The GreenStep Cities initiative is a voluntary program that recognizes participating communities for completing steps toward environmental sustainability goals through implementation of 28 best practices.

Each of the GreenStep Cities program’s 28 best practice can be implemented by completing one or more specific actions from a list of four to eight actions in the areas of transportation, buildings and lighting, environmental management, land use, and economic and community development. Actions are tailored to all types of Minnesota cities, and they focus on cost savings, energy use reduction, and encouraging innovation.

Cities achieve Step One recognition by passing a resolution to become a GreenStep City. Step Two-designated cities have implemented up to eight of the program’s best practices.

There are now a total of 83 cities in Minnesota that have completed one or more participation steps since the program began in 2010.