10-09-2024 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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A final report draft is still in progress; however, a brief summary of each analysis area is outlined below. City Sustainability Efforts Over the past decade, the City of Little Canada has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and the well-being of its residents. The finalized report aims to outline the concrete steps and activities undertaken by the city in furtherance of its sustainability goals. From the adoption of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan with a chapter on Natural Resources and Sustainability to various community engagement efforts and environmental stewardship programs. Little Canada has actively pursued initiatives that promote environmental conservation, resource efficiency, and enhanced quality of life for its residents. By reflecting on these efforts, both recent and historical, the report will highlight the city’s ongoing dedication to creating a sustainable and thriving community. Peer Community Best Practices The final report identifies 11 peer communities: Arden Hills, Lake Elmo, Mahtomedi, Maplewood, Mendota Heights, Mound, North Saint Paul, Roseville, Saint Anthony, Shoreview, and Vadnais Heights. These communities were selected based on the City of Little Canada’s standard comparable community list for research and the benchmark communities used in the 2022 Compensation Study. This section explores the six best practices adopted by these peer communities to varying degrees, as outlined in the GreenStep Cities Best Practices Model, with the exception of Mound, which is not a GreenStep City member. In addition, action items from the Ramsey County Climate Equity Action Plan are included to ensure eventual compliance with Minnesota State law and 2050 Comprehensive Planning, as shared at the recent Ramsey County League of Local Governments Climate Action Planning Workshop. Potential Nonprofit Partners The report will also enumerate potential partnerships with nonprofit organizations engaged in different technical expertise and advocacies, including but not limited to university-based organizations, state/federal agencies and civil society organizations. Applicable Sustainability Legislative Initiatives Recent developments in Minnesota’s state laws regarding sustainability and climate action will influence city-level policies and activities. These legislative changes aim to enhance environmental protection, reduce carbon emissions, and promote sustainable practices across the state. As cities adapt to these new regulations, they are implementing innovative strategies and programs to align with state goals, ensuring a cohesive approach to tackling climate change and fostering sustainable development. The section will the final report will give a brief overview of the recent developments in some of the applicable sustainability related legislation. Potential Grant Opportunities/Funding Sources Finally, the report outlines some potential grant opportunities or funding sources for sustainability or climate action related initiatives and projects.