2026-03-CSCCommunity Services Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 7:00 pm
Richfield Municipal Center: Heredia Room (6700 Portland Ave)
Community Services Commission
Kris Anderson, Husniyah Bradley, Jonathan Doten, Grace McCarthy, Tessa Johanson (Chair), Jessica Johnson-Kreps,
Susie Luttenegger, Margaux Meyer, Jim Reilly, David Vrieze Daniels, Max Weinberger
Staff & Other Liaisons
Rori Coleman-Woods (City Council Liaison), Karl Huemiller (Rec Serv Director), John Evans (Recreation Analyst)
CALL TO ORDER
PUBLIC COMMENT
• Comments and items not printed on agenda
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• Regular February CSC Meeting (2/17/26)
STAFF REPORTS
• Recreation Services (Huemiller)
• Climate Action Plan (Huemiller)
DISCUSSION ITEMS
None
ACTION ITEM
• Friends of Wood Lake Board Appointment
COMMITTEE REPORTS
• Transportation Commission (Bradley)
• FOWL Board (Johnson-Kreps)
• Planning Commission (Vrieze Daniels)
• Arts Commission (Vacant)
• Sustainability Commission (Meyer)
NEXT MEETING Joint Meeting with Sustainability Commission
Tuesday, April 21, 7:00 pm
Richfield Municipal Center (Council Chambers)
ADJOURNMENT
February 17, 2026
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Richfield Municipal Center (6700 Portland Ave)
CSC: Susie Luttenegger, Max Weinberger, Jonathan Doten, Margaux Meyer, Tessa Johanson, David Vrieze Daniels, Jim Reilly, Kris
Anderson
STAFF: John Evans (Analyst), Karl Huemiller (Rec Serv Director) COUNCIL: Rori Coleman-Woods
ABSENT CSC: Husniyah Bradley, Grace McCarthy, Jessica Johnson Kreps
CALL TO ORDER/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chair Johanson called the regular CSC meeting to order at 7:01.
Johanson moved, seconded by Anderson, to approve the minutes of the regular January meeting. Approved, by consensus.
STAFF REPORTS
Recreation Services
Recreation Director Huemiller reported on the following:
• Wood Lake project is on schedule; site tours are being conducted.
• Pool renovation project is on schedule.
• Arena roof project is complete; other work on fascia and lobby are beginning.
• Parks Master Plan revision work will begin in 2026.
• Late Winter programming: maple syruping at Wood Lake, Richfield Public School field trips to Wood Lake are on hold, tax assistance is
underway, family and adult programming very busy, tournaments at the Ice Arena.
ACTION ITEMS
Election of Chair and Vice Chair
CHAIR: Johanson was nominated to be chair. Approved by consensus.
VICE CHAIR: Vrieze Daniels was nominated to be chair. Approved by consensus.
Appointment of Liaisons
LIAISONS: Planning-Vrieze Daniels, Arts-Vacant, Transportation-Bradley, Friends of Wood Lake-Johnson-Kreps, Sustainability-Meyer
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Arts: Huemiller
OTHER/NEXT MEETING/ADJOURNMENT
Regular March Meeting
Tuesday, March 17, 7:00 pm, Municipal Center
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned by consensus at 7:29 p.m.
DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC.
RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Meeting Date: March 17, 2026
Agenda Item
Friends of Wood Lake Board Appointment
Agenda Section
Action Items
Attachments
FOWL Board Application: Jerome Bergquist
Contact
Tessa Johanson
Recommended Action Reappoint Jerome Bergquist to the Friends of Wood Lake Board for a three-year term.
The Community Services Commission appoints members to the Friends of Wood Lake (FOWL) Board of
Directors. Appointments are made throughout the year. Board members serve three-year terms and can be
reappointed to multiple terms. The applicant being considered for reappointment is Jerome Bergquist.
FRIENDS OF WOOD LAKE BOARD APPLICATION
First Name:Jerome Last Name:Bergquist
Address:2837 W 71 1/2 St City:Richfield State:MN Zip Code:55423
I can attend most board meetings:Yes
I will volunteer at one or more Wood Lake events: Halloween (October), Urban Wildland running event (July), or Candlelight and
Ice (December).:Yes
I will help represent Wood Lake at events held in the community by staffing tables, attending social functions, and other
gatherings.:Yes
I will help solicit prizes and sponsorships for the annual FOWL Fundraising Dinner, Wood Lake's largest fundraiser.:Yes
I will attend the FOWL Dinner and help with selling tickets, managing the silent auction, etc.:Yes
I have the following skills or experience to share with FOWL efforts (check all that apply):Fundraising, Public Relations
Civic, professional, or community activities in which you've participated::FOWL Board, ASHRAE membership, Bloomington
Richfield Mountain Riders Mountain Bike Team Leadership
Occupation:Engineer
References (optional):Paul Smithson, Gordon Hanson, Kirk Spencer, Brendan Kennealy
What are your reasons for wanting to join the Friends of Wood Lake Board?:I believe I can continue contributing to the
betterment of the community asset on the FOWL board.
City of Richfield January 2026
Climate Action Plan Update
Plan prepared by Local Climate Solutions Graphics by Jess Vetrano
Special thanks to City of Richfield Staff
Contents
No. 01 Introduction � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1
Plan Update .................................................2
Progress ....................................................3
No. 02 Climate Snapshot � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 4
Greenhouse Gas Emissions ....................................4
Climate Change in Richfield ....................................5
Vulnerability Assessment ......................................8
No. 03 Action Plan � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 14
Goal 1 Develop & Promote Energy Efficiency ..................15
Goal 2 Develop & Promote Sustainable Transportation .........17
Goal 3 Promote Renewable Energy Installation & Purchasing ....18
Goal 4 Encourage Sustainable Design & Building Practices ......19
Goal 5 Strengthen & Expand Natural Resource Management ...20
Goal 6 Reduce Waste Generated ............................22
Goal 7 Improve Access to Local & Healthy Food ..............23
Goal 8 Build Resilience Through Emergency Preparedness
& Public Health .....................................24
Goal 9 Strengthen Internal Capacity ..........................25
City of Richfield January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / IntroduCtIonNo. 01 Introduction
This document is an updated version
of the Climate Action Plan (CAP),
refined to reflect the City’s progress,
reassess priorities, and incorporate
emerging technologies, policies,
and community needs. Richfield has
made considerable progress toward
its climate goals over the past five
years, completing many of the actions
included in the original plan. This
updated CAP builds on that momentum
and advances the City’s long-term goal
of becoming carbon neutral.
As the global temperature rises and climate
systems shift, local weather patterns are becoming
more volatile and unpredictable. It is increasingly
important to reduce emissions and prepare for the
climate impacts that have already begun. These
climate impacts will continue to affect everyone,
with a disproportionate effect on marginalized
populations. This means our friends, family, and
neighbors who are especially at risk, including those
who are seniors, people of color, disabled people,
non-English speakers, low-income households, and
those who are immunocompromised.
The Richfield community has a wealth of diversity
and is committed to ensuring equity in all services
and projects. This CAP reinforces that commitment
by outlining strategies that support the well-being
of our community members. Addressing climate
change in Richfield is an opportunity for cleaner
indoor and outdoor air, more stable energy and
transportation costs, expanded access to healthy
food, complete transportation systems, more active
living, and healthy urban ecosystems—all of which
help to create a more connected, equitable, and
climate-resilient community.
