how to get involved now:
Creating the City of La Crescent’s Sustainability and Resilience Plan
The City of La Crescent values environmental stewardship and has been a part of the Minnesota GreenStep cities program since 2015. The Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. The City has achieved Step 5 status – the highest recognition the program offers. You can learn more about the City’s GreenStep accomplishments here.
In April 2021, the La Crescent City Council adopted the Energy Action Plan, committing to save residents and businesses on their energy costs and to invest in solutions that help residents access clean, renewable energy. The plan’s goals are to save 1 million dollars for our community members and businesses, and engage residents in energy efficiency, renewable energy and electric vehicle options and actions over the next 10 years.
On July 26, 2021, the City of La Crescent adopted a resolution committing to pursue 100% clean, carbon-neutral energy. The city set goals to power all municipal electricity with carbon-free sources by 2030, supply the entire community’s electricity from carbon-neutral resources by 2035, and achieve net-zero emissions from community-wide energy use by 2050. City officials and staff are directed to consider these aspirational goals in decision-making.
The City is now developing a Sustainability and Resilience Plan (SRP) to guide action towards reducing community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, addressing climate impacts, and building community resilience. This strategic roadmap will engage stakeholders such as local businesses, government agencies, and residents to guide efforts in adapting to climate change and improving energy efficiency in the community. The plan is being developed through a collaborative, multi-stakeholder SRP Planning Team facilitated and supported by the City’s planning consultant, paleBLUEdot.
La Crescent Sustainability Baseline Documents
A significant amount of research is currently being done as a foundation to the City’s work in preparing the Sustainability and Resilience Plan. The research and preliminary recommendations that will be included in these documents are intended as a starting point for the collaborative planning team which will be creating the plan. Please “click” on each document below to view:
Sustainability Baseline Assessment
Climate Vulnerability Assessment
Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Ground Cover Study
Renewable Energy Potential Study
La Crescent Wants Your Input!
Attend a Community Workshop to Provide Input on the Draft Plan
Attend a community meeting to see the Draft Climate Action Plan and provide input to help us finalize the plan.
When: May 19th 6:15-7:45pm
Where: Wieser Memorial Park, 1817 County Rd 6, La Crescent, MN 55947
At this session you’ll learn about the planning process, receive an overview of the Draft Sustainability and Resilience Plan, and have the opportunity to share your thoughts on prioritization of potential actions and give feedback on the draft plan. Your input is essential in creating a sustainable future for La Crescent!
