:
Date:
5. Inspect BMP components
(inlets, outlets, and catch basins)
to ensure good condition and no
evidence of erosion or sediment
deposits.
Repair impacted BMP component per
original plans
Completed by:
Date:
6. Inspect surface above
system for cracks, settling or
loose soils.
Repair/replace system per
original plans
Completed by:
Date:
4.5
www.CivilSiteGroup.com 5000 Glenwood Ave • Golden Valley • Minnesota • 55422 (612) 615-0060
Local Maintenance Contractors
Charlie Wilson
Minnesota Utilities
& Excavating
(651) 464-5532
charlie@mnue.net
Jesse Wilcox
Carl Bolander and Sons
(651) 224-6299
jesse@bolander.com
Mike Waldenburg
David’s Hydro Vac
(651) 207-6134
mikew@davidshydrovac.com
Matt Miklya
Valley-Rich Co., Inc.
(952) 448-3002
matt@valleyrich.com
4.5
DATE: July 21, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
Adam R. Bell, City Manager
FROM: Sarah Nissen, Administrative Program Specialist
SUBJECT: City of Crystal’s Climate Action Plan - Resilient Crystal 2035
Background
The development of Crystal’s first Climate Action Plan grew out of the work of the
Sustainability Commission. The commission was established in 2024 and held its first meeting
in January 2025. Early in its work, the commission identified the development of a Climate
Action Plan as a key priority.
To support the project, the city secured a $50,000 Climate Planning Grant from the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency. Crystal leveraged the grant funding with local funds and support
from the Administrative Program Specialist and University of Minnesota Sustainability Corps
interns. Following a competitive request for proposals process, the city selected paleBLUEdot
to lead the development of a practical, community-informed plan.
The final Climate Action Plan provides a flexible menu of options to help staff, commissions,
and the City Council identify priorities, consider future projects and funding opportunities, and
track progress over time. Adoption of the plan would establish a shared framework for future
sustainability work.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the City of Crystal Climate Action Plan –
Resilient Crystal 2035.
Attachment
City of Crystal Final Draft Climate Action Plan – Resilient Crystal 2035.
Memorandum
6.1
Climate Action Plan
June, 2026
6.1
Resilient Crystal At A Glance ii
Introduction 1-1
Introduction
Co-Benefits of Climate Action
Planning Process
What We Heard
Climate Change
Crystal’s Climate Risks
Greenhouse Gases
Crystal’s GHG Emissions
City Energy Savings Potential
City Solar Potential
The Resilient Crystal Plan
Plan Framework
Plan GHG Reductions
Community Benefits
Transportation and Land Use 2-1
Buildings and Energy 3-1
Waste Management 4-1
Water 5-1
Local Food and Agriculture 6-1
Greenspace and Ecosystems 7-1
Health and Safety 8-1
Economy 9-1
Implementation 10-1
What You Can Do 11-1
Appendix A References A-1
Appendix B Potential Costs & Savings B-1
Appendix C Estimated Job Potential C-1
Appendix D Glossary of Terms D-1
Appendix E Acknowledgements E-1
Click to Navigate:
Click on any section in the TOC above to navigate to that section.
Click on the return icon on any page to return to this page. CONTENTS 6.1
Transportation & Land Use
Buildings & Energy
Waste Management
Water Local Food & Agriculture
Greenspace & Ecosystems
Health & Safety
Economy
reduce emissions 49% By 2035:
100% reduce emissions By 2050:
Over a
10 Year
timeframe
Supported by a menu of
119 Actions
that can be taken
The Plan
Guides action through:
8 Sectors
of GHG & resilience
With
26 Strategies
to achieve goals
At -A-Glance
71%
Be a leader in
climate
action: 75%
Reduce GHG
emissions:
76%
Prepare for
climate
impacts:
Community Support
Survey respondents agree the
City should…
The Goal
To increase climate
resilience and long-
term greenhouse gas
(GHG) reductions:
The Results
By 2035, successful plan
implementation could
result in:
5.6 Million
kWh of Electricity
Saved Annually
2.9 Million
Therms of Natural
Gas Saved Annually
399,654
Tons of GHG
Avoided
$58 Million
Cumulative Cost
Savings
6.1
1 -1 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
v
Introduction
6.1
1 -2 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Introduction
Our Challenge
Communities like Crystal depend on many connected systems, from energy
and transportation to housing, water, and public services. These systems
also affect the natural environment, especially when they rely on fossil
fuels. As global temperatures rise and climate patterns shift, Crystal is
already beginning to feel the effects. In the years ahead, these changes
may bring more extreme weather, increased health and safety concerns,
and greater hardship for residents who are already more vulnerable. They
can also place new demands on infrastructure, services, and the
community’s ability to prepare and recover.1,2,3,4,5,6
Our Opportunity
Cities are central to creating a more sustainable future. Moving away from
fossil fuels and modernizing energy systems will be necessary, but it also
creates important opportunities for Crystal. Expanding renewable energy
can make the community more resilient while supporting local job
creation.7,8 Climate action can also spark innovation, encourage new
technologies, and bring people together around shared solutions, helping
Crystal build a stronger, more inclusive, and more equitable local
economy.9
Our Guide
Crystal can take meaningful steps today to build a healthier, safer, and
more resilient future. The Resilient Crystal climate action plan identifies
practical ways to reduce emissions, prepare for climate impacts, and
protect quality of life. Its goals include reducing emissions 49% by 2035 and
reaching net-zero by 2050. These goals reflect local priorities while aligning
with climate goals of Hennepin County, Metropolitan Council, and the
State of Minnesota. Created with community input, the plan is a guide, not
a mandate. It does not require the City to take specific actions, commit
funds, or create new rules for residents or businesses. Instead, it supports
informed decision-making and offers a shared path for working together
toward a safer, healthier, and more resilient Crystal.
The City of Crystal, Minnesota has a
long history of sustainability efforts,
which have been supported through
the establishment of the
Sustainability Commission. The City
is a Minnesota GreenStep City and
achieved Step 3 in 2019. The City
received a Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency Climate Planning
Grant and engaged paleBLUEdot in
October 2025 to create the Resilient
Crystal climate action plan (CAP).
The plan guides efforts in reducing
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
and improve climate resilience. The
plan outlines strategies and actions
to support achieving climate goals
for both City of Crystal municipal
operations and community-wide.
This plan is the result, developed in
collaboration with the City’s Climate
Action Planning Team.
State Goals:
50% by 2035, 100% by 2050
Met Council Goals:
50% by 2035, 100% by 2050
Hennepin County Goals:
45% by 2030, 100% by 2050
GOAL ALIGNMENT
Resilient Crystal goals reflect local
priorities while aligning with climate
and GHG reduction goals of the
State of Minnesota, Metropolitan
Council, and Hennepin County:10
6.1
1 -3 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Climate action can reduce costs and improve public health, as noted by the World Health Organization. Efforts to
lower greenhouse gas emissions, especially through housing, transportation, and energy improvements, can
benefit communities in many ways beyond climate protection. These benefits include cleaner air, healthier
residents, lower health risks, more efficient use of resources, stronger local economies, and more resilient
infrastructure and natural systems.1,2,3,4 Together, these outcomes can support economic opportunity and improve
quality of life.
Cost Savings
Cost savings associated with reduced consumption, improved efficiencies, more cost-effective
technologies, or lower long-term operational costs.
Less Pollution
Lower emissions of pollutants, reduced waste, or improved air or water quality.
Energy Resilience
Reliable, affordable, and secure energy systems that withstand disruptions, support critical services, and
recover quickly during extreme weather or grid outages.
Community Resilience
Hazard preparedness, enhanced infrastructure, improved energy resilience, or enhanced support for
vulnerable populations.
Safe Streets
Reduced vehicle traffic, improved biking and walking infrastructure, and street designs that lower
speeds and prioritize people—creating safer, healthier, and more accessible travel options for everyone.
Better Mobility
Transportation options, improved access for biking and walking, or safer streets.
Healthier Habitats
Improved greenspaces, increased biodiversity, habitat restoration, water and air quality management.
Quality of Life
Public health, quality greenspaces, parks and recreation access, stronger local economy, housing and
building quality, reduced congestion, decreased noise pollution, or opportunities for community
engagement.
Co-Benefits of Climate Action
6.1
1 -4 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Creating The Resilient Crystal Plan
The Resilient Crystal climate action plan was developed through an
inclusive, community-centered process led by a 24-member planning team
of residents and City staff. From February through May 2026, the team
participated in facilitated workshops to identify challenges, explore
opportunities, and shape strategies for each plan sector.
Community input was gathered through surveys, public meetings, and
storytelling activities, giving residents several ways to share priorities and
ideas. This feedback, along with technical analysis and climate planning
examples from Minnesota and across the country, helped guide the plan’s
goals and actions. The result is a community-informed plan that reflects
Crystal’s values and commitment to resilience.
Research Based Plan
To guide the plan’s goals and actions, the planning team established a
number of Foundational Documents to assess climate vulnerability, ground
cover and tree canopy, greenhouse gas emissions, and renewable energy
potential. The Climate Action Baseline Assessment summarizes these
findings, highlights key community metrics, and outlines initial sector goals.
Planning Process
Crystal Diary 2035
The Crystal 2035: A Climate Futures
Storytelling initiative invited
residents to imagine a resilient
future for the community. Through
the “Diary 2035” project, people
shared their hopes and ideas for
what Crystal can become. Taken
together, these stories shaped a set
of future-oriented themes featured
at the start of each plan sector and
helped inspire the goals and actions
developed throughout the Resilient
Crystal Plan.
Look for the book icon for
Crystal Diary 2035 entries.
Context:
6 baseline research
documents
Community:
180+ community
members engaged
Collaboration:
planning team with
24 volunteers
Completion:
based on public
draft plan review
The plan was
developed in 4
steps
Climate Action
Baseline Study
Climate
Vulnerability
Assessment
Community-Wide
GHG Inventory
Ground Cover &
Tree Canopy
Study
Community-Wide
Renewable Energy
Potential Study
City Facility Solar
Master Plan
Foundational Documents
The foundational documents are available below. Click the icons to view them.
6.1
1 -5 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
71%
Be a leader in
climate
action: 75%
Reduce GHG
emissions:
76%
Prepare for
climate
impacts:
Community member concern about climate change:
Slightly Moderately Not at all Very Extremely
6% 14% 14% 23% 43%
91%
of respondents have noticed signs
of climate change - including 38%
of the respondents who are not at
all concerned about it.
84%
of respondents reported being personally impacted by
the effects of climate change -
including 24% of the respondents who are not at all
concerned about it.
Taking Action: Respondents support of preliminary action strategies
Transportation
Top 3 Strategies:
Development rules to
favor walkable
neighborhoods and
business districts | 64%
Street and traffic control
designs to lower vehicle
emissions | 64%
Replacing City fleet with
electric and hybrid
vehicles | 60%
Buildings/Energy
Top 3 Strategies:
City incentives for energy
and water efficiency, and
solar readiness| 74%
All rental properties to
meet energy efficiency
standards | 71%
Installing solar on city-
owned properties | 66%
Solid Waste
Top 3 Strategies:
Require multi-family
buildings to offer recycling
on-site for residents | 83%
Expand food recycling /
compost collection service
| 71%
Incentives to recycle
construction materials |
67%
Green Economy
Top 3 Strategies:
Increase Green Economy
business development
| 65%
Help businesses become
more climate resilient
| 65%
Increase Green Economy
job training opportunities
| 64%
The City’s Role in Climate Action
Survey respondents agree the City should… What We Heard
Community input was gathered through two
surveys with 146 responses from residents and
businesses.11 The first gathered climate
concerns and action ideas; the second collected
feedback on draft strategies. This input shaped
the plan to reflect local priorities.
Community Member Concern About Climate Change:
For More Information
(click icon)
Survey
6.1
1 -6 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Photo: Mick Richards
The Hottest
25 Hottest Global
Years on Record27
Climate change is a global crisis with significant local consequences. Scientific
consensus confirms that increasing greenhouse gas emissions are disrupting
Earth’s climate system. Twenty-four of the warmest 25 years on record have
occurred since 2000, and Minnesota has already experienced climate shifts. These
shifts have contributed to drier soils and a substantial rise in heavy rainfall
events—up roughly 20% statewide.12,13,14
Climate Change in Crystal
Crystal is experiencing these trends firsthand. From 1980 to 2024, the community
recorded higher average temperatures, more extremely hot days above 95°F,
more intense rainfall events, and fewer days below freezing.15,16 One of the most
notable shifts are in precipitation patterns. While overall annual precipitation has
increased, the change is uneven. Fall and winter precipitation rose up to 15.5%,
while spring and summer levels remained largely unchanged.17
Climate Projections for Crystal18
Over their lifetime, a child in
Crystal can expect:19,20
Climate Conditions Recent
Averages
Mid-Century
(2050 average)
End of Century
(2100 average)
Average Daily Maximum
Temperature 55° F 61°F 62°F to 66°F
Number of Days Per Year with
Maximum > 95° F 2 21
(1105% increase)
24 to 49.5
(up to 2605% increase)
Number of Days Per Year With
Minimum < 32° F 160 134
(16% decrease)
133.1 to 109.4
(up to 32% decrease)
Change in Growing, Allergy, &
Tick/Mosquito Season21,22 N/A 25 days
(275% increase) 25 to 40 days
(up to 439% increase)
Change in Annual Precipitation23 26'' 32''
(123% increase)
27 to 35''
(up to 135% increase)
Increase in Heavy Precipitation
(Days Per Year with > 1" Rainfall) 3.2 4
(31% increase)
4 to 5
(up to 63% increase)
Increase in Air Conditioning
Demand (Cooling Degree Days) 600 1400
(133% increase)
1400 to 2100
(up to 250% increase)
Increase In Air Conditioning
Related Electricity Use24 N/A 39% 39 to 59%
2024
2025
2023
2016
2020
2019
2017
2015
2022
2018
2021
2014
2010
2005
2013
2007
2009
2012
2006
2002
2003
1998
2011
2008
2001
Climate Change
6.1
1 -7 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Crystal’s Climate Risks
The climate shifts expected in Crystal over the coming decades present a
range of risks for residents. Some groups— including children, older adults,
and people with disabilities—may face heightened vulnerability to these
impacts. Below are several key risks the community is likely to experience.6
Extreme Heat and Weather
Some residents face greater risk of stress, illness, or even death
during extreme weather—such as severe storms, heavy rain,
hail, and heat waves. Heat-related vulnerability is heightened
by pre-existing conditions like heart disease or diabetes, and by
demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors,
including local land cover.
Flooding
The latest National Climate Assessment reports that heavy
rainfall events are increasing across the U.S., including in
Minnesota, and are projected to continue rising. More
frequent extreme and total precipitation will heighten the risk
of both river and lake flooding as well as rapid-onset flash
floods.
Air Quality
Climate change is anticipated to impact air quality through
various channels, including higher levels of allergens and
pollen, increased regional ozone concentrations, greater risks
of smoke from wildfires, and elevated particulate pollution and
dust.
Infrastructure / Power Failure
Extreme weather events, flooding, flash flooding, and the
growing daily challenges from climate variability all pose risks
to the stability of our aging infrastructure. Power outages, road
damage, bridge collapses, and water system failures are
significant physical climate risks to the community, particularly
for those most vulnerable to climate impacts.
Food Security
Climate change poses risks to the stability of our national food
system. Extreme weather, heat, flooding, water shortages, crop
and livestock impacts, invasive pests, and supply chain
disruptions can affect food production and prices. These
challenges may increase food insecurity, especially for lower-
income households and other populations already facing
barriers to affordable, nutritious food. For More Information
(click icon)
Vulnerability
6.1
1 -8 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Sunlight
Earth’s Infrared Energy
When sunlight strikes the Earth, it
warms the surface and becomes heat
energy – or infrared energy. This
infrared energy then radiates back
towards space.
The Greenhouse Effect
Our atmosphere is made up of both
Non-Greenhouse and Greenhouse
Gases gasses.1
Non-Greenhouse Gases do not react
to visible light, nor infrared energy.
That means both sunlight and
infrared energy pass through them
unaffected, allowing Earth’s heat
energy to radiate into space.
Greenhouse Gases also do not react
to visible light, however, they DO
react to infrared energy, trapping
and reflecting Earth’s heat energy
back, warming the planet. This is
known as the Greenhouse Effect.
What Are Greenhouse Gases?
A greenhouse gas (GHG) is a molecule in the atmosphere which does not
react to light energy in the visible range (like sunlight), but does react to
light energy in the infrared range-like that which is emitted from the
Earth after being warmed by the sun. The most common greenhouse
gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide
(N2O).1
Why do GHG’s Matter?
Greenhouse gases occur naturally and help keep Earth warm, but human
activities are adding them faster than natural systems can remove
them.25,26 Burning fossil fuels moves carbon long stored underground into
the atmosphere as carbon dioxide or methane.27 This adds new carbon to
the air, increasing the total amount of heat-trapping gases in the
atmosphere and strengthening climate change.28
Where do community GHGs come from?
A community-wide GHG inventory measures emissions from the key
sources listed below. It typically does not include emissions from the
goods people buy, known as embodied carbon. Those emissions are
estimated through a separate consumption-based inventory.29
What can we do to reduce GHG’s?
Greenhouse gases can be reduced by making changes within the key
greenhouse gas sectors within our community—particularly through the
reduction and elimination of fossil fuel combustion and the advancement
of clean energy sources.
Energy
Emissions are produced by
burning natural gas, coal,
and other fossil fuels,
primarily to heat and cool
buildings and generate
electricity.
Mobile Combustion
Emissions come from the
combustion of fossil fuels
for ground transportation
and air travel.
Solid Waste
Emissions in the inventory
estimate the
decomposition of food and
yard waste in the landfill.
Wastewater
Emissions from energy
uses are calculated for the
collection and treatment of
wastewater.
Greenhouse Gases
6.1
1 -9 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
51.8%
34.2%
7.1%
6.9%
from Buildings
2016 Emissions
46,572 MT
2024 Emissions
42,758 MT
from Transportation
2016 Emissions
8,533 MT
2024 Emissions
8,902 MT
from Solid Waste
2016 Emissions
8,725 MT
2024 Emissions
8,689 MT
from Wastewater
2016 Emissions
83,923 MT
2024 Emissions
64,791 MT
Tracking greenhouse gas emissions is essential for climate planning. Emissions
decreased from transportation, buildings, and wastewater, but increased from
solid waste. Overall, Crystal’s community-wide emissions fell 15.3% from 2016 to
2024, as population stayed steady.30 Although this progress is encouraging,
reductions are not yet happening fast enough to meet science-based climate goals.
Crystal Citywide GHG Emission Trends Since 201630
Crystal’s GHG Emissions
Baseline Current Declining Citywide 2024 Total:
125,141 Metric Tons
Crystal Citywide GHG Emission Projections Through 203530
1: Emissions in 2016:
147,753 MT
2: Projected by 2035:
101,220 MT
3: Science-Based
Reduction Goal:
<83,000 MT
3
2
1 A business-as-usual greenhouse gas
forecast estimates future emissions
without major new actions, helping
measure needed reductions and
strategy impacts.
For More Information
(click icon)
GHG Inventory
6.1
1 -10 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
City Energy Savings Potential
For More Information
(click icon) Solar Master
Plan
Suggested Energy Audit Priorities
Based on the energy benchmarking review, sites were prioritized for
suggested detailed energy audits as follows:
Priority 1 Sites have use more than twice the energy of high -performing
peer buildings and are likely to have major energy-saving opportunities.
Priority 2 Sites use up to twice the energy of high-performing peer buildings
and are likely to have moderate energy-saving opportunities.
Priority 3 Sites perform better than the high-performing peer benchmark
but may still have opportunities for energy savings.
1
2
3
The chart below compares reported energy use at each City of Crystal facility with national data for similar buildings. It
also shows each facility’s Energy Use Intensity, or EUI, which measures energy use per square foot so buildings of
different sizes can be compared. Each facility was compared with similar high-performing regional buildings that use
less energy than 75% of their peers. In the “Crystal Facility Energy Benchmark” chart, 100% means a facility matches
the average for these high-performing buildings. Anything above 100% means the facility uses more energy than those
buildings.
Based on these results, facilities are prioritized for future energy audits. An energy audit reviews a building’s energy
use to identify ways to save energy, reduce costs, and improve performance. The analysis also estimates potential
energy, cost, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions for each facility. These are high-level estimates and should be
refined through detailed energy audits.
Crystal Facility Energy Benchmark31
Average EUI 59.8
Reduction
Potential
Totals:
284,670 22,752 $36,074 184
kWh
Annually
22.5%
Reduction
Potential
Therms
Annually
30.7%
Reduction
Potential
Dolars
Annually
Metric Tons
Annually
27.3%
Reduction
Potential Annual Electricity Use (kWh) Annual Natural Gas Use (therms) Facility EUI % of High Performance Average (Energy Star Score 75 average is 100%)1 Estimated Elect Savings at 100% average (kWh)1 Estimated NG Savings at 100% average (Therms)1 Estimated Energy Cost Savings at 100% average2 Estimated GHG Reduction Potential3 Suggested Energy Audit Priority City Hall and Police Department 608,040 30,257 71.2 117% 90,390 4,498 $770,660 44 2
South Public Works 10,210 3,646 63.9 219% 5,544 1,980 $48,161 12 1
Public Works 306,480 7,846 30.4 104% 11,636 298 $99,060 4 2
Community Center 272,202 16,634 72.5 223% 150,118 9,174 $1,280,789 82 1
Pool Building 10,080 2,768 39.2 121% 1,729 475 $14,947 3 2
South Fire Station 24,247 7,787 132.7 244% 14,322 4,600 $3,618 28 1
North Fire Station 32,318 5,111 82.1 151% 10,931 1,729 $1,832 12 2
6.1
1 -11 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
City Solar Potential
For More Information
(click icon) Solar Master
Plan
Below is a summary of the estimated rooftop solar potential for the City of Crystal facilities. Please see the 2026 City
Facility Solar Assessment for additional information.31
Recommended Solar Installation Priorities31
Below is a summary of the solar installation recommended priority based on the solar feasibility assessment effort.
Detailed solar feasibility assessments for each site are provided in the 2026 City Facility Solar Assessment.
City Facilities
PV Nameplate
Capacity
(KW DC)
PV KWH %
of
Consumed
Estimated
Installation
Cost
(Including
Financing)
Financed
Payback1
(years)
Value To
Cost Ratio
( x : 1.0)
Recommended
Site Priority
Projected Roof
Service Life
(city reported)
City Hall and Police Dept. 83.2 16.9% 0 - 5 years $229,020 16.0 1.87 2
South Public Works 9.6 119.0% Unknown $33,961 28.9 1.04 4
Public Works 285.6 119.0% 20+ years $658,798 15.5 1.94 1
Community Center 54.2 24.2% Unknown $135,527 14.0 2.14 1
South Fire Station 24.0 114.4% 20+ years $63,797 24.0 1.25 3
North Fire Station 32.8 118.1% 0 - 5 years $87,320 23.8 1.26 3
Costs and Savings:
Estimated Installation Cost
(financed): $794,325
Estimated 30 Year Total Savings:
$1,906,232
Estimated 30 Year Net Savings
(after all estimated expenses):1
$938,290
% of Site Electric Use Generated:
74.4%
Annual GHG Emissions Avoided:
96 metric tons
Costs and Savings:
Estimated Installation Cost
(financed): $229,020
Estimated 30 Year Total Savings:
$514,867
Estimated 30 Year Net Savings
(after all estimated expenses):1
$240,011
% of Site Electric Use Generated:
16.9%
Annual GHG Emissions Avoided:
23 metric tons
Costs and Savings:
Estimated Installation Cost
(financed): $151,117
Estimated 30 Year Total Savings:
$227,914
Estimated 30 Year Net Savings
(after all estimated expenses):1
$46,421
% of Site Electric Use Generated:
116.5%
Annual GHG Emissions Avoided:
15 metric tons
Costs and Savings:
Not Applicable—Solar PV not
currently recommended.
Public Works
Community Center
City Hall and Police Dept. South Fire Station
North Fire Station
South Public Works
Priority 1 Sites
Strong near-term
installation opportunity
Priority 2 Sites
Good opportunity if resources
allow
Priority 3 Sites
Wait for improved market
conditions
Priority 4 Sites
Not recommended at this
time
6.1
1 -12 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Resilient Crystal Goals
The plan follows science-based GHG
reduction targets intended to limit
warming to 1.8°C above pre-
industrial levels, which would
significantly reduce future climate
risks.32,33 It includes interim and long
-term goals, supported by sector-
specific targets that distribute
emissions reductions across the
community while aiming for
achievable progress beyond
business as usual.
Resilient Crystal interim GHG
goal:
To reduce citywide
GHG emissions 49%
below 2016 levels by
2035.*
Resilient Crystal long-term GHG
goal:
To achieve net zero
emissions by
2050.*, **
* Goal aligns with IPCC recommended
reduction targets which use 2019 as the
baseline year as well as aligning with State of
Minnesota, Metropolitan Council, and
Hennepin County GHG reduction goals.10,32
** A community, business, institution, or
building that produces the same amount of
energy it consumes through renewable and
GHG emission-free sources, resulting in zero
net emissions over a year. See Glossary of
Terms for more information.
A climate action plan works best when it is revisited and refreshed over time. As
climate science, technology, policies, funding sources, and community priorities
evolve, the plan should be updated to stay current. Regular review makes it
possible to adjust goals, use new tools, pursue new funding, and respond to
changing local conditions. This helps ensure the plan remains practical, relevant,
and useful for future decision -making.
The Crystal Climate Action Plan:
The plan helps organize climate action for both City operations and the broader
community. It includes an implementation section and seven focus areas that
address emissions reduction and climate resilience. See Plan Framework for a
description of each sector.
Each sector includes strategies, or goals, supported by a range of possible actions
for implementation. For each strategy, the plan identifies potential impact,
progress-tracking metrics, and related community co-benefits.
Plan Components
The following are common plan components found in each sector:
Strategies guide how we achieve our goals.
Potential summarizes strategy climate and emissions benefits.
Equity Considerations highlights strategy equity in implementation.
Actions outline steps the City can take to support strategies.
Metrics indicate how we can measure our progress.
Addresses
8 Sectors
of GHG reductions
and climate
resilience
Through
26 Strategies
To achieve goals
Supported by
119 Actions
that can be taken
Over a
10 Year
Implementation
timeframe
The Resilient Crystal Plan
“
GHG emissions 49%
below 2016 levels by
6.1
1 -13 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Plan Framework
Transportation & Land Use
Enhancing the resilience of Crystal’s mobility while
reducing GHG emissions and environmental
impacts of transportation and land use.
Buildings & Energy
Enhancing building
resilience by improving
efficiency, using renewable
energy, and reducing on-
site combustion.
Waste Management
Minimizing GHG emissions by
increasing recycling, material reuse,
organics collection, and waste
reduction.
Water
Reducing water use and wastewater impacts
while enhancing flooding and stormwater
resilience.
Increasing the preparedness of our businesses and
workforce and leveraging economic the opportunity
of climate action.
Economy
Greenspace & Ecosystems
Supporting community adaptation
through expanded green
infrastructure and enhanced
ecosystem resilience.
Local Food & Agriculture
Enhancing food system resilience, access, and
security while preserving agricultural land
and reducing impacts.
Improving community
resilience through
healthy community
connections,
infrastructure, and
systems.
Health & Safety
The plan provides direction for climate action within City operations and across the
broader community. It includes an implementation section and eight sectors—or
focus areas—aimed at lowering GHG emissions and building climate resilience.
Each sector includes goals and strategies, along with specific actions to help move
them forward. Use the arrows below to explore each section.
6.1
1 -14 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Planned Transportation GHG Reductions
Transportation and land use emissions reductions through 2035 were estimated by
comparing planned greenhouse gas reduction goals to a Business-as-Usual
forecast.
Because some strategies affect the same emissions, the model avoids counting
reductions twice. For example, driving less, biking more, and using electric vehicles
all reduce emissions from transportation fuels. The model first estimates
reductions from strategies that lower overall fuel use, then applies strategies like
electric vehicle adoption to the fuel use that remains.
