Summary

The Council approves $10,032,821 in General Fund funding in 2024 and $7,837,070 in 2025 and ongoing to hire 12 FTEs and support the Climate Legacy Initiative through eight program areas.

Description

The Climate Legacy Initiative (CLI) funding will support the City of Minneapolis’ pursuit of aggressive climate goals over the next 10 years. Through this programming the City aspires to become one of the most sustainable cities in the nation. The CLI builds on the Climate Equity Plan which was the product of extensive engagement with community members, grassroots advocates, nonprofits, unions, utility companies, and business representatives.

More specifically, the CLI will advance the City’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in order to meet science-based Race to Zero targets. Targets which require a dramatic drop in emissions in 2027-2030, and will furthermore move the city toward being carbon neutral by 2050. If the City is going to lead and adequately respond to the declared climate emergency, it needs to significantly escalate climate action efforts in 2024. The CLI is a serious and impactful response to climate change that invests in on-the-ground solutions through the following eight program areas:

1. Pathways and Workforce
2. Climate Incentives
3. Policy, Coordination and Outreach
4. Urban Forestry
5. Carbon Sequestration
6. Homegrown Support – Circular Economy

7. Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

8. Administration

For more information on these investments and programming, refer to the new budget proposals on the Public Works, Community Planning & Economic Development, Health, Intergovernmental Relations, and Office of Public Service pages.