Transportation and Mobility

TM 2: Increase public transit commuter ridership from approximately 1% to 2% by 2030.

TM 2-1 Develop a region-wide Multimodal Transportation Plan (MTP) to facilitate the expansion of strong multimodal transportation connections (walk, bike, carpool, etc) and transit connections within and between municipalities. MTP to identify prioritized active transportation projects in the region, emphasizing multimodal transportation, access to transit, pedestrian safety, bike racks and lockers, beautification, green infrastructure, and a seamless regional multimodal transportation network that favors no and low emission transportation options.

TM 2-2 Collaborate with partners to establish toolkit resources to support regional event organizers in educating attendees about transportation alternatives to the event (rideshare, carpool, public transit, shuttle, bike, ebike, walk etc). Include concepts for incentivizing low-impact transportation options and identify incentives. Promote the toolkit's use region-wide.

TM 2-3 Explore and advance shared mobility options appropriate for the region:

○ electric golf carts on safe routes for day to day needs and “last mile” transit needs (example Starbuck, MN)

○ established bike / walk routes that are plowed

○ Cart sharing

TM 2-4 Explore establishing partnerships with institutions, government entities, organizations, houses of worship, and others to connect low income people to housing and jobs through the provision of transportation options like shuttles, rideshare, carpooling, etc. Program could leverage idle equipment (school buses in the summer) to provide transportation capacity.

TM 2-5 Establish a region-wide taskforce to support advancement of cross-boundary transit and transportation infrastructure planning and coordination. Coordination should include alternative fuel infrastructure.

TM 2-6 Explore establishing a program providing access to shared transportation (vans or buses) system providing alternative transportation between the larger communities within the region.

TM 2-7 Collaborate with local partners to explore use of Shared Autonomous Vehicles (EV) for improved mobility within the region. Establish a pilot program similar to Grand Rapids' May Mobility.

Transportation and Mobility

TM 3: Increase electric vehicle (BEV and PHEV) utilization to 15% of community onroad vehicles. (from approximately 1,497 vehicles to 29,400 vehicles region-wide)

TM 3-1 Encourage private businesses to offer charging stations for EV's by educating and promoting available federal, state, utility, and regional incentives. Explore grants to support development of additional incentives.

TM 3-2 Support improved awareness of EV technology, performance, operational cost savings and other benefits through organized "EV Ride and Drive" events throughout the region.

TM 3-3 Explore partnerships to develop pilot projects to identify strategies to advance zero emission technology and economic development for the region such as new EV charging technology (example: parking and road embedded inductive charging, etc)

TM 3-4 Create an Electric Vehicle Action Plan (EVAP). An EV Action Plan should: 1) address increased public access to chargers, 2) identify locations for chargers in commercial areas, 3) identify DC Fast Charging locations 4) explore charging infrastructure technologies including streetlight integration, smart cable technologies, bidirectional charging, inductive charging and others 5) address barriers to charging at homes and rental properties (such as households without garages), 6) identify strategies to increase use of EVs in car sharing programs, and 7) assess the potential to partner with third-party EV charging station providers to lower program and construction costs.

EVAP should also consider EV charging needs for the region’s residents and businesses as well as consider opportunities to support EV charging for travelers in ways which support the community as well as the traveler (such as park / outdoor recreation or shopping experiences at charger locations). Plan should identify funding resources such as those from the 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and federal incentives for Alternative Fuel Corridors.

TM 3-5 Encourage local governments to establish an EV Ready Ordinance requiring new developments to have wiring capacity to charge electric vehicles and reserve a percentage of new parking spots for exclusive EV use

TM 3-6 Educate the public on existing state, federal, and utility incentives for efficient and electric vehicles, including tax incentives and at-home electric vehicle charging outlet incentives. Establish a community information and outreach campaign including regional events like the Detroit Lakes 2023 EV Event.

TM 3-7

Promote awareness of resources that identify EV charging station locations (ie smart phone applications).