Resilient Crystal plan strategies are projected to reduce citywide GHG emissions by
24,616 MT annually by 2035, a 16.7% reduction from 2016 levels. Additional
reductions already achieved and expected business-as-usual changes are projected
to reduce emissions by another 48,048 MT, bringing total sector reductions to
49.2% below 2016 levels.
Plan GHG Reductions
2016
Citywide GHG
Emissions
By 2035 GHG Reductions Through 2035 147,753 MT 2016 Citywide Emissions 75,089 MT 2035 Citywide Emissions 22,612 MT Reductions Achieved through 2024 25,436 MT BAU Projected Reductions 4,502 MT Transportation Reductions 16,748 MT Buildings and Energy Reductions 2,902 MT Solid Waste Reductions 464 MT Water & Wastewater Reductions 15.3%
of reduction
17.2%
of reduction
3%
of reduction
11.3%
of reduction
2%
of reduction
0.3%
of reduction
49.2%
total reduction
Achieved BAU
6.1
1 -15 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Transportation Economic
Potential*:
Sector Savings: $30,000,000
Sector Cost Increases: -$5,000,000
Potential Sector Net Cost Savings:
$25,000,000
Buildings and Energy Economic
Potential*:
Sector Savings: $21,000,000
Sector Cost Increases: -$17,000,000
Potential Sector Net Cost Savings:
$4,000,000
Waste Reduction Economic
Potential*:
Residential Savings: $11,000,000
Commercial Savings: $100,000
Potential Sector Net Cost Savings:
$11,100,000
Social Cost of Avoided Carbon:
$17,000,000
Estimated Localized Social
Cost of Carbon: $127 per MT
Cumulative Community Savings
Potential:
$57,100,000
* All figures are rounded conservatively: savings
down to the lower million dollars, and cost increases
up to the higher million dollars. Estimated
community-wide costs and savings are based on
achieving overall goals, not individual actions. They
exclude potential economic benefits from job
creation and new businesses. See the appendix for
details on how cumulative costs and savings were
calculated
=
+
+
+
Community Benefits
Implementing the Resilient Crystal Climate Action Plan can provide
community benefits beyond reducing emissions, such as cleaner air,
improved public health, a stronger local economy, more efficient resource
use, and more resilient infrastructure and natural systems. The examples
below highlight benefits the plan could help support.
Energy Savings by Sector
Below are estimated energy and fuel savings from selected strategies.
Potential Economic Savings
Many sustainability actions can save money by reducing fuel use, improving
air quality, and lowering health costs.34 Research shows these benefits can
help offset the cost of climate initiatives. Some actions also increase
resilience by reducing fossil fuel dependence and avoiding costs of $190 or
more per metric ton of GHG reduction.35 The greatest financial benefit may
come from improved health, with global health co-benefits estimated at $50
to $380 per metric ton of GHG emissions reduced.36
The graphic to the right estimates some of the cumulative community-wide
economic benefits that could result from implementing the plan through
2035.
Job Potential
Municipal climate action plans can support economic development by
connecting emissions reductions with local jobs and business opportunities.
Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework links climate action to a clean
economy and family-sustaining jobs.37 The summary below estimates job
creation potential from implementing the Resilient Crystal plan.
2035 BAU
Projection
2035 Plan
Projected Savings
Gallons of Vehicle Fuel (gallons)* 26,349,554 3,759,774
Building Electric Use (kWh)* 893,848,568 44,692,428
Building Natural Gas Use (therms)* 41,126,955 11,412,730
Solid Waste Landfilled/Incinerated (tons)* 87,878 27,597
* Values show estimated savings compared to projected 2035 business-as-usual (BAU)
consumption. They do not include potential costs for fuel switching, energy efficiency
upgrades, or similar investments. See the Potential Costs & Savings appendix for order-of-
magnitude cost and savings estimates and sources. .
Building and Energy Jobs Estimate: 14
Transportation Jobs Estimate: 9
Waste Management Jobs Estimate: 8
Total Community Job Potential Estimate: 31
Total Estimated Annual Income Potential: $1,632,075
6.1
2 -1 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
v
Transportation and Land Use
September 5, 2035
Streets Alive With People
As I biked to work today I realized I
move through Crystal at a more human
pace. The morning started with
neighbors walking under leafy shade,
children rolling by on bikes and push
bikes, and students laughing together
at the bus shelter at Douglas and 42nd.
I can reach what I need by walking,
biking, e-biking, riding a little local
bus, taking light rail, or using an
electric vehicle when the trip calls
for one. Today, when I went to a nearby
business, I walked. When I headed to the
next neighborhood, I biked. The streets
no longer felt like places to hurry
through; they felt like places to meet,
breathe, and belong. Crystal felt
quieter today, safer by design, and
alive with people instead of traffic.
6.1
2 -2 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Transportation emissions come from how people travel, how goods
move, how land uses are connected, and the vehicles, fuels, and
equipment that support these activities. Cars and trucks are the most
visible sources, but off-road equipment—including construction,
recreation, and gas-powered lawn equipment—also uses fossil fuels.
Because many of these engines are less efficient and regulated
differently than on-road vehicles, they can produce more greenhouse
gases and air pollution per gallon of fuel.1
Globally, transportation and equipment systems account for an
estimated 20% to 25% of energy use and carbon dioxide emissions.2 In
Crystal, transportation and land use produce 34.2% of communitywide
greenhouse gas emissions, making this a key climate action sector.3
Without additional strategies, vehicle miles traveled are expected to
increase. However, emissions can decline as vehicles, fleets, and
equipment shift from fossil fuels to electricity and as Minnesota’s
electric grid adds more renewable energy.4
This transition also creates opportunities beyond emissions reduction.
A more sustainable transportation system can make Crystal healthier,
safer, more affordable, and easier to navigate. Reducing single-
occupancy vehicle trips, improving transit, and supporting walking,
biking, e-bikes, scooters, and shared transportation can expand
mobility choices and encourage physical activity. Electrifying vehicles
and equipment, using renewable fuels where needed, and improving
access to cleaner options can further reduce local air pollution,
especially in lower-income neighborhoods where EV ownership may
be less common.5,6
Survey Input 64%
of survey respondents support the City designing
streets and traffic controls to lower vehicle
emissions.
Sector Goals
By 2035:
47.9%
less GHG emissions
(below 2016) fewer vehicle
miles traveled
5% 100%
increase in
bike lanes and use
100%
increase in
public transit use
4%
increase in
population density
15%
registered electric
vehicles
Transportation and Land Use
6.1
2 -3 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy TL 1
Decrease community wide
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
5% by 2035, and 10% by
2050.
Potential
Reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) can lower transportation emissions
while improving daily travel choices. Even modest reductions in short car
trips can support cleaner air, safer streets, and lower household
transportation costs. Pairing this goal with more connected sidewalks,
bikeways, transit access, and nearby destinations can help residents meet
daily needs with fewer vehicle trips.7 VMT in Crystal totaled 88 million
miles in 2024, and was responsible for over 34% of citywide GHG
emissions.3 A 5% will decrease vehicle miles traveled by more than 4.4
million miles, saving over $3.4 million city-wide annually by 2035 while
reducing GHG emissions by over 2,100 metric tons annually.
Annual VMT data reported
(MNDOT);
Reported commuter transportation
mode data (US Census)
Metrics
TL 1-1 Adopt a Complete Streets policy to formalize the City’s commitment
to safe, accessible streets for people of all ages and abilities, with flexible
guidance that considers network and surrounding context to balance all
travel modes in street projects.
TL 1-2 Following adoption of a Complete Streets Policy, conduct a
community-wide assessment to determine current compliance, set
improvement targets, and prioritize upgrades.
TL 1-3 Identify streets where a “road diet" (a reduction in the number of
travel lanes and/or effective street width, replacement of car lanes with bike
lanes) would achieve systemic improvements and establish a timeline to
implement road diets.
TL 1-4 Offer incentives—such as density bonuses, or reduced parking
requirements—for mixed-use developments that commit to sustainable
transportation practices, including pedestrian and bicycle priority, enhanced
bike parking, EV charging, discounted transit passes, and appropriately
priced parking.
TL 1-5 Adopt or strengthen anti-idling measures for City operations and
public education on anti-idling requirements and benefits.
Actions
Crystal’s VMT reduction investments
should focus on neighborhoods with
limited safe walking, biking, and
transit access, especially where low-
income residents, people of color,
older adults, youth, and people with
disabilities face higher
transportation burdens. Complete
Streets upgrades, road diets, and
development incentives should
expand affordable access to daily
needs while minimizing
displacement. Anti-idling outreach
should be multilingual, accessible,
and modeled by City operations.8,9,10
Equity Considerations
Transportation and Land Use
6.1
2 -4 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy TL 2
Increase bicycle commuting
and bike lane miles within the
city by 100% by 2035.
The goal increases bicycle
commuting from 0.04% to at least
0.08%, based on U.S. Census 5-year
estimates, and expands city bike
lanes from 8.9 to at least 18 miles.
Potential
Expanding Crystal’s bike lanes from 8.9 to at least 18 miles and doubling
bicycle commuting by 2035 can reduce short car trips by at least,
transportation emissions, and household travel costs while improving
access to daily destinations. Safer, better-connected bikeways support
physical activity, cleaner air, and more resilient transportation options,
especially for residents without reliable vehicle access. While commute-
only GHG reductions may be modest, the network can enable broader
mode shift for school, shopping, transit, and recreation trips.11,12,13
City reported bike lanes constructed
and total;
Reported commuter transportation
mode data (US Census)
Metrics
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 facilities with increased safe road crossings, prioritizing safe
connections to schools, parks, transit, and commercial areas. Implement
recommended infrastructure changes 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 opportunities for
residents to learn about effective bike commuting 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 identify infrastructure
improvements that enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety, expand bike
safety education 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 incentives for eBike adoption, including low-cost loan or bulk-
purchase programs to reduce costs.
TL 2-5 Host community challenges, events, or incentive programs each year
that encourage and celebrate walking and biking.
TL 2-6 Create financial and zoning incentives to expand convenient bike
parking at commercial and multifamily developments and encourage siting
near existing transit and bike share stations where feasible.
Actions
Crystal’s bike network investments
should focus on areas with limited
safe, connected routes to schools,
parks, transit, jobs, and commercial
services. Priority should be given to
places with increased shares of
households without vehicles, where
low-income residents, youth, older
adults, people of color, renters, and
people with disabilities face
transportation barriers. Bike hubs,
Safe Routes audits, e-bike
incentives, events, and secure bike
parking should be low-cost,
multilingual, disability-accessible,
and shaped by community input to
make bicycling practical without
increasing displacement
pressure.12,14,15
Equity Considerations
Transportation and Land Use
6.1
2 -5 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy TL 3
Increase public transit
commuter ridership from 3.5%
to 7% by 2035.
Potential
The average commute in the city is 22.5 minutes, or approximately 15 to
17 miles.16 Of the nearly 13,000 Crystal residents who are employed, over
97% must commute out of the city.17 Meanwhile, AAA estimates that the
cost per mile for operating a vehicle is $0.77.18 Consequently, every 1%
increase in commuter utilization of public transit in the city may decrease
vehicle miles traveled by 180,000 miles, saving an estimated $90,000 and
eliminating 87 metric tons of GHG emissions annually.3
Reported public transit commuter
data (US Census, Metro Transit,
AllTransit)
Metrics
TL 3-1 Explore opportunities 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 populations through equity-focused
TOD overlays, community benefits agreements, or other zoning and land use
tools.
TL 3-3 Continue to improve availability and safety of first- and last-mile
transit access through sidewalks, crossings, bike connections, shared
mobility, and supportive land use around transit corridors.
TL 3-4 Partner with Metro Transit, Robbinsdale Area Public Schools,
Hennepin County and others to increase availability of educational materials
and promotion of public transit options and resources. Consider hosting a
mobility training event to help residents learn what types of transit are
available to them, and how to use it.
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-time equity with driving, prioritizing 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,
prioritizing locations near transit to support first- and last-mile connections.
Require programs to provide proper use and safety education resources.
Actions
Crystal’s increases in transit
improvements and programs should
focus on areas where residents rely
most on affordable, reliable
transportation, including low-
income households, youth, older
adults, people with disabilities, and
workers traveling to jobs and
services. TOD overlays should
preserve and expand affordable
housing near transit while reducing
displacement risk. First- and last-
mile upgrades, better shelters,
frequent service, shared mobility,
and multilingual outreach should
make transit safer, more practical,
and easier to use for daily
trips.19,20,21
Equity Considerations
Transportation and Land Use
6.1
2 -6 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy TL 4
Increase average population
per developed acre 4% by
2035.
Potential
City developed land covers 2,675 acres (72% of total area) supporting
22,685 people, averaging 8.5 residents per acre21,23 Crystal may see a
population increase of up to 7.8% by 2035.24,25 Studies show higher density
can reduce CO2 emissions, meaning zoning and incentives for denser
development can reduce GHG emissions.26,27 Consequently, guiding just
half of the City’s anticipated population growth towards land that has
already been developed can support improved community walk- and bike-
ability decrease while supporting an annual GHG reduction of 500 metric
tons.3
Reported total population (US
Census);
Total developed land (City data;
Metropolitan Council)
Metrics
TL 4-1 Use the Comprehensive Plan process to identify vacant or underused
land and assess opportunities for higher-density development, improved
walkability, better transit access, or additional greenspace.
TL 4-2 Continue 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 elimination or reduction of R-1
zoning and other barriers that limit compact, walkable, and transit-
supportive development.
TL 4-4 Continue to evaluate parking minimums/maximums to reduce the
underutilized surface parking and impervious surfaces throughout the city.
TL 4-5 Explore Cluster Development zoning ordinance revisions to support
flexible, compact residential development that preserves open space,
strengthens environmental protection, and reduces infrastructure costs.
Actions
Increases in density should prioritize
compact, walkable housing options
that expand affordability and access
to transit, services, and greenspace
without displacing current residents.
zoning updates, parking reform,
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
outreach, and cluster development
efforts should reduce barriers for
low- and moderate-income
households, older adults, renters,
and multigenerational families.
Planning should include multilingual
engagement and evaluate who
benefits from redevelopment,
infrastructure savings—including
reduced parking requirements, and
preserved open space.28,29,30,31
Equity Considerations
Transportation and Land Use
6.1
2 -7 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy TL 5
Increase battery electric
vehicle (BEV) use to 15% of
vehicles on the road by 2035.
Potential
Transitioning to low- and zero-emission vehicles is essential for long-term
emission reductions, improved local air quality, and reduced tailpipe
pollution. EVs reduce emissions by 50–70%, offset battery impacts within
two years, and can benefit from emerging battery recycling systems that
recover 95% of materials.32,33,34,35 Crystal has just 146 BEVs out of an
estimated 16,200 vehicles, but sales trends show rapid growth.16,36,37 Each
1% shift to EVs can cut around 250 MT CO₂e per year after accounting for
increases in electrical use.3,24 Expanding charging access, education, and
equitable incentives can help more households and businesses benefit
from lower fueling and maintenance costs.
Registered EV vehicles citywide
(MNDOT)
Metrics
TL 5-1 Develop a citywide EV Roadmap that assesses charging needs,
including e-bikes and e-scooters, forecasts demand, identifies priority
locations, and guides expansion across public, residential, multifamily, and
commercial areas using emerging technologies. Include a City EV
infrastructure master plan for municipal properties with a phased installation
timeline.
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 incentives 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 existing, or develop, equitable incentive programs to replace
gas-powered lawn equipment with electric alternatives for residential and
non-residential users.
TL 5-5 Use waste hauler licensing or organized collection agreements to
encourage, or require, the use of zero-emission waste hauler fleet vehicles
serving Crystal, targeting 10% or greater zero emission fleets by 2035.
Actions
EV infrastructure investments
should consider opportunities to
support multifamily, rental, low-
income, and pollution-burdened
areas where residents and small
businesses may face higher costs or
limited access to charging. EV-ready
ordinances, incentives, and
outreach should reduce upfront
barriers, support shared and public
charging, and include e-bikes, e-
scooters, lawn equipment, and
commercial fleets. Zero-emission
waste haulers and municipal
charging should reduce localized air
pollution while ensuring benefits
reach residents least able to
electrify alone.38,39
Equity Considerations
Transportation and Land Use
6.1
2 -8 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy TL 6
Reduce City fleet fuel use and
emissions by 2035 by
converting 20% of non-
emergency gasoline vehicles
to EVs, replacing 50% of diesel
use with renewable fuels, and
improving fuel efficiency
across the remaining
combustion fleet 5%.
Potential
Municipal fleet transition can demonstrate practical climate leadership
while reducing fuel use, operating costs, and local pollution. In 2024,
gasoline accounted for almost 29% of Crystal’s municipal fleet fuel use,
totaling 16,005 gallons. Converting 20% of the City’s gasoline fleet to EVs
could reduce municipal emissions by over 35 MTCO₂e annually while
lowering long-term operating costs.3,40,41 For vehicles not yet suitable for
electrification, renewable diesel, fuel-efficient replacements, hybrids, plug-
in hybrids, and eco-driving can reduce emissions during the transition.
Together, these actions make City operations cleaner, more resilient, and
better aligned with long-term climate goals.42,43,44
City reported vehicle share by fuel
type;
City GHG updates;
City reported vehicle fleet fuel
consumption by fuel type;
Reported fleet vehicle average MPG
Metrics
TL 6-1 Conduct an Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment (EVSA) for the City
fleet to identify viable electric and alternative-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/alternative fuels, with combustion (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 transition plan that prioritizes renewable diesel or
other lower-carbon fuels where electrification is not yet feasible.
TL 6-5 Install fleet telematics 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 telematics data to identify on-going zero emission vehicle
conversion options as well as fuel efficiency improvement opportunities and
targets.
Actions
Transportation and Land Use
6.1
2 -9 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Transportation and Land Use
Planned Transportation GHG Reductions
Transportation and land use emissions reductions through 2035 were
estimated by comparing planned greenhouse gas reduction goals to a
Business-as-Usual forecast.
Because some strategies affect the same emissions, the model avoids
counting reductions twice. For example, driving less, biking more, and
using electric vehicles all reduce emissions from transportation fuels.
The model first estimates reductions from strategies that lower overall
fuel use, then applies strategies like electric vehicle adoption to the
fuel use that remains. 46,572 MT 2016 Transportation Emissions 24,280 MT 2035 Transportation Emissions 2016
Transportation
Emissions
By 2035 3,814 MT Reductions Achieved through 2024 13,976 MT BAU Projected Reductions 1,381 MT Reductions VMT 197 MT Public Transit Commuting Increase 2,425 MT Electric Vehicle Use Increase 499 MT Increased Land Use Density GHG Reductions
Through 2035
8.9%
reduction
29.3%
reduction
3%
reduction
0.4%
reduction
5.2%
reduction
1.1%
reduction
47.9%
reduction
Transportation and Land Use strategies are projected to reduce
citywide GHG emissions by 4,502 MT annually by 2035, a 9.7%
reduction from 2016 levels. Additional reductions already achieved
and expected business-as-usual changes are projected to reduce
emissions by another 17,790 MT, bringing total sector reductions to
47.9% below 2016 levels.
6.1
3 -1 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
v
Buildings and Energy
July 18, 2035
Homes That Hold the Light
When I woke up this morning it felt
like my home was finally working with
the future instead of against it. The
solar panels - stretched across my roof
– were quietly drinking up the day’s
first light, the battery hummed quietly
in the garage, and the efficient
appliances, smart plugs, good windows,
and strong insulation made the day
easier to live through. The geothermal
system kept the house comfortable,
while the trees we planted years ago
shaded the walls against the summer
heat.
Across the city businesses, public
buildings, homes and even “tiny homes”
– what the City calls accessory
dwelling units - seemed to be doing the
same quiet work: using less energy,
making more clean power, and helping
families worry less about bills and
outages. What once sounded futuristic
now feels ordinary, like sunlight
gathered and shared.
6.1
3 -2 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Buildings shape climate impacts, operatfng costs, and comfort for
decades. In homes, businesses, and public facilitfes, energy-related
emissions come from two main sources: fossil fuels burned on site for
heatfng, water heatfng, and cooking, and electricity used for cooling,
lightfng, appliances, equipment, and daily operatfons.
Because buildings last so long, today’s design and retrofit choices
affect future affordability and resilience. Energy efficiency,
electrificatfon, renewable electricity, and building upgrades can
reduce emissions while improving indoor health and comfort. These
improvements can also lower utflity costs, reduce strain on the
electric grid, and help residents and businesses better manage
extreme heat and cold.
Residential Energy
Homes make up the largest share of Crystal’s building energy
emissions. In 2024, residentfal buildings used more than 63 million
kWh of electricity, or about 6,800 kWh per household. Homes also
used nearly 5.7 million therms of natural gas, equal to about 611
therms per household. Altogether, residentfal energy use produced
43,892 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, or approximately
67.8% of citywide building energy sector emissions.¹
Non-Residential Energy
Crystal’s commercial and industrial buildings also represent a major
opportunity for improvement. In 2024, these buildings used nearly
38.4 million kWh of electricity, or about 9,365 kWh per job, along with
more than 2.3 million therms of natural gas, or about 576 therms per
job. This energy use produced 20,514 metric tons of emissions, or
32.2% of citywide building energy sector emissions.¹
Survey Input 74%
of survey respondents support the City offering
incentives for energy and water efficiency, and solar
readiness.
Sector Goals
By 2035:
Buildings and Energy
56%
less GHG emissions
(below 2016) renewable energy
(on-site and purchased)
12.5% 30%
less on-site fuel
combustion
5%
less electricity use
15%
fuel switching from
on-site combustion
6.1
3 -3 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy BE 1
Improve total Citywide
building energy efficiency 5%
for electricity and 15% for
natural gas by 2035.
Potential
Building efficiency is one of the most direct ways to reduce emissions while
lowering utflity costs and improving comfort for residents, businesses, and
instftutfons. Homes constructed from 2000 to 2009 consume 15% less
energy per square foot than those built in the 1980s and 40% less than
homes built before 1950.2 In Crystal, 96% of owner-occupied homes and
91% of renter-occupied homes were built before 2000, creatfng a
significant opportunity for energy savings, partfcularly in natural gas use.2
Efficiency upgrades also strengthen resilience by reducing energy demand
during extreme heat, cold, and peak-use periods.
Annual electricity use reported
(electric utflitfes);
Annual natural gas use reported
(natural gas utflitfes)
Metrics
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.
Actions
Prioritfze efficiency upgrades for
households and buildings with the
highest energy burdens, especially
low-income residents, renters, older
adults, people with disabilitfes, and
non-English-speaking households.3,4
Free or discounted Home Energy
Squad visits, utflity bill clinics,
rebates, and weatherizatfon
referrals should reduce costs and
improve comfort and health.3
Benchmarking and high-
performance incentfves should help
owners identffy savings while
pairing improvements with tenant
protectfons so renters benefit from
lower bills and healthier housing.
Equity Considerations
Buildings and Energy
6.1
3 -4 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy BE 2
Increase adoption of high
performance building
construction technology,
achieving 0.5% Net Zero
buildings citywide by 2035.
Net Zero buildings are energy-
efficient buildings that produce as
much on-site energy as they use
each year.
Potential
High-performance and Net Zero buildings can reduce long-term energy
use, operatfng costs, and emissions while improving comfort and
durability.5,6 A Net Zero building is generally designed to be highly efficient
and produce enough renewable energy to meet its annual energy needs.5,7
Advancing this strategy can help normalize stronger building practfces in
new constructfon and major renovatfons. These projects can serve as local
demonstratfons, showing how better building envelopes, efficient systems,
and on-site renewables can work together in Crystal’s climate.8
New building and renovatfon
permits;
Number of Certffied Net Zero
buildings
Metrics
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.
Actions
High-performance and Net Zero
constructfon should expand healthy,
affordable, low-cost-to-operate
housing rather than only serving
higher-cost development.9,10
Crystal’s voluntary stretch code, Net
Zero guide, PUD standards, and
incentfves should be easy to
understand, available in multfple
languages, and connected to
financing or technical assistance for
small developers, affordable
housing providers, and property
owners.10,11 Projects receiving City
support should demonstrate
benefits for renters, low-income
households, and residents facing
high energy costs.4,9
Equity Considerations
Buildings and Energy
6.1
3 -5 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy BE 3
Achieve "fuel switching" of
20% of buildings using on-site
fossil fuel combustion to
electrification or renewable
fuels by 2035.
Potential
Building electrificatfon can reduce direct emissions while improving indoor
and neighborhood air quality. In Crystal, about 85% of homes heat with
natural gas, 13% with electricity, and 1.4% with fuel oil, wood, or solar.12,13
Switching from fossil fuel heatfng to efficient heat pumps can reduce on-
site combustfon pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and
fine partfcles while providing both heatfng and cooling.14,15 As Minnesota’s
electric grid moves toward carbon neutrality, electrified buildings can
contfnue reducing emissions over tfme, especially when paired with
weatherizatfon, electrical readiness, and support for households facing
high upfront costs.1
Reported natural gas accounts
(natural gas utflitfes);
Share of homes by heatfng type (US
Census)
Metrics
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.
Actions
Fuel switching should first support
households and rental propertfes
least able to afford equipment
upgrades, especially residents with
high energy burdens, older homes,
and limited access to rebates or
financing.16,17 Group purchase
campaigns, incentfves, and
educatfon should prioritfze high-
efficiency heat pumps and inductfon
cooking that lower bills, improve
indoor air quality, and avoid shifting
costs to renters.16,17 Outreach
should be multflingual and delivered
through trusted community
partners, schools, landlords, and
service providers.17
Equity Considerations
Buildings and Energy
6.1
3 -6 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy BE 4
Increase customer owned or
purchased renewable
electricity to 20% of citywide
building electric use by 2035.
Potential
Although emissions from grid-provided electricity are expected to decline
over tfme, expanding renewable electricity through on-site solar,
community solar, and utflity green power purchases can accelerate GHG
reductfons while supportfng cost stability and resilience.18,19,20 In 2024,
Crystal had 70 customer-owned on-site solar arrays with an estfmated 1.86
MW of generatfng capacity.21 Pairing solar with efficiency and storage can
improve long-term energy value, while renewable electricity purchases
give residents and businesses unable to install solar a practfcal path toward
Net Zero electricity use and a way to support a cleaner state electric
grid.22,23
City and electric utflity reported
customer owned installatfons;
Electric utflity reported customer
purchased renewable energy
Metrics
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.
Actions
Renewable electricity programs
should reduce barriers for renters,
low-income households, multffamily
residents, small businesses, and
residents without suitable roofs.24,25
Solar-ready requirements,
streamlined permitting, group
purchases, technical assistance, and
renewable purchasing informatfon
should be paired with plain-
language outreach, financing
support, and community solar
optfons.24,25 Program design should
involve trusted community partners,
protect households from predatory
sales, and support small local
installers and workforce pathways
so clean energy savings are shared
broadly.24
Equity Considerations
Buildings and Energy
6.1
3 -7 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy BE 5
Improve total municipal
building energy efficiency 5%
for electricity and 15% for
natural gas by 2035.
Potential
Improving energy performance in City buildings can lower operatfng costs,
reduce municipal emissions, and demonstrate practfcal solutfons for the
broader community. Crystal’s municipal operatfons use nearly 1.9 million
kWh of electricity and more than 65,000 therms of natural gas, accountfng
for 55% of municipal GHG emissions.1 A 5% reductfon in electricity use and
a 15% reductfon in natural gas use could save about 94,000 kWh and 9,750
therms annually, reducing costs by up to $13,300 per year.1,26 The City’s
Solar Feasibility Study and Master Plan facility benchmarking indicate that
bringing buildings to peer 75th-percentfle performance could meet or
exceed these savings targets while freeing resources for other public
prioritfes.27
City and electric utflity reported
customer owned installatfons;
Electric utflity reported customer
purchased renewable energy
Metrics
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 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.
Actions
Buildings and Energy
6.1
3 -8 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy BE 6
Achieve 50% municipal
building renewable electricity
use and 30% "fuel switching"
from on-site fossil fuel
combustion to electrification
by 2035.
