Minnetonka Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
Act and Adapt
In the fall of 2022, the City of Minnetonka’s Sustainability Commission recommended the creation of a climate action and adaptation plan to serve as a comprehensive guide for how the community can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate. Globally and locally, there is growing urgency to slow the growth of greenhouse gases and transition away from fossil fuels. As warming has already contributed to climate and ecological changes, there is also an urgent need to adapt our communities and strengthen resilience.
LHB worked closely with city staff to develop a process that was grounded in science and that actively engaged Minnetonka citizens and business owners. The resulting plan includes:
- A snapshot of Minnetonka’s current state related to climate action and adaptation.
- Goals and targets for increasing the community’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
- Concrete action steps for individuals, businesses, and city government to meet those goals and links to over 100 resources for more information.
The final plan was enthusiastically adopted by Minnetonka’s City Council on Earth Day 2024, and the first steps towards implementation are underway.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scenario
Goals have been established for 2030 and 2050, with targets and resources outlining how the city can achieve these scenarios.
Community Engagement
Online and in-person community engagement was essential to establishing goals and targets that were in line with what residents wanted to see for their city.
Actionable for All
It was very important to the city and the project team that this plan work for staff, business owners, and residents. Action checklists for climate-friendly homes and climate-friendly businesses were established so strategies and actions could be easily personalized and organized.
Actionable for All
Climate-friendly Minnetonka Actions were organized into a table that included impact level, required resources, and examples/funding opportunities to help city staff prioritize and implement the plan as well.