This CAP details actions to help achieve both
short- and long-term goals for Richfield’s
sustainability efforts. The actions stem from policies
included in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, as
well as staff and resident input, and are aimed at
achieving the following nine goals:
1� Develop & Promote Energy Efficiency
2� Develop & Promote Sustainable Transportation
3� Promote Renewable Energy Installation &
Purchasing
4� Encourage Sustainable Design & Building
Practices
5� Strengthen & Expand Natural Resources
6� Reduce Waste Generated
7� Improve Access to Local & Healthy Food
8� Build Resilience through Emergency
Preparedness & Public Health
9� Strengthen Internal Capacity
As the climate continues to change, the
technologies, policies, and best practices needed
to address the causes of climate change will also
evolve. The City of Richfield will modify its efforts to
meet emerging needs and opportunities alongside
these changes. Continued success will require
collaboration across the community, with roles
for residents, businesses, institutions, and City
government. By working together, Richfield can
prepare for future climate impacts while achieving
meaningful benefits today.
City of Richfield 1 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / IntroduCtIonPlan update
The original CAP was designed to be reviewed
and updated regularly to reflect progress, new
opportunities, and evolving community needs.
Since its adoption, several factors have prompted
the City to refine and expand the plan:
Significant progress on climate action:
Many of the actions outlined in the 2020 CAP
have been partially or fully achieved. There is
an opportunity to build on that progress and
identify new priorities.
updated emissions reduction goals:
There is a greater sense of urgency to reduce
emissions more rapidly as we approach the
long-range 1.5°C target set in the Paris Climate
Agreement. This CAP adopts the State goals to
reduce emissions 50% (from 2018) by 2030 and
to be carbon neutral by 2050.
Gaps in public health and emergency preparedness:
Increasing climate hazards have underscored
the need to better integrate public health, social
vulnerability, and emergency preparedness
into the CAP. This plan includes a vulnerability
assessment of how residents, natural resources,
and infrastructure may be impacted by climate
hazards. A new goal has also been added to
bolster the plan.
technological advancements in clean energy:
Improvements in thermal energy systems,
battery storage, and electric appliances
have made electrification more feasible,
cost-effective, and appealing for residents
and businesses. For example, innovations in
geothermal energy have achieved efficiencies
of 500%, meaning the energy output is five
times greater than the energy input. These
systems can be networked so that multiple
buildings can take advantage of the thermal
energy source. Cold climate air source heat
pumps can efficiently produce heat down to
negative 20°F, improving their reliability in
a cold weather state. Lastly, battery storage
technologies have improved while costs have
gone down, making them a more viable source
of back-up electricity.
Each of these factors is reflected in the updated
CAP, creating a more comprehensive and
actionable roadmap for advancing climate
action in Richfield. The remainder of the CAP
is organized to 1) summarize progress made
to date, 2) provide background information on
GHG emissions in the city, 3) highlight projected
climate hazards as well as the potential impacts on
people, natural resources, and infrastructure, and
4) present the plan with updated goals, objectives,
and actions.
This plan is meant to both inform and engage
community members and to provide City staff
with a clear pathway to advance climate action.
Successful implementation will require a collective
effort that brings the community together to
reduce emissions and strengthen resilience to
build a more sustainable and climate-resilient
Richfield.
City of Richfield 2 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / IntroduCtIonProgress
Building Energy:
Completed the Partners in Energy
program and fully executed the related
implementation plan
Used $43,000 of American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) funds to implement electric efficiency
upgrades at City Hall and the parking
lot lighting.
Completed 14 municipal building audits
using ARPA funds to identify gas and
electric efficiency upgrade opportunities.
Received Energy Efficiency and
Conversation Block Grant (EECBG) funding
to implement electrical efficiency upgrades
and install LED lighting inside City Hall, Fire
Station #2, and three municipal liquor stores.
Sustainable transportation:
Contracted with Sawatch Labs to conduct
an electric vehicle suitability assessment/
fleet study to understand to support fleet
electrification.
Passed an ordinance requiring bike parking
at all multi-unit housing and commercial
developments.
natural resources:
Conducted a pond inventory and created
improvement plans
Implemented low-salt training and practices
to decrease salt application.
Waste:
Added small electronics collection as an
additional free service for residents during
one of the annual shred events.
Organized residential solid waste collection,
with three haulers providing service to 1 to
3-unit properties.
Many municipal buildings have
implemented organics collection, including
City Hall, Community Center, Public Works,
Water Plant, and Wood Lake Nature Center.
Local and Healthy Food:
Launched multiple pocket community
gardens in parks, including the main
location in Veterans Park.
The City initiated a toolshed lending library
and an annual seed swap.
Revised the fowl ordinance to allow for
more fowl per household to be kept in the
city with increased education and license
requirements.
City staff created a walkshed map to identify
areas across the city that are not within one
mile of a grocery store.
City of Richfield 3 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / CLImAtE SnAPSHotGreenhouse Gas Emissions
Burning fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal releases
greenhouse gases (GHGs). These gases act like
a blanket around the Earth, trapping heat from the
sun as it bounces off the Earth’s surface. As these
gases accumulate in the atmosphere, more heat
is trapped, which drives up global temperatures.
Since the Industrial Revolution, Earth’s long-term
average temperature has increased by 1.3°C
(2.3°F). That warming contributes to changes in
climatic systems. To slow down climate change,
we must rapidly reduce GHG emissions and begin
to build adaptation measures into our daily lives.
More than 70% of global emissions are generated
from activities that occur in our cities, including
driving, heating and cooling buildings, consuming
electricity, and managing waste. Burning fossil
fuels has effects beyond contributing to climate
change: they also produce outdoor and indoor air
pollution that harms human health and degrades
ecosystems. By reducing GHG emissions in
Richfield, the community will not only lessen our
contribution to climate change, but also improve
air quality, strengthen public health, stabilize
energy bills, and protect natural resources.
Since 2018, Richfield has seen a 28% decrease in
its total citywide emissions. Much of the decrease
can be attributed to cleaner electricity generation
and increased energy efficiency. In line with the
State’s climate goals to reduce emissions by 50%
by 2030, Richfield has also set that target using
2018 as the baseline year. The dashed lime green
line in Figure 01.1 indicates the 2030 target. The
City will need to reduce emissions an additional
23% over the next four years to meet the target.
Minnesota State law requires 100% carbon free
electricity by 2040, and Xcel Energy plans to
reach 80% of that goal by 2030. As the electric
grid incorporates more clean energy sources into
generation, emissions will continue to decline in
that sector. However, the City will also need to
advance complementary strategies to reduce
emissions from natural gas used in buildings
and fuels used for transportation. This includes
improving energy efficiency, accelerating building
electrification, supporting widespread adoption of
electric vehicles (including e-bikes), and expanding
transportation options like transit, biking, and
walking. Additionally, reducing waste, increasing
recycling, and diverting organics can help
decrease emissions from waste management.
Because of projected reductions from cleaner
electricity, Richfield is well-positioned to achieve
its 2030 emissions target. A focus on thermal
energy use and transportation will help ensure the
city meets its goals and that all residents benefit
from climate action.