Potential
Pairing renewable electricity with building electrificatfon can substantfally
reduce municipal operatfons emissions while improving facility resilience.
Achieving 50% renewable municipal electricity could cut emissions by up to
200 MT CO₂e annually, while electrifying 30% of building heatfng as the
grid decarbonizes could reduce another 100 MT CO₂e annually.1,28 Crystal’s
Solar Feasibility Study and Master Plan found that priority City sites could
provide as much as 42% of municipal electric use through on-site solar,
indicatfng this goal is likely achievable.27
City reported on-site renewable
electricity generatfon;
City reported utflity-purchased
renewable electricity use;
City reported fuel switching projects
Metrics
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.
Actions
Buildings and Energy
6.1
3 -9 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Buildings and Energy
Planned Building and Energy GHG Reductions
Building and Energy emissions reductfons through 2035 were
estfmated by comparing planned greenhouse gas reductfon goals to a
Business-as-Usual forecast.
Because some strategies affect the same emissions, the model avoids
countfng reductfons twice. For example, For example, using less
electricity and using renewable energy both reduce electricity-related
emissions. The model first estfmates reductfons from strategies that
lower overall energy use, then applies strategies like renewable
energy adoptfon to the energy use that remains.
Building and Energy strategies are projected to reduce citywide GHG
emissions by 16,748 MT annually by 2035, a 25.8% reductfon from
2016 levels. Additfonal reductfons already achieved and expected
business-as-usual changes are projected to reduce emissions by
another 30,258 MT, bringing total sector reductfons to 56% below
2016 levels.
2016
Building & Energy
Emissions
GHG Reductions
Through 2035
By 2035
22.8%
reductfon
13.3%
reductfon
8%
reductfon
0.3%
reductfon
9%
reductfon
2.7%
reductfon
56%
reductfon 64,791 MT 2016 Building & Energy Emissions 19,132 MT Reductfons Achieved through 2024 11,126 MT BAU Projected Reductfons 6,719 MT Energy Efficiency 290 MT Net Zero Building Stock Increase 7,513 MT Fuel Switching 2,226 MT Increased Renewable Use 36,916 MT 2035 Building Emissions 6.1
4 -1 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
v
Waste Management
April 26, 2035
Nothing Wasted, All Renewed
When I took my vegetable scraps from
dinner out to my compost bin this
evening, it occurred to me how much
Crystal’s waste story has changed from
throwing away to passing along. Single
-use plastics are gone from daily life,
packaging waste has nearly
disappeared, and recycling, repair,
reuse, composting, and sharing feel as
natural as taking out the trash once
did.
Since we stopped needing our car, my
garage - no longer housing a car - has
become a woodworking space, and many
of the tools I use are part of the local
tool library. Tool libraries, repair
networks, local food, and reuse
programs keep resources moving
through the community. What used to be
waste now has another life: a repaired
chair, a borrowed saw, a jar of compost,
a neighbor’s project, a garden bed
coming alive in spring.
6.1
4 -2 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Solid waste planning in Crystal is guided by state, regional, and county
policies that prioritize waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and
composting. Waste-to-energy incineration is a lower-priority option,
while landfilling is least preferred because it provides the fewest
environmental benefits.1,2
This system includes garbage collection, recycling, and organics
management. Materials collected as garbage are generally moved
through regional transfer stations and then sent either to the
Hennepin Energy Recovery Center or to landfills. Recyclables are
sorted and processed so they can be used again, while food scraps and
yard waste can be composted into products that support landscaping,
soil health, and construction-related uses.
Waste reduction is also a climate strategy. Hauling, processing,
incinerating, and landfilling waste all produce emissions, including
carbon dioxide and methane. Preventing waste, recycling more
materials, and expanding composting can reduce emissions while
conserving energy, limiting raw material extraction, and returning
organic material to productive use.
Current Waste Profile
In 2024, Crystal handled an estimated 23,839 tons of municipal solid
waste. About 6,708 tons, or 28.1%, were recycled; 3,425 tons, or
14.4%, were diverted through organics composting and recycling;
6,841 tons, or 28.7%, went to waste-to-energy incineration; and 6,865
tons, or 28.8%, were landfilled.1,2 Food and yard waste remain
important opportunities for improvement, with Hennepin County
estimating food waste at 19% of garbage and the State estimating
yard waste at 12%.3,4
Survey Input 71%
of survey respondents support the City expanding
organics and food scrap collection and diversion
programs.
Sector Goals
By 2035:
Waste Management
27.5%
less GHG emissions
(below 2016) less solid waste
generated
10% 56%
increase in
recycling diversion
38%
increase in
organics diversion
6.1
4 -3 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy WM 1
Decrease total annual
municipal solid waste handled
10% by 2035.
Potential
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s waste management hierarchy,
also supported by the US EPA, prioritizes waste reduction, reuse, recycling,
and organics recovery based on environmental impact.2,5 Reducing waste
at the source can lower demand for raw materials, reduce disposal needs,
and avoid emissions from production, transport, and landfilling. It can also
save households, businesses, and the City money by reducing what must
be collected, processed, or discarded, with homes and businesses saving
hundreds of dollars annually.6,7,8 A 10% reduction goal represents a
significant environmental and economic opportunity for Crystal.
Reported community-wide total
solid waste handled
Metrics
WM 1-1 Explore establishing organized waste hauling.
WM 1-2 Use waste hauler licensing or organized collection agreements to
encourage customer education on recycling, waste reduction, and diversion,
and to establish rate structures that incentivize greater diversion such as Pay
-As-You-Throw.
WM 1-3 Establish a Towards Zero Waste policy for City operations with
annual reduction targets. Update event permits to include recycling and
organics collection, and apply the policy to outside facility users. Encourage
local schools and public agencies to adopt similar policies.
WM 1-4 Collaborate with partners to establish a Library of Things and host
regular Repair Cafes and stuff swaps to reduce consumption and extend
product life. Explore Hennepin County Community Zero-Waste Grant to
support implementation and promotion.
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 option.
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 construction and demolition projects to submit
waste management plans that meet plan-aligned diversion targets, with
higher standards for City-funded or incentivized projects.
Actions
Equity-focused waste reduction
should make reuse, repair, and
source reduction easy and
affordable for residents, schools,
small businesses, renters, and
households without storage or
vehicles. Organized hauling, Pay-As-
You-Throw rates, event
requirements, and construction
waste plans should include clear
education, multilingual materials,
and low-cost starter resources so
fees do not burden households with
limited income.9,10 Libraries of
Things, Repair Cafes, and reusable
foodware programs should be
accessible citywide and supported
through community partners.
Equity Considerations
Waste Management
6.1
4 -4 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy WM 2
Increase solid waste diversion
to 34% for recycling and 20%
for organics by 2035.
Potential
Most landfill gas arises from bacterial decomposition of organic waste,
including food, yard waste, street sweepings, textiles, wood, and paper
products.10 State and Hennepin County waste studies show that organics
represent a major share of landfilled materials, with yard and food waste
comprising up to 28% of landfilled waste statewide and food waste alone
making up 19% of Hennepin County landfilled materials.11,1 Increasing
recycling, composting, and other organics diversion can reduce methane
emissions, create useful soil amendments, and help Crystal make better
use of materials already in the community.3,4
Reported community-wide total
recycling collection;
Reported community-wide total
organics collection;
Reported community-wide total
solid waste landfilled
Metrics
WM 2-1 Collaborate with Hennepin County Community Recycling
Ambassadors and other partners to increase participation in recycling and
organics collection 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 promotion.
WM 2-2 Promote use of Hennepin County's Business Recycling grant
program to increase business and non-profit organics diversion participation.
WM 2-3 Increase promotion of backyard composting and increased offerings
of free or low-cost bins and educational 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 participation at multifamily and
commercial properties.
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 option.
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 construction and demolition projects to submit
waste management plans that meet plan-aligned diversion targets, with
higher standards for City-funded or incentivized projects.
Actions
Increase recycling and organics
diversion by making these services
as convenient as trash collection for
all residents and businesses,
including renters, multifamily
residents, seniors, immigrant
communities, and small businesses.
Reduce barriers by providing starter
kits, bins, compostable bags,
backyard composting support, and
business grants. Use Recycling
Ambassadors, property managers,
and trusted community partners to
provide simple, multilingual
education that addresses
contamination, odor, and
mistrust.10,12,13
Equity Considerations
Waste Management
6.1
4 -5 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Waste Management
Planned Building and Energy GHG Reductions
Waste emissions reductions through 2035 were estimated by
comparing planned greenhouse gas reduction goals to a Business-as-
Usual forecast.
Because some strategies affect the same emissions, the model avoids
counting reductions twice. For example, For example, generating less
waste overall and diverting more food scraps to composting both
reduce waste-related emissions. The model first estimates reductions
from strategies that reduce overall waste, then applies strategies like
increased diversion from landfills to the solid waste that remains.
Waste Management strategies are projected to reduce citywide GHG
emissions by 2,902 MT annually by 2035, a 34% reduction from 2016
levels. No additional reductions have been achieved or are expected
from business-as-usual changes.
2016
Solid Waste
Emissions 8,533 MT 2016 Solid Waste Emissions By 2035
34%
reduction 5,631 MT 2035 Solid Waste Emissions GHG Reductions
Through 2035
0%
reduction
0%
reduction
10%
reduction
23.6%
reduction 890 MT Waste Reduction 2,012 MT Organics and Recycling Diversion 0 MT Reductions Achieved through 2024 0 MT BAU Projected Reductions 6.1
5 -1 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
v
Water
June 12, 2035
Gardens That Welcome The Rain
This afternoon we had another heavy
rainfall. It was the kind of rain that
would have fiooded some of our streets
a few years ago. Today, though, the city
seemed ready to receive it. Native
plants bent and shined, rain gardens
fllled and slowly drained, and deep
roots pulled water into the soil
instead of letting it rush across
pavement.
The no-mow pollinator cover around
our homes has lowered water use and
made the yards more beautiful, more
alive, and easier to care for. While the
rain fell today I watched the landscape
drink up the deluge—protecting our
streets, homes, and nearby waters.
During dry spells, they stay green so I
can see they hold water well. Water
conservation no longer feels like a
sacriflce. It means healthier gardens,
lower water bills, cleaner runoff, and a
safer city that works with the heavier
rainfall we get now.
6.1
5 -2 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Water is a foundation for public health, economic stability, and
environmental stewardship in Crystal. As climate conditions shift,
warmer temperatures, heavier rain, and seasonal dryness can stress
drinking water supplies, waterways, stormwater networks, and
wastewater operations.1 Conservation, smart irrigation, soil health
practices, and native or drought-tolerant landscaping can stretch
water resources while limiting polluted runoff.2,3 Because green
infrastructure performs best when properly sited, designed, and
maintained, Crystal can pair climate planning with routine system
assessment, public education, and asset management to improve long
-term performance.4,5,6
Flood Risk and Stormwater Management
First Street Foundation estimates that 913 Crystal properties, or about
11% of city properties, face flood risk over the next 30 years.7 That risk
is likely to rise as rainfall becomes more concentrated. The U.S.
National Climate Assessment reports that the 10 wettest days can
produce up to 40% of annual precipitation in the Minnesota region.1
By 2050, annual precipitation near Crystal may increase by as much as
23%, and by up to 35% late this century, with heavier downpours and
longer intervals between storms.8,9 To prepare, the City can revisit
flood-prone areas, compare storm sewer capacity with future rainfall
assumptions, and expand BMPs such as rain gardens, infiltration
swales, permeable pavement, underground infiltration, rainwater
harvesting, wetland protection, and native landscape
restoration.10,11,12,13
Survey Input 76%
of survey respondents are moderately, very, or
extremely concerned about climate change affecting
clean drinking water availability .
Sector Goals
By 2035:
Water
5.3%
less GHG emissions
(below 2016) less water use
5% Increased
stormwater
resilience
5%
reduction of
wastewater
6.1
5 -3 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy W 1
Promote reduced water
consumption and wastewater
generation Citywide with a
targeted per capita reduction
of 5% each by 2035.
Potential
Water conservation protects freshwater supplies, natural systems, and
aquifers while reducing the energy needed to pump, treat, heat, and
distribute water through homes, businesses, and public systems. This is
especially important in Minnesota, where groundwater provides drinking
water for about 75% of residents.14 Using less water and producing less
wastewater also eases pressure on infrastructure and treatment systems,
lowering energy use, utility costs, and greenhouse gas emissions.15,16 A 5%
per capita reduction can support more resilient and sustainable water
management as climate conditions become less predictable.
City Reported community-wide
water consumption;
City and Metropolitan Council
reported wastewater flows
Metrics
W 1-1 Explore changes to water rates, such as progressive billing rates, to
encourage and promote water conservation.
W 1-2 Explore modifications to the City's lawn watering restrictions to
strengthen water conservation, including restrictions on private well
irrigation, incentives or requirements for rain and soil sensors on manual
systems, rain barrel rebates or exemptions, and fewer allowable watering
days per week.
W 1-3 Increase promotion of Hennepin Recycling Group’s discounted rain
barrel sale.
W 1-4 Collaborate with partners to establish a branded community water
conservation program focused on adoption of low-flow water fixtures in
homes and businesses, prioritizing low-income residents. Goal: achieve 50
households and 5 businesses upgraded annually.
W 1-5 Explore opportunities for pressure management systems to decrease
water distribution water loss. Goal: 40% loss reduction by 2035.
W 1-6 Require rainwater collection for irrigation and WaterSense-certified
fixtures in new City projects and City-funded developments, and provide
guidance and technical assistance to support implementation.
Actions
Water conservation should lower
utility costs without limiting
essential use for community
members. Progressive rates, fixture
upgrades, rain barrels, irrigation
rules, and City project standards
should pair conservation signals
with rebates, direct-install support,
technical assistance, and
multilingual outreach. The City
should prioritize WaterSense
fixtures, smart irrigation, and leak
reduction in areas where water bills
are highest. At the same time,
policies created such as outdoor
watering should be fair, easy to
understand, and not punitive.17,18,19
Equity Considerations
Water
6.1
5 -4 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy W 2
Strengthen and implement
climate-ready stormwater,
flood-mitigation, and
watershed protection
standards to improve
groundwater, stream, river,
and wetland health.
Potential
By 2100, Crystal may experience up to 35% more annual precipitation, along with
more frequent heavy rainfall events—as well as increased periods of drought.20,21
These changes could increase stormwater runoff, localized flooding, and flash
flood risk.22 Climate-ready stormwater standards, green infrastructure, flood
mitigation, and watershed protection can reduce runoff, filter pollutants, protect
wetlands and streams, support groundwater recharge, and reduce strain on pipes,
ponds, and other gray infrastructure during intense storms.10,11 Incorporating
NOAA and other climate projections into infrastructure design and planning can
improve public safety, water quality, and community resilience.
Status of Green Streets policy;
Status of climate projection data
plan integration;
Share of impervious surfaces
flowing to stormwater best
management practice
Metrics
W 2-1 Establish a Green Streets policy to guide integration of green
stormwater infrastructure into street projects to reduce flooding and
improve water quality.
W 2-2 Increase native plantings and install stormwater best management
practices (BMP) on City-managed property. Goal: 100% of all impervious
surfaces on City properties flowing to a BMP water quality practice by 2035.
Explore opportunities to partner with watershed districts.
W 2-3 Establish a program, or collaborate with partners, to inspect,
maintain, and repair existing rain gardens and stormwater practices.
W 2-4 Explore opportunities for stormwater utility credits to incentivize
increased adoption of green infrastructure strategies.
W 2-5 Encourage, incentivize, or require new development and
redevelopment projects to incorporate low-salt site design practices that
reduce winter maintenance needs, such as orienting buildings and parking
areas to maximize winter sun exposure, improve drainage, reduce icy
conditions, and limit reliance on deicing salt.
Actions
Stormwater and watershed
investments should prioritize
neighborhoods most exposed to
flooding, poor drainage, heat, and
limited green space, especially low-
income residents, renters, older
adults, and people with
disabilities.23,24 Green Streets,
stormwater best management
practices (BMPs), rain garden
maintenance, utility credits, and low
-salt design should all be careful to
improve health without shifting
costs to vulnerable property
owners. The City should use social
vulnerability data and resident input
to guide projects, incentives, and
maintenance over time.24,25
Equity Considerations
Water
6.1
5 -5 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Water
Planned Building and Energy GHG Reductions
Water and wastewater emissions reductions through 2035 were
estimated by comparing planned greenhouse gas reduction goals to a
Business-as-Usual forecast.
Water strategies are projected to reduce citywide GHG emissions by
464 MT annually by 2035, a 5.4% reduction from 2016 levels. No
additional reductions have been achieved or are expected from
business-as-usual changes.
2016
Water & Wastewater
Emissions 8,725 MT 2016 Water & Wastewater Emissions By 2035
5.3%
reduction 8,261 MT 2035 Water & Wastewater Emissions GHG Reductions
Through 2035
0%
reduction
0%
reduction
5.3%
reduction 464 MT Water + Wastewater Reduction 0 MT Reductions Achieved through 2024 0 MT BAU Projected Reductions 6.1
6 -1 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
v
Local Food and Agriculture
August 16, 2035
A Harvest Shared Close To Home
While I was biking to the store this
afternoon everywhere I looked, Crystal
seemed to be growing food, community,
and possibility. Places that once held
only pavement now hold gardens, fruit
trees, and even a community-owned
farm. I biked past one neighborhood
where a 150-foot stretch of road has
become a shared growing place with
chickens, pygmy goats, vegetables,
fruit trees, and a small food forest.
Raised beds were full of cucumbers,
squash, herbs, and edible greens, while
the not-yet-ripe apples hang on the
trees like a promise.
I saw neighbors trading seeds, sharing
harvests, and stopping to talk beside
the front-yard seed library I rode past.
Food feels closer now, hunger is met
with community care, and growing
together has become one of the ways
Crystal remembers how to be a good
neighborhood.
6.1
6 -2 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Long-distance food movement can add emissions through fuel use,
refrigerated storage, and handling. In Crystal, a more resilient food
system can combine local purchasing with food waste prevention,
efficient cold storage, and stronger neighborhood food access.1
Shorter supply chains do not eliminate all food-system impacts, but
they can reduce some transportation demands, keep dollars
circulating regionally, and strengthen relationships among growers,
businesses, and residents. Minnesota’s local and regional food efforts
also emphasize stronger producer markets, improved food security,
less waste, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.2
Local food can deliver measurable economic benefits. Research cited
on direct-market produce farms indicates that farms selling through
local markets support about 32 jobs for every $1 million in revenue,
compared with 10.5 jobs for farms using wholesale channels.3
Community gardens and urban agriculture can expand fresh food
access, create learning opportunities, build social ties, encourage low-
impact outdoor activity, and provide habitat for plants, wildlife, and
pollinators.4,5
Climate change adds another layer of risk.6 Extreme heat, heavy
precipitation, drought, pests, and supply-chain disruptions can affect
crops, livestock, storage, transportation, and prices.7 These pressures
may worsen food insecurity, which USDA defines as limited or
uncertain access to adequate food due to economic and social
conditions.8 Because low-income households are especially
vulnerable, climate-related disruptions may intensify existing food
access inequities unless communities plan ahead.9
Survey Input 70%
of survey respondents are moderately, very, or
extremely concerned about climate change affecting
food security.
Sector Goals
By 2035:
Local Food and Agriculture
Increased
local food production
and access
food waste and
food insecurity
Reduced
6.1
6 -3 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy FA 1
Increase and support local
food production and access—
especially programs and
initiatives that serve low-
income and food-insecure
residents.
Potential
The U.S. agriculture system faces climate risks that vary by region,
including reduced water supplies, warmer winters, flooding, heat waves,
hotter nights, and disruptions to feed, water, power, transportation, and
prices.10 These impacts can affect all Crystal residents, especially low-
income households and people experiencing food insecurity. Expanding
access to locally grown food through gardens, urban agriculture, local
purchasing, schools, food shelves, and community partnerships can
improve nutrition, build social connection, strengthen local markets, and
create more reliable food options during disruptions.11,12 This strategy links
climate resilience with everyday health and economic security.
Food access city-wide (USDA);
Status of policies;
Reported number of community
gardens
Metrics
FA 1-1 Identify City-owned land, park space, and other suitable sites to
increase opportunities for community gardens, orchards, edible landscaping,
and small-scale food production. Prioritize locations that serve low-income
and food-insecure communities and develop an implementation 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
organizations to expand local food-growing opportunities. Explore
partnership with Robbinsdale Area Public Schools for use of outdoor
classrooms.
FA 1-3 Create incentives for developers and large property owners to include
space in new construction, or for the removal of underutilized paved and turf
grass areas to establish community gardens.
FA 1-4 Establish a locally-sourced food procurement policy for City of Crystal
operations. Explore inclusion of a plant-based requirement. Encourage
school districts, hospitals, and other government agencies in Crystal to adopt
similar policies.
Actions
The City can expand local food
production by prioritizing City-
owned sites for gardens, orchards,
and edible landscapes in areas with
limited grocery access, high food
insecurity, and more renters or low-
income households.13,14 Partnerships
with schools, food shelves, growers,
and developers can provide land
access, training, youth engagement,
culturally relevant crops, and
donation pathways. City
procurement should support local
and plant-forward options while
keeping public meals affordable,
familiar, and responsive to
community needs for all residents.
Equity Considerations
Local Food and Agriculture
6.1
6 -4 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy FA 2
Reduce food waste and
hunger, achieve a 25%
reduction in food insecurity
Citywide by 2035.
Potential
Nationally, an estimated 30–40% of all food goes to waste, representing lost
nutrition, wasted water, energy, labor, and unnecessary disposal impacts.15
Crystal’s solid waste stream includes an estimated 7,000 to 9,000 tons of discarded
food each year, representing more than $30 million in lost consumer value.16,17,18
Food waste prevention, rescue, donation systems, composting, and resident
education can lower emissions, save money, and connect edible food with families
facing food insecurity. Reducing wasted food turns a climate problem into a
community care opportunity and advances Crystal’s resilience and sustainability
goals.
Reported organics diversion rate;
Food insecurity reported in City and
County;
Reported share of food waste
characteristics data
Metrics
FA 2-1 Expand partnerships to rescue edible food from businesses, schools,
and institutions and redirect it to residents in need.
FA 2-2 Promote annual participation in Hennepin County's "Stop Food Waste
Challenge."
FA 2-3 Explore partnerships with Hennepin County and others to increase
community participation 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.
Actions
The City can reduce hunger and
food waste by partnering with
businesses, schools, institutions, and
events to recover safe surplus food
and distribute it to residents facing
food insecurity.19,20 Programs should
prioritize low-income households,
seniors, families with limited
transportation, and culturally
diverse communities, using food-
security data to target gaps.14,21 Stop
-food-waste outreach, local growing
partnerships, and culturally relevant
food distribution should be
multilingual, stigma-free, and
coordinated with trusted food
shelves and community
organizations throughout Crystal.
Equity Considerations
Local Food and Agriculture
6.1
7 -1 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
v
Greenspace and Ecosystems
May 24, 2035
Crystal in Bloom
On my walk to work this morning
Crystal no longer felt like a hard
landscape of pavement, clipped lawns,
and closed doors. It felt softer, cooler,
and more alive. Front yards fluttered
with butterflies and beetles by day and
glowed with lightning bugs at night. I
saw cardinals and indigo buntings
picking at seed heads, and turkeys
wandering through the stands of native
grasses. And with the wild flowers,
fruit trees, and vegetable gardens in
full swing, I saw bees busily going
about their business happily flitting
from flower to flower.
What began in a few yards has spread
from neighbor to neighbor, until
sterile turf gave way to color, texture,
food, shade, habitat—life. Trees
planted in 2026 now cast long shadows
across sidewalks and homes. Today,
Crystal felt like the gem of the west,
polished not by perfection, but by life
returning.
6.1
7 -2 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Trees, native vegetation, and natural ground cover are practical
resilience tools for Crystal. They shade buildings, cool air through
evapotranspiration, absorb rainfall, store carbon, and filter pollutants
before they reach waterways.1,2 Access to parks, tree canopy, and
green space can also support physical activity, mental health, and
stress reduction.3 Because pollutants such as carbon monoxide,
particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and ground-level ozone can
worsen respiratory illness, urban vegetation can be part of a broader
public health strategy.4,5
Lawns, Native Grasses, and Resilience
Traditional turfgrass can require frequent mowing, irrigation, fertilizer,
and weed control. Native plantings, bee lawns, and restored prairie
areas can reduce maintenance needs while adding ecological
value.6,7,8 Deep-rooted grasses and wildflowers improve soil structure,
slow erosion, increase infiltration, and provide nectar, pollen, seed,
and shelter for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.6,9 In Crystal,
candidates include difficult-to-mow slopes, boulevards, park edges,
basins, and public landscapes where lower-input vegetation can meet
safety needs.7,8
Impervious Surfaces and Resilience
Pavement, rooftops, and buildings absorb heat and prevent rainfall
from soaking into the ground, intensifying urban heat and runoff.10
Crystal can reduce these impacts by expanding tree canopy, replacing
excess turf or hardscape with native vegetation, using permeable
surfaces where appropriate, and protecting soil space around trees so
water can infiltrate instead of entering storm sewers.105,7
Survey Input 79%
of survey respondents are moderately, very, or
extremely concerned about possible tree, plant, and
ecosystem losses due to climate change.
Sector Goals
By 2035:
Greenspace and Ecosystems
20%
increase in tree
canopy cover
less turf and more
native grass
10% 5%
less dark
impervious surface
6.1
7 -3 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy GE 1
Increase tree cover,
particularly in the priority
neighborhoods, 20% over the
existing tree canopy coverage
by 2040.
Potential
Crystal’s tree canopy reduces stormwater runoff, protects drinking water,
mitigates heat islands, lowers building energy use, stores carbon, and
supports economic vitality.2,11,12 Expanding and improving canopy health
can provide long-lasting climate, health, and neighborhood benefits,
especially when planting prioritizes canopy equity, household benefits,
heat reduction, and areas with higher heat exposure or climate
vulnerability.13,14 Using native, diverse, climate-adapted species, while
managing invasives and promoting biodiversity, can strengthen
ecosystems, habitat, carbon absorption, and resilience to pests, disease,
drought, and severe storms.15,16 Preliminary recommendations are
provided in the City’s Ground Cover, Heat Island, and Carbon Sequestration
Study.17
Reported community-wide tree
canopy coverage by census tract /
block;
Reported vulnerable population
demographics by census tract /
block (City Ground Cover Study updates)
Metrics
GE 1-1 Expand tree planting 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 Continue 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 protections. Explore options to minimize or eliminate
burdens on low-income property owners such as flexible mitigation for
income-qualified single family homes or establishing "Green Zone"
incentives.
Actions
Tree canopy expansion should focus
first on neighborhoods with few
trees, high heat exposure, and
limited green space. These efforts
should especially support areas
where low-income residents,
renters, older adults, students, and
people with disabilities face greater
risks from heat and poor air
quality.17,18 Tree giveaways, no-net-
loss policies, landscape standards,
and tree banks should include
maintenance support, species
diversity, and flexible requirements
so lower-income property owners
benefit without added financial
burden.19
Equity Considerations
Greenspace and Ecosystems
6.1
7 -4 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy GE 2
Increase pollinator
supportiveness and achieve a
10% turf replacement with
native grasses and wildflowers
citywide by 2035.
Increase of approximately 12 acres
annually.
Potential
Replacing lawns with native grasses, wildflowers, bee lawns, and pollinator
plantings creates a more natural Minnesota landscape while improving
ecosystem health and resilience. Compared with conventional turf, native
plantings support songbirds, small wildlife, native bees, and other
pollinators; improve water quality; protect habitat; increase carbon
storage; and reduce mowing, watering, fertilizer, and pesticide needs.20,21,22
In Crystal, manicured lawns make up 97% of grassland areas, creating a
major opportunity to expand pollinator-friendly landscapes. Converting
suitable turf areas can improve stormwater absorption and build a visible
resilience network across neighborhoods.17,23,24,25
Reported community-wide lawn and
native grass coverage (City Ground
Cover Study updates)
Metrics
GE 2-1 Conduct a turf analysis of parks and City facilities to identify public
lawn areas suitable for conversion to pollinator-friendly native grasses or
forested landscapes based on soil and topography. Develop an
implementation plan and carry out priority conversions.
