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St. Anthony 2040 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9: Sustainability <br />172 <br /> <br />EXISTING SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS <br /> <br />At the 2016 League of Minnesota Cities <br />Annual Conference, St. Anthony was <br />recognized with the Sustainable City <br />Award. This acknowledged the years of <br />work and multiple approaches the city <br />has been pursuing to create a more <br />sustainable village. Some of these <br />focuses include: being a leader in <br />organized collection of residential refuse <br />and recycling; the many stormwater <br />projects completed in partnership with <br />water resource professionals; progress <br />in adding routes for safe biking and <br />walking for all residents; considering <br />higher density and mixed-use <br />development when possible; creating <br />and strengthening a pollinator pathway <br />for native insects; and subscribing to a <br />community solar garden and considering <br />future options in energy efficiency and <br />renewable energy. The city continues to <br />seek out the next opportunity to further <br />its mission of being more sustainable and aiding residents to do the same. <br />The city has also partnered with the University of Minnesota Sustainability <br />Studies capstone course to engage community members in a Sustainability Fair <br />at Silverwood Park. At these annual fairs, attendees were introduced to <br />resources and best practices they could bring home with them, research projects <br />conducted by students of the course and further engagement opportunities to <br />keep them involved in city-wide initiatives. The University Studies program also <br />developed sustainability goals that were published on the city’s website in 2013. <br />These goals contained specific outcomes that help guide the City of St. Anthony <br />in sustainability action. <br />In preparation for this Comprehensive Plan Update, the city received a <br />sponsorship grant from the Pollution Control Agency to host a United States <br />Green Building Council ADVANCE workshop to incorporate sustainability into <br />this plan. At this event, Steering Committee, Parks Commissions and community <br />advocates for native plants, walking and biking, and renewable energy conducted <br />round table discussions with industry experts in understanding current conditions <br />and shaping future goals and policies. This type of strategic planning creates a <br />clearer picture of the city’s priorities and how to move forward.