TM 3-8 Create a pilot project to explore solar powered EV charging station w/battery storage. Pilot project to highlight the effectiveness of this strategy in rural settings where tapping into established electrical grids is expensive or not possible.

TM 3-9 Encourage local governments to establish incentives promoting low or no emission vehicles. Incentives may include financial incentives based on federal or state grant support, or supportive policies such as dedicated and prominent parking areas for EV's.

TM 3-10

Transportation and Mobility

Collaborate with local partners and electric utilities to study anticipated demands on the region's electric grid associated with increased electric vehicle utilization and create a grid enhancement plan to address demand need. Study should include inovative grid management approaches like vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems where electric vehicles can be used as energy storage batteries, saving up energy to send back into the grid at peak times.

TM 3-11

Collaborate with state and local partners to identify incentives and support for auto dealerships within the region offering EV, PHEV, and HEV options. Include consideration for increased accessibility to EV options by the region's low-to-moderate income community members (such as through increased used EV vehicle market).

TM 4: Establish viable renewable diesel and/or biodiesel sources to serve region by 2027. Achieve 20% diesel consumption replacement by 2030.

TM 4-1 Leveraging scientific/technological base in the region (University of Morris, etc) to conduct a "Renewable Fuel Study" to identify viable no/low emission diesel vehicle fuel alternatives, sources, and outlets for increasing no/low emission fuel alternative availability and utilization. Study to include analysis of efficiency chain and impact on land use and other communities. Study may include exploration of existing supply chains as well as potential new sources such as through a locally operated biodiesel plant, renewable diesel produced through renewable energy and electrolysis plant, and plasma gasification plant producing hydrogen or renewable diesel.

TM 4-2 Develop a pilot project based on findings of the Renewable Fuel Study to assess opportunities for region wide adoption or production.

TM 4-3 Identify and engage partners to establish adequate bio and/or renewable diesel supply chain for community.

TM 4-4 Encourage and support local governments in converting all county and municipal operations diesel fuel utilization to bio and/or renewable diesel fuel by 2027.

TM 5: Achieve 20% conversion of gasoline vehicles and equipment within regional government operations’ fleets to EV's by 2030. Achieve 100% conversion by 2050.

TM 5-1 Coordinate and conduct an Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment (EVSA) for county and municipal fleets in the region. The EVSA should include fleet vehicle use case identification and operational monitoring resulting in determination of viable alternative fuel vehicle options for near, mid, and long term replacement. EVSA should include local government “EV Ready” strategy implementation to support conversion of the region's local government fleets and equipment to EV, establish a charging station implementation plan for government facilities, and identification of group purchase options, funding, and incentive.

TM 5-2 Encourage local governments to establish or update vehicle purchasing policy and budget process to default to no / low emission alternative fuel with traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) as optional requiring proof of need. Policy to take emissions/fuel reductions into account when purchasing vehicles/ equipment. Focus on small vehicles as well as large vehicles for alternative fuels. EV replacement to be prioritized for high mileage vehicles.

TM 5-3 Reach out to cities to ask / promote EV fleet studies as cost reduction and maintenance staff time savings for public fleets.

Transportation and Mobility

TM 5-4 Assemble a team of content experts to present to and encourage counties and municipalities in the region to adopt strategies transitioning from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EV vehicles. Establish a process to support and promote a series of presentations and listening sessions with local government leaders.

TM 5-5 Collaborate with the region's school districts to study bus fleet electrification and funding approaches and establish a transition plan.

TM 6: Increase fuel efficiency of remaining regional government operations combustion engine fleets by 5% by 2030.

TM 6-1 Encourage local governments to adopt an anti-idling policy and ensure enforcement. Support policy by compiling an "Eco Driving Guide" and provide to local governments to distribute to all employees and include in new employee training.

TM 6-2 Encourage local governments to work with their vehicle lease partners to identify fuel-efficient ICE vehicle lease options achieving a minimum 10% increase in fuel efficiency by 2030 where EVs are not available/ practical.