GE 2-2 Collaborate with partners to a branded climate-friendly yards
initiative with education, demonstration sites, incentives, and accessible
technical support for native landscaping across renter, homeowner, and
multifamily properties.
GE 2-3 Publish a preferred plant list and transition City landscaping areas to
native species.
GE 2-4 Revise City ordinances to reduce or remove lawn and turf
requirements and establish clear standards for native plantings and prairie-
style landscapes and reduced barriers to prairie-style landscaping within
right-of-ways, while maintaining appropriate nuisance enforcement.
GE 2-5 Promote existing and future turf replacement programs across the
city such as Lawns to Legumes and watershed district programs.
Actions
Focus efforts on making turf
conversion easier for more people
and property types, including
renters, homeowners, schools,
multifamily properties, and
residents with limited time, money,
or landscaping experience. City
demonstration sites, clear rules,
preferred plant lists, technical
support, and incentives such as
Lawns to Legumes can reduce
confusion and make pollinator-
friendly yards more common. These
efforts should prioritize
neighborhoods with limited green
space, youth engagement
opportunities, and hands-on
assistance so ecological benefits are
shared broadly.26
Equity Considerations
Greenspace and Ecosystems
6.1
7 -5 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy 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.
Decrease of approximately 5 acres
annually.
Potential
The heat island effect occurs when developed areas are warmer than
nearby rural areas because buildings, pavement, roofs, and other human-
made surfaces absorb and re-emit heat. This increases discomfort and
health risks during heat waves, which are expected to become more severe
in Crystal.27,28 Impervious surfaces, especially dark pavement and roofing,
are closely linked to higher heat island temperatures. Reducing dark
impervious cover, adding shade, using lighter or more reflective materials,
and replacing excess pavement with vegetation can help cool
neighborhoods, improve stormwater infiltration, and prioritize cooling
benefits where heat exposure is greatest.
Reported community-wide
impervious surface and "dark"
impervious surface coverage (City
Ground Cover Study updates)
Metrics
GE 3-1 Revise parking lot guidelines to require planting 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 opportunities to promote green roof adoption through the
City's stormwater utility fee through fee incentivized fee and credit
structure.
GE 3-3 Evaluate underutilized paved areas citywide and incentivize
conversion to more beneficial uses such as sustainable green space or
redevelopment for commercial or residential purposes.
GE 3-4 Encourage City-funded projects, and encourage approved planned
unit development (PUD), and Conditional Use commercial projects to include
heat island mitigation strategies such as cool surfaces, solar-friendly shading,
reduced impervious surfaces, and breeze capture.
Actions
Efforts to reduce heat-island
impacts should prioritize pavement
reduction, parking lot greening,
green roofs, cool surfaces, and
redevelopment incentives in
neighborhoods with high heat
exposure, limited tree canopy, and
vulnerable residents.17,28 Projects
should improve shade, stormwater
management, comfort, and safe
gathering spaces without increasing
displacement pressure. City-funded
projects, planned unit
developments, and commercial
approvals should model practical
cooling strategies at schools,
multifamily housing, transit areas,
and other places residents use every
day.
Equity Considerations
Greenspace and Ecosystems
6.1
8 -1 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
v
Health and Safety
August 7, 2035
A City That Knows How To Care
As I waited for the bus today, after so
many hot days in a row, I could feel how
much healthier and more prepared
Crystal has become. The air shimmered
above Douglas, and the heat pressed
down early, but the shade from the trees
made the sidewalk bearable. Cleaner
transportation, safer streets, and
expanded green spaces have made daily
life feel calmer and easier to move
through, even during a heat wave.
By afternoon, tree shade cooled
sidewalks and homes, while parks, green
spaces, and the City’s cooling center
offered places to rest and recover.
Years of Resilient Crystal
communications and podcasts have
helped everyone know what to do and
where to go. Reminders, stories, safety
tips, and neighbor check-ins made
preparedness feel intentional, not left
to chance. Residents most vulnerable to
heat, storms, poor air, or isolation felt
central to Crystal’s resilience. Even in
the heat, Crystal felt prepared,
connected, and cared for.
6.1
8 -2 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Human health, environmental quality, and economic resilience are
connected in Crystal. As Minnesota and the Great Lakes region warm,
residents may face more dangerous heat, heavier precipitation,
flooding, drought, poorer air quality, and longer mosquito and tick
seasons.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 These hazards can increase heat illness, asthma,
allergies, waterborne and vector-borne disease, and stress after
property damage or repeated emergencies.9,10,11,12,13 Older adults,
children, residents with chronic conditions, lower-income households,
and communities facing health inequities may have fewer resources to
prepare, respond, and recover.
Climate solutions can deliver everyday benefits. Energy efficiency,
renewable energy, clean transportation, weatherization, and resilient
infrastructure can lower costs, improve air quality, reduce disruptions,
and support clean-economy jobs.14,15,16,17 Like clean water, safe
streets, parks, and emergency services, local climate planning helps
Crystal protect residents and strengthen quality of life.18,19,20
Survey Input 76%
of survey respondents are moderately, very, or
extremely concerned about climate change ’s risks and
impacts on vulnerable community members.
Sector Goals
By 2035:
Health and Safety
Support
Climate-readiness
of Vulnerable
Infrastructure
resilience
Increase
6.1
8 -3 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy HS 1
Assist the City's climate
vulnerable population in
preparing for and mitigating
climate change impacts.
Potential
Crystal can prioritize climate resilience support for vulnerable populations
while still serving the broader community. These residents often face
greater risks from extreme heat, poor air quality, flooding, severe storms,
and power disruptions, increasing long-term social and economic costs.
Climate-related air quality issues can heighten respiratory risks such as
asthma, especially among communities of color and low-income groups.3 In
Crystal, key populations with possible heightened vulnerabilities include
People of Color, seniors over 65, and residents experiencing economic
stress.16 Preparedness outreach, cooling access, home resilience
improvements, neighbor check-ins, and trusted communications can help
protect people before conditions become dangerous.
Status of resilience hubs;
Status of “Resilient Crystal
Together” campaigns
Metrics
HS 1-1 Collaborate with Hennepin County, Robbinsdale Area Public Schools
and other partners to identify climate-vulnerable residents and connect
them with preparedness resources, emergency communications, and
resilience support.
HS 1-2 Explore opportunities for establishing Resilience Hubs where
community members could gather for emergency shelter, cooling, heating,
and essential services.
HS 1-3 Collaborate with partners to create and promote a Home and
Neighborhood Resilience Checklist that provides guidance and resources for
supporting social connections, 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 education campaign using
workshops, recurring communications, a podcast, video series, or
neighborhood-based events
Actions
Provide clear, multilingual
information about cooling centers,
emergency resources, and extreme-
weather alerts. Share updates
through text alerts, social media,
schools, community groups, faith
networks, and trusted local partners
to reach residents who may not use
traditional information sources.
Support community-led
preparedness so neighbors can
share reliable information and
resources. Partner with schools and
health professionals to help
children, caregivers, and educators
understand climate-related health
risks, with culturally relevant
outreach prioritized in higher-
vulnerability areas.
Equity Considerations
Health and Safety
6.1
8 -4 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy HS 2
Increase resilience of
infrastructure, mission critical,
emergency services and health
care facilities within the City
are prepared for impacts of
climate change.
Potential
Climate hazards can threaten both essential facilities and the residents who
rely on them. Severe storms and other extreme weather can interrupt
primary and backup power at police and fire stations, emergency medical
services, nursing homes, and hospitals, sometimes forcing evacuations or
temporary closures.21
Key infrastructure, including telecommunications and the electric grid, is
also vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Intense heat or cold can disrupt
emergency communications, strain digital systems, and increase risks to
cybersecurity and other critical services.22
Status of infrastructure resilience
upgrades
Metrics
HS 2-1 Assess climate risks to mission-critical facilities and emergency
services and implement priority resilience upgrades, prioritizing public-
serving facilities in highly vulnerable areas.
HS 2-2 Install or plan for backup power, flood protection, cooling
improvements, and emergency communications upgrades at critical
facilities, prioritizing sites used as shelters, response hubs, or service centers.
HS 2-3 Evaluate opportunities for deployable solar microgrids and battery
storage that can power public facilities during normal operations and be
moved as needed for emergency or disaster response.
Actions
Prioritize critical facility upgrades
where climate disruptions would
cause the greatest harm, especially
in areas with higher social
vulnerability and limited access to
transportation, cooling, health care,
or backup power. Investments
should protect shelters, service
centers, response hubs, and public
facilities serving seniors, people
with disabilities, low-income
households, renters, and residents
with limited English proficiency.
Backup power, flood protection,
cooling, emergency
communications, and deployable
solar microgrids should keep
essential services accessible during
and after disasters.
Equity Considerations
Health and Safety
6.1
9 -1 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
v
Economy
October 3, 2035
Work Rooted in Our Future
During the Sustainable Crystal Tour
today, I could see how Crystal’s green
economy grew from the practical work
of building a better daily life. There
are now so many people and businesses
who are focused on building a better
future and being a part of the city’s
climate story.
Local contractors are helping homes
and businesses add solar panels,
geothermal systems, insulation, green
roofs, batteries, and efficient
equipment. Gardeners and landscape
businesses are transforming yards into
pollinator habitats, food gardens, and
shaded places of refuge. Today reminded
me that a resilient economy is not
something abstract; it is being built
right here, one home, yard, roof,
garden, and business at a time.
6.1
9 -2 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Climate change affects the economy, not just the environment. If
emissions continue to rise without significant action, communities,
businesses, and families could face increasing costs over time.
National research estimates that by 2090, annual costs in a high-
emissions future could be roughly $224 billion higher than in a
moderate-emissions future.1 Other analyses suggest that the long-
term economic harm from climate change could be several times
larger than the global losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.2 In
Crystal, the avoided cost of carbon is estimated at $127 per metric ton
based on county-level damage estimates; for energy planning
decisions, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission uses a range of
$140–$380 per metric ton.3,4,5 These figures help show the value of
reducing emissions by connecting avoided pollution with avoided
costs to households, infrastructure, health, and public services.
Economic Savings and Development
Climate solutions can also provide near-term economic benefits for
Crystal. Strategies such as energy efficiency, public transit, renewable
energy, and similar investments can lower expenses for residents,
businesses, and local government.6,7,8 These cost savings can
strengthen household budgets, improve quality of life, and help keep
more money moving within the local economy. Reducing dependence
on fossil fuels also creates opportunities for local clean energy
projects, workforce training, and job creation. Many sustainability
investments direct more spending toward labor-based work and less
toward materials, helping support employment while making the local
economy more resilient.9,10
Survey Input 65%
of survey respondents support the City helping local
businesses understand and become more climate
resilient.
Sector Goals
By 2035:
Economy
Grow
green job
opportunities
increase local
business resilience
Help
sustainable climate
plan financing
Establish
6.1
9 -3 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy 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.
Potential
Climate action requires investment, but it can also build local skills, jobs,
and business growth. Advancing sustainability could add an estimated $26
trillion to the U.S. economy by 2030, and every dollar spent on resilience
returns roughly four dollars in benefits.11,12 Local efforts in solar,
weatherization, building upgrades, transportation, waste reduction, tree
care, stormwater management, and resilience services can create well-paid
green jobs that keep wealth in the community.13,14 Preliminary estimates
show this plan’s goals could generate about 30 jobs. Many of these roles
have low entry barriers, stronger wages, and useful technical skills, helping
disadvantaged workers benefit from the growing climate economy.13,15,16
Status of green workforce
initiatives;
City employment and firm counts;
Job count in climate and
sustainability sectors
Metrics
E 1-1 Focus the City's economic development activities and priorities on
attracting 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 initiative that
supports training, internships, and career pathways in climate-related fields,
with expanded access for lower-income residents, youth, and
underrepresented communities.
E 1-3 Explore partnerships to increase support green Crystal businesses such
as technical assistance, information on leveraging state and regional
resources, etc
E 1-4 Explore partnerships to strengthen Crystal’s repair and reuse networks.
Work with reuse organizations and provide scholarships or training to grow
repair and reuse businesses, reduce waste, and create job opportunities,
especially for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Actions
Climate workforce investments
should expand access to good-
paying sustainability careers for
youth, lower-income residents,
women, people of color,
immigrants, and underrepresented
entrepreneurs. Green business
attraction, training, internships, and
repair-and-reuse networks should
create paid local pathways in
efficiency, renewables, resilience,
reuse, and circular-economy
services. Stipends, transportation,
mentorship, small-business support,
and culturally relevant outreach can
help climate action build community
wealth in Crystal.17,18
Equity Considerations
Economy
6.1
9 -4 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy E 2
Support local businesses
operations in building climate
resilience.
Potential
The COVID-19 pandemic showed how major disruptions can destabilize
businesses, workers, and local economies. Global GDP fell 4.3% in 2020,
and researchers warn that climate change could cause equal or greater
economic damage, even under the Paris Agreement, and far more without
emissions cuts.2 Local businesses also face growing risks from extreme
heat, flooding, power outages, supply disruptions, and severe weather.
Small businesses, which drive much of Crystal’s economic activity and job
growth, are especially vulnerable.19,20 Business continuity planning,
technical assistance, and information sharing can help protect jobs,
services, and neighborhood economic activity.
Status of Green Business Assistance
campaign;
Status of sustainability award
program;
Status of climate-readiness of
critical infrastructure
Metrics
E 2-1 Create a Crystal green business assistance program connecting
businesses to energy assessments, incentives, technical assistance, and
resilience planning support. Prioritize 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, electrification, resilience, or
waste-reduction improvements. Explore potential of Sustainability
Commission managing and promoting program.
E 2-3 Explore partnerships to establish a Resilient Crystal project grant
program to incentivize and support sustainability initiatives that align with
the Resilient Crystal plan.
E 2-4 Make sure key business infrastructure such as internet and
telecommunications, are recognized in the City’s general hazard mitigation
plan and emergency response plan.
Actions
Business resilience efforts should
prioritize small businesses,
nonprofits, and commercial areas
with fewer staff, lower capital
reserves, or high exposure to power
outages, flooding, heat, or supply
disruptions. Energy assessments,
technical assistance, grants, and
recognition programs should be
simple to access, multilingual where
needed, and connected to trusted
business networks. Planning should
also protect critical business
infrastructure such as internet and
telecommunications so
neighborhood-serving businesses
can recover quickly after
emergencies.21,22
Equity Considerations
Economy
6.1
9 -5 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy E 3
Establish sustainable financing
for the City’s climate action
implementation.
Potential
Reliable funding is key to making Resilient Crystal more than a plan. The
City can use savings from energy efficiency, facility upgrades, and fleet
improvements to help pay for future climate projects. Outside funding,
such as grants and assistance programs, can also reduce costs to the City.
Together, these strategies can help the City fund priority actions, plan
more effectively, and keep progress moving over time.
Status of Resilient Crystal funding
Metrics
E 3-1 Establish a policy that accounts for all energy efficiency and renewable
energy operational 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 utility franchise fee and commit funds to supporting the
street and transportation 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 adaptation
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.
Actions
Sustainable climate financing should
raise and spend funds in ways that
are transparent, stable, and fair for
lower-income residents and small
businesses. The City should design
funding approaches to avoid
affordability impacts, pursue grants
and low-cost financing, and publicly
track who benefits so climate
investments do not widen existing
inequities.
Equity Considerations
Economy
6.1
10-1 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
v
Implementation
6.1
10-2 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Getting Started
The first years of implementation will set the tone for long-term success. Crystal will need
clear responsibilities, strong coordination, and reliable funding. To meet the plan’s goals,
climate action must become part of regular City decisions, services, budgets, and work
plans. Success will also depend on continued involvement from Crystal residents,
businesses, community partners, and local leaders.
Keeping Equity at the Center
New programs and policies can sometimes create unintended burdens if equity is not
considered from the start. Reviewing the implementation of actions through an equity lens
can help ensure benefits are shared broadly and that programs support a fairer, more
resilient community.
Shared Action
The City will lead some efforts through policies, operations, and services. As a community-
wide plan, however, progress will depend on choices made by households, businesses,
organizations, and partners. There is a role for all of us to plan in bringing about Resilient
Crystal.
Staying Flexible
Implementing a long-range plan requires flexibility, since technology, costs, funding, and
regulations will continue to change. Resilient Crystal will be carried out through annual
work plans that identify priority actions each year. This will help connect the plan’s actions
with the City’s budget process, departmental planning, and other ongoing initiatives.
Specific actions may change as implementation moves forward. The plan provides overall
direction while allowing room to adjust as projects develop. Any action involving new or
revised policies, ordinances, or City spending will follow the standard City Council approval
process.
Implementation Support Tools
To aid the City’s initial implementation, the paleBLUEdot team has developed supportive
tools including:
Implementation
Implementation Matrix:
Excel tool for
implementation
coordination and
monitoring.
Example Policies
A database of example
policies and programs
supporting action
implementation
Policy Alignment Memo
For use in reviewing policy
items against plan goals:
Resilient Crystal Plan
Alignment Statement
Memo
6.1
10-3 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Strategy I 1
Develop the equitable
workforce and entrepreneur
opportunities of Climate
Action in the economy to
achieve 75 new sustainability
careers within Crystal by
2035.
Potential
A strong implementation approach can help Crystal move from planning to
results. The City can make implementation more effective by coordinating
work across departments, building staff capacity, aligning policies,
preparing annual work plans, communicating clearly, and tracking
progress. These steps can help connect actions to funding and budgets,
improve transparency, and allow the City to adjust its approach over time
to support long-term sustainability and resilience.
Status of Resilient Crystal
implementation team formation;
Status of annual work plan
establishment;
Implementation progress evaluation
and reporting
Metrics
I 1-1 Provide clear guidance for how all City of Crystal departments will
support and participate in Sustainability and Resilience Plan implementation,
and encourage ongoing staff training aligned with plan goals and actions.
I 1-2 Establish a cross-departmental Resilient Crystal Implementation Team
to coordinate and prioritize actions, track and report progress, and work
with City Administration to prepare annual implementation plans for City
Council approval through the budget process, including timelines, funding,
capital improvement plan (CIP) integration, staffing, and accountability.
I 1-3 Work with the Sustainability Commission to develop annual work plans
that identify committee priorities for plan implementation and support.
I 1-4 Adopt a policy requiring all existing 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.
I 1-5 Adopt a policy requiring all development proposals to be reviewed for
alignment with the Resilient Crystal 2035 plan.
I 1-6 Maintain and support sustainability staffing needed for plan
implementation efforts.
I 1-7 Establish a coordinated communication and education campaign
annually supporting the communication and educational needs of each of
the Resilient Crystal plan sections and illustrating implementation of the plan
as a community priority. Explore use of existing, expanded, and new
communication 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
actions as needed. Consider establishing a progress dashboard on the city's
website.
Actions
Implementation
6.1
11-1 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
v
What You Can Do
Create Your Own Resilient Crystal Plan
The previous section outlines a 10-year work plan for City-
led actions that reduce municipal emissions and support
broader climate progress. City leadership is important, but
meeting the plan’s goals will also depend on action from
residents, businesses, organizations, and community
partners.
This section shares practical steps community members can
take, along with links to useful resources. It also includes a
simple form that individuals, households, and businesses
can use to create their own climate action plan.
The actions on the following pages are broad by design.
Estimated cost and impact levels are included to help
people choose options that match their needs, budgets, and
interests.
6.1
11-2 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Transportation and Land Use
Reduce Your Business’s Impact Cost Impact
Work to be designated as a League of
American Bicyclists Bike Friendly
Business and encourage your peers to
participate.
$$ **
Offer your employees alternative
commute incentives—learn more:
Victoria Transport Policy Institute.
$$ ***
Install charging stations to support
employee and visitor electric vehicle
use.
$$$ **
Develop and implement a Fleet
Transition Plan to shift vehicles to zero-
emission models. See the National
Association of Regional Councils for
more.
$$$$ ****
Reduce Car Use Cost Impact
Walk or bike when traveling short
distances.
Behavior
Change *
Take public transit to work or to run
errands. Plan your trips with Metro
Transit’s Trip Planner.
Behavior
Change **
If possible, telecommute or carpool to
avoid transportation emissions
Behavior
Change ***
Consider becoming a one-car
household - and save thousands of
dollars annually. Explore how to make
the change at the theartofsimple.net.
Behavior
Change ****
Encourage your child to walk or bike to
school, or join a BikeBus - learn more
at BikeBus World.
Behavior
Change **
Reduce Your Ride’s impact Cost Impact
Keep your vehicle well-tuned and and
follow Eco-Driving tips like these from
The EcoDrivers Manual to save 20% or
more in gasoline use
Behavior
Change **
Avoid idling. In winter, warm up for no
more than 30 seconds, then drive.
Behavior
Change **
Choose an electric or hybrid vehicle for
your next car. Search models available
at the US DOE Alternative Fuels Data
Center. Explore incentives at the US
DOE, State of Minnesota, and Xcel
Energy.
$$$ ****
Eliminate Fossil Fuel Use Cost Impact
Replace your clothes dryer with an
ENERGY STAR Certified heat pump
dryer.
$$ **
Replace your gas range with an
ENERGY STAR Certified induction
cooktop.
$$ **
Replace your water heater with an
ENERGY STAR Certified heat pump
model.
$$ ***
Replace gas heating equipment with a
heat pump system—learn more at
Fresh Energy.
$$$ ****
Use Less Energy Cost Impact
Turn down your water heater to 120°.
Learn more at the US DOE.
Behavior
Change *
Replace an older home thermostat
with an “ENERGY STAR Certified
smart,” programmable model and
receive an Xcel Energy rebate.
$ ***
Schedule a Home Energy Squad energy
audit through Xcel Energy. $ **
Replace incandescent light bulbs with
LEDs. $ *
Use ENERGY STAR certified energy-
efficient appliances. $$ **
Install, or have a licensed contractor
install, more insulation in your home. $$$ ****
Install ENERGY STAR Certified energy-
efficient windows and doors, working
with a licensed contractor.
$$$ ***
Go Renewable Cost Impact
Support solar development by
subscribing to community solar, learn
more at Minnesota Clean Energy
Resource Teams.
Behavior
Change *
If you don’t own your home buy
renewable electricity through Xcel
Energy.
$ ***
If possible, participate in a residential
solar group purchasing program like
this one from Hennepin County.
$$$ ****
Install solar PV or solar thermal panels
at your home or business - see MnSIEA
to begin your search.
$$$$ ****
Buildings and Energy
6.1
11-3 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Waste Management Water
Increase Organics Diversion Cost Impact
Eat seasonally and shop local to ensure
fresher, higher-quality produce with
longer shelf life
Behavior
Change **
Reduce food waste by using what you
have, planning meals, and shopping
with a list. Learn more from the U.S.
EPA and Utah State University.
Behavior
Change ***
Sign up for the City’s food waste
curbside collection program.
Behavior
Change ****
Create a backyard compost for
vegetable food and yard waste. Learn
more from the US EPA.
$ ****
Work with your employer/business to
compost, or start organics recycling on
site
$$ ****
Reduce Water Use Inside Cost Impact
Be mindful of your water use and focus
on changes in habits such as turning off
water when brushing your teeth and
taking shorter showers - see more tips
at the US EPA.
Behavior
Change *
Change out your shower heads and
faucets for WaterSense labeled low-
flow, water-efficient options.
$ **
Install - or have a licensed plumber
install - a WaterSense labeled, water-
saving low-flow toilet.
$$$ ****
Install a leak detection system - learn
more at the US EPA. $$$ ****
Replace your clothes washer with a low
water use, ENERGY STAR Certified unit,
and avoid running small or partial
loads.
$$$ ***
Replace your dishwasher with a low
water use, ENERGY STAR Certified unit. $$$ ***
Reduce What You Throw Away Cost Impact
Refuse Single-Use Plastics: Carry a
reusable water bottle, travel mug, and
a set of utensils to avoid plastic bottles
and disposable cutlery when out.
Behavior
Change *
Donate unwanted items and buy
secondhand clothing, furniture, and
electronics when possible.
Behavior
Change **
Go Paperless: Opt out of junk mail, pay
bills online, and use digital
subscriptions to reduce paper waste.
Behavior
Change **
Buy in Bulk and Select Eco-Friendly
Packaging: Purchase items in bulk to
minimize packaging waste and choose
products with minimal or recyclable
packaging.
Behavior
Change *
Become familiar with Hennepin County
recycling guidelines for what you can
recycle and alternative locations for
items not accepted.
Behavior
Change ***
Reduce eWaste by donating electronics
to places like Goodwill, or recycling
them at Hennepin County Drop-off
sites.
Behavior
Change ***
Choose Durable over Disposable: Invest
in high-quality items that last longer,
such as safety razors instead of plastic
disposables or rechargeable batteries.
$ **
Reduce Water Use Outside Cost Impact
Water lawns and gardens deeply but
less often, preferably in the early
morning or evening.
Behavior
Change **
Avoid improper pruning, fertilization,
mulching, and salting to reduce
landscape water usage and
contamination - see the US EPA Water-
Smart Landscapes guide for more.
Behavior
Change *
Collect rainwater in rain barrels to
water your lawn and/or plants - see the
City of Crystal for more.
$ **
Retrofit existing irrigation systems with
smart irrigation controls that use soil
moisture and weather data to
determine irrigation needs - see the US
EPA for more.
$$ ***
Replace your lawn with prairie grass,
wildflowers, and learn more drought
resistant landscape principles from Eco
Home.
$$$$ ****
6.1
11-4 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Local Food and Agriculture Greenspace and Ecosystems
Grow Your Own Food Cost Impact
Start a vegetable garden in your yard -
learn more from the University of
Minnesota.
$ ****
Visit the City of Crystal or the American
Community Gardening Association to
find a community garden near you, or
work with others to start a community
garden so you can grow your own.
$ **
Keep chickens for eggs - learn more
from the University of Minnesota. $$$ **
Plant fruit or nut bearing trees or
shrubs that are well suited for our
hardiness zone on your property - see
the Arbor Day Foundation for
information.
$$$ ***
Eat Climate-Friendly Cost Impact
Plan meals to maximize nutrition and
minimize climate impact - see tips from
NC State Extension.
Behavior
Change ***
Eat a more plant-rich diet by cutting
back on meat and dairy, starting with
simple habits like Meatless Mondays -
see tips from Mayo Clinic.
$ ****
See Minnesota Grown for options for
regionally grown foods and learn more
about how these reduce emissions
from The Hill.
$$ **
Support Local Growers Cost Impact
Support restaurants and grocery stores
that use and sell locally-grown food -
see Minnesota Grown for locations.
Behavior
Change ***
Support local growers at local farmers
markets - see the USDA Local Food
directory to find locations.
$ ***
Buy food that is in season, minimizing
the distance food must travel - see
Minnesota Grown for what is in
season.
$$ **
Join a local CSA to buy lower-emission,
locally produced food directly from
growers; see Local Harvest for
locations.
$$$$ ****
Create a Pollinator-Friendly Yard Cost Impact
Practice eco-friendly lawn care: Mow
higher, leave grass clippings, and try
slow-mow summer with your lawn. See
the University of Minnesota for more.
Behavior
Change **
Eliminate pesticide use - see the
University of Minnesota Bee Lab for
more.
Behavior
Change ***
Build healthy soil: add mulch and
compost to retain moisture and reduce
weeds.
$ **
Plant flowers that bloom throughout
the growing season from spring
through fall.
$ ***
Convert your lawn to a bee lawn - see
the University of Minnesota for more. $$ ***
Plant native flowers, shrubs, and trees
that bloom from spring through fall to
support pollinators and biodiversity;
see the Xerces Society for more.
$$$ ****
Replace all or part of your lawn with
native plants and wildflowers; see the
University of Minnesota for ideas and
Minnesota’s Lawns to Legumes
program for possible funding.
$$$$ ****
Increase The Tree Canopy Cost Impact
Volunteer for tree planting with the
City of Crystal or Hennepin County,
visit Tree Trust for other opportunities,
or consider starting a tree planting
volunteer opportunity with a local
group.
