Roseville City Council pursues $49K grant for climate action planning with Ramsey County

The Roseville City Council convened on May 6, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding the city's climate action planning and funding sources. The meeting highlighted the city's ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive climate plan, supported by various grants and community engagement initiatives.

The council began by addressing funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (ECBG), which provided $76,000 in formula funding as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. This funding is intended for climate change and resiliency projects. However, the city has faced delays in receiving technical assistance from the Department of Energy, prompting officials to explore additional funding opportunities. A recent application for a local climate action planning grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) was successful, securing $49,975 for the project, which requires a 50% match from the city’s environmental budget.

The climate action plan will be developed in collaboration with Ramsey County, which aims to assist multiple cities, including Roseville, Shoreview, and Lauderdale. The city plans to utilize the grant for robust community engagement, including surveys and workshops, to gather input from residents on climate priorities. A core group of 12 to 15 residents will be formed to ensure diverse representation and to focus on equity and justice throughout the planning process.

Council members expressed the importance of connecting this new climate plan with previous studies, such as the Vulnerable Populations and Climate Adaptation Framework from 2017. They emphasized that the plan should benefit all residents while paying particular attention to those disproportionately affected by climate change.

The timeline for the climate action plan spans from 2025 to 2026, with a goal to finalize the plan by June 2026. The council plans to engage the community actively during the summer months and will present updates and drafts to the council throughout the process.

In addition to the climate action plan, the council discussed ongoing sustainability initiatives, including the implementation of the Green to Go ordinance, finalization of the bike plan, and efforts to enhance recycling and solid waste management.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue engaging the community and ensuring that the climate action plan reflects the values and needs of Roseville residents. The council will reconvene on May 19 to award contracts to consultants for the project.