BE 1: Improve total Region wide residential, commercial, educational, institutional, and industrial building energy efficiency by 10% by 2030. (electricity and heating fuel)

BE 1-1 Partner with regional utilities and other established Energy Audit/Energy Efficiency Program(s) to accomplish significant residential energy efficiency improvements and make the program accessible to all Region residents, including reduced participation costs for low income households. The program should offer building envelope tests, infrared thermal scanning, light weatherization projects, LED light bulb replacement. Additionally, offer building operations and behavioral suggestions, as well as track carbon, energy, and financial savings Goal: 500 households annually achieving a 15% efficiency increase per location.

BE 1-2 Work with regional electric and natural gas utilities, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, local chambers, and other partners to establish commercial / industrial energy efficiency audit and upgrade program. Develop specific energy efficiency programs for hard-to-reach segments of commercial properties (e.g., commercial rental, restaurants, affordable multifamily housing, schools). Program to be similar Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s EnergySmart commercial energy savings program with enhanced energy efficiency targets meeting CAP Goals. Goal: 15% of commercial/industrial buildings by 2030 achieving a 20% efficiency increase per location.

BE 1-3 Implement a residential energy benchmarking (performance tracking and reporting) and labeling program for homes listed for sale.

BE 1-4 Establish and implement an Energy and Water Benchmarking and annual reporting program for commercial, institutional, industrial, and multi-family buildings by 2026. Support improved access to utility data for building owners and managers seeking to improve energy and water performance.

BE 1-5 Promote and distribute education and information to residents and businesses on advantages of and options for energy efficient appliances.

BE 1-6 Promote incentives for improving energy efficiency (e.g., insulation, energy-efficient windows, electric heat pumps) in new construction and retrofit residential and commercial properties. Coordinate with Inflation Reduction Act, Utility incentives and PACE financing information (currently available to commercial properties only).

BE 1-7 Encourage local governments to require county or city financed projects to meet an energy efficiency standard, like Sustainable Buildings 2030 (SB2030), LEED Gold, Enterprise Green Communities, the 24 National Green Building Standard ICC/ASHRAE 700, or an equivalent certification. Consider requiring projects receiving PUD, CUP or other zoning action to meet the energy efficiency standard.

BE 1-8 Conduct a study to explore potential income qualified renewable energy and energy efficiency incentives. Based on study, identify and implement pilot incentive programs and include an overview of potential funding sources including grants such as those from the Inflation Reduction Act.

BE 1-9 Collaborate with the region's local governments to adopt and promote voluntary energy efficiency stretch codes (IGCC, B3 2030, etc). Advocate for adoption of enhanced energy code by state.

BE 1-10 Collaborate with local partners to establish incentives and support for energy audits and energy efficiency upgrades for the region's schools.

Buildings and Energy

BE 2: Increase adoption of high performance building construction technology, achieving 1/2% Net Zero households and commercial properties Region wide by 2030.

BE 2-1 Establish a Net Zero Energy Building Guide providing building owners, renters, developers, designers, and contractors with detailed information on strategies to make new construction or significant renovation projects Net Zero Energy or Net Zero Energy ready. Include a project strategy checklist for building owners and teams to use and report sustainable strategies used.

BE 2-2 Establish a program to encourage and educate residents and businesses on the benefits of Net Zero Energy and on-site solar, share best practices, providing training, technical assistance, and promote the Net Zero Energy Building and Solar-Ready Guides. Establish a resource hub and include links to helpful resources and tools supporting site owners in exploration and procurement of on-site solar. Include a list of local installers and contractors with high performance building, sustainable construction, and renewable energy experience. Include promotion of rebates and tax credits available for energy efficiency, high performance buildings, and on-site renewable energy, particularly those included in the Inflation Reduction Act.