Behavior
Change **
Plant native trees in your yard to
provide shade and cooling in summer
heat. See the City's Ground Cover
Study for trees suited for our changing
climate.
$ ***
Protect mature trees on your property
to preserve shade, canopy cover, and
the benefits large trees already provide
- see Arbor Day Foundation for tips.
$ ****
6.1
11-5 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Health and Safety Economy
Support Sustainable Businesses Cost Impact
Shop at small, locally owned businesses
- search the US Small Business
Administration, or Local Business
Index.
Behavior
Change ****
Support businesses that have
transparent and sustainable practices -
search the Green Business , B-Corp,
and Sustainable Stillwater directories.
Behavior
Change ***
Talk with family and community groups
about sustainability and ways to make
everyday choices, purchases, and
businesses supported more
sustainable.
Behavior
Change *
Explore Job Opportunities Cost Impact
Explore opportunities for a green
economy career - see ClimateBase for
climate solutions careers, JobTrellis for
jobs in climate tech and sustainability,
or NetImpact for social impact jobs.
Behavior
Change ****
Learn more about sustainable career
pathways at Sustainable Career
Pathways.
Behavior
Change ***
Access U.S. Small Business
Administration resources to learn how
to start a small business.
Behavior
Change ***
Explore opportunities for support
through the State of Minnesota’s Small
Business Environmental Technical
Assistance Program
Behavior
Change **
Make Your Business Resilient Cost Impact
Access information on sustainable
business practices through resources
like MIT, University of New Hampshire,
or the Green Business Benchmark.
$ **
Create a Disaster Preparedness Plan for
your business - see the US Small
Business Administration and LISC for
tips.
$$ ****
Make Your Home Resilient Cost Impact
Plan and rehearse a fire evacuation
plan with everyone who lives in your
home or apartment-learn more from
FEMA.
Behavior
Change **
Keep yourself and your family current
with physicals, vaccinations and
prescribed medications and therapies.
$ ***
Have breathing-protection masks
available for you and your family for
when air quality alerts are declared -
see AirNow.gov for sources.
$ **
Put together an emergency
preparedness kit for your household -
see FEMA for more.
$$ ***
See the Red Cross for first-aid and CPR
certification training. $$ **
Prepare your home for extreme
weather by understanding its risks and
taking steps to protect against heat,
flooding, wildfire, and other hazards -
see My RainReady and The National
Interagency Fire Center for more.
$$$ ****
Make Your Community Resilient Cost Impact
Check on vulnerable neighbors,
especially during extreme weather or
disasters.
Behavior
Change ****
See the US DHS to locate your local
community resilience hub or the Twin
Cities Mutual Aid Project for cooling
center locations.
Behavior
Change ***
6.1
11-6 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Create Your Own Resilient Crystal Plan
How Will You Take Action?
Change will take time, so consider what steps you can begin over the next few years. Using the What You Can Do
action list, identify actions you want to take and use the space below to create your own plan.
We can all help achieve the goals of the Resilient Crystal 2035 Plan!
Actions I Will Take Action Timeline
When will I do the action
Notes
Resources, ideas or budgets
6.1
The following are sources and additional references used in
the Resilient Crystal 2035 Plan.
A -1 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Appendix A
References
6.1
Resilient Crystal 2035 References
Introduction
1 US EPA, Basics of Climate Change;
https://www.epa.gov/climatechange-
science/basics-climate-change
2 US EPA, Local Climate Action Framework: A
Step-by-Step Implementation Guide;
https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/statelo
calclimate/local-climate-action-framework-
step-step-implementation-guide_.html
3 University of Maryland, “Despite Recent
Policy Changes, Report Finds Action by State
and Local Governments Can Help Keep the U.S.
in Line with the Paris Agreement Goals”;
https://cgs.umd.edu/news/despite-recent-
policy-changes-report-finds-action-state-and-
local-governments-can-help-keep-us
4 Manuel Ebner, Aya Kachi, Ekaterina Rhodes,
Kevin Andrew, Climate action close to home:
The role of public attitudes and policy
responses in reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, Energy Research & Social Science,
Volume 127, 2025,;
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/
pii/S2214629625003457?via%3Dihub
5 U.S. Global Change Research Program, Fifth
National Climate Assessment: “The Choices That
Will Determine the Future”;
https://nca5.climate.us/
6 US EPA, Local Resources;
https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/local-
resources
7 US EPA, Local Energy Efficiency Benefits and
Opportunities;
https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/local-
energy-efficiency-benefits-and-opportunities
8 Minnesota Department of Transportation,
Reducing carbon pollution from transportation,
https://www.dot.state.mn.us/sustainability/red
ucing-carbon.html
9 Minnesota Department of Commerce, Energy
Conservation and Optimization;
https://mn.gov/commerce/energy/conserving-
energy/eco
10 See the following plans for more details on
goals:
State of Minnesota;
https://climate.state.mn.us/minnesotas-
climate-action-framework
Metropolitan Council;
https://imagine2050.metrocouncil.org/regional
-goals/lead-on-climate/
Hennepin County;
https://www.hennepincounty.gov/climate-
action/
11 City of Crystal Climate Survey Summary
Report;
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/city-of-
crystal-climate-survey-summary/
12 US EPA, “What Climate Change Means for
Minnesota”;
https;//19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/sites/p
roduction/files/2016-09/documents/climate-
change-mn.pdf
13 State of Minnesota, Interagency Climate
Adaptation Team, Building Resiliency to
Extreme Precipitation in Minnesota;
https;//bwsr.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/201
8-
12/Building_Resiliency_to_Extreme_Precipitatio
n_in_Minnesota-
ICAT_White_Paper%20%282%29.pdf
14 NASA, Global Temperature (Global Avg
Temperature); https;//climate.nasa.gov/vital-
signs/global-temperature/?intent=121
15 US Climate Resilience Toolkit Climate
Explorer;
https;//toolkit.climate.gov/tool/climate-
explorer-0
16 U.S. Global Change Research Program,
Climate Science Special Report;
https;//science2017.globalchange.gov/
6.1
Resilient Crystal 2035 References
17 US National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, National Centers For
Environmental Information, Climate Data
Online; https;//www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdo-web/
18 City of Crystal Climate Vulnerability
Assessment:
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/crystal-
climate-vulnerability-assessment/
19 Projections assume global greenhouse gas
emissions are not reduced in line with the
recommendations of the International Panel on
Climate Change. Reductions in greenhouse gas
emissions can positively affect the projected
climate impacts, particularly in the second half
of the century. Projections for mid-century use
climate model RCP 8.5 which is recommended
by Woodshole Research Center and others as
the best match through mid-century under
current and stated policies with still highly
plausible through 2100. Projections for end-of-
century are shown as ranges and use climate
model RCP 4.5 as the low-end and RCP 8.5 for
the high end.
“RCP8.5 tracks cumulative CO2 emissions”
Christopher R. Schwalm University of California,
Los Angeles:
https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2
007117117#data-availability
20 Unless noted otherwise, projections are
based on U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit
CLIMATE EXPLORER, NOAA; https://crt-climate-
explorer.nemac.org/
21 Assumes 60% of decrease of days <32° F
occur during frost-free season with balance
occurring during winter months. All numbers
are shown as change over baseline column.
Mid-century and end of century numbers
include the reported baseline change in growing
season.
22 University of Minnesota, Changing Seasons:
https://climate.umn.edu/MNclimate (statewide
overview)
https://climate.umn.edu/regional-climate-
summaries (Regional climate summaries)
https://climate.umn.edu/cost-study (MN
climate adaptation and resilience cost study)
23 Argonne National Laboratory, Center for
Climate Resilience and Decision Science;
https;//disgeoportal.egs.anl.gov/ClimRR/
24 Increases are due to increased air
conditioning needs. Calculations are based on
US Environmental Protection Agency's "Climate
Change Indicators: Residential Energy Use":
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/
2024-06/residential-energy_documentation.pdf
and an estimated average of 16.9% of total
residential electric use for air conditioning
based on US Energy Information Administration
"Use of energy explained":
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/use-of-
energy/electricity-use-in-homes.php
25 US EPA, Carbon Dioxide Emissions;
https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/carbon-
dioxide-emissions
26 US NOAA, Carbon Cycle;
https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-
collections/climate/carbon-cycle
27 University of Minnesota, Environmental
Biology, “Climate Change: The Carbon Cycle”;
https://pressbooks.umn.edu/environmentalbiol
ogy/chapter/chapter-7-climate-change/
28 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, “GHG
Emissions in Minnesota 2005-2022”;
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files
/lraq-3sy25.pdf
29 Urban Sustainability Directors Network,
What is a CBEI?;
https://sustainableconsumption.usdn.org/clima
te/cbei-guidebook/cbei-basics
6.1
Resilient Crystal 2035 References
30 City of Crystal Community GHG Inventory,
2025;
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/crystal-
ghg-inventory-report/
31 City of Crystal Facility Solar Assessment and
Master Plan;
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/city-of-
crystal-facility-solar-assessment-and-master-
plan/
32 UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC), AR6 Synthesis Report Climate
Change 2023;
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/
33 United Nations, The Paris Agreement (2015),
2.1.a,
https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/english_pa
ris_agreement.pdf
34 Bollen, J. et al. (2009), Co-benefits of Climate
Change
Mitigation Policies: Literature Review and New
Results,
https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/economics/co-
benefits-of-climate-change-mitigation-
policies_224388684356
35 US EPA, Report on the Social Cost of
Greenhouse Gases; Estimates Incorporating
Recent Scientific Advances, November 2023;
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/
2023-12/epa_scghg_2023_report_final.pdf
36 West JJ, Smith SJ, Silva RA, Naik V, Zhang Y,
Adelman Z, Fry MM, Anenberg S, Horowitz LW,
Lamarque JF. Co-benefits of Global Greenhouse
Gas Mitigation for Future Air Quality and
Human Health.
https://doi.org/10.1038%2FNCLIMATE2009
37 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Climate
Action Framework update builds on past
successes, calls for accelerating climate action;
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/news-and-
stories/climate-action-framework-update-
builds-on-past-successes-calls-for-accelerating-
climate-action
6.1
Resilient Crystal 2035 References
Transportation and Land Use
1 National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Off-
Road Vehicle Decarbonization and Energy
Systems Integration: R&D Gaps and
Opportunities;
https://docs.nlr.gov/docs/fy22osti/83525.pdf
2 US Energy Information Administration,
International Energy Outlook 2016
https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/ieo/pdf/transpor
tation.pdf
3 City of Crystal Community GHG Inventory,
2025;
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/crystal-
ghg-inventory-report/
4 US Department of Energy, FOTW #1313,
October 23, 2023: Relationship between Vehicle
Miles Traveled and Gasoline Prices Has Not
Returned to Historical Pattern Following the
Pandemic;
https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/articles/
fotw-1313-october-23-2023-relationship-
between-vehicle-miles-traveled-and
5 UCLA Institute of The Environment and
Sustainability, “Electric vehicles improve air
quality for everyone but have less impact in
more polluted areas”
https://www.ioes.ucla.edu/article/electric-
vehicles-improve-air-quality-for-everyone-but-
have-less-impact-in-more-polluted-areas/
6 Northwestern University, “Electric vehicle
adoption improves air quality and climate
outlook”
https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2019/0
4/electric-vehicle-adoption-improves-air-
quality-and-climate-outlook/
7 University of Otago, “Cycle lanes and
walkways cut car use, reduce emissions, study
finds”;
https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/newsroom/cycl
e-lanes-and-walkways-cut-car-use,-reduce-
emissions,-study-finds
8 State of Minnesota Department of
Transportation, Complete Streets;
https://www.dot.state.mn.us/complete-
streets/index.html
9 US Federal Highway Administration, Road
Diets; https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-
safety-countermeasures/road-diets-roadway-
reconfiguration
10 US EPA, Idle-Free Schools Toolkit for a
Healthy School Environment ;
https://www.epa.gov/schools/idle-free-schools-
toolkit-healthy-school-environment
11 US EPA, Smart Growth and Transportation;
https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/smart-
growth-and-transportation
12 US Federal Highway Administration, Bicycle
Lanes; https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-
safety-countermeasures/bicycle-lanes
13 CDC, Health People Active Nation -
Transportation; https://www.cdc.gov/active-
people-healthy-
nation/php/tools/transportation.html
14 US Federal Highway Administration, Bicycles
and Pedestrians;
https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/planworks/Appl
ications/Show/bicycles-and-pedestrians
15 University of Minnesota, Center for
Transportation Studies, “Minnesotans geared
up for e-bike rebates. Now data reveals more
about them”; https://www.cts.umn.edu/news-
pubs/news/2025/october/ebikes
16 US Census accessed via Deloite Data USA:
https://datausa.io/profile/geo/crystal-mn
6.1
Resilient Crystal 2035 References
17 US Census, On The Map:
https://onthemap.ces.census.gov/
18 AAA “Your Driving Costs, 2025”:
https://newsroom.aaa.com/asset/2025-your-
driving-cost-fact-sheet/
19 Federal Transit Administration; Transit-
Oriented Development;
https://www.transit.dot.gov/TOD
20 State of Minnesota Department of
Transportation, Transit;
https://mndot.net/project-
development/subject-
guidance/transit/index.html
21 Federal Highway Administration, Manual on
Pedestrian and Bicycle Connections to Transit;
https://highways.dot.gov/safety/pedestrian-
bicyclist/safety-tools/pg-49-50-manual-
pedestrian-and-bicycle-connections-transit
22 Social Explorer Tables (SE), Environmental
Summaries 2011, Social Explorer; National
Historical Geographic Information System
(NHGIS)
23 US Census https://data.census.gov/
24 City of Crystal Climate Action Baseline
Assessment, 2025;
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/city-of-
crystal-climate-action-baseline-assessment/
25 Metropolitan Council, City of Crystal
Community Profile;
https://stats.metc.state.mn.us/profile/detail.as
px?c=02393683
26 The Influence of Urban Form on GHG
Emissions in the U.S. Household Sector (Lee, S.,
and Lee, B. 2014 )
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270
952371_The_influence_of_urban_form_on_GH
G_emissions_in_the_US_household_sector
27 TRB Special Report 298: Driving and the Built
Environment: Effects of Compact Development
on Motorized Travel, Energy Use, and CO2
Emissions Impacts of Land Use Patterns on
Vehicle Miles Traveled Evidence from the
Literature
https://www.nap.edu/read/12747/chapter/5#8
8
28 US EPA, About Smart Growth;
https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/about-
smart-growth
29 Metropolitan Council, Planning Handbook;
https://handbook.metrocouncil.org/
30 Metropolitan Council, Planning Handbook,
Land Use;
https://handbook.metrocouncil.org/required-
plan-elements/land-use/
31 National Academies, Minimum parking
requirements and housing affordability;
https://trid.trb.org/view/1756360
32 New York Times, “E.V.s Start With a Bigger
Carbon Footprint. But That Doesn’t Last”;
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/19/busines
s/electric-vehicles-carbon-footprint-
batteries.html
33 Continental Battery Systems, Can Lithium
Batteries Be Recycled;
https;//www.continentalbattery.com/blog/can-
lithium-batteries-be-recycled
34 Michael L. Machala Et Al, Stanford University
“Life cycle comparison of industrial-scale
lithium-ion battery recycling and mining supply
chains”;
https://21672590.fs1.hubspotusercontent-
na1.net/hubfs/21672590/Stanford%20Universit
y%20Life%20cycle%20comparison%20of%20ind
ustrial-scale%20lithium-
ion%20battery%20recycling%20and%20mining
%20supply%20chains.pdf
6.1
Resilient Crystal 2035 References
35 Scientific American, “Recycled Lithium-Ion
Batteries Can Perform Better Than New Ones”:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/rec
ycled-lithium-ion-batteries-can-perform-better-
than-new-ones/
36 State of Minnesota, Public Utilities
Commission;
https;//mn.gov/puc/activities/economic-
analysis/electric-vehicles/
37 US EPA, Automotive Trends Report, 2023;
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TS8-
A9fAEluccjbKvALAjm_dXCjNP3CG/view?usp=sha
ring
38 The Joint Office of Energy and
Transportation, Community Charging: Emerging
Multifamily, Curbside, and Multimodal
Practices;
https://driveelectric.gov/files/community-
emobility-charging.pdf
39 MnDOT, Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
Needs Assessment;
https://www.dot.state.mn.us/ev-
infrastructure/evina.html
40 US PIRG Education Fund, "Electric Vehicles
Save Money for Government Fleets";
https://publicinterestnetwork.org/wp-
content/uploads/2023/07/USP-EA-FG-Electric-
Vehicle-Fleets-Jun23-062323.pdf Data is based
on US Department of Energy FOTW #1190, June
14, 2021: Battery-Electric Vehicles Have Lower
Scheduled Maintenance Costs than Other Light-
Duty Vehicles; originally sourced at
https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/articles/
fotw-1190-june-14-2021-battery-electric-
vehicles-have-lower-scheduled but removed by
the department in 2025.
41 US Energy Information Administration,
Carbon Dioxide Emissions Coefficients:
https://www.eia.gov/environment/emissions/c
o2_vol_mass.php
42 Catagen, “Benefits of Hybrid Cars for Fuel
Consumption and Cost of Ownership”
https://catagen.com/2022/08/31/blog-benefits-
of-hybrid-cars-for-fuel-consumption-and-cost-
of-ownership/
43 Electrifying, “What is a self charging hybrid”:
https://www.electrifying.com/blog/knowledge-
hub/what-is-a-self-charging-hybrid
43 Consumer Reports, “Electric vehicle owners
spending half as much on maintenance
compared to gas-powered vehicle owners, finds
new CR analysis”:
https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/press_r
elease/electric-vehicle-owners-spending-half-
as-much-on-maintenance-compared-to-gas-
powered-vehicle-owners-finds-new-cr-analysis/
6.1
Resilient Crystal 2035 References
Buildings and Energy
1 City of Crystal Community GHG Inventory,
2025;
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/crystal-
ghg-inventory-report/
2 US Census;
https://data.census.gov/table?q=crystal+city,+
minnesota&t=Year+Structure+Built
3 The U.S. Department of Energy
Weatherization Assistance Program;
https://www.energy.gov/cmei/scep/wap/weat
herization-assistance-program
4 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 440—
Weatherization Assistance For Low-Income
Persons; https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-
10/chapter-II/subchapter-D/part-440
5 U.S. Department of Energy: About Zero
Energy Buildings;
https://www.energy.gov/cmei/buildings/about-
zero-energy-buildings
6 U.S. Department of Energy: DOE Efficient New
Homes Program;
https://www.energy.gov/cmei/buildings/doe-
efficient-new-homes-program
7 Massachusetts Department of Energy
Resources: What is a Zero Net Energy Building?;
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/what-is-a-
zero-net-energy-building
8 California Energy Commission: Demonstration
of Affordable, Comfortable, and Grid-Integrated
Zero Net Energy Homes;
https://www.energy.ca.gov/publications/2024/
demonstration-affordable-comfortable-and-
grid-integrated-zero-net-energy
9 The U.S. Department of Energy, Efficient New
Homes Program
https://www.energy.gov/cmei/buildings/doe-
efficient-new-homes-program
10 The U.S. Department of Energy Efficient New
Homes Program;
https://www.energy.gov/cmei/buildings/doe-
efficient-new-homes-program
11 Minnesota GreenStep Cities;
https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/page/ordina
nces
12 US Census Bureau ACS 5 year estimates;
https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT5Y2022.B2
5040?q=homes%20by%20heating%20fuel%20ty
pe&g=160XX00US5525950
13 City of Crystal Climate Action Baseline
Assessment, 2025;
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/city-of-
crystal-climate-action-baseline-assessment/
14 US EPA, Sources of Combustion Products;
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-
iaq/sources-combustion-products
15 State of Minnesota Department of
Commerce, Residential Heat Pump Rebate
Program;
https://mn.gov/commerce/energy/consumer/e
nergy-programs/heat-pump.jsp
16 Noah Sandoval, Chioke Harris, Janet L.
Reyna, Anthony D. Fontanini, Lixi Liu, Katelyn
Stenger, Philip R. White, Amy E. Landis,
Achieving equitable widespread residential
building electrification – examining barriers,
strategies, and opportunities using Los Angeles
as a case study, Applied Energy, Volume 384,
2025;
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.12549
8.
6.1
Resilient Crystal 2035 References
17 The U.S. Department of Energy, ENERGY
EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION BLOCK
GRANT (EECBG) PROGRAM Key Activities
Summary Blueprint 2C: Building Efficiency &
Electrification Campaign;
https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/202
3-05/Blueprint%202C%20-
%20Building_Efficiency_Electrification_Campaig
n_v04_508.pdf
18 State of Minnesota Clean Electricity by 2040
Law;
https://mn.gov/commerce/energy/clean/cleane
lectricity2040/
19 US Department of Energy, Benefits of
Residential Solar Electricity:
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/5
-benefits-residential-solar
20 US Department of Energy, Solar and
Resilience Basics:
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-and-
resilience-basics
21 City of Crystal Renewable Energy Potentials
Study, 2025:
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/crystal-
renewable-potentials-study/
22 Xcel Energy Renewable Energy;
https://mn.my.xcelenergy.com/s/renewable
23 US Department of Energy, Renewable Energy
Certificates: https://www.epa.gov/green-
power-markets/renewable-energy-certificates-
recs
24 US DOE, Equitable Access to Community
Solar;
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/equitable-
access-community-solar
25, National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
Community Solar Barriers, Project Models, and
Considerations for Multifamily Affordable
Housing;
https://docs.nlr.gov/docs/fy22osti/81206.pdf
26 Savings calculated on Plymouth average
commercial electricity rate as reported by
Electricity Local
(https://www.electricitylocal.com/) and Natural
Gas Local (https://naturalgaslocal.com/)
27 City of Crystal Facility Solar Assessment and
Master Plan;
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/city-of-
crystal-facility-solar-assessment-and-master-
plan/
28 US Department of Energy, “How Distributed
Energy Resources Can Improve Resilience in
Public Buildings: Three Case Studies and a Step-
by-Step Guide”:
https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2019/
09/f66/distributed-energy-resilience-public-
buildings.pdf
6.1
Resilient Crystal 2035 References
Waste Management
1 Hennepin County Waste Sort Executive
Summary; https://www.hennepincounty.gov/-
/media/hennepinus/your-government/projects-
initiatives/solid-waste-planning/waste-sort-
executive-summary.pdf
2 State of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency,
Waste Management Hierarchy;
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-
climate/waste-planning-and-recycling
3 City of Crystal Community GHG Inventory,
2025;
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/crystal-
ghg-inventory-report/
4 City of Crystal Climate Action Baseline
Assessment, 2025;
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/city-of-
crystal-climate-action-baseline-assessment/
5 US EPA Reducing and Reusing Basics;
https://www.epa.gov/recycle/reducing-and-
reusing-basics
6 Minnesota Chamber of Commerce,
WasteWise program:
https://www.mnchamber.com/sites/default/file
s/Waste%20Wise%20Annual%20Report.pdf
7 North Carolina State University Extension,
How Your Business Can Cut Costs by Reducing
Waste: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/how-your-
business-can-cut-costs-by-reducing-wastes
8 ReFed, A Roadmap To Reduce US Food Waste
by 20 Percent:
https://www.refed.com/downloads/ReFED_Rep
ort_2016.pdf
9 U.S. EPA, Best Practices: Incentives and
Penalties; https://www.epa.gov/transforming-
waste-tool/incentives-and-penalties
10 U.S. EPA, National Recycling Strategy;
https://www.epa.gov/circulareconomy/national
-recycling-strategy
11 State of Minnesota, 2013 Statewide Waste
Characterization Study;
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files
/w-sw1-60.pdf
12 Hennepin County, Community Recycling
Ambassadors;
https://www.hennepincounty.gov/government
/volunteering/community-recycling-
ambassadors
13 Hennepin County, Apartment and condo
recycling grants;
https://www.hennepincounty.gov/services/gra
nts-funding-opportunities/environmental-
grants-funding/recycling-and-waste-prevention-
grants/apartment-and-condo-recycling-grants
6.1
Resilient Crystal 2035 References
Water and Wastewater
1 US Global Change Research Program, Fifth
National Climate Assessment, Water Chapter;
https://toolkit.climate.gov/sites/default/files/2
025-07/NCA5_2023_FullReport.pdf
2 Johnson T, Butcher J, Santell S, Schwartz S,
Julius S, LeDuc S. A review of climate change
effects on practices for mitigating water quality
impacts. J Water Clim Chang. 2022 Mar 22;
https://doi.org/10.2166%2Fwcc.2022.363
3 Thomas C. Brown, Adaptation to Future
Water Shortages in the United States Caused by
Population Growth and Climate Change, Earth’s
Future, 28 February 2019;
https://doi.org/10.1029/2018EF001091
4 US EPA, “Climate Change and Social
Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on
Six Impacts”;
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/
2021-09/climate-vulnerability_september-
2021_508.pdf
5 U.S. EPA, Green Infrastructure and
Groundwater Protection
https://www.epa.gov/green-
infrastructure/green-infrastructure-and-
groundwater-protection
6 U.S. EPA, Asset Management Programs for
Stormwater and Wastewater Systems
https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-water-
infrastructure/asset-management-programs-
stormwater-and-wastewater-systems
7 First Street Foundation, Flood Factor;
https://firststreet.org/city/crystal-
mn/2714158_fsid/flood
8 Projections for mid-century use climate model
RCP 8.5 which is recommended by Woodshole
Research Center and others as the best match
through mid-century under current and stated
policies with still highly plausible through 2100.