250,000
GHG (metric tons)200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
0 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Residential Buildings
Commercial Buildings
Transportation (non-highway)
Waste
2030 Goal
Figure 01�1 Citywide GHG Emissions 2018-2024
No. 02 Climate Snapshot
City of Richfield 4 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / CLImAtE SnAPSHotClimate Change in richfield
Due to rising greenhouse gas emissions,
global temperatures are increasing at an
accelerated pace. In 2023, average annual
global temperatures spiked to 1.54°C (2.77° F)
above pre-industrial levels, becoming the first
individual year to exceed the 1.5°C warming
threshold set by the Paris Climate Agreement
(Berkeley Earth Temperature Report). In 2024,
the global average annual temperature was
estimated at 1.62°C (2.91°F). Because the Paris
Climate Agreement target is based on long-term
average temperatures, the target has not yet been
exceeded. Nevertheless, 2025 is on track to be
the third warmest year on average just behind
2023 and 2024, respectively, and scientists now
anticipate that we will cross the 1.5°C threshold by
2030 (World Meteorological Organization).
Rising global temperatures are contributing
to changes in our climatic and Earth systems.
There has been a noticeable increase in heavy
precipitation events worldwide, hurricanes have
become more frequent and intense, deadly
heatwaves have become more common, and
droughts are stressing water sources and
agricultural productivity. Critical Earth systems like
ocean currents, permafrost, glaciers, and coral
reefs are being pushed to their tipping points.
Locally, Richfield is already feeling the effects
of climate change. Autumns have become
extensions of hot summers, with temperatures
hitting 90°F in October twice in the past three
years. Air quality alerts have significantly increased
in frequency and severity over the past few years
due to wildfire smoke from the western United
States, Canada, and northern Minnesota (Figure
02.1). After periods of drought, the Twin Cities
has experienced heavy rain events that have led
to flash flooding. These hazards limit outdoor
activities and threaten human health, especially for
vulnerable groups.
As global temperatures rise, we will continue to
see local impacts in Richfield, especially changes
in precipitation patterns and heatwaves. The
University of Minnesota created an interactive
online tool called CliMAT, which provides localized
climate projections for communities across the
state. The tool allows users to visualize what
Minnesota’s future climate might look like under
different emissions scenarios, variables, and time
periods. Using the mid-century, high emissions
scenario at the county level, we can expect the
following projections:
Warmer summers:
Average summer high temperatures are
expected to be 87.0°F by midcentury, an
increase by 4.8°F above the historical average
(1995 – 2014). The number of days annually
that exceed 90°F is projected to increase to
about 43 days, or 22 days above the historical
average (1995-2014).number of air Quality alerts2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Unhealthy Very Unhealthy Hazardous
Figure 02�1 Summer Air Quality DaysData Source: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency via the Minnesota Star Tribune
City of Richfield 5 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / CLImAtE SnAPSHot Warmer winters:
The daily average temperature is projected to
be 23.7°F, 5.6°F above the historical average
(1995-2014). The daily average low temperature
is projected to be 16.3°F, 6.5°F above the
historical average (1995-2014).
Precipitation patterns:
Annual maximum precipitation for a single
day in Hennepin County is projected to be
4.1 inches. Precipitation is not expected to
change uniformly throughout the year—rather,
winter and spring precipitation are projected
to increase, while summer precipitation is
expected to decrease, leading to wider
extremes of wet and dry periods.
Warmer summer temperatures will be felt through
prolonged heatwaves. With a near doubling of the
days where the temperature exceeds 90 degrees,
we can expect to see more heat-related illnesses,
especially among vulnerable populations. Factors
that can contribute to even higher localized
temperatures include greater amounts of
impervious surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and
brick combined with low vegetation. In these
areas, the temperature can be much higher
than surrounding areas that have relatively high
vegetative land cover. This is known as the urban
heat island effect. Figure 02.2 shows the areas of
Richfield where temperatures are impacted by the
urban heat island. The map highlights commercial
districts and highways where urban heat island is
prevalent. It also demonstrates that there are few
areas of the city with vegetative land cover that
has a localized cooling effect.
Warmer winter temperatures will change
precipitation patterns such that we might see
more freezing rain. This can pose a threat to the
city’s trees by breaking branches or potentially
uprooting trees due to the weight of frozen rain
or heavy, wet snow. Freezing rain can also create
dangerous driving and walking conditions that
threaten public safety and health. Warmer winter
temperatures will increase freeze/thaw cycles,
impacting infrastructure like pipes and roads,
causing costs to rise as the City will need to cover
increased repairs.
Richfield will also need to prepare for changes in
precipitation patterns. Precipitation is projected to
reach 34.5 inches annually by mid-century, which
is an increase of 1.1 inches (3% change). While
this is not a dramatic increase in the amount of
projected precipitation, the patterns of rain and
snow fall will change. For example, it is expected
that the increase in precipitation will happen
more in winter and spring with drier summers.
Additionally, rain may fall with greater intensity,
Figure 02�2 Extreme Heat Map of Richfield: Red and orange values show areas that are more at risk for extreme heat.
Source: Metropolitan Council
City Boundary 78° F Low 111° F High
City of Richfield 6 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / CLImAtE SnAPSHotleading to flash flooding that can damage property
and infrastructure and pose a risk to human health.
Figure 02.3 illustrates areas of the City that may
be more susceptible to localized flooding. Some
of these areas correspond to urban heat islands,
underscoring the importance of adaptation
strategies that can address both hazards.
Current and projected climate hazards pose
a risk to public health, infrastructure, property,
and natural resources. Understanding the
potential risks and interactions can inform
adaptation strategies to minimize harm. The
next section looks at how people, infrastructure,
and natural resources are impacted by various
climate hazards and where there are greater
vulnerabilities.
City Boundary MCE 100-year 24-hour Storm Event Inundation Extent
Figure 02�3 Localized Flood Map. Blue areas show areas that are most at risk for flooding.
Source: City of Richfield
City of Richfield 7 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / CLImAtE SnAPSHotVulnerability Assessment
A vulnerability assessment helps communities
evaluate how climate hazards may affect people,
infrastructure, and natural resources. These
impacts depend both on the level of exposure
to hazards and on existing vulnerabilities within
the community. As climate hazards increase in
frequency and intensity, the risks they pose also
grow. In the Twin Cities, the most likely hazards
are heat waves, heavy precipitation events,
periods of drought, and poor air quality.
It is important to understand who and what
might be susceptible to these hazards. Aging
infrastructure—or infrastructure that was not
designed to withstand future climate conditions—
is more vulnerable to damage or failure. Natural
resources that are already stressed by shifting
temperature and precipitation patterns might
be less resilient and more affected by extreme
events. People impacted by climate hazards
may experience them unevenly. Social, health,
economic, and demographic factors influence
how community members are impacted. For
example, a senior living alone without access to
air conditioning may be vulnerable to prolonged
heatwaves.
There are multiple resources available to inform a
population vulnerability assessment for Richfield.
To identify which populations are most vulnerable
to climate hazards, this Plan uses U.S. Census data
combined with the Environmental Justice Areas
map from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
(MPCA). The MPCA defines environmental justice
areas as census tracts where:
At least 40% of the population is
people of color;
At least 35% of households have income at or
below 200% of the federal poverty level;
At least 40% of the population has limited
English proficiency in English; or
Are located in a federally recognized tribal
reservation.
Based on the MPCA map, four census tracts
in Richfield meet the criteria for environmental
justice areas. These tracts include neighborhoods
with higher proportions of people of color, as
well as one census tract where more than 35%
of households earn 200% or less of the federal
poverty level. These communities may be more
vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due
to a historic underinvestment and discriminatory
housing practices that contributed to persistent
economic disadvantage, limiting the ability to
recover from an extreme event.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) created the National Risk Index, a
complementary mapping tool that shows hazard
risk, social vulnerability, and community resilience.
