City communications and sustainability staff presented Oct. 14 on the city’s sustainability communications, recent program metrics and community engagement work.

Communications coordinator Gretchen Zampona reviewed the city’s new sustainability microsite and a suite of “badge” graphics used to mark Climate Action Plan actions across channels. She said Eagan’s community survey shows consistently high ratings for the natural environment (94% rated it good or excellent) and that sustainability content is included regularly in newsletters, social media and a new ETV video series. Zampona described sustainability features at the new Eagan Art House (geothermal heating and cooling, rooftop solar and timber-frame construction) and noted two current municipal geothermal installations and several park buildings with solar.

A city sustainability staff member said the Forestry Division planted more than 100 trees in 2024, conducted roughly 20 acres of prescribed burns and manages about 26 acres of prairie. Staff described an update to ordinance requirements that requires designers and engineers to use a climate‑sensitive rainfall model for stormwater planning.

Sustainability specialist Kelsey Barajas reviewed 2025 engagement activities. Staff reported 653 participants in Earth Week events, support from 92 volunteers and 24 community partners; roughly 1,500 community members had been engaged in 2025 so far. The Sustainable Eagan Academy ran sessions on electric vehicles, food waste and trees; eight youth and 12 adults received academy certificates this year. Staff said a pilot business outreach day reached 78 businesses and identified about 15 businesses seeking follow-up for lighting or HVAC upgrades; CERTs and utility partners were involved.

Barajas presented the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) ambassador training as a local outreach opportunity and outlined three options for commission participation: full commission cohort, a commissioner subteam cohort, or no action. Staff asked commissioners to consider participation and said they would follow up with materials and potential next steps.

Staff also announced a Nov. 5 workshop to plan the 2026 Sustainable Eagan Academy and a student application window that opened Oct. 13 and closes Dec. 7 at midnight.