Projections for end-of-century are shown as
ranges and use climate model RCP 4.5 as the
low-end and RCP 8.5 for the high end. Models
accessed from Argonne National Laboratory,
Center for Climate Resilience and Decision
Science:
https://disgeoportal.egs.anl.gov/ClimRR/ and
from the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit
CLIMATE EXPLORER, NOAA; https://crt-climate-
explorer.nemac.org/
9 University of Minnesota, Climate Change in
Minnesota;
https://climate.umn.edu/MNclimate
10 State of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency,
Green Stormwater Infrastructure design
strategies and practices for climate resilience;
https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/green_stor
mwater_infrastructure_design_strategies_and_
practices_for_climate_resilience
11 State of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency,
Minnesota Stormwater Manual, Green
Infrastructure for Minnesota Communities;
https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/sites/stor
mwater/files/MPCA_GI_Booklet-2026-01-
14.pdf
12 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency,
Minnesota Stormwater Manual: Stormwater
Infiltration
https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/stormwate
r_infiltration
13 University of Minnesota Extension, Building a
Rain Garden
https://extension.umn.edu/landscape-
design/rain-gardens
14 University of Minnesota, Drinking water in
Minnesota; https://extension.umn.edu/homes-
and-water/drinking-water-minnesota
6.1
Resilient Crystal 2035 References
15 University of Minnesota; Energy Efficiency
Opportunities for Wastewater Treatment
Plants;
http://www.mntap.umn.edu/industries/facility/
potw/energy/
16 US EPA, Energy Efficiency for Water Utilities;
https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-water-
infrastructure/energy-efficiency-water-
utilities?utm_source=chatgpt.com
17 EPA, WaterSense Toilets;
https://www.epa.gov/watersense/residential-
toilets
18 EPA WaterSense Shower Heads;
https://www.epa.gov/watersense/shower-
better
19 EPA WaterSense Controlers;
https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-
labeled-controllers
20 Argonne National Laboratory, Center for
Climate Resilience and Decision Science,
https://disgeoportal.egs.anl.gov/ClimRR/
21 Defined as Days Per Year with > 1" Rainfall,
U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit CLIMATE
EXPLORER, NOAA; https://crt-climate-
explorer.nemac.org/
22 WUFT, “Why the risk for flash flooding
increases after a drought”;
https://www.wuft.org/weather/2022-08-
12/why-the-risk-for-flash-flooding-increases-
after-a-drought
23 The University of Minnesota Climate
Adaptation Partnership;
https://climate.umn.edu/MNclimate
24 City of Crystal Climate Vulnerability
Assessment:
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/crystal-
climate-vulnerability-assessment/
25 FEMA, National Risk Index;
https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps/products-
tools/national-risk-index
6.1
Resilient Crystal 2035 References
Local Food and Agriculture
1 H. Nabipour Afrouzi, J. Ahmed, B. Mobin
Siddique, N. Khairuddin, Ateeb Hassan, A
comprehensive review on carbon footprint of
regular diet and ways to improving lowered
emissions, Results in Engineering, Volume 18,
2023;
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2023.101054
2 Minnesota Department of Health, Regional
Food Networks;
https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/
healthyeating/foodcoordinate.html
3 Conner, David & Knudson, William & Hamm,
Michael & Peterson, H.. (2008). The Food
System as an Economic Driver: Strategies and
Applications for Michigan.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247
521128_The_Food_System_as_an_Economic_D
river_Strategies_and_Applications_for_Michiga
n
4 North Carolina State Extension, Research &
Benefits of Community Gardens:
https://nccommunitygardens.ces.ncsu.edu/reso
urces-3/nccommunitygardens-research/
5 University of Minnesota Extension, Gardening
for Change; https://extension.umn.edu/source-
magazine/gardening-change
6 USDA Climate Indicators for Agriculture:
https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/docu
ments/climate_indicators_for_agriculture.pdf
7 California Department of Food and
Agriculture, Climate Change Impacts and Effects
on California Agriculture;
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/climate/climate_chan
ge_impacts.html
8 US Department of Health, Office of Disease
Prevention and Health Promotion:
https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/priorit
y-areas/social-determinants-health/literature-
summaries/food-insecurity
9 US Global Change Research Program, Fifth
National Climate Assessment, Agriculture, Food
Systems, and Rural Communities Chapter;
https://toolkit.climate.gov/NCA5
10 Lengnick, Laura. (2015). The vulnerability of
the US food system to climate change. Journal
of Environmental Studies and Sciences:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282
499666_The_vulnerability_of_the_US_food_sys
tem_to_climate_change
11 Cleveland Foundation, ParkWorks, Kent
State University Cleveland Urban Design
Collaborative, Neighborhood Progress Inc.,
Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Food Policy
Coalition:
https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=
https://community-
wealth.org/sites/clone.community-
wealth.org/files/downloads/report-masi-et-
al.pdf
12 American Planning Association, Local Food
Systems Key to Healthy, Resilient, Equitable
Communities:
https://www.planning.org/planning/2021/wint
er/local-food-systems-key-to-healthy-resilient-
equitable-communities/
13 Hennepin County Waste Sort Executive
Summary; https://www.hennepincounty.gov/-
/media/hennepinus/your-government/projects-
initiatives/solid-waste-planning/waste-sort-
executive-summary.pdf
14 University of Minnesota Healthy Foods,
Healthy Lives Institute, Food Security
Dashboard;
https://hfhl.umn.edu/fooddashboard
15 USDA, Why Should You Care About Food
Waste: https://www.usda.gov/about-
food/food-safety/food-loss-and-waste/why-
should-we-care-about-food-waste
6.1
Resilient Crystal 2035 References
16 State of Minnesota, 2013 Statewide Waste
Characterization Study;
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files
/w-sw1-60.pdf
17 City of Crystal Community GHG Inventory,
2025;
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/crystal-
ghg-inventory-report/
18 ReFed, A Roadmap To Reduce US Food
Waste by 20 Percent:
https://www.refed.com/downloads/ReFED_Rep
ort_2016.pdf
19 USDA, Food Loss and Waste;
https://www.usda.gov/food-loss-and-waste
20 U.S. EPA, Wasted Food Scale;
https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-
management-food/wasted-food-scale
21 Hennepin County, Food rescue gets surplus
food to people in need;
https://www.hennepincounty.gov/climate-
action/what-hennepin-is-doing/food-rescue
Greenspace and Ecosystems
1 US EPA, Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce
Heat Islands;
https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-trees-
and-vegetation-reduce-heat-islands
2 Francisco J. Escobedo, Timm Kroeger, John E.
Wagner, Urban forests and pollution mitigation:
Analyzing ecosystem services and disservices,
Environmental Pollution, Volume 159, Issues 8–
9, 2011:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/
abs/pii/S0269749111000327
3 Dahlia Stott, et al, Interactions with Nature,
Good for the Mind and Body: A Narrative
Review, Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024
Mar; 21(3): 329. Published online 2024 Mar 12;
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/3/329
4 US EPA, Throwing Shade Exploring Benefits of
Trees;
https://www.epa.gov/sciencematters/throwing
-shade-exploring-benefits-trees
5 U.S. EPA, Benefits of Trees and Vegetation;
https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/benefits-
trees-and-vegetation
6 US EPA, Landscaping with Native Plants;
https://archive.epa.gov/greenacres/web/html/c
onf_knwldge.html
7 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency,
Minnesota Stormwater Manual: Minnesota
Plant Lists;
https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/minnesota
_plant_lists
8 University of Minnesota Extension, Planting
and Maintaining a Bee Lawn;
https://extension.umn.edu/landscape-
design/planting-and-maintaining-bee-lawn
9 Audubon, Why Native Plants Matter;
https://www.audubon.org/content/why-native-
plants-matter
6.1
Resilient Crystal 2035 References
10 Comparison of impervious surface area and
normalized difference vegetation index as
indicators of surface urban heat island effects in
Landsat imagery. Fi Yuan and Marvin Bauer,
February 2007:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222
550615_Comparison_of_impervious_surface_ar
ea_and_Normalized_Difference_Vegetation_In
dex_as_indicators_of_surface_Urban_Heat_Isla
nd_effects_in_Landsat_Imagery
11 T Elmqvist, H Setälä, SN Handel, S van der
Ploeg, J Aronson, JN Blignaut, E Gómez-
Baggethun, DJ Nowak, J Kronenberg, R de
Groot, Benefits of restoring ecosystem services
in urban areas, Current Opinion in
Environmental Sustainability, Volume 14, 2015:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/
pii/S1877343515000433
12 USDA Forest Service, Carbon Storage and
Sequestration by Urban Trees in the USA:
https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/5521
13 US EPA, Using Trees and Vegetation to
Reduce Heat Islands:
https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-trees-
and-vegetation-reduce-heat-islands
14 USDA Forest Service, Trees Reduce Building
Energy Use in US Cities:
https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/news/release/trees-
reduces-building-energy-use
15 The Nature Conservancy, “Invasive Species
Threaten Climate Change Preparedness and
Resilience”; https://www.nature.org/en-
us/newsroom/isac-invasive-species-advisory-
committee-climate-change-resilience/
16 Fourth National Climate Assessment,
Chapter 7: Ecosystems, Ecosystem Services, And
Biodiversity;
https://nca2018.globalchange.gov/chapter/7/
17 City of Crystal Ground Cover, Heat Island,
and Carbon Sequestration Study:
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/crystal-
ground-cover-heat-island-and-carbon-
sequestration-study/
18 U.S. EPA, Adapting to Heat;
https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/adapting-
heat
19 Minnesota DNR, Urban and Community
Forestry;
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/urban/in
dex.html
20 US EPA, Green Landscaping: Greenacres, a
Source Book on Natural Landscaping for Public
Officials:
https://archive.epa.gov/greenacres/web/html/c
hap2.html
21 Fight Climate Change at Home: Landscaping
with Native Grasses, Lindsay Ifill:
https://wildrootsnj.com/blog/ecological-
landscaping-with-native-grasses-climate-change
22 Tallgrass Ontario: Tallgrass Prairie and
Carbon Sequestration:
https://tallgrassontario.org/wp-site/carbon-
sequestration/
23 University of Minnesota, “The Potential of
Turfgrass to Sequester Carbon and Offset
Greenhouse Gas Emissions”;
https://turf.umn.edu/news/potential-turfgrass-
sequester-carbon-and-offset-greenhouse-gas-
emissions
24 Resource Central, Unearth the Turf: Outdoor
Water Savings;
https://resourcecentral.org/unearth-the-turf-
outdoor-water-savings/
25 US EPA, Know Your Roots;
https://cfpub.epa.gov/npstbx/files/KSMO_Kno
wYourRoots.pdf
6.1
Resilient Crystal 2035 References
26 Minnesota Board of Water and Soil
Resources, Lawns to Legumes;
https://bwsr.state.mn.us/l2l
27 US EPA, Climate Change and Heat Islands:
https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/climate-
change-and-heat-islands
28 City of Crystal Climate Vulnerability
Assessment:
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/crystal-
climate-vulnerability-assessment/
Health and Safety
1 US Global Change Research Program, Fifth
National Climate Assessment;
https://toolkit.climate.gov/NCA5
2 National Centers for Disease Control, Climate
Effects on Health;
https://www.cdc.gov/climate-
health/php/effects/
3 US EPA, “EPA Report Shows Disproportionate
Impacts of Climate Change on Socially
Vulnerable Populations in the United States”
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-
report-shows-disproportionate-impacts-
climate-change-socially-vulnerable
4 US Global Change Research Program, Climate
and Health Assessment, Populations of
Concern:
https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70193757
5 US EPA, “What Climate Change Means for
Minnesota”;
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-
09/documents/climate-change-mn.pdf
6 National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences, Water-Related Illnesses;
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6119
235/
7 National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration “Drought in America: Slow
moving, far reaching“;
https://www.noaa.gov/explainers/drought-in-
america-slow-moving-far-reaching
8 City of Portland, Cooling Portland;
https://www.portland.gov/bps/cleanenergy/ab
out-cooling-portland
9 Fouque, F., Reeder, J.C. Impact of past and on-
going changes on climate and weather on
vector-borne diseases transmission: a look at
the evidence. Infect Dis Poverty 8, 51 (2019).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40249-019-0565-1
6.1
Resilient Crystal 2035 References
10 Paz S (2024) Climate change: A driver of
increasing vector-borne disease transmission in
non-endemic areas. PLoS Med 21(4): e1004382.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004382
11 Hayes, K., Blashki, G., Wiseman, J. et
al. Climate change and mental health: risks,
impacts and priority actions. Int J Ment Health
Syst 12, 28 (2018).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-018-0210-6
12 World Health Organization, Why mental
health is a priority for action on climate change;
https://www.who.int/news/item/03-06-2022-
why-mental-health-is-a-priority-for-action-on-
climate-change
13 American Psychiatric Association, Climate
Change and Mental Health Connections;
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-
families/climate-change-and-mental-health-
connections
14 US EPA, Quantifying the Multiple Benefits of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: A
Guide for State and Local Governments:
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2018-
07/documents/mbg_1_multiplebenefits.pdf
15 Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle,
Relative Costs of Driving Electric and Gasoline
Vehicles in the Individual U.S. States:
https://public.websites.umich.edu/~umtriswt/P
DF/SWT-2018-1.pdf
16 Conner, David & Knudson, William & Hamm,
Michael & Peterson, H.. (2008). The Food
System as an Economic Driver: Strategies and
Applications for Michigan.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247
521128_The_Food_System_as_an_Economic_D
river_Strategies_and_Applications_for_Michiga
n
17 C40 Cities, C40 Knowledge Hub, “The green
jobs advantage: How climate-friendly
investments are better job creators” ;
https://www.c40knowledgehub.org/s/article/T
he-green-jobs-advantage-How-climate-friendly-
investments-are-better-job-
creators?language=en_US
18 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, About Building Resilience Against
Climate Effects (BRACE) Framework;
https://www.cdc.gov/climate-
health/php/brace/index.html
19 State of Minnesota, Climate Action
Framework;
https://climate.state.mn.us/minnesotas-
climate-action-framework
20 University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation
Partnership, Resilience in Public Health;
https://climate.umn.edu/health
21 Framework for Climate Resilient Community-
Based Adaptation. In; Haque, A.K.E.,
Mukhopadhyay, P., Nepal, M., Shammin, M.R.
(eds) Climate Change and Community
Resilience. Springer, Singapore.
https;//doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-0680-9_2
22 World Resources Institute, “5 Benefits to
Local Action on Climate Resilience”;
https;//www.wri.org/insights/5-benefits-local-
action-climate-resilience
6.1
Resilient Crystal 2035 References
Economy
1 Martinich, J., Crimmins, A. Climate damages
and adaptation potential across diverse sectors
of the United States:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-019-
0444-6
2 The Economist, What is The Economic Cost of
Covid-19?:
https://www.economist.com/finance-and-
economics/2021/01/09/what-is-the-economic-
cost-of-covid-19
3 City of Crystal Climate Vulnerability
Assessment:
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/crystal-
climate-vulnerability-assessment/
4 City of Crystal Community GHG Inventory,
2025;
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/crystal-
ghg-inventory-report/
5 Cost of Carbon, Minnesota Law Requires
Public Utilities Commission to Use EPA’s
Updated SC-GHG Values;
https://costofcarbon.org/states/entry/minneso
ta-law-requires-public-utilities-commission-to-
use-epas-updated-sc-ghg-values
6 US EPA, Quantifying the Multiple Benefits of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: A
Guide for State and Local Governments:
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2018-
07/documents/mbg_1_multiplebenefits.pdf
7 Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle, Relative
Costs of Driving Electric and Gasoline Vehicles in
the Individual U.S. States:
https://public.websites.umich.edu/~umtriswt/P
DF/SWT-2018-1.pdf
8 Conner, David & Knudson, William & Hamm,
Michael & Peterson, H.. (2008). The Food
System as an Economic Driver: Strategies and
Applications for Michigan.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247
521128_The_Food_System_as_an_Economic_D
river_Strategies_and_Applications_for_Michiga
n
9 C40 Cities, C40 Knowledge Hub, “The green
jobs advantage: How climate-friendly
investments are better job creators” ;
https://www.c40knowledgehub.org/s/article/T
he-green-jobs-advantage-How-climate-friendly-
investments-are-better-job-
creators?language=en_US
10 OECD Report for the G7 Environment
Ministers, Employment Implications of Green
Growth: Linking jobs, growth, and green
policies;
https://akioyamazaki.weebly.com/uploads/5/6/
9/8/56981769/employment-implications-of-
green-growth-oecd-report-g7-environment-
ministers.pdf
11 New Climate Economy, Unlocking The
Inclusive Growth Story of The 21st Century:
Accelerating Climate Action in Urgent Times:
https://newclimateeconomy.report/2018/wp-
content/uploads/sites/6/2018/09/NCE_2018_F
ULL-REPORT.pdf
12 United Nations, Financing Climate:
https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/raising-
ambition/climate-finance
13 Brookings Institute, Advancing Inclusion
Through Clean Energy Jobs:
https://www.brookings.edu/research/advancin
g-inclusion-through-clean-energy-jobs/
14 The New Republic, “Care Work is Climate
Work”;
https://newrepublic.com/article/161998/care-
work-climate-work
15 Brookings Institute, “Why green jobs plans
matter and where US cities stand in
implementing them”;
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/why-
green-jobs-plans-matter-and-where-u-s-cities-
stand-in-implementing-them/
6.1
Resilient Crystal 2035 References
16 National League of Cities, “5 Strategies for
Developing a Local Green Jobs Plan”;
https://www.nlc.org/article/2024/04/02/5-
strategies-for-developing-a-local-green-jobs-
plan/
17 U.S. Department of Energy, Energy
Workforce;
https://www.energy.gov/topics/energy-
workforce
18 U.S. Department of Energy, Apprenticeships
& Workforce Development;
https://www.energy.gov/apprenticeships-
workforce-development
19 United Nations, “Small businesses
unprepared for pandemic-sized climate shock
‘every decade”;
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/06/109458
2
20 Union of Concerned Scientists, “When Rising
Seas Hit Home”;
https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/when-
rising-seas-hit-home
21 Ready.gov, Emergency Plans;
https://www.ready.gov/business/emergency-
plans
22 FEMA, Continuity Resource Toolkit;
https://www.fema.gov/emergency-
managers/national-preparedness/continuity
6.1
The following documents the calculations and source
references used for estimating the potential cumulative
communitywide cost savings of the actions included in the
Resilient Crystal 2035 Plan.
Appendix B
Potential Costs & Savings
B -1 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
6.1
Summary of Estimated Cumulative Savings of Modeled Reductions
City of Crystal
Climate Action Plan
Notes Transportation
VMT Reductions (public transit, bike, walk, etc)
Formula:
Cumulative vehicle miles saved x Average vehicle operation cost per mile = Gross VMT savings
VMT saved (goal year)4,413,291
Cumulative vehicle miles saved (through goal year):24,273,101
1 Average vehicle operating cost per mile:$0.770
Gross VMT Savings $18,690,288
Increased Public Transit Use
Formula:
Cumulative increased public transit mileage x Average public transit cost per mile = Increased spending on public transit
Increased public transit miles (goal year)629,427
Cumulative increased public transit miles (through goal year):3,461,847
2 Annual increased public transit pass costs (goal year):-$171,990
Cumulative increased public transit pass costs (through goal year):-$945,945
Increased Spending on Public Transit -$945,945
EV and Alt Fuel Conversions
Formula:
VMT converted to EV/Alt fuel (goal year)12,577,880
Cumulative VMT converted to EV/alt fuel (through goal year)69,178,339
3 Average fuel savings per mile:$0.124
4 Average vehicle maintenance savings per mile:$0.041
Cumulative Gross EV VMT savings (through goal year)$11,390,716
5 Spending difference on EV purchase vs ICE purchase per mile driven -$0.054
New electric vehicle purchases 2,409
Gross EV purchase spending difference (through goal year)-$3,766,991
Net EV VMT Savings $7,623,725
3 Fuel Savings per VMT based on average reported gasoline costs ( https://gasprices.aaa.com/state-gas-price-averages/)
divided by current average MPG (Federal Highway Administration:
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/quickfinddata/qftravel.cfm ) compared against average fuel cost per mile using
current kWh rate (https://www.electricitylocal.com/ ) and average kWh/100 mile data (
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byfuel/EV2024.shtml ; https://ev-database.org/cheatsheet/energy-consumption-electric-
car )
4 Maintenance savings per mile based on US Department of Energy FOTW #1190, June 14, 2021: Battery-Electric Vehicles
Have Lower Scheduled Maintenance Costs than Other Light-Duty Vehicles (
https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/articles/fotw-1190-june-14-2021-battery-electric-vehicles-have-lower-scheduled )
5 Average EV purchase price increse per vehicle on Kelly Blue Book average EV purchase price compared to average gasoline
vehicle purchase price ( https://www.coxautoinc.com/market-insights/february-2025-atp-report/ ) with available local, state,
or federal tax credits applied. The total cost difference is then divided by an assumed average EV lifespan of 150,000 miles to
arrive at an estimated cost difference per mile driven. Negative numbers indicate increased consumer spending.
Cumulative VMT converted to EV/alt fuel x Average vehicle operation cost savings per mile = Gross EV VMT savings - Gross EV
purchase spending difference = Net EV VMT Savings
1 Savings per VMT based on AAA estimates ( https://newsroom.aaa.com/asset/2025-your-driving-cost-fact-sheet/ )
2 Annual increased public transit pass costs calculated based on increased percentage of population using public transit
(target increased public transit percentage) multiplied by cost of monthly transit pass. Negative numbers indicate increased
consumer spending. ( https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/sis/resources/data-tools/quickfacts.html
https://www.metrotransit.org/fares-passes )
6.1
Potential Total Cumulative Transportation Cost Savings
Formula:
Transportation sector savings - Transportation sector cost increases = Potential Total Cumulative Transportation Cost Savings
Transportation Sector Savings
Gross VMT savings $18,690,288
Gross EV VMT savings $11,390,716
Total Gross Transportation Savings $30,081,004
Transportation Sector Cost Increases
Increased spending on public transit -$945,945
Gross EV purchase spending difference -$3,766,991
Total Gross Transportation Cost Increases -$4,712,936
Potential Total Cumulative Transportation Cost Savings $25,368,068
6.1
Summary of Estimated Cumulative Savings of Modeled Reductions
City of Crystal
Notes Energy - Residential
Residential Savings - grid electricity to customer owned solar
Formula:
Cumulative kWh converted to solar x Average cost savings per kWh = Residential solar savings
Residential kWh converted (goal year)6,329,025
Cumulative residential kWh converted (through goal year)34,809,636
Average net solar cost savings per solar kWh $0.075
6a Average solar installation cost per KW $3,160.00
7 Average kWh produced annually per solar pv KW installed 1,287
Estimated installed solar PV KW installed (goal year)4,918
Estimated total solar installation costs $15,539,796
8 Est average lifespan kWh produced per solar pv KW installed 38,429
8 Estimated cumulative lifespan kWh produced 188,980,722
9 Estimated value of cumulative lifespan kWh produced $29,782,568
Average solar cost savings per kWh produced $0.075
Residential Solar Savings $2,623,472
Residential Savings - utility purchased renewable
Formula:
Residential kWh converted (goal year)6,329,025
Cumulative residential kWh converted (through goal year)34,809,636
11 Average utility purchased cost/savings per kWh -$0.013
Residential Utility Purchased Cost/Savings -$441,734
Residential Savings - electrical energy efficiency
Formula:
Residential kWh saved (goal year)3,164,512
Cumulative residential kWh saved (through goal year)17,404,818
12a Average cost per kWh $0.115
Gross Residential Electrical Energy Efficiency Savings $1,998,073
13 Residential Electrical Efficiency Upgrade Costs -$1,758,304
Net Residential Electrical Energy Efficiency Savings $239,769
Residential Savings - natural gas energy efficiency
Formula:
8 Based on an assumed average useful life of 32.5 years according to NREL research with an average degradation rate of 0.5%
( https://docs.nlr.gov/docs/fy24osti/90042.pdf )
9 Savings per kWh based on average electricity cost per kWh ( https://www.electricitylocal.com/ ) calculated to the solar
array's midlife (year 16) using an estimated average electrical cost inflation of 2% annually
Cumulative kWh converted to utility purchased renewable x Average cost/savings per kWh = Residential utility purchased
cost/savings
11 The average cost/savings per kWh of utility purchased renewable energy subscription is based on utility fee information.
Negative numbers indicate increased consumer spending
12a Energy efficiency savings per kWh saved based on average electricity cost per kWh ( https://www.electricitylocal.com/ )
Cumulative kWh saved from energy efficiency x Average cost per kWh = Gross Residential electrical energy efficiency savings -
Residential Efficiency Upgrade Costs = Net Residential Electrical Energy Efficiency Savings
6a Recent average cost per KW is 1000x the per watt cost reported by Solar Reviews for a 6KW array
https://www.solarreviews.com Potential savings from tax credits, depreciation, or grants are not included and would reduce
these costs.
7 Calculations are based on the geographic energy production factor ( https://docs.nlr.gov/docs/fy04osti/35297.pdf )
multiplied by an average performance ratio of 78% ( https://docs.nlr.gov/docs/fy13osti/57991.pdf )
13 Assumed energy efficiency upgrade costs are calculated assuming an average ROI of 12% (
https://www.aceee.org/blog/2019/05/existing-homes-energy-efficiency ) Negative numbers indicate increased consumer
6.1
14 Residential therms saved (goal year)2,054,889
14 Cumulative residential therms saved (through goal year)11,301,887
15 Average cost per therm $1.106
Gross Residential Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Savings $12,499,887
14, 16 Residential Natural Gas Efficiency Upgrade Costs -$10,999,901
Net Residential Electrical Natrual Gas Efficiency Savings $1,499,986
Potential Total Cumulative Residential Energy Cost Savings
Formula:
Residential solar savings $2,623,472
Residential community solar savings $0
Residential utility purchased renewable cost/savings -$441,734
Residential electrical efficiency savings (net)$239,769
Residential natural gas energy efficiency savings (net)$1,499,986
Potential Total Cumulative Residential Energy Savings $3,921,493
Residential solar savings + Residential community solar savings + Residential utility purchased renewable + Residential
electrical efficiency savings + Residential natural gas energy efficiency savings - Residential increased electrical costs =
Potential Total Cumulative Residential Energy Savings
Cumulative therms saved from energy efficiency x Average cost per therm = Gross Residential natural gas energy efficiency
savings - Residential Natural Gas Efficiency Upgrade Costs = Net Residential Electrical Natural Gas Efficiency Savings
14 Includes fuel switching from fossil fuel heat to electric
15 Energy efficiency savings for natural gas is based on average natural gas cost per therm https://naturalgaslocal.com/
16 Assumed energy efficiency upgrade costs are calculated assuming an average ROI of 12% (
https://www.aceee.org/blog/2019/05/existing-homes-energy-efficiency ) Negative numbers indicate increased consumer
spending
6.1
Summary of Estimated Cumulative Savings of Modeled Reductions
City of Crystal
Notes Energy - Non Residential
Non-Residential Savings - grid electricity to solar
Formula:
Cumulative kWh converted to solar x Average cost savings per kWh = Non-Residential solar savings
Non-Residential kWh converted (goal year)3,869,531
Cumulative Non-Residential kWh converted (through goal year)21,282,422
Average solar cost savings per kWh $0.039
6b Average solar installation cost per KW $2,770.00
7 Average kWh produced annually per solar pv KW installed 1,287
Estimated installed solar PV KW installed (goal year)3,007
Estimated total solar installation costs $8,328,362
8 Estimated average lifespan kWh produced per solar pv KW installed 38,429
8 Estimated cumulative lifespan kWh produced 115,541,786
9 Estimated value of cumulative lifespan kWh produced $12,842,456
Average solar cost savings per kWh produced $0.039
Non-Residential Solar Savings $831,481
Non-Residential Savings - utility purchased renewable
Formula:
Non-Residential kWh converted (goal year)3,869,531
Cumulative Non-Residential kWh converted (through goal year)21,282,422
11 Average utility purchased cost/savings per kWh -$0.013
Non-Residential Utility Purchased Cost/Savings -$270,074
Non-Residential Savings - electrical energy efficiency
Formula:
Commercial kWh saved (goal year)1,934,766
Cumulative commercial kWh saved (through goal year)10,641,211
12b Average cost per kWh $0.081
Gross Commercial Electrical Energy Efficiency Savings $861,583
13 Commercial Electrical Efficiency Upgrade Costs -$758,193
Net Commercial Electrical Energy Efficiency Savings $103,390
Cumulative kWh converted to utility purchased renewable x Average cost/savings per kWh = Non-Residential utility
purchased cost/savings
11 The average cost/savings per kWh of utility purchased renewable energy subscription is based on utility fee information.
Negative numbers indicate increased consumer spending
12b Energy efficiency savings per kWh saved based on average electricity cost per kWh reported for commercial and industrial
with a weighted average (2/3rds commercial rate, 1/3rd industrial rate) reflecting typical non-residential electric consumption
patterns ( https://www.electricitylocal.com/ )
6b Recent average cost per KW is 1000x the per watt cost reported by Solar Reviews for a 10KW array
https://www.solarreviews.com Potential savings from tax credits, depreciation, or grants are not included and would reduce
these costs.