While this map suggests high resilience for
the community, it also indicates that there are
relatively high social vulnerabilities that align with
the MPCA Environmental Justice Areas map.
Food security is an important and sometimes
overlooked aspect of climate vulnerability.
Changes in temperature, droughts, and more
frequent intense rainfall and floods can disrupt
food systems, potentially affecting availability,
quality, and prices. These disruptions will be felt
most by households already experiencing food
insecurity. The University of Minnesota created
a Food Security Dashboard that allows users
City of Richfield 8 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / CLImAtE SnAPSHotto explore current and historical levels of food
insecurity. In Richfield, seven census tracts have
food insecurity rates above the Hennepin County
average rate of 10.5%. Two are above the national
average rate of 14.3%.
Hennepin County completed a vulnerability
assessment in 2021 that assesses the potential
risks of current and projected climate hazards
to public health, water, transportation systems,
natural areas, and built infrastructure. This
assessment focuses on the potential impact
from the four major climate risks: warmer
winters; extreme precipitation; warming, heat,
and humidity; and drought. This assessment
also includes a population vulnerability map that
combines several factors to measure a population
vulnerability composite score, illustrating where
people may be more vulnerable to climate
changes (Figure 02.4). The areas in darker
blue show greater vulnerability based on social,
political, and economic factors. This analysis
further emphasizes that several census tracts
in Richfield may be highly vulnerable to various
climate hazards.
The remainder of this section uses the above
resources as well as demographic data from MN
Compass to explore the various climate hazards,
vulnerabilities, and how people, infrastructure, and
natural resources are affected by the shocks and
stressors of a changing climate. This assessment
is used to inform actions aimed at building
resilience and improving public health in the
community.
Figure 02�4 Population Vulnerability in Hennepin County
Source: Hennepin County Climate Vulnerability Assessment
City of Richfield 9 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / CLImAtE SnAPSHot1 Extreme Heat & urban Heat Island Effect:
Richfield is experiencing more days with
temperatures above 90°F and longer heat waves.
Areas with a high concentration of pavement
and buildings become even hotter than other
areas because these materials retain heat from
the sun, known as the urban heat island effect. In
these areas, hot days are even more hazardous
because of the additional heat effect.
The greatest risk of exposure to extreme heat is
near highways (I35W, I494, Highway 62, Highway
77), arterial roads, and commercial districts.
Cooler areas of the City are near Wood Lake
Nature Center, Veteran’s, Augsburg, Adams Hill,
Donaldson, and Taft parks.
Vulnerable Populations:
• • Adults over 65 (19% of Richfield Residents):
More prone to heat-related illnesses, such as
heat stroke and dehydration. Those who live
alone, do not have access to air conditioning,
and who have limited social support are
particularly vulnerable.
• • Young children (5% under the age of 5):
Higher risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion
when spending time outside on very hot days.
Young children may lack the judgement to limit
their exertion and remember to hydrate while
playing outside during hot weather.
• • Low-income households (29% are cost-
burdened): May struggle to afford air
conditioning units or increased energy bills
associated with running air conditioning.
• • renters in multi-family housing (39%
of housing units): May not have central
air conditioning or the ability to afford a
window unit.
• • outdoor workers (3% of workers in
construction): Increased risk of heat stroke and
other heat-related illnesses with prolonged
exposure to excessive heat.
• • non-English speakers (9% speak English less
than ‘very well’): May face challenges receiving
or understanding heat warnings or cooling
resources.
natural Systems:
Extreme heat and higher temperatures can
stress trees and other vegetation, limiting their
ability to function and making them susceptible
to disease, while contributing to higher rates
of mortality. Higher winter temperatures can
contribute to more rain and ice events that can
damage trees when ice or heavy, wet snow
accumulates on branches.
Infrastructure:
Roads, bridges, and pipes are all susceptible
to extreme temperatures, and drastic winter
temperature swings that come from an increase
in freeze/thaw cycles. Aging infrastructure
and infrastructure that was not designed to
handle extreme temperatures may be more
vulnerable to high heat and/or freeze/thaw
cycles. Further, more frequent freeze/thaw
cycles can contribute to icy surfaces that can
degrade pavement, create dangerous travel
conditions, and increase salt application that
further worsens water quality.
City of Richfield 10 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / CLImAtE SnAPSHot2 Severe Storms & Power outages:
Severe storms including straight-line winds, heavy
rainfall, and hail pose risks of property damage
and power outages. As these events intensify,
they can cause immediate damage that requires
expensive repairs, and they are increasingly
likely to contribute to rising insurance premiums.
Storm-related power outages can create serious
challenges for residents who rely on medical
equipment and critical infrastructure that depend
on a reliable power supply.
Using the FEMA National Risk Index, Richfield
is ranked as a moderate to very high risk
for these severe storms. While the overall
level of risk is relatively consistent across the
community, outcomes can vary significantly.
Social vulnerabilities, the condition of the urban
forest, and the maintenance level of infrastructure
all influence how different neighborhoods
experience and recover from these events.
Vulnerable Populations:
• • renters in multi-family housing (39% of
housing units): Less control over building
resilience, may not have insurance, and can
more easily be displaced.
• • Seniors (19%) and people with disabilities
(12%): May be less able to evacuate or get to
safety during extreme storms and may rely on
medical equipment that requires power.
• • Low-income households (7% experiencing
poverty): Limited ability to recover from
property damage or afford emergency
preparedness resources.
• • non-English Speakers (9% speak English
less than ‘very well’): May face challenges
receiving or understanding storm warnings in
a timely manner.
• • People without reliable transportation (10%
do not own a vehicle, 12% with a disability):
Those without access to personal vehicles,
bikes, or transit may have difficulty reaching
emergency shelters or resources. Residents
with disabilities may also face mobility
challenges to reach emergency shelter or
access support after a storm.
natural Systems:
Trees are vulnerable to extreme weather,
especially with high winds, which can break
branches and even uproot entire trees. Falling
limbs or trees can damage property, threaten
injury or death, and can hit power lines, causing
widespread power outages.
Infrastructure:
Wind and hail can cause severe damage to
buildings and infrastructure, leading to costly
repairs and maintenance. Damage from these
events has become more frequent and severe,
contributing to significant increases in home
insurance premiums.
City of Richfield 11 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / CLImAtE SnAPSHot3 Flooding & Water damage:
More frequent heavy rainfall events increase
the risk of flooding, particularly in areas with
aging infrastructure and low-lying land. FEMA
designates flood zones based on the likelihood
that an area will be inundated by a flood event,
and these zones are typically located near rivers
or other water bodies. While Richfield does not
have designated FEMA flood zones within its
boundaries, heavy precipitation can still lead to
flash-flooding and basement flooding in many
parts of the city. Basement flooding can increase
the likelihood of hazardous mold.
Vulnerable Populations:
• • residents in flood-prone areas: Low-lying
neighborhoods and older buildings are at
higher risk of water damage.
• • Low-income households (43% cost-burdened
renter households; 22% cost-burdened owner
households): Less financial flexibility or ability
to repair flood damage or relocate if home
becomes uninhabitable due to flooding.
• • renters in older buildings (68% of buildings
constructed before 1970): More difficult to
repair water damage and more risk of mold.
• • non-English speakers (9% speak English less
than ‘very well’): May face challenges receiving
or understanding flood warnings.
natural Systems:
Increased runoff from heavy precipitation can
degrade water quality by carrying pollutants
into rivers, lakes, and wetlands, and by raising
water temperatures. Saturated soils can
weaken tree root structures, making trees more
susceptible to uprooting during strong winds.
