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Next Steps n order to proceed with development of the program, the workgroup recommends and intends to work to implement the following next steps. Refine program design While draft best practices have been developed by the technical committees (see Appendix E), these require further refinement and review before the program begins. As the work of the four technical committees has not yet been collectively reviewed, potential overlaps and gaps must still be addressed. Creating an online users guide for program participants is also necessary prior to program implementation. Start beta version of program Once program design has been completed, release a "beta' version of the program for cities. This program would be open to all cities, but with the caveat that there will be some program details that still need refining. A number of cities are already interested in helping evaluate and improve the program. The initial experience of these and other cities during the first year would be used to further refine the program for broader implementation in 2010, and to better define the program administration and relationship with the STAR Community Index. If the program is successful with cities, it could be expanded to counties or townships. Because counties and townships have different jurisdictions and cover different issue areas, it recommended that separate best practices be developed if these units of government are to enter the program. 14 Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program Proposal Conduct additional analytic work to assess impact of best practices This analysis would include developing estimates of potential for greenhouse gas reductions through GreenStep Cities efforts in order to link the program to state greenhouse gas reduction goals. The work of developing these estimates should help ensure a solid basis for measuring results from the program, an important and ongoing analytical need for the program. In addition, the development of greenhouse gas inventory "templates" or other tools for cost-effectively identifying greenhouse gas reduction opportunities could reduce the need for cities to develop individual resource -intensive inventories, while providing proven methods for accomplishing greenhouse gas reduction. This mol could provide this information based on several select characteristics of the city; e.g., size, whether they have a water treatment plant, and other differentiating factors. Monitor development of STAR Community Index and other programs Currently the GreenStep Cities Initiative offers a unique opportunity for Minnesota local governments. However, there may also be opportunities as the national STAR Community Index is developed to partner with that larger effort. Already members of the GreenStep workgroup are in contact with staff for the Index.