7 Calculations are based on the geographic energy production factor ( https://docs.nlr.gov/docs/fy04osti/35297.pdf )
multiplied by an average performance ratio of 78% ( https://docs.nlr.gov/docs/fy13osti/57991.pdf )
8 Based on an assumed average useful life of 32.5 years according to NREL research with an average degradation rate of 0.5%
( https://docs.nlr.gov/docs/fy24osti/90042.pdf )
9 Savings per kWh based on average electricity cost per kWh ( https://www.electricitylocal.com/ ) calculated to the solar
array's midlife (year 16) using an estimated average electrical cost inflation of 2% annually
Cumulative kWh saved from energy efficiency x Average cost per kWh = Gross Non-Residential electrical energy efficiency
savings - Non-Residential Efficiency Upgrade Costs = Net Non-Residential Electrical Energy Efficiency Savings
6.1
Non-Residential Savings - natural gas energy efficiency
Formula:
14 Non-Residential therms saved (year 10)852,807
14 Cumulative Non-Residential therms saved 4,690,440
15 Average cost per therm $0.522
Gross Non-Residential Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Savings $2,448,409
14, 16 Non-Residential Natural Gas Efficiency Upgrade Costs -$2,154,600
Net Non-Residential Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Savings $293,809
Potential Total Cumulative Non-Residential Energy Cost Savings
Formula:
Non-Residential solar savings $831,481
Non-Residential community solar savings $0
Non-Residential utility purchased renewable cost/savings -$270,074
Non-Residential electrical efficiency savings $103,390
Non-Residential natural gas energy efficiency savings $293,809
Potential Total Cumulative Non-Residential Energy Savings $958,607
13 Assumed energy efficiency upgrade costs are calculated assuming an average ROI of 12% (
https://www.aceee.org/blog/2019/05/existing-homes-energy-efficiency ) Negative numbers indicate increased consumer
spending
Cumulative therms saved from energy efficiency x Average cost per therm = Gross Non-Residential natural gas energy efficiency
savings - Non-Residential Natural Gas Efficiency Upgrade Costs = Net Non-Residential Electrical Natural Gas Efficiency Savings
14 Includes fuel switching from fossil fuel heat to electric
16 Assumed energy efficiency upgrade costs are calculated assuming an average ROI of 12% (
https://www.aceee.org/blog/2019/05/existing-homes-energy-efficiency ) Negative numbers indicate increased consumer
spending
Non-Residential solar savings + Non-Residential community solar savings + Non-Residential utility purchased renewable + Non-
Residential electrical efficiency savings + Non-Residential natural gas energy efficiency savings - Non-Residential increased
electrical costs = Potential Total Cumulative Non-Residential Energy Savings
15 Energy efficiency savings for natural gas is based on average natural gas cost per therm https://naturalgaslocal.com/
6.1
Potential Total Cumulative Energy Cost Savings (Residential + Non-Residential)
Energy sector savings - Energy sector cost increases = Potential Total Cumulative Energy Cost Savings
Energy Sector Savings
Total solar energy savings $3,454,954
Total community solar energy savings $0
Total energy efficiency savings - electricity $2,859,656
Total energy efficiency savings - natural gas $14,948,297
Total Gross Energy Savings $21,262,907
Energy Sector Cost Increases
Total solar PV installation costs (included in estimated Total Solar Energy Savings)
Total utility purchased renewable cost/savings -$711,808
Total energy efficiency upgrade costs - electricity -$2,516,498
Total energy efficiency upgrade costs - natural gas -$13,154,501
Total Gross Energy Cost Increases -$16,382,807
Potential Total Cumulative Energy Cost Savings $4,880,100
Formula:
6.1
Summary of Estimated Cumulative Savings of Modeled Reductions
City of Crystal
Notes Solid Waste - Residential
Residential savings - Food Waste Reduction
Formula:
Cumulative tons of food waste reduced and diverted x Average cost savings per ton = Residential food waste savings
Residential food waste reduced (goal year)838
Cumulative residential food waste reduced (through goal year)4,612
17 Average cost savings per ton reduced $2,469
Residential Food Waste Savings $11,386,067
Potential Total Cumulative Residential Solid Waste Reduction Cost Savings
Residential food waste savings $11,386,067
Notes Solid Waste - Non-Residential
Non-Residential savings - Solid Waste Reduction
Formula:
Cumulative participant/years x Average reported cost savings per participant/year = Non-Residential solid waste savings
Participating businesses (goal year)7
Cumulative participant/years (through goal year)71
18 Average cost savings per participant/year $431
Commercial Solid Waste Savings $167,594
Potential Total Cumulative Solid Waste Savings
Formula:
Residential Food Waste Savings $11,386,067
Non-Residential Solid Waste Savings $167,594
Potential Total Cumulative Solid Waste Savings $11,553,662
Residential Food Waste Savings + Commercial Solid Waste Savings + Commercial Food Waste Savings = Potential Total Cumulative
Solid Waste Savings
17 Value per ton of residential food waste avoided is based on average for Prevent and Recover strategies by ReFED "A
Roadmap To Reduce U.S. Food Waste" ( https://refed.com/downloads/the-roadmap-to-reduce-u-s--food-waste/ ). Food
waste share of total organics diverted is calculated based on available waste sort data (see Baseline Assessment document)
18 Savings per business engaged in waste reduction programs are based on MN WasteWise reported average business savings
($431) escalated to 5 year (mid point) Cumulative savings assume businesss reduction strategies remain in force (
https://www.mnchamber.com/your-opportunity/waste-wise )
6.1
Appendix C
Estimated Job Potential
The following is a preliminary estimate of the possible job
potential related to some key strategies included in the
Resilient Crystal 2035 Plan. This estimate is intended to be
an illustration and does not necessarily include all job
potentials.
Summary of Estimated New Job Potential of Modeled Reductions
City of Crystal
Climate Action Plan
Total Community Job Potential Estimate
The following is an estimate of the local job potential of achieving plan
goals for the community. See detail and assumptions in sector break-
downs that follow.
Building and Energy Jobs Estimate: 14
Transportation Jobs Estimate: 9
Waste Management Jobs Estimate: 8
Total Community Job Potential Estimate: 31
Total Estimated Annual Income Potential: $1,632,075
Notes Building and Energy Jobs Estimate
1 Energy Efficiency and Fuel Switching - Residential 4
1 Energy Efficiency and Fuel Switching - Non-Residential 1
2 Renewable Energy - Residential 6
2 Renewable Energy - Non-Residential 3
Building and Energy Jobs: 14
Annual Income Potential (at $55,000) $778,250
1: Assumptions & Rationale: Calculated at 45 jobs per $15 million in investment based on “How Does Energy Efficiency Create Jobs?” by the
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) which illustrates that a $15 million investment in energy efficient facilities, when
compared against “business-as-usual,” would increase local employment by 45 jobs in year one along with on-going impacts creating up to
20 additional jobs annually for 20 years. See "Summary of Estimated Cumulative Savings of Modeled Reduction" for investment value calcu-
lations and assumptions. Source: https://www.aceee.org/fact-sheet/ee-job-creation
2: Assumptions & Rationale: Calculated based on average values from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) The Jobs and Eco-
nomic Development Impacts (JEDI) Solar Photovoltaics (PV) Model for construction and professional services jobs https://www.nlr.gov/
analysis/jedi/pv See "Summary of Estimated Cumulative Savings of Modeled Reduction" for investment value calculations and assumptions.
C -1 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
6.1
C -2 CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Notes Transportation Jobs Estimate
3 Public Transit 8
4 Fuel Switching - Electric Vehicle Infrastructure 1
Transportation Jobs: 9
Annual Income Potential (at $55,000) $473,837
3: Assumptions & Rationale: An additional 1,000 daily transit riders generate roughly 500,000–700,000 annual passenger trips (assuming round
trips), requiring several dozen new local transit workers such as drivers, mechanics, and support staff. Because public transit is labor-intensive—
employing over 430,000 people nationwide—ridership growth directly boosts local employment. Indirectly, expanded service also supports jobs
through supplier contracts and improved access to employers. While APTA estimates that public transit supports millions of jo bs economy-wide, the
30–40 jobs per 1,000 new riders figure reflects only the direct local employment impact.. Sources: New APTA Data Shows Public Transportation
Drives Economic Growth, Creates Jobs, and Powers U.S. Mobility - American Public Transportation Association; https://aptapassengertransport.com/
new-apta-data-shows-public-transportation-drives-economic-growth-creates-jobs-powers-u-s-mobility/
4: Assumptions & Rationale: A national study projects over 160,000 U.S. jobs by 2032 from expanding the EV charging network t o support roughly 40
million EVs. These positions are inherently local, including electricians, technicians, and trained auto service staff mainta ining charging infrastructure
and EV systems. While EVs require less routine maintenance than gasoline vehicles, job gains stem from new sectors—charging installation, grid
upgrades, battery servicing, and software support. Calculations for new EVSE demand are based on the US DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center Electric
Vehicle Infrastructure Toolbox. Calculations for jobs potential per EVSE installations are based on National Renewable Energy Laboratory's 2017 Na-
tional Demand for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure. Values per EVSE based on Table 11 Workforce estimates in job-years in order to meet
2030 charger demand estimated by NREL of "Workforce Projections to Support Battery Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Installation" by Ener-
gy and Environmental Research Associates, LLC. Sources:US DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center Electric Vehicle Infrastructure T oolbox https://
afdc.energy.gov/evi-x-toolbox#/evi-pro-ports?region_type=cbsa; https://www.etcommunity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Workforce-
ProjectionstoSupportBatteryElectricVehicleChargingInfrastructureInstallation.pdf
Additional Sources: "New Study Estimates Over 160,000 Jobs to be Created by U.S. Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Buildout by 2032" - Inter-
national Council on Clean Transportation; https://theicct.org/pr-new-study-estimates-over-160000-jobs-to-be-created-by-uss-ev-charging-
infrastructure-buildout-jan24/ ; "3 Trends in the US EV Industry" - World Resources Institute; https://www.wri.org/insights/trends-electric-vehicle-
workforce-us
Notes Waste Management Jobs Estimate
5 Organics Diversion and Composting 2
6 Recycling Diversion 6
Waste Management Jobs: 8
Annual Income Potential (at $45,000) $379,988
5: Assumptions & Rationale: Establishing organics collection and composting programs also generates local jobs, though on a somewhat smaller
scale than recycling. Composting facilities need workers for tasks like waste hauling, site operations (turning and curing compost), and marketing the
finished compost. A reasonable estimate is around 0.5 to 1.0 jobs per 1,000 tons of organic waste diverted from landfill to commercial composting.
Sources: "More Jobs, Less Po lution: Growing the Recycling Economy in the U.S" - Tellus Institute;
https://tellus.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/More-Jobs-Less-Pollution-Growing-the-Recycling-Economy-in-the-US.pdf ; "Composting for Commu-
nity | Composting Makes $en$e: Jobs through Composting & Compost Use" - Institute for Local Self Reliance ; https://ilsr.org/article/composting-for-
community/composting-sense-tables/
6: Assumptions & Rationale: Diverting waste from landfills to recycling is more labor-intensive than disposal, and thus creates local jobs in collection,
processing, and downstream manufacturing. Studies show approximately 1–2 jobs per 1,000 tons of materials recycled (diverted) instead of land-
filled. Sources: "Jobs & Economic Benefits of Zero Waste" - Eco-Cycle: https://ecocycle.org/learn-about-zero-waste/jobs-and-economic-benefits/ ;
"What Are the Benefits of Recycling in the Community?" - Okon Recycling; https://www.okonrecycling.com/industrial-scrap-metal-recycling/steel-
and-aluminum/introduction-to-recycling/
6.1
The following are abbreviations and terms used in the
Resilient Crystal 2035 Planas well as others common to
sustainability and climate action concepts.
D -1CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Appendix D
Glossary of Terms
6.1
Resilient Crystal Abbreviations and Glossary of Terms
1
Abbreviations
ADU Accessory Dwelling Unit
BAU Business as usual forecast
BEV Battery electric vehicle
BIPOC Black, Indigenous, people of color
C&D Construction and demolition
CAP Climate Action Plan
CE Carbon Equivalent
CDP Carbon Disclosure Project
CFC Chlorofluorocarbons
CH4 Methane
CHP Combined Heat and Power
CO2 Carbon dioxide
CO2 e Carbon dioxide equivalent
CSG Community Solar Garden
DCFC Direct Current Fast Charger
DOE U.S. Department of Energy
EMS Emergency medical services
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EV Electric vehicle
EVSE Electric vehicle supply equipment
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FTE Full-time equivalent
GCoM Global Covenant of Mayors
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GHG Greenhouse gas
GWP Global warming potential
HFC Hydrofluorocarbons
HVAC Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
ICE Internal Combustion Engine vehicle
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change
kWh Kilowatt-hour
LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design
LEV Low emission vehicle
LIDAC Lower Income and
Disadvantaged Community
MWH Megawatt hour – 1,000 Kilowatt-hours
MSW Municipal Solid Waste
MT Metric ton equivalent to 1,000 kg (also
known as Metric Tonne)
MMT Million Metric tons
MMBTU Million British Thermal Units
MT CO2 e Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
N2O Nitrous Oxide
NOx Nitrogen Oxides
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
NZE Net-Zero Emissions
O3 Ozone
ODS Ozone Depleting Substances
PACE Property Assessed Clean Energy
PFC Perfluorocarbons
PHEV Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
PM2.5 Particulate matter of 2.5 micrometer
diameter or less
POC People of color
PPA Power Purchase Agreement
PUB Public Utilities Board
PV Photovoltaic (solar photovoltaic)
REC Renewable Energy Credit
RCP Representative Concentration Pathway
SO2 Sulfur Dioxide
SF6 Sulfur Hexafluoride
SULEV Super ultra-low emission vehicle
t Ton equivalent to 2,000 lbs (United
States)
TOG Total Organic Gasses
USGS U.S. Geological Survey
VMT Vehicle miles traveled
VHT Vehicle hours traveled
ZEV Zero emission vehicle
ZNEB Zero Net Energy Building
6.1
Resilient Crystal Abbreviations and Glossary of Terms
2
A
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
A secondary dwelling unit associated with a primary
single-family home, which can be located within or
attached to the main residence, or in a separate
accessory building on the same property.
Action
Specific tasks set out to realize the objectives and
methods highlighted in a given plan.
Activity Data
Information regarding the scale of human actions
that lead to emissions or removals within a specified
timeframe. This includes data like energy
consumption, metal production, land coverage,
management procedures, and usage of lime,
fertilizers, and waste generation.
Adaptation
Refer to “Climate Readiness or Resilience”
Adaptive Capacity
The combination of societal, technological, and
monetary abilities that individuals or groups possess
to initiate and sustain actions against climate
change.
Aerosols
Airborne particles, either solid or liquid, typically
ranging between 0.01 and 10 micrometers. These
particles, which can be of natural or human-made
origin, can persist in the atmosphere for extended
periods. They can affect climate by directly
interfering with radiation or indirectly by influencing
cloud properties.
Afforestation
The process of establishing forests on lands that
weren't previously forested.
Air Pollutant
Any substance, either originating from human
activities or naturally, present in the atmosphere
that might have detrimental impacts on humans,
fauna, flora, or materials.
Anthropogenic
In relation to greenhouse gas records,
"anthropogenic" denotes emissions and removals
directly stemming from human actions or from
natural processes influenced by human activities.
Atmosphere
The layer of gases encasing the Earth. It mainly
consists of nitrogen and oxygen, along with trace
gases like argon, helium, and certain greenhouse
gases like carbon dioxide and ozone. The
atmosphere also encompasses varying amounts of
water vapor and contains other components like
clouds and aerosol particles.
B
Baseline Emissions
A reference point, either through measurement,
calculation, or a specific timeframe, for making
comparisons. It represents emission levels in
scenarios devoid of policy changes or project
implementations. Such evaluations are crucial to
gauge the impact of emissions-reducing measures.
Base Year
The initial year used for data gathering. Emission-
reducing goals are often set with this year as a
reference.
Beneficial Electrification
Beneficial electrification is the process of replacing
fossil fuels with electricity to reduce energy costs
and greenhouse gas emissions. It can be applied to
many sectors, including transportation, residential
buildings, and commercial buildings.
Biogenic
Derived from the biological activities of living
entities. The term "biogenic" exclusively pertains to
recently formed biological materials. The IPCC
suggests categorizing peat as fossil carbon due to its
lengthy replacement cycle.
Biogeochemical Cycle
The continuous transfer of essential chemicals,
crucial for life, within Earth's systems, including
carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and phosphorus.
Biomass
Refers either to (1) the combined weight of all living
organisms within a designated area or species,
usually represented as dry weight or (2) Organic
substances originating from or recently derived from
6.1
Resilient Crystal Abbreviations and Glossary of Terms
3
living beings, excluding peat, and encompasses
derived products and waste.
Biomass Waste
Biological, non-fossil substances of biological origin
that are either residual or discarded. This definition
includes biogenic municipal waste, landfill gas, and
other forms of biomass but excludes certain fuels
and biofuels. EIA's data on "biomass waste" also
count energy crops produced specifically for power
generation.
BIPOC
Defined as "Black, Indigenous, and people of color",
this U.S.-specific term emphasizes the experiences of
Black and Indigenous communities, showcasing or
influencing the broader socio-economic dynamics
encountered by all non-white individuals.
Black Carbon
A type of aerosol characterized based on its capacity
to absorb light, its chemical reactivity, and/or
thermal resistance; comprises elements like soot and
charcoal.
Blue Carbon
Carbon that's absorbed and retained by coastal
ecosystems and wetlands, aiding in countering
climate change impacts.
British Thermal Unit (BTU)
A conventional measure of thermal energy,
representing the energy needed to elevate the
temperature of a pound of water by a single degree
Fahrenheit.
Business As Usual Forecast (BAU)
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) describes this as the predicted emission levels
if upcoming trends emulate historical ones and no
additional policy amendments are enacted. This
projection presumes no further emission-curbing
actions will be adopted beyond existing or
committed measures. BAU forecasts do include
anticipated reductions resulting from existing
requirements or commitments, such as federal
vehicle fuel efficiency standards and electric utility
carbon-reduction commitments, which are outside
the scope of this plan.
C
Carbon Cycle
The systematic flow and storage of carbon across
different reservoirs. This involves four primary
carbon storage areas: the atmosphere, the
terrestrial environment (including freshwater
systems), oceans, and sediments (which encompass
fossil fuels). The carbon exchanges between these
reservoirs are driven by a mix of chemical, physical,
geological, and biological factors. Though the ocean
holds a significant amount of near-surface carbon, its
exchange with the atmosphere is relatively slow.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
A gas found naturally in the environment, but also
produced from burning fossil fuels, biomass, through
land-use alterations, and various industrial activities.
As the main human-induced greenhouse gas, it
impacts the Earth's ability to reflect heat. Other
greenhouse gases are often measured relative to
CO2, which has a Global Warming Potential set at 1.
Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2 e)
A standard for comparing the emissions from
different greenhouse gases based on their potential
to warm the planet. It's determined by equating the
amount of a gas emitted to the amount of CO2 that
would have the same global warming impact.
Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
A global initiative allowing organizations and cities to
publicly share their environmental impacts, notably
related to climate risks. CDP stands as one of the
recognized disclosure platforms endorsed by GCoM.
Carbon Emissions
The process of releasing carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere, primarily through human activities like
burning fossil fuels for energy.
Carbon Equivalent (CE)
A metric for comparing emissions from various
greenhouse gases based on their capacity to
influence global warming. Carbon equivalents are
derived from carbon dioxide equivalents using a
specific conversion factor related to molecular
weights.
Carbon Free
Activities, systems, or products that don't emit
carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. Often
6.1
Resilient Crystal Abbreviations and Glossary of Terms
4
associated with sustainable or renewable energy
discussions, not every "carbon free" source is
renewable. For instance, while both wind and
nuclear energy are carbon-free, only wind is
renewable.
Carbon Intensity
The ratio of carbon emitted for every unit of energy
used. A typical measure of this is the carbon weight
per British thermal unit (Btu) of energy. When
considering a single fuel type, carbon intensity and
the emission coefficient are the same. With multiple
fuels, it's an aggregate value.
Carbon Neutral / Carbon Neutrality
Achieving a balance where the amount of CO2
produced annually is equal to the amount removed
or offset, leading to net-zero CO2 emissions by a
specific date. Carbon Neutrality is also sometimes
applied to all greenhouse gas emissions. In those
instances the term is sometimes used
interchangeably with “Net Zero” or “Climate
Neutral”
Carbon Offsets
Mechanisms to counterbalance carbon dioxide or
other greenhouse gas emissions by funding
equivalent reductions elsewhere. They are
quantified in metric tonnes of CO2 -equivalent and
can be traded to neutralize emissions from an
entity's operations.
Carbon Sinks
Natural environments, such as forests or oceans,
recognized for their ability to absorb and store
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Carbon Sequestration
The process of capturing and storing CO2, either in
oceans, terrestrial environments like forests and
soils, or in geological formations underground.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Gases, regulated under the 1987 Montreal Protocol,
used in several applications like refrigeration and air
conditioning. Since they don't break down in the
lower atmosphere, they reach the upper
atmosphere and can deplete ozone. Their usage is
being phased out in favor of alternative compounds,
some of which are greenhouse gases under the
Kyoto Protocol.
Circular Economy
A sustainable economic model that deviates from
the traditional linear approach (produce, use,
discard) by focusing on reducing resource inputs and
waste. It emphasizes durable product design, repair,
reuse, and recycling to minimize waste.
Clean Energy
Clean, or “carbon-free,” energy is electricity
produced by facilities that do not release
greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, during the
generation process.
Climate
Often described as the "typical weather" of an area,
climate is a statistical representation of weather
patterns over extended periods, typically 30 years as
per World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
standards. It encompasses averages and variability
of factors like temperature and precipitation. On a
broader scale, climate is the comprehensive state of
the climate system, including statistics.
Climate Adaptation or Resilience
The ability of ecosystems or communities to
anticipate, stand against, respond, and recover from
disruptive events. It involves adjusting to changing
climate conditions to lessen risks and vulnerabilities.
Climate Action Plan
A comprehensive strategy detailing steps that a
municipality, business, or government will take to
decrease greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for
climate change, fostering sustainable and resilient
growth.
Climate Change
Any significant, lasting change in the average or
variability of climate conditions over extensive
periods. It can stem from natural processes,
persistent changes in atmospheric composition due
to human activities, or alterations in land use.
Climate Hazard
A climate event or situation that can negatively
affect human health, resources, or livelihoods,
encompassing sudden shifts in climate systems like
heavy rainfall or prolonged droughts.
Climate Migration
6.1
Resilient Crystal Abbreviations and Glossary of Terms
5
The relocation of individuals due to the effects of
climate change impacting their way of life or
degrading their living conditions. This can result from
changing water supplies, altered agricultural yields,
or factors like rising sea levels and increased storm
intensity.
Climate Model
A mathematical representation used to simulate the
key components of climate, including the
atmosphere, oceans, land, and ice. These models are
used to forecast potential future climate changes.
Climate Neutral / Climate Neutrality
Achieving a balance where the amount of all GHG
emissions produced annually is equal to the amount
removed or offset, leading to net-zero GHG
emissions by a specific date. “Climate Neutral” is
sometimes used interchangeably with “Carbon
Neutral”, however, “Carbon Neutral” often
interpreted as addressing CO2 emissions only,
whereas “Climate Neutral” is intended to address all
GHG gases.
Climate Scenario
A structured and logical narrative of potential future
climatic conditions, built on a set of assumptions
about potential future events.
Climate Risk
The potential negative outcomes due to climatic
changes, where valuable assets are at risk. The risk is
calculated based on the likelihood of certain climate
events or changes happening and the potential
impact of those changes. It is a product of the
system's vulnerability and the climate hazards faced.
Climate Vulnerability
The extent to which a system is at risk from adverse
climate changes, including climate variability and
extremes. It depends on how exposed the system is
to these changes, its inherent sensitivity, and its
ability to adapt. Vulnerability can be described as the
potential negative impact minus the system's
adaptive capacity.
Climate Vulnerability Assessment
An analysis aiming to pinpoint and categorize the
threats posed by climate change. It guides the
creation of strategies to address these threats and
can cover diverse areas like food security, socio-
economic factors, and extreme weather patterns.
Co-Benefit
Additional advantages or benefits (e.g., health,
economic, societal) that arise indirectly from climate
adaptation and mitigation measures.
Co-generation
A facility or system that simultaneously and
efficiently produces multiple forms of energy, usually
heat and power, in an integrated manner.
Community Choice Aggregation (CCA)
CCA programs, or sometimes known as “Community
Power Aggregation”, empower local governments to
source power for their citizens, businesses, and
municipal facilities from alternative providers, while
still utilizing the distribution services of their existing
utilities. Setting up a CCA generally needs state-level
legislation. For more details, one can visit EPA’s
dedicated CCA website: [EPA’s CCA webpage
https://www.epa.gov/green-power-
markets/community-choice-aggregation ]
Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
A system designed to concurrently generate
electricity and useful heat, aiming for optimal energy
use. Some utilities might sell the heat produced for
public use, while certain industries might sell surplus
electricity to other businesses or utility companies.
Community Power Aggregation
Refer to “Community Choice Aggregation”
Community Solar / Community Solar Garden (CSG)
Shared solar installations that allow community
members to benefit from solar energy without
installing panels on individual properties.
Participants receive bill credits based on their share
of the generated power. Generally, the electricity
from community solar farms is priced lower than
traditional utility rates.
Complete Streets
A street design concept that ensures streets are
made to accommodate all users safely and
efficiently, regardless of their mode of
transportation or age.
Consistency
6.1
Resilient Crystal Abbreviations and Glossary of Terms
6
Ensuring that an inventory remains uniform in its
methodologies and data over time. If the same
methods and datasets are consistently applied over
years, then the inventory is considered consistent.
Continuous Emission Monitor (CEM)
A monitoring system placed within smokestacks or
other emission sources that continuously measures
and reports air emissions.
Cool Roof
Roofing materials engineered to reflect more
sunlight and absorb less heat, thereby reducing the
heat transferred to the building or its surroundings.
Cool Pavement
Pavement materials designed to reflect sunlight and
decrease heat absorption, minimizing heat transfer
to the nearby environment.
Criteria Air Pollutant
Specific air pollutants for which permissible
exposure levels are determined, and corresponding
air quality standards are established. Examples
include carbon monoxide, ozone, and various
particulates. The term arises from the U.S. EPA's
obligation to define these pollutants and their
impacts on health and the environment. Standards
can be reviewed and updated based on new
scientific information.
D
Decarbonization
The transition towards reducing carbon emissions by
adopting cleaner energy sources, enhancing energy
efficiency, or capturing and storing released carbon.
The ultimate aim is to minimize the climate impact
and move towards a carbon-neutral society.
Deforestation
The conversion of forested areas into non-forest
uses. Deforestation is often linked to the amplified
greenhouse effect for two main reasons: the
combustion or decay of wood releases carbon
dioxide, and the removed trees no longer absorb
atmospheric carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.
Demand Side Management (DSM)
Initiatives designed to modify consumer energy
consumption patterns using methods like education
and financial incentives. DSM seeks to reduce energy
consumption, particularly during peak demand
periods, and shift usage to times when demand is
typically lower.
Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC)
DCFC charging is designed to deliver more power at
faster speeds than Level 2 chargers with outputs
ranging from 50 kW to 350 kW. They can recharge
an EV battery to 80% in anywhere from 15 minutes
to 45 minutes, depending on the vehicle's voltage
capacity. DCFC is also sometimes known as “Level 3
charging”, or “Rapid Charging”.
Distillate Fuel Oil
A category of petroleum products obtained through
standard distillation processes. This encompasses
diesel fuels and fuel oils, including types like No. 1,
No. 2, and No. 4 diesel fuel. These products are used
in various engines, from road vehicles to trains and
agricultural equipment. Additionally, No. 1, No. 2,
and No. 4 fuel oils are typically employed for heating
spaces and generating electricity.
District Heating
A system that distributes heat, generated at a
centralized point, via a network of pipes to provide
heating for homes and businesses in a specified area
or community.
E
Ecosystem Services
The benefits ecosystems offer to human welfare.
These benefits range from tangible resources like
water and food to services like air purification, flood
control, and climate stabilization.
Electric Vehicle (EV)
A vehicle that can be powered by an electric motor
that draws electricity from a battery and is capable
of being charged from an external source. An EV
includes both a vehicle that can only be powered by
an electric motor that draws electricity from a
battery (all-electric vehicle) and a vehicle that can be
powered by an electric motor that draws electricity
from a battery and by an internal combustion engine
(plug-in hybrid electric vehicle).
6.1
Resilient Crystal Abbreviations and Glossary of Terms
7
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
The infrastructure that allows electric vehicles to
charge from an electricity source. It's also known as
an EV charging station, EV charger, or charging dock.
EVSE takes electrical power from the grid and
transfers it to the vehicle's battery.
Emissions
The act of discharging certain substances, often
gases in the context of climate change, into the
environment.
Emission Factor
A value that signifies the amount of a gas emitted or
removed per unit of activity. This coefficient is
usually derived from a collection of measurement
data and provides a representative emission rate for
a set of specific conditions.
Emission Inventory
A calculation of the total pollutants released into the
atmosphere from various significant sources,
measured over a defined period, such as daily or
annually.