Over time, changing precipitation patterns can
strain the health of ecosystems, limiting their
ability to thrive.
Infrastructure:
Flooding events can cause severe damage to
buildings and infrastructure. Basement flooding
can cause costly repairs. Roads can be flooded
or washed out from excess water, creating
dangerous situations and expensive damage.
City of Richfield 12 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / CLImAtE SnAPSHot4 Air Quality & Wildfire Smoke:
Burning fossil fuels—such as coal, natural gas,
oil, gasoline, and diesel— not only contributes
to climate change but also degrades indoor
and outdoor air quality by releasing harmful
pollutants. Particulate matter from wildfire smoke
can trigger or aggravate respiratory illnesses. As
wildfires grow in intensity and frequency, their
effects on local air quality are a growing concern.
Additionally, increases in pollen blooms can
further degrade air quality, particularly affecting
those with seasonal allergies or respiratory
illnesses like asthma.
Air quality in Richfield tends to be worse near
highways and major roads. Heavy traffic is a daily
source of pollutants. Seasonally, all areas of the
city can be impacted by increased pollen and/or
wildfire smoke. The pollution is compounded in
those areas that experience poor air quality daily.
Indoor cooking with gas also contributes to poor
air quality (National Institute of Health). Homes
with inadequate air filtration and circulation will
be more vulnerable to both indoor and outdoor
pollution—these are often older homes that lack
central air conditioning.
Vulnerable Populations:
• • Children (5% under the age of 5) and Adults
over 65 (19%): More sensitive to poor air
quality and more susceptible to asthma attacks
and respiratory distress.
• • People with pre-existing health conditions
(e.g., asthma, COPD, heart disease): Poor air
quality exacerbates certain health conditions.
• • outdoor workers (3% workers in construction):
Increased exposure to polluted air without
proper protective equipment and measures
increases health risks.
• • Low-income residents (7% experiencing
poverty): May not be able to afford or access
air purifiers, conditioned spaces, allergy
medicine, or the ability to stay indoors during
poor air quality events.
• • residents with allergies (the CDC estimates
that 25.7% of adults experience seasonal
allergies): Allergies can cause discomfort and
interfere with a person’s sleep quality, planned
activities, and productivity in school or at work.
natural Systems:
The impact of air pollution on natural systems
depends on the proximity to the source and the
type of pollutant. While trees and other plants
can help to filter air pollution, they can also be
harmed by excessive pollutants. This can be
seen when pollutants reduce photosynthesis,
damage leaves and flowers, and diminish a
tree’s capacity to absorb CO2.
Infrastructure:
The impacts of air pollution on infrastructure
occur slowly over time. More corrosive
pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, can corrode
or dissolve building materials. Fine particulate
matter from vehicle exhaust and other point
source emissions can accumulate on surfaces
requiring increased cleaning and maintenance.
City of Richfield 13 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / ACtIon PLAnNo. 03 Action Plan
This section includes the action plan,
which consists of nine goals supported
by objectives and actions designed
to reduce GHG emissions, strengthen
climate resilience, and improve public
health. The actions build upon the
previous version of this plan and have
been refined based on the City’s
progress to date, continued relevance
of strategies, and the addition of new
actions needed to achieve the City’s
evolving goals.
The goals that are included in this updated CAP are:
Goal 1: develop & Promote Energy Efficiency�
Understand Richfield’s energy use and identify
opportunities to reduce consumption, lower
costs, and lessen environmental impacts.
Goal 2: develop & Promote Sustainable transportation�
Shift travel patterns toward more sustainable,
active, and low-emission modes.
Goal 3: Promote renewable Energy Installation�
Reduce reliance on fossil fuels and expand
education on incentives for installing renewable
energy systems.
Goal 4: Encourage Sustainable design & Building�
Ensure design and construction plans
incorporate environmental best practices that
improve building performance and environmental
impact throughout the life cycle.
Goal 5: Strengthen & Expand natural resources�
Inventory and enhance the community’s natural
resources while engaging residents in the
stewardship of trees, parks, and bodies of water.
Goal 6: reduce Waste Generated�
Promote responsible disposal, increased
recycling and organics collection while moving
toward a circular and low waste economy.
Goal 7: Improve Access to Local & Healthy Food�
Expand access to purchasing, growing, and
producing healthy and affordable food.
Goal 8: Build resilience through Emergency Preparedness & Public Health�
Prepare for future climate impacts through
community preparedness efforts and public
health resources and services that support health
and well-being.
Goal 9: Strengthen Internal Capacity�
Identify opportunities to integrate climate and
sustainability actions into city policies, programs,
budgets, and events. Encourage department
leaders to consider impacts on emissions and
resilience in daily work.
The first seven goals were initially identified in the
original plan. A goal to build resilience through
emergency preparedness and improved public
health has been added to highlight the increasing
need for climate adaptation and the essential role
of public health in helping residents withstand and
recover from climate-related hazards. The last goal
has been added to bolster the effectiveness of this
plan throughout departments in Richfield.
City of Richfield 14 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / ACtIon PLAnGoal 1 develop & Promote Energy Efficiency
Building energy emissions account for 65% of total
citywide emissions (Figure 03.1). These emissions
come from electricity generation used to power
appliances—such as air conditioning, refrigerators,
and electronics— and from natural gas used for
cooking and space and water heating. In recent
years, emissions from electricity generation have
declined as the electric grid becomes cleaner
through the expansion of renewable energy
technologies. In contrast, natural gas emissions
continue to follow weather patterns, increasing in
colder winters and decreasing in warmer winters.
Aside from energy-efficiency programs, there has
been minimal progress in reducing emissions from
natural gas use.
Richfield is primarily a residential community with
several major commercial districts. Residential
energy use accounts for approximately 55% of
total building-related emissions in the community.
Of those emissions, 65% now come from gas, a
proportion that is expected to grow due to the
ongoing decarbonization efforts of electricity
generation. Because natural gas remains a
significant source of emissions and heating costs
make up a substantial share of household energy
bills, these trends have important implications for
energy burden, or the amount residents pay for
energy relative to their household income.
As the cost of daily necessities like groceries, gas,
and utility bills continue to rise, household budgets
are increasingly strained. Energy experts consider
an energy burden to be high when it exceeds 6%
of household income, and severe when it exceeds
10%. In Minnesota, the average household energy
burden is 2%. When adjusted for income, Richfield
residents earning at or below 80% of the area
median income spend an estimated 5% to 7% of
their household income on energy costs, placing
many households at or near a high energy
burden threshold. The households with the lowest
incomes spend 15% or more of their income on
energy costs (Low-Income Affordability Tool,
Department of Energy).
Energy efficiency and electrification will result
in much needed cost savings for residents,
business owners, schools, and City operations.
Heat pumps and thermal energy technologies are
demonstrating deep energy efficiency capabilities
and are proving to be viable solutions in cold
climates. Additionally, there is a growing body
of research that suggests that cooking on a gas
stove contributes to poor indoor air quality and
can have adverse effects on respiratory health.
Electrifying gas equipment will help to significantly
improve indoor air quality, making homes healthier
and safer. The following actions will support a
transition to cleaner and more affordable energy.
+ objective 1: Share opportunities with
residents and business owners to decrease
energy costs and lower energy usage.
1�1 Provide resources to encourage
commercial and large residential building
owners to reduce energy use, explore
electrification and on-site renewable
energy, and increase energy efficiency.
