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L a k e E l m o c o m m u n i t y s o l a r g a r d e n n o w p o w e r s l o c a l h o m e s The City of Lake Elmo continues to pursue practical, locally focused sustainability initiatives that support long- term community well-being. A recent example is the Lake Elmo Community Solar Garden, developed by Cooperative Energy Futures. The project provides residents with access to clean, affordable, renewable energy without upfront costs or the need for rooftop installation. The solar garden is located on land north of Sunfish Lake, owned by Lake Elmo resident and Economic Development Authority Commission Chair Tony Manzara. Revenue from the solar lease will help fund the Sally Mazara Interpretive Nature Center in the long term. The project also participates in the state’s Low- and Moderate-Income Accessible Community Solar Garden Program, which requires at least 30% of the solar capacity to serve qualifying households. According to Andrew Ulasich of the Minnesota Department of Commerce, participants are guaranteed savings on their utility bills. Overall, members of Cooperative Energy Futures typically see energy cost savings of 10–20%. Subscribers saw their first bill credits in December, and the project is now fully subscribed. Page 5The Source | Winter 2026 Lake Elmo Economic DevelopmentAuthority Chair Tony Manzara and councilmember Jeff Holtz cut the ribbon for thelaunch of the Community Solar Garden. Kickstart your plastic-f ree journey: Takethe Plastic-Free Challenge With so many single-use plastic items in our lives, avoiding them can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there is a lot we can do to help create a world with less plastic. Are you up for the challenge? Join the Plastic-Free Challenge (tcplasticfree.ecochallenge.org) to explore what’s possible. During the one-month challenge, you learn about plastic recycling, make plastic-free swaps, and advocate for changes in your community. By joining a community acting together, you’ll see how our individual actions add up to a big impact! About the Plastic-Free Challenge The Plastic-Free Challenge is a month-long effort starting February 1 to reduce how many plastics you use in your life in ways that best fit your lifestyle and have the most impact on reducing your footprint. The challenge has over 80 actions to choose from in eight categories. Learn more, sign up, and get ready to kickstart your plastic-free journey at tcplasticfree.ecochallenge.org. Lakeelmo.gov COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT