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changing climate. The City was awarded two leaves in 2025. One leaf for developing a Green Team that <br />meets quarterly to provide updates on sustainability progress. The other leaf was received for working <br />with the Washington County Eastern Metro for collaborating on a Tree Stewards volunteer program. <br />This partnership is expected to continue in 2026. Staff would like to achieve at least two more leaves in <br />2026. <br /> <br />2025/2026: B3 Benchmarking <br />B3, which stands for Buildings, Benchmarks, and Beyond uses basic building and meter information to <br />summarize usage, costs, and carbon emissions in monthly and annual reports for public buildings. B3 <br />can track energy, water and solid waste allowing for a wholistic view of a building's usage. The City has <br />worked toward maintaining B3 Benchmarking. Data comes from Xcel Energy. City staff has used B3 to <br />measure the energy performance of city infrastructure since 2024, and the data form part of the Green <br />Step reporting metrics. City staff will continue to explore ways to leverage the platform further. <br /> <br />Green Team Work Plan <br />Guided by The GreenStep Cities and Gold Leaf programs, the City’s Green Team is coordinating across <br />departments to identify and document efforts that are already happening as a part of day-to-day <br />operations. By organizing and tracking this work now, the team is building a better picture of existing <br />progress. This allows the team to set more focused and achievable goals and strengthen ongoing <br />initiatives moving forward. <br /> <br />2026: Climate Chapter in Imagine 2050 Comp Plan <br />Local governments are required to plan for climate change as part of their comprehensive plan. Doing so <br />reduces risks, supports adaptation, and builds a more just, equitable, and resilient region. Climate <br />change is both a threat and opportunity for our region. If we plan for climate change now, we can not <br />only thrive despite its impacts but can also create a more just, equitable, and climate resilient region. <br />The City of Lake Elmo will begin its work to meet the requirements of the Met Council in 2026 & 2027. <br /> <br />2025: Tree City USA Community <br />In 2025, the City of Lake Elmo is expected to receive Tree City USA status for the 20th year in a row. Tree <br />City USA is a program which recognizes the City for ongoing efforts related to expanding and <br />maintaining the tree canopy. Participation in Tree City USA requires the community to celebrate Arbor <br />Day annually with a proclamation and celebration. In 2025, the City of Lake Elmo distributed around 500 <br />trees for free to city residents. The annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway is free to all residents of Lake Elmo. <br /> <br />Tree Fund <br />In 2025, the City of Lake Elmo established a Tree Fund by ordinance to provide a dedicated fund for tree <br />replacement throughout the city. The primary funding sources will be from fee-in-lieu of tree <br />replacement, funds allocated by City Council, and individual and business donations. <br /> <br />• Boulevard Tree Program – Using the Tree Fund, the City of Lake Elmo has implemented a <br />Boulevard Tree Program. Boulevard trees are an essential part of the landscape, providing a <br />range of benefits to residents, including improved air quality, cleaner stormwater, and improved <br />mental health. The goal of the program is to provide street trees to residents who lack trees <br />within the right-of-way along their properties. <br /> <br />Washington County Recycling Grant <br />• 2025: The City received funding for collaborating with Washington County on recycling efforts. <br />Projects for 2025 included purchasing and distributing recyclable totes, improving <br />communication efforts around waste reduction and promoting recycling educational materials.