1�2 Maintain the City webpage that provides
information to help residents incorporate
energy efficiency practices and
technologies into their lives. Communicate
these strategies through social media,
e-newsletter, and event tabling.
ResidentialBuildings
CommercialBuildings
Transportation
(non-highway)
Waste 6%
29%36%
29%
Figure 03�1 Emissions by sector, Richfield GHG Inventory, 2024.
City of Richfield 15 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / ACtIon PLAn+ objective 2: Increase the energy
efficiency of all municipal buildings and
operations.
2�1 Track municipal energy consumption in B3,
an energy benchmarking program.
2�2 Continue to make efficiency improvements
to City buildings, based on audit
recommendations.
2�3 Develop and implement a plan to replace
existing Xcel metered and flat rate high-
pressure sodium (HPS) streetlights with
LED streetlights.
+ objective 3: Increase opportunities and
awareness about building electrification
technologies.
3�1 Share state rebate and utility incentives
to encourage residents and businesses
to electrify their gas appliances with
electric alternatives, including air-source/
ground-source heat-pumps, heat-pump
water heaters, heat-pump dryers, and
induction ranges.
3�2 When renovating city buildings, price out
the cost of electrification/removing natural
gas infrastructure and implement when
feasible.
3�3 Identify funding to support a cost-share
pilot to help residents and businesses
electrify gas appliances.
City of Richfield 16 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / ACtIon PLAnGoal 2 develop & Promote Sustainable transportation
Transportation accounts for 29% of citywide
emissions, which are calculated using the vehicle
miles traveled (VMT) within the boundaries of the
City. To better capture travel within the City, this
calculation does not include vehicles traveling on
the highways and interstate. Following a sharp
decline in 2020, vehicle miles have leveled out
just over 100 million miles per year for the past
four years (Figure 03.2).
Approximately 75% of residents drive to work,
while 4% take public transportation, and 21%
walk, bike, or work from home. Strategies to
reduce transportation-related emissions include
transitioning to cleaner vehicles (e.g., electric cars
and bikes, hybrid vehicles), and shifting travel
modes from driving alone to transit, biking, or
walking. The City of Richfield adopted a Complete
Streets Policy in 2013 and has since invested
in infrastructure that applies eight Guiding
Principles to its street reconstruction projects.
The City’s Active Transportation Plan further
advances efforts to create safer, more sustainable
transportation options.
With these policies in place, the City continues
to expand and improve its multimodal network.
Several pedestrian bridges and underpasses
have been constructed to enhance transportation
infrastructure. Restriping projects and the
installation of roundabouts have further
improved roadway safety and traffic flow. The
reconstruction of 76th Street transformed the
former four-lane road into a two-lane corridor
featuring bike lanes, sidewalks, a multi-use trail,
and green boulevards lined with trees. These
types of projects reduce emissions and other
environmental impacts while also promoting
positive public health impacts and community
well-being.
+ objective 1: Reduce city-wide
transportation-related emissions and
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT).
1�1 Share resources with residents regarding
electric and plug-in hybrid electric
vehicles (EV/PHEV) incentives, financing,
charging infrastructure (public and private),
benefits, etc.
1�2 Establish and implement a fleet
electrification schedule that includes
vehicle replacement and charging stations
located at municipal facilities; include
mobile equipment like lawn mowers and
leaf blowers.
1�3 Encourage fewer individual in-city staff
trips and more carpools. Prioritize using
EVs, PHEVs, and e-bikes for shorter trips.
+ objective 2: Encourage alternative forms
of transportation, promoting a healthier
mobility network.
2�1 Work with partners like Move Minnesota
and Commuter Services to promote and
incentivize alternative transportation for
staff and residents.
2�2 Include e-bikes as an eligible cost for the
pilot cost-share program (Goal 1, Action 3.3)
Figure 03�2 Non-highway Vehicle Miles Traveled, Minnesota Department of Transportation
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
100,000,000
120,000,000
140,000,000
80,000,000
60,000,000
40,000,000
20,000,000
0
City of Richfield 17 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / ACtIon PLAnGoal 3 Promote renewable Energy Installation & Purchasing
As noted previously, building energy use is a major
contributor to the City’s greenhouse gas emissions.
As more buildings transition to electric technologies,
it becomes increasingly important to ensure that
the electricity powering those buildings comes
from clean, carbon-free sources. In 2023, the State
Legislature enacted a requirement for all electricity
generation in Minnesota to be carbon free by 2040.
Xcel Energy, the electricity provider serving Richfield,
has committed to meeting this target by 2035.
Currently, Xcel Energy relies on fossil fuels for
approximately 36% (Figure 03.3) of its electricity
generation, a share that has decreased significantly
over that past decade. While Xcel Energy is making
substantial progress toward a clean electricity future,
there are additional advantages to installing and
purchasing local renewable energy. Local solar and
other distributed resources can help accelerate
the transition to clean electricity, provide more
predictable and stable energy costs, and improve
resilience when paired with battery storage.
The City has led by example by installing nine solar
arrays on five buildings (the Pool, Ice Arena, Public
Works, Wood Lake Nature Center, and two liquor
stores). The City maintains a dashboard to share
live production, which can be accessed here. At
least 88 residents and 7 businesses have installed
solar on their rooftops, and nearly 300 residents
participate in community solar gardens. Another
alternative to installing clean energy is to participate
in Xcel Energy’s Renewable Energy Programs, like
Renewable*Connect where more than 1,000 Richfield
households are currently participating.
+ objective 1: Increase city-wide renewable
energy purchase and generation.
1�1 Develop and distribute an educational
brochure outlining current utility and state
financial incentives and the benefits of
installing solar.
1�2 Promote options for purchasing renewable
energy (e.g., rooftop solar, community solar
gardens) to residents and businesses.
Identify affordable opportunities to increase
equity throughout Richfield, working with
low-income communities and with people
of color.
1�3 Conduct a solar feasibility study; identify
sites in the city with the most potential and
target outreach to them. Share financing
and grant programs to increase affordability,
especially for non-residential sites.
+ objective 2: Increase municipal renewable
energy purchasing and infrastructure
installation.
2�1 Continue to research renewable energy
infrastructure options for municipal facilities.
- Identify municipal buildings with good
solar payback potential.
- Investigate feasibility of gas-alternative
hot water systems.
- Investigate adding renewable
infrastructure in all new construction.
- Identify additional funding sources to
install more solar arrays on City sites.
2�2 Investigate the viability of where city lighting
can be solar powered.
Gas26%
Wind 29%
Hydro 6%
Solar 6%
Biomass 1%
Nuclear 23%
Coal10%
Figure 03�3 2024 Xcel Energy Resource MixData Source: Xcel Energy Community Energy Report 2024
City of Richfield 18 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / ACtIon PLAnGoal 4 Encourage Sustainable design & Building Practices
With limited space for new construction in
Richfield, sustainable design is essential.
Sustainable design considers the full lifecycle of
a building and its materials, emphasizing efficient
systems and passive strategies to reduce a
building’s long-term energy footprint. Integrating
these principles into both new construction
and renovation projects can lead to substantial
financial savings, lower environmental impacts,
and improved building performance.
It is also important to apply sustainable design
practices to renovating or deconstructing existing
buildings. Construction and demolition (C&D)
waste includes materials generated during
the renovation, demolition, or construction of
buildings and transportation infrastructure. In 2019,
Minnesota generated an estimated 10.2 million
tons of C&D waste, with approximately 1.4 million
tons sent to landfills. This waste stream represents
an opportunity to expand material reuse and
extend the lifecycle of valuable building materials.
Richfield residents are incorporating sustainable
design features into their own home improvement
and construction projects. Many households
have added solar panels, natural landscaping,
passive solar design, and accessory dwelling
units. The City’s Community Development
Department supports these efforts through several
environmentally oriented grant programs, such as
Richfield Rediscovered Lot Sale Program, which
outlines five sustainable construction categories
that building owners are encouraged to include in
their design plans.
+ objective 1: Develop sustainable building
resources.
1�1 Develop guidelines to encourage builders/
developers to integrate sustainable
building practices into developments.
+ objective 2: Adopt and promote green
design and construction strategies.
2�1 Encourage deconstruction instead of
demolition of properties by sharing
information about Hennepin County’s
deconstruction grant program.
2�2 Set design standards on municipal projects
to require restoration of soil permeability
after construction and include native plants
and compost.
2�3 Review and reduce parking maximums
to better promote alternative modes of
transportation.
2�4 Request that developers submit plans
during the design and review process on
how their development could achieve
“solar-ready” and “EV-ready” status.
2�5 Require that new municipal buildings be
built using the SB 2030 energy standard
and/or a green building framework that
eliminates gas infrastructure and includes
an equity lens.
City of Richfield 19 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / ACtIon PLAnGoal 5 Strengthen & Expand natural resource management
Effective natural resource and greenspace
management is essential for maintaining a healthy
urban ecosystem. Densely built environments like
Richfield face unique challenges, including poor
air quality from vehicles and building exhaust,
increased runoff from impervious surfaces that
can contaminant soil and water, and higher
localized temperatures due to limited vegetation
and heat-absorbing surfaces. A well-managed
urban ecosystem helps mitigate these impacts.
For instance, a healthy tree canopy improves air
quality and provides shade, while native plantings
support stormwater infiltration, soil health, and
biodiversity.
Richfield’s Public Works Department employs
several environmentally friendly, beneficial
maintenance practices that support this goal.
Many parks now feature designated areas of
native grasses and wildflowers and are not
regularly mowed, which improves soil health,
reduces erosion, and decreases emissions from
maintenance equipment. At Adam’s Hill Park,
for example, the City added a hydrodynamic
separator on one of the inlets to trap trash,
sediment, and oil from stormwater. Chemical use
in parks has also been significantly reduced over
the past decade as staff focus on establishing
healthier turf that requires fewer treatments.
Streetscape and park projects across the city
have increased vegetation, including more tree
planting, bee-friendly median designs, pollinator
garden, and new flower beds. These efforts
collectively strengthen Richfield’s natural systems
and enhance the ecological resilience of the
community.
+ objective 1: Establish land management
standards and practices that lower inputs
and maximize resilience.
1�1 Develop a land cover conversion plan that
identifies City-owned underutilized turf and
pavement that could be restored to natural
habitat or beneficial vegetation.
1�2 Increase the amount of native species
planted to provide habitat for pollinators
and other wildlife.
1�3 Use compost and biochar in landscaping to
boost soil health, resilience, and increase
water retention.
1�4 Increase invasive species removal in public
and private areas.
1�5 Require more greenspace in streetscape
design and construction projects.
1�6 Create and implement natural resource
management plans for large greenspaces
throughout the parks system.
+ objective 2: Strengthen Richfield’s urban
forest.
2�1 Using the boulevard tree inventory, identify
vulnerable tree canopy.
2�2 Continue to protect mature legacy trees
through regular maintenance, disease
prevention, and tree-friendly urban
planning and construction.
2�3 Conduct a land cover study in high urban
heat areas to identify priority areas for
increased tree canopy coverage, prairie
restoration, and impervious surface
reductions.
2�4 Continue to increase tree species diversity
and communicate efforts to the public,
especially providing informational materials
to residents regarding tree selection and
climate adaptive forestry.
City of Richfield 20 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / ACtIon PLAn+ objective 3: Provide education and
outreach on protecting natural resources.
3�1 Encourage and educate residents and
businesses to convert lawns to landscapes
with diverse, indigenous, and drought
tolerant flora, including pollinator gardens.
3�2 Increase community education on invasive
species identification and removal in
alignment with Objective 1 Action 4.
+ objective 4: Promote water conservation.
4�1 Develop in-person, print, and online
water conservation education for
community members.
4�2 Provide information to residents,
businesses, and other community
members on natural landscaping
techniques, including low water and
drought-tolerant plant species.
4�3 Encourage high-efficiency irrigation
systems with soil moisture sensors
or programmable watering areas at
businesses, faith organizations, and other
institutions.
+ objective 5: Improve stormwater
management, preserving and enhancing
wetlands, streams, lakes, and floodplain
areas.
5�1 Educate residents who want to help restore
and revegetate shoreline, consistent
with the City’s shoreline management
ordinance.
5�2 Develop a salt reduction education
program for residents, businesses, and
other organizations.
5�3 Promote citywide Adopt-A-Drain efforts to
residents and businesses.
5�4 Make improvements to stormwater
drainage systems and litter capture efforts
concurrent with pond dredging or other
stormwater projects in parks.
City of Richfield 21 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / ACtIon PLAnGoal 6 reduce Waste Generated
Although waste makes up a relatively small share
of Richfield’s total GHG emissions (6%), reducing
waste remains an important strategy to minimize
negative environmental and health impacts. Waste
that ends up in landfills or is processed at the
Hennepin County Energy Recovery Center (HERC),
contributes to air and water pollution, and puts
increasing pressure on waste storage capacity.
Further, emissions from disposal only account
for a small portion of the total climate impact of
consumer goods. Upstream emissions that occur
during resource extraction, manufacturing, and
transportation of goods are much greater than
those generated by disposal.
Richfield households produce slightly more
household waste per year than households in
other inner ring suburbs (Figure 03.4). There are
several strategies that households and businesses
can adopt to reduce waste and its associated
emissions. The most effective approach is
to reduce waste through less consumption,
purchasing more durable goods, and reusing
items whenever possible. For items that need to
be discarded, diversion strategies like recycling
and organics composting help to lower emissions,
conserve resources and preserve landfill capacity
for materials that cannot be reused or recycled.
The City’s waste reduction efforts have focused on
municipal buildings systems, staff education, and
household behavior and education. The City has
expanded organics collection at more municipal
buildings, and organized residential collection
began in 2021 to improve hauler efficiencies.
+ objective 1: Create and share education
on how to reduce waste.
1�1 Communicate with residents about events
and businesses that promote waste
reduction and reuse, such as Fix-it Clinics
and the Richfield Fix-it Hub.
1�2 Develop educational materials that
illustrate the impacts of waste generation
and reduction behaviors and share smarter
purchasing tips.
1�3 Continue to host and expand citywide drop-
off events to collect materials that cannot be
recycled curbside (electronics, household
hazardous waste, bulky items, etc.).
1�4 Continue to build a robust education and
resource page on the City’s website.
+ objective 2: Emphasize and expand
recycling and organics collection efforts.
2�1 Enforce city code and conduct an
educational campaign to strengthen
recycling in multi-unit housing and
businesses.
2�2 Starting with large city events, require that
all events held at city facilities (including
park shelters) are low or zero waste,
following published city guidelines.
2�3 Make compostable products available for
sale for events that are held at city facilities.
+ objective 3: Reduce waste generated by
municipal staff and operations.