Emission Rate
The quantity of a specific pollutant released over a
set duration, commonly expressed in units like tons
per year.
Energy Burden
The fraction of a household's total income spent on
energy costs. An "high" energy burden is identified
when energy costs comprise 6% or more of the
household income, while it's deemed "severe" if
above 10%.
Energy Savings / Energy Efficiency
Refers to the sustainable reduction in the amount of
energy consumed for the same level of output or
performance. For instance, a modern heater that
requires less energy to provide the same warmth
results in energy efficiency improvements.
Energy Tariff
A pricing structure, or utility tariff, that dictates how
consumers are charged by energy providers for their
electric or gas consumption. Energy tariffs are
subject to government approval and review.
Environmental Justice
The equitable treatment and active participation of
all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity,
income, or origin, in the processes related to
environmental laws, policies, and regulations.
Equity
Being just and fair in treatment, acknowledging that
people have diverse circumstances and providing
them with the necessary resources and
opportunities to achieve equal outcomes. In terms of
climate change, equity encompasses both shielding
from environmental hazards and ensuring access to
environmental benefits, irrespective of socio-
economic factors.
F
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
A federal agency that leads the country's response to
disasters, including natural disasters, man-made
incidents, and terrorist events.
Fluorocarbons
Molecules made up of carbon and fluorine, which
can also include elements like hydrogen, chlorine, or
bromine. Some well-known types are
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs),
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and perfluorocarbons
(PFCs).
Flux
(1) Materials, like limestone and dolomite, used to
moderate the heat or energy demands of mineral
processing, like metal smelting. They can also
function as agents to produce slag. (2) The rate or
volume of a liquid or gas moving across a specific
area over time, such as the " CO2 absorption rate by
forests".
Fossil Fuel
Deposits of hydrocarbons formed from ancient
organic matter, including coal, oil, and natural gas.
Fuel Combustion
The intentional burning of materials in a device
designed to provide heat or mechanical energy. This
process can be for direct application or use
elsewhere.
Fuel Switch (see also “Beneficial Electrification”)
6.1
Resilient Crystal Abbreviations and Glossary of Terms
8
The process of transitioning from one energy source
to another, commonly from non-renewable sources
like fossil fuels to renewable ones like wind or solar,
to reduce both costs and emissions.
Fugitive Emissions
Unintentional leaks of gases from surfaces such as
seals or underground pipelines due to deterioration
or faults.
G
Geologic Carbon Sequestration
The practice of capturing CO2, often from sources
like coal-powered plants, and injecting it deep
underground for storage. With careful site selection
and management, this approach has potential in
reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
GHG
Refer to “Greenhouse Gas”
Global Environmental Change
Significant, accelerated alterations to Earth's natural
systems, encompassing climate shifts, biodiversity
loss, resource depletion, pollution, and other large-
scale environmental disruptions.
Global Warming
The average rise in atmospheric temperature near
the Earth's surface and within the troposphere,
which can lead to shifts in global climate. This
warming can arise from both natural phenomena
and human activities. Typically, "global warming" is
used to refer to the temperature increase resulting
from the enhanced emissions of greenhouse gases
due to human actions. See also Climate Change.
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
An index that calculates the radiative effects of
greenhouse gases, considering their ability to trap
heat compared to carbon dioxide over a specified
timeframe. The GWP evaluates the cumulative effect
of these gases in the atmosphere based on their
longevity and their potential to absorb infrared
radiation. The Kyoto Protocol uses GWPs derived
from 100-year timespan emissions.
GCoM Global Covenant of Mayors
GCoM represents the world's largest alliance
dedicated to urban climate leadership. Comprising
over 10,000 city and local governments, GCoM's goal
is to encourage and support action on climate and
energy at the grassroots level globally.
Green Streets
An urban design approach that incorporates plant
life, soil, and engineered structures to manage, slow,
and purify stormwater runoff from surfaces that
don't absorb water.
Greenhouse Effect
A natural process where specific gases in the
atmosphere trap heat near the Earth's surface,
leading to a warming effect. If concentrations of
these greenhouse gases increase, this effect
intensifies, leading to a gradual increase in the
Earth's temperature.
Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse
Gas Emissions Inventories
A comprehensive and transparent framework
adopted globally for cities and local governments to
consistently measure, calculate, and report their
greenhouse gas emissions.
Greenhouse Gas
A gas that can absorb and emit infrared radiation,
contributing to the greenhouse effect. Some
common greenhouse gases include water vapor,
carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and certain
industrial gases like hydrofluorocarbons.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Efforts aimed at diminishing the amount of
greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere,
thereby mitigating potential adverse climate
impacts.
Green Infrastructure
Green infrastructure encompasses a diverse array of
green spaces and features, both in urban and rural
areas, that serve to enhance the well-being of
communities and provide environmental
advantages. It extends beyond traditional open
spaces like parks and playing fields to include a range
of measures that use plant or soil systems,
permeable pavement and surfaces, stormwater
harvest and reuse, or landscaping to manage
stormwater and reduce flows to sewer systems or to
surface waters. This approach helps counter water
pollution in urbanized areas caused by stormwater
carrying contaminants.
6.1
Resilient Crystal Abbreviations and Glossary of Terms
9
Green Roof
A roof that incorporates vegetation over a
waterproof layer. Green roofs can be categorized as
extensive, intensive, or semi-intensive based on the
depth of planting medium and amount of
maintenance they require. They offer benefits like
mitigating the heat island effect, managing
stormwater, and enhancing green space in urban
areas.
Green Wall
This is a vertical extension of the green roof concept,
where vegetation is grown on building exteriors.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
The total value of goods and services produced
within a country's borders in a specific timeframe,
typically a year. It doesn't account for the
depreciation of assets or depletion of natural
resources.
Groundwater
Water located beneath the Earth's surface, filling the
spaces between soils and rocks.
H
Halocarbons
A group of organic compounds composed partially of
halogens. They encompass chlorofluorocarbons
(CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs),
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), halons, and more. Many
halocarbons have significant Global Warming
Potentials and some also contribute to ozone layer
depletion.
Hazard
The potential for an event, whether natural or
human-induced, to cause harm to people, property,
infrastructure, or the environment.
Heat Island
An urban area that exhibits higher temperatures
than its surrounding rural areas due to human
activities. This phenomenon is attributed to factors
like heat-absorbing surfaces and structures. See also
“Micro Heat Island”.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Systems that regulate and move heated and cooled
air throughout buildings. HVAC systems are used to
improve air quality and maintain a comfortable
indoor climate.
Hydrocarbons
Compounds made up of only hydrogen and carbon
atoms. The term can also refer to petroleum
compounds which might contain elements like
sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen. Unsaturated
hydrocarbons contain either double or triple carbon-
carbon bonds.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
Molecules made up of hydrogen, fluorine, and
carbon. These were developed as replacements for
ozone-depleting substances and are used in a variety
of industrial processes. While HFCs don't deplete the
ozone layer, they are potent greenhouse gases with
varying Global Warming Potentials.
I
ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability
An association of local governmental entities
focused on reducing carbon emissions and fostering
sustainable urban growth. ICLEI members, along
with a team of specialists, collaborate through
capacity building, partnerships, and peer interaction
to effect change towards urban sustainability.
Impact
A consequence or effect that arises due to climate
change on any system's structure or functioning.
Examples include severe heatwaves, sea-level rise,
or alterations in rainfall causing floods or droughts.
Indicator
A numerical representation highlighting a specific
facet of vulnerability to climate change. For instance,
a forecasted alteration in annual average
temperature or the count of species at risk.
Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle (ICE)
Vehicles which ignite and combust fuel within an
internal combustion engine. Fuels used in ICE
vehicles are typically gasoline and diesel.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Founded in 1988 by the World Meteorological
Organization and the United Nations Environment
Programme, the IPCC is tasked with evaluating
scientific and technical information related to all
aspects of climate change. The IPCC informs
6.1
Resilient Crystal Abbreviations and Glossary of Terms
10
governments about the state of knowledge of
climate change by examining all the relevant
scientific literature on the subject. The IPCC is
scientific entity and is not a legislative body.
K
Kilowatt Hour (kWh)
A unit representing electrical energy consumption,
equivalent to using 1,000 watts continuously for an
hour.
Kyoto Protocol
A supplement to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ratified in
Kyoto, Japan, in 1997. This protocol incorporates
legally binding obligations to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. Countries listed in the Protocol's Annex B
pledged to reduce their emissions of six major
greenhouse gases by at least 5% from 1990 levels
between 2008 and 2012. The Protocol became
effective on February 16, 2005.
L
Land Use and Land Use Change
Land use pertains to the human activities performed
on a certain type of land cover. Meanwhile, land use
change denotes alterations in how land is managed
or utilized by humans, which can influence land
cover. Changes in land cover and land use can affect
climate properties such as surface albedo and
greenhouse gas sources/sinks, potentially
influencing climate on various scales.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED)
LEED is a certification system for evaluating and
promoting sustainable building and design practices.
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council
(USGBC), LEED provides a framework for
environmentally responsible construction, aiming to
improve energy efficiency, reduce water usage, and
decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings can
earn LEED certification at different levels (Certified,
Silver, Gold, or Platinum) based on their
performance across several criteria, including energy
use, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable
site development.
Level 1 Charger
An electric vehicle charging device that provides
charging through a common residential 120-volt
(120V) AC outlet. Level 1 chargers can take 40-50+
hours to charge a BEV to 80 percent from empty and
5-6 hours for a PHEV.
Level 2 Charger
An electric vehicle charging device with a higher AC
charging capacity than Level 1 chargers. They
typically operate at 240V for residential use
or 208V for commercial use. Level 2 chargers can
charge a BEV to 80 percent from empty in 4-10
hours and a PHEV in 1-2 hours.
LIDAC Communities
Low Income / Disadvantaged Communities
(LIDACs): Communities where residents have low
incomes, limited access to resources, and face
disproportionate environmental or climate burdens.
Living Streets
"Living streets" amalgamate the principles of green
streets and complete streets while emphasizing the
enhancement of residents' life quality in urban
areas.
LULUCF
An abbreviation for "Land Use, Land Use Change,
and Forestry," a category in greenhouse gas
inventory documentation.
M
Megawatt Hour (MWH)
An electrical energy unit denoting the consumption
of a million watts over an hour.
Methane (CH4)
A hydrocarbon that acts as a greenhouse gas with a
global warming potential estimated to be 28 times
stronger than carbon dioxide. Methane arises from
several sources, including decomposition in landfills,
flooded rice fields, digestion in animals, and fossil
fuel production. The GWP value is sourced from the
IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report (AR5).
Metric Ton
Equivalent to a Megagram or 1,000 kilograms, a
metric ton, sometimes referred to as a metric tonne,
is a standard international unit for mass.
Micro Heat Island
Smaller localized zones within urban environments
experiencing elevated temperatures in comparison
6.1
Resilient Crystal Abbreviations and Glossary of Terms
11
to surrounding areas. Such hotspots might include
asphalt roads, non-green roofs, or barren parking
lots. The microclimate and unique built environment
conditions heavily influence these micro heat
islands. Refer also to "Heat Island".
Million Metric Tons (MMT)
A standard measurement often utilized in
greenhouse gas documentations, equivalent to a
Teragram (Tg).
Mitigation
Efforts to reduce or curb the extent or speed of long-
term climatic warming and its associated effects.
Mitigation typically encompasses the reduction of
human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.
Mobile Sources
Transportation means that emit pollutants, including
cars, motorbikes, trucks, off-road vehicles, boats,
and planes.
Mode Share
The proportion of travelers opting for a specific
mode of transportation. Mode share serves as a vital
metric when shaping sustainable transportation
strategies in a city or region, as it highlights the
prevalent use of different transport options. This
metric showcases the effectiveness of
infrastructures, policies, investments, and urban
designs in facilitating various transport modes.
Model
A model serves as a numerically-based
representation of real-world scenarios, often
omitting or simplifying certain details to emphasize
core elements.
Municipal Power Aggregation
Refer to “Community Choice Aggregation.”
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)
Waste originating from homes and certain non-
hazardous industrial, institutional, and commercial
sources. Typically, this waste is directed to municipal
disposal sites.
N
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA)
A US agency responsible for weather forecasting,
monitoring oceanic and atmospheric conditions,
charting the seas, conducting deep-sea exploration,
and managing fishing and protection of marine
mammals and endangered species in the US
exclusive economic zone.
Natural Sources
Emission sources that aren't human-induced,
including biological, geological sources, wildfires,
and dust carried by the wind.
Net Energy Metering (NEM)
Net Energy Metering, commonly referred to as Net
Metering, enables residential and business
consumers generating their own solar energy to sell
their surplus electricity back to the grid. The rate
schedule for NEM determines compensation for this
electricity. While net metering laws exist in many
states, in others, utilities may offer these programs
either voluntarily or due to regulatory decisions.
Net Zero Emissions (NZE)
Pertains to a community, business, institution, or
building that produces the same amount of energy it
consumes through renewable and GHG emission-
free sources, resulting in zero net emissions over a
year. With a net zero target, only a small portion of
residual emissions, no more than 5-10%, should be
offset using high-quality carbon removal methods.
Nitrogen Fixation
The process where atmospheric nitrogen gas
transforms into forms beneficial for plants and other
organisms, achieved through lightning, bacteria, and
blue-green algae. This process is integral to the
nitrogen cycle.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
Gaseous compounds comprising nitrogen and
oxygen. These gases emerge from vehicle exhaust
and power generation. As they can form
photochemical ozone, impact visibility, and harm
health, they're deemed pollutants.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
A potent greenhouse gas with a warming potential
265 times greater than carbon dioxide. Key sources
encompass soil management practices, fossil fuel
burning, and biomass combustion. Its global
6.1
Resilient Crystal Abbreviations and Glossary of Terms
12
warming potential is derived from the IPCC's Fifth
Assessment Report (AR5).
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)
A group that works independently of governments
to improve social conditions. NGOs are often non-
profit institutions that are established at the
community, national, or international level.
O
Ozone (O3)
A gaseous compound composed of three oxygen
atoms. In the troposphere, ozone forms naturally
and through photochemical reactions involving
human-produced gases. In the stratosphere, it forms
when solar UV radiation interacts with diatomic
oxygen. While tropospheric ozone is a greenhouse
gas, stratospheric ozone is vital for blocking harmful
UV radiation.
Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)
Compounds causing the depletion of the
stratospheric ozone layer. This category includes
substances like CFCs, HCFCs, halons, and more.
These substances, predominantly stable in the
troposphere, degrade in the stratosphere under UV
radiation, releasing ozone-depleting chlorine or
bromine.
P
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
Man-made compounds solely composed of carbon
and fluorine. Used as substitutes to ozone-depleting
substances and emitted during certain industrial
processes. Despite not depleting the ozone, they are
formidable greenhouse gases. (IPCC's Fourth
Assessment Report (AR4))
Phantom Load
Refers to the power consumed by electronic devices
and appliances even when switched off. Devices
drawing "phantom loads" constantly utilize
electricity.
Photosynthesis
A biological process where plants absorb carbon
dioxide to produce carbohydrates, releasing oxygen
in the process. The mechanism varies based on
different atmospheric carbon dioxide
concentrations.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
A type of vehicle that combines features of both
gasoline-powered and electric vehicles. PHEVs use
batteries to power an electric motor, and another
fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, to power an internal
combustion engine or other propulsion source.
PHEVs can charge their batteries through charging
equipment and regenerative braking.
Plug Load
Refers to the energy consumption of devices
plugged into electrical outlets. In offices, major plug
loads include computers, printers, and copiers. As
buildings become more energy efficient, the relative
importance of plug loads increases.
POC
An acronym for “people of color” or “person of
color”, encompassing all non-white demographic
groups. See also “BIPOC.”
Point Sources
Specific locations emitting pollutants into the
atmosphere, like industrial smokestacks.
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
A contract where one party, the generator, produces
electricity, and the other, the buyer, agrees to
purchase it. Individual or grouped customers can
forge PPAs with energy developers. PPAs enable
long-term renewable energy commitments and can
serve as direct renewable energy investments.
Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)
A financial structure allowing property owners to
fund renewable energy and energy efficiency
improvements. Eligible properties include
residential, commercial, and industrial sites.
Upgrades can be geared toward energy efficiency,
renewable energy, and water conservation.
Process Emissions
These are emissions resulting from chemical
transformations in industrial processes that are
distinct from burning.
R
RCP 8.5
A Representative Concentration Pathway climate
model frequently considered the climate model
representing “business as usual” forecasts if global
6.1
Resilient Crystal Abbreviations and Glossary of Terms
13
GHG emissions are not reduced and fossil fuels are
continued to be used.
Radiative Forcing
A shift in equilibrium between incoming sunlight and
outgoing infrared radiation. Ordinarily, the Earth's
incoming and outgoing radiations are almost
balanced. However, the introduction of greenhouse
gases captures more infrared radiation, reflecting it
back to Earth's surface, leading to a warming effect.
Reforestation
The act of reintroducing forests on lands that once
held forests but were later repurposed.
Regeneration
The process of reestablishing young trees, either
naturally or through human intervention, typically
preserving the existing forest type after the previous
forest has been removed.
Renewable Energy
Energy sourced from naturally renewable elements
such as the sun, wind, water, and geothermal heat.
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)
Certificates representing the benefits and attributes
of electricity generated from renewable sources.
Each REC represents one megawatt-hour (MWh) of
renewable electricity dispatched to the grid. The
largest reduction in Evanston's emissions is
attributed to REC purchases.
Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP)
Climate change scenarios to project future
greenhouse gas concentrations. These pathways
describe future greenhouse gas concentrations and
have been formally adopted by the IPCC. There are
a range of RCP climate models from RCP 2.6 to RCP
8.5 reflecting a range of potential human-made GHG
emission scenarios. The numbers represent the
expected change in radiative forcing through the end
of the 21st century.
Residence Time
The typical duration a single atom or molecule
remains in a particular storage area. In the context
of greenhouse gases, it generally refers to the
duration a molecule lingers in the atmosphere.
Resilience / Resiliency
The capacity to foresee, ready for, counteract, and
promptly bounce back from climate-induced threats,
ensuring minimal damage to society, economy, and
natural settings.
Resilience Hub
A resilience hub is a community-serving facility that
supports residents and communities before, during,
and after emergencies. Resilience hubs can also
provide resources to support communities in
reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Reservoir
Either (1) a part of the climate system where a
greenhouse gas or its precursor is housed; or (2)
human-manipulated water bodies where significant
variations in water area might occur due to water
regulation.
Respiration
A biological process where living entities transform
organic substances into carbon dioxide, using up
oxygen and releasing energy in the process.
Retro-commissioning
A comprehensive approach to enhance a building's
operational efficiency by ensuring its control systems
operate optimally and align with the building's
intended and actual usage.
Ride-share
A system where individuals share transport means,
usually through carpooling or joining a vanpool.
Typically facilitated by a platform connecting drivers
with potential riders.
S
Scope 1
Refers to emissions discharged directly within the
city's boundaries due to fossil fuel combustion and
the decomposition of waste in landfills and
wastewater facilities.
Scope 2
Refers to emissions generated outside the city
resulting from the city's consumption of electricity.
Scope 3
Pertains to emissions linked to local government
functions that can be quantified and disclosed but
6.1
Resilient Crystal Abbreviations and Glossary of Terms
14
don't fall under Scope 1 or 2. Examples include
outsourced activities and commuting of employees.
Short Ton
A standard ton measurement in the U.S., equivalent
to 2,000 lbs or about 0.907 metric tons.
Sink
Any activity, process, or mechanism responsible for
removing a greenhouse gas, aerosol, or their
precursor from the atmosphere.
Social Cost of Carbon
An estimation of the economic damage due to
climate change effects, calculated as the monetary
value of total damages arising from emitting a single
ton of carbon dioxide.
Solar Radiation
The sun's emitted electromagnetic waves. This
radiation, also known as shortwave radiation, has
wavelengths mainly in the visible spectrum due to
the Sun's temperature.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
A system that directly transforms sunlight into
electricity using semiconductors, primarily silicon.
Suitable for homes, businesses, and large-scale
operations, solar PV systems can be roof-mounted,
ground-based, or integrated into building structures
to produce renewable energy.
Source
Any process or activity that introduces greenhouse
gases, aerosols, or their precursors into the
atmosphere.
Stationary Sources
Fixed locations like power stations, manufacturing
plants, and refineries that emit pollutants into the
air.
Strategy / Strategic Goal
Detailed directions built upon the foundation of the
sustainability vision and GHG reduction objectives
that guide future policy decisions, community
investments, and initiatives.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
A molecule made of one sulfur atom and two oxygen
atoms. Released both naturally and by human
activity, it can transform into sulfate aerosols in the
atmosphere. These aerosols can cool the Earth's
surface, contribute to acid rain, and decrease
visibility.
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)
A colorless gas that mixes well with alcohol and
ether but less so with water. It's an extremely potent
greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential
much higher than carbon dioxide (CO2). SF6 is
predominantly used in electricity transmission and
as an insulator in electronics. Its global warming
potential is derived from the IPCC's Fourth
Assessment Report (AR4). It is a potent greenhouse
gas with a warming potential 23,500 times greater
than carbon dioxide.
T
Terrestrial Carbon Sequestration
The process where trees, plants, and crops absorb
carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through
photosynthesis and store it as carbon in biomass
(like tree stems, branches, and roots) and soil. This
stored carbon creates "sinks" which counteract
emissions when the absorbed carbon is greater than
the released carbon over time.
Therm
A unit of energy equivalent to 100,000 British
Thermal Units, roughly akin to the energy in 100
cubic feet of natural gas. Commonly used to gauge
natural gas consumption for billing.
Total Organic Gases (TOG)
Organic gases that encompass both reactive and
relatively non-reactive compounds, such as
methane.
Transparency
Clear presentation of methodologies and
assumptions used in an inventory so users can easily
replicate and evaluate the inventory. Transparency is
crucial for effective communication and
consideration of information.
Tree Bank
A designated location, such as a school or public
park, where property owners or developers may
donate and plant a portion of zoning ordinance-
required trees if planting them within their own
project site is not practical.
6.1
Resilient Crystal Abbreviations and Glossary of Terms
15
Trend
A measure of a quantity's change over time. A
positive trend signifies growth, while a negative one
indicates a decline. It’s expressed in percentage or
fractional terms concerning the quantity's initial
value.
U
Urban Tree Canopy
The composition and traits of trees in urban settings.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
A federal agency that oversees the nation’s nuclear
infrastructure, energy policy, and funds scientific
research in the field.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
A federal agency tasked with safeguarding human
health and the environment. It offers technical
support for recovery planning, long-term cleanup,
and environmental surveillance. This includes
assistance with public health infrastructure, such as
wastewater treatment plants, and addressing
threats through monitoring, assessment, and
decontamination efforts.
V
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
Represents the distance traveled by vehicles, be it
cars, trucks, or motorcycles. Each mile is counted as
one vehicle mile, irrespective of the number of
passengers.
Vision Zero
A strategy focused on eliminating severe injuries and
fatalities from traffic accidents, aiming to provide
safe and equal mobility for all individuals.
Vulnerability
The extent to which a system is exposed to, sensitive
to, or unable to handle the adverse impacts of
climate change. This encompasses:
• Exposure: The presence of assets or organisms in
areas potentially adversely impacted by climate
change.
• Sensitivity: The level at which assets or organisms
are impacted by climate change.
• Adaptive capacity: The capability of systems,
assets, or organisms to adjust to detrimental
impacts.
W
Water Vapor
The predominant greenhouse gas present in the
form of water in its gaseous state in the atmosphere.
Water vapor is a natural part of the greenhouse
effect. Its concentration is not significantly altered
by human activities, but it amplifies the greenhouse
effect due to positive feedback mechanisms. Water
vapor also plays a vital role in climate regulation by
forming clouds and precipitation.
Weather
Weather represents the immediate atmospheric
conditions at a specific time and place, while climate
refers to the long-term average of these conditions
in a particular region over an extended period. In
simpler terms, weather is what you experience
outdoors on any given day, while climate describes
the typical weather patterns you'd anticipate for a
particular season and location.
Z
Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV)
A vehicle that doesn't release harmful pollutants
during its operation. Examples include electric cars,
hydrogen-fueled vehicles, and bicycles. These
emissions, when released, can have detrimental
effects on both the environment and human health.
Zero Net Energy Building (ZNEB)
Also known as a Net-Zero Energy Building is one that
is optimally efficient, and over the course of a year,
generates renewable energy onsite equal to or
greater than the total amount of energy consumed
onsite.
Zero Waste
An approach focusing on the efficient utilization of
resources through responsible production,
consumption, and recovery. This means products,
packaging, and materials are reused and recycled
without causing harm to the environment or health,
and without resorting to incineration or releases to
land, water, or air.
6.1
We are grateful to the community members, partners, and organizations whose insights shaped this plan. The contributors liste d
below played key roles in bringing the Resilient Crystal 2035 Plan to life:
E -1CITY OF CRYSTAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Appendix E
Acknowledgements
Climate Action Planning Team - Volunteers
Amanda Lindberg Resident
Amber Ballweg Resident
Renae Bowman Resident- SC Commissioner &
School Board
Patrick Sundquist Resident
Kassidy Swanson Resident - Former PR
Commissioner
Ryan Johnson Resident
Jessi Eidbo Resident- SC Commissioner
Harley Heigel Resident
Rachel Braaten Resident
Leanne Russell
Fate Resident- SC Commissioner
Penny Warren Resident
Gerardo Jacobo Resident
Forest Eidbo Council Member
Terri Schultz Basset Creek Watershed
Joan Hauer Basset Creek Watershed
John Budziszewski Council Member
Climate Action Planning Team - Staff
Adam Bell City of Crystal, City Manager
Sarah Nissen City of Crystal, Administrative
Program Specialist
Jesse Struve Public Works Director
John Sutter Community Development
Director
Dan Olson City Planner
Kim Therres Assistant City Manager / HR
Director
Mike Peterson Communications Manager
John Elholm Parks & Rec Director
www.paleBLUEdot.llc
Consultant Team
Climate Action Planner
and Team Lead:
6.1
6.1
2027 Proposed
Budget
GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET & CAPITAL PLAN
WEST METRO FIRE-RESCUE DISTRICT
6.2
2027 Budget Overview
Total 2027 Revenue: $4,231,226
General Operating Budget: $3,610,300
Capital Contribution reduced from $400,000 to
$100,000
Engine Lease increased to $287,326
Overall increase over 2026: $216,718 = 4.93%
West Metro Fire-Rescue District
6.2
Key Operating Budget Drivers
Personnel remains the largest operational expense
Regular Salaries increase tied to staffing and
operational demands
Part-time staffing increase supports response model
continuity
Communications and technology expenses
continue to rise
Health insurance and benefit costs continue
trending upward
West Metro Fire-Rescue District
6.2
Personnel & Staffing
Investments
Regular Salaries: $1,530,000
Part-Time Salaries: $760,000
PERA Contributions: $267,000
Continued focus on response reliability and staffing
consistency
Supports firefighter recruitment, retention, and
operational readiness
West Metro Fire-Rescue District
6.2
Capital Plan Overview
Beginning Capital Fund Balance: $1,758,689
Total 2027 Capital Expenditures: $439,825
Committed Capital Funds: $1,019,744
Projected Non-Committed Fund Balance: $299,120
Continued focus on maintaining operational
readiness and long-term sustainability
West Metro Fire-Rescue District
6.2
Strategic Discussion Points
Balancing operational needs with long-term
sustainability
Maintaining reserve balances and capital
replacement schedules
Impact of SAFER funding changes
Future apparatus and facility planning
Continued investment in staffing and firefighter
wellness
West Metro Fire-Rescue District
6.2
2027 Revenue Summary
Category 2026 2027
General Operating $3,038,583 $3,610,300
Capital
Contribution
$400,000 $100,000
Pension Fund $180,000 $80,000
Engine Lease $252,325 $287,326
Total Revenue $4,014,508 $4,231,226
Source: Preliminary 2027 WMFRD Budget Documents
6.2
Cost Sharing Formula
6.2
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