3�1 Update the Sustainable Purchasing Policy
to include environmentally preferred local
vendors and environmentally preferable
state cooperative purchasing contracts;
annually train relevant staff on best
practices.
3�2 Develop and implement low waste
guidelines for all internal staff events.
3�3 Improve all waste management disposal
systems in municipal buildings and with the
municipal Green Team, coordinate related
education for all staff. Work with the Green
Team to create a friendly department or
building competition.
Figure 03�4 Tons of waste generated per household per year in the inner ring suburbs of the Twin Cities, Regional
Indicators Initiative, 2024.BloomingtonEden PrairieEdinaHopkinsFalcon HeightsMaplewoodRosevilleSaint AnthonySt. Louis Park3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
City of Richfield 22 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / ACtIon PLAnGoal 7 Improve Access to Local & Healthy Food
Access to healthy and affordable food is essential
for ensuring that residents can maintain a
nutritious diet. The food system in the United
States is complex and often inequitable. Driven
by profits and supply chains, heavily processed
foods tend to be more affordable and accessible,
while more local, fresher, and nutrient-rich options
are more expensive and less attainable for many
people. Limited access to grocery stores and
lower household income levels contribute to food
scarcity. As mentioned previously, there are seven
census tracts in Richfield where the food security
rates exceed the Hennepin County rate of 10.5%.
As grocery prices rise and agricultural systems are
stressed by climatic changes, there will be greater
emphasis on increasing locally grown food.
There are many benefits that come from urban
agriculture, community and backyard gardens, and
other local food sources. For example, growing
food locally can increase appreciation for the food
and the growing process such that people may
be less likely to waste it or throw it away (Nova,
2020). Locally grown food also reduces GHG
emissions and supports other environmentally
conscious habits through a stronger connection to
land and water.
Richfield has a long history of organizations
working to increase access to local and healthy
food. The Richfield Farmers Market has operated
from May to October for 35 years, with the Winter
Market annually spotlighting more local food
vendors. There are several affordable grocery
stores in the community and organizations and
initiatives like VEAP and Fare for All that further
increase food access for residents across the city.
Residents are allowed to keep fowl and bees per
City Code, and community gardens are available
in multiple locations around the city.
+ objective 1: Increase the amount of
healthy food grown by Richfield residents,
shortening supply chain distance and
strengthening the community’s resilience.
1�1 Encourage edible landscapes and
gardening on various types of properties
(homes, businesses, schools, etc.).
1�2 Feature yards and properties that already
demonstrate sustainable and edible
landscapes in City outreach materials.
1�3 Encourage the creation of community
gardens to fulfill the green space
requirement for new developments.
+ objective 2: Ensure all residents
have nearby access to purchasing and
consuming healthy food.
2�1 Continue to support innovative practices
such as mobile food markets and pantries
to bring food closer to under-resourced
consumers. Develop a multi-lingual
comprehensive list of local resources for
staff to share with residents.
2�2 Explore partnership opportunities to
provide education and skill development
for families around healthy food selection
and preparation.
2�3 Promote Community Supported Agriculture
programs through existing programs and
partnerships.
City of Richfield 23 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / ACtIon PLAnGoal 8 Build resilience through Emergency Preparedness & Public Health
As climate hazards increase in frequency
and intensity, we must adapt our approach to
emergency preparedness and public health.
The City’s Public Safety Department provides
resources online to help residents and businesses
prepare for a range of emergencies, including
severe weather events. Residents can further
strengthen community resilience by participating
in training through the Richfield Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT).
As climate-related risks grow, it is increasingly
important for community members to be prepared
for and able to respond to both shocks and
ongoing stressors. Shocks include acute events
such as high windstorms or tornadoes, heavy
precipitation that causes flash flooding, and
severe snowfall that can make travel unsafe or
impassable. Stressors, while often less visible,
can pose serious threats to health and safety. For
example, prolonged heatwaves reduce the body’s
ability to cool and recover, increasing the risk of
heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Certain populations are more vulnerable to these
hazards, including older adults, individuals with
pre-existing health conditions, children, lower-
income households, and people with limited
English proficiency. To reduce risks for these
groups, the City can prioritize its Public Health
outreach to ensure residents are aware of and
can access resources necessary to maintain their
health and safety. Richfield partners with the City
of Bloomington to provide public health services
to residents, offering broad range programs that
support overall well-being. During emergencies,
this public health partnership is a valuable asset
for coordinating responses and addressing urgent
community needs.
+ objective 1: Ensure all residents are
adequately equipped to prepare for and
respond to climate hazards.
1�1 Integrate climate hazards into City
emergency preparedness and response
planning.
1�2 Expand community-based emergency
training and preparedness, offering
courses in multiple languages.
1�3 Identify and share which buildings can be
used as cooling and heating spaces or
emergency shelters during or after extreme
weather events.
1�4 Share resources with residents and
businesses about how to prepare for
and respond to extreme weather events,
including prolonged heat waves, poor air
quality days, extreme storms, and heavy
precipitation events.
- Utilize CivicSend and other alert systems
to notify residents of severe weather
events and the dangers of extreme heat
and poor air quality.
+ objective 2: Increase access to public
health resources to reduce health-related
vulnerabilities.
2�1 Partner with Bloomington to integrate
climate-related health risks into public
health programming.
2�2 Conduct culturally appropriate outreach
and engagement to broaden the reach of
public health resources, with a focus on
vulnerable populations.
2�3 Partner with Bloomington to equip the
Mobile Health Hub so that it can be utilized
to respond to disaster events.
City of Richfield 24 January 2026
Climate aCtion Plan UPdate / ACtIon PLAnGoal 9 Strengthen Internal Capacity
This plan is not intended to be a standalone
document. Effective implementation will require
buy-in across City departments and support
from leadership. Building strong internal capacity
involves consideration of climate and sustainability
actions in everyday decision-making, City policies,
budgets, and events. To ensure the plan is
implemented equitably, the City must prioritize
the needs of our most vulnerable residents
and ensure they have adequate resources and
support to benefit from climate initiatives. This
goal focuses on institutionalizing climate and
sustainability action across City operations so that
climate actions become routine and long-lasting.
+ objective 1: Prioritize equity throughout
the implementation of this plan.
1�1 Directly engage vulnerable communities
and use multi-lingual resources and
personnel to reduce barriers.
1�2 Provide training and tools for City staff to
integrate equity and culturally appropriate
considerations into outreach, project
planning, and program delivery.
+ objective 2: Institutionalize climate and
sustainability into city policies, programs,
and budget.
2�1 Review Citywide planning documents
(e.g., Strategic Plan, Comprehensive
Plan), policies, procurement processes,
and budgets to identify opportunities to
incorporate climate action.
2�2 Develop criteria for the City’s budgeting,
capital improvement planning, City
events, and procurement processes that
support emissions reductions and climate
resilience.
2�3 Identify funding opportunities to support
long-term implementation of climate and
sustainability initiatives.
2�4 Celebrate and share success of plan
implementation with community members.
+ objective 3: Ensure City staff are aware
of the climate action plan and actively
integrate actions into their work.
3�1 Designate climate or sustainability liaisons
within each department to participate
in a Green Team that coordinates plan
implementation.
3�2 Encourage department leaders to consider
emissions reductions and climate risks, as
relevant, to their respective operations and
programs.
3�3 Recognize and celebrate successes
and innovations across departments that
advance initiatives included in this plan.
City of Richfield 25 January 2026