BE 2-3

Following the completion of an energy audit overview of all county / city facilities, identify potential sites for Net Zero retrofit/renovation. Once completed, create and provide information on the project to the public as an example.

BE 2-4 Develop competitive Request for Proposal for effective and innovative Net Zero pilot projects. Focus on "Net zero building in every neighborhood" to establish visibility of strategies within the community. RFP should encourage high quality mixed use redevelopment on infill properties and existing surface parking lots along transit oriented development corridors. RFP's should focus on equity, affordability, livability, and compliance/support of Climate Action Plan goals.

BE 2-5 Coordinate and promote a regional residential and small business "Electrification and Energy Efficiency/ Weatherization" group purchase campaign annually to help reduce the costs of energy efficient heating systems such as air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps through volume purchasing power (goal, 200 households and 20 businesses/institutions annually). Program design to focus on improved equity (residential and commercial) in its implementation and explore strategies to support local small business contractors. NOTE: Action may be implemented in combination with the renewable energy group purchase program action.

BE 3: Achieve 20% residential and commercial and industrial building "fuel switching" from on-site fossil fuel combustion to electrification by 2030.

BE 3-1 Deploy an incentive program for electrification. Work with regional utilities or other regional partnerships to create financial incentives to electrify new and existing buildings. For example, rebates for panel upgrades, electric appliances, Air Source Heat Pumps, Ground Source Heat Pumps, and solar thermal systems can encourage the transition to non-combustion energy use in homes and businesses. Goal: Target 10% residential market conversion (250 households annually) and 5% commercial/industrial market conversion (an estimated 25 commercial businesses, 10 industrial businesses annually) by 2030

BE 3-2 Establish a communication campaign to educate contractors, installers, and homeowners about benefits of electrification and other on-site fossil fuel combustion reduction strategies, currently available technology such as heat pumps, and manufacturer resources for installation training and support. Include promotion of rebates and tax credits available for electrification upgrades and appliances, particularly those included in the Inflation Reduction Act.

BE 3-3 Coordinate and promote a regional residential and small business "Electrification and Energy Efficiency/ Weatherization" group purchase campaign annually to help reduce the costs of energy efficient heating systems such as air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps through volume purchasing power (goal, 200 households and 20 businesses/institutions annually). Program design to focus on improved equity (residential and commercial) in its implementation and explore strategies to support local small business contractors. NOTE: Action may be implemented in combination with the renewable energy group purchase program action.

BE 4: Increase renewable energy from 0.8% to 20% of Regionwide residential and commercial electric use by 2030. (distributed solar and purchased renewable through utilities)

BE 4-1 Coordinate and promote a residential Solar Group Purchase Campaign annually to help reduce the costs of solar installation through volume purchasing power (goal, 500 households annually). Program design to explore strategies to support local small business solar installers and strategies to support local workforce development.

BE 4-2 Establish a Solar-Ready Guide providing building owners, renters, developers, designers, and contractors with detailed information on strategies to make new construction or significant renovation projects solar ready. Include a project strategy checklist for building owners and teams to use and report sustainable strategies used.

BE 4-3 Establish a Solar Ready Ordinance to require all commercial, institutional, and multi-family buildings to be solar-ready. Support action with Solar-Ready Guide and checklist. Goal 100% solar ready new home construction by 2028.

BE 4-4 Require on-site solar for all commercial properties receiving county or municipal funding or incentives.

BE 4-5 Coordinate and promote a regional initiative for local governments to achieve a SolSmart designation to help improve solar permitting procedures and illustrate community solar readiness.

Buildings and Energy

BE 4- 6 Require a Solar PV Site Assessment as a part of all new building and major renovation building permit submissions. Assessment should include estimated installation cost, and projections for both energy generation potential and economic payback potential over a minimum 30 year timeframe. Establish relationships with solar installers willing to support these feasibility assessments free of charge or at discounted rates.

BE 4- 7 Establish a regional renewable energy program(s) which increase utilization of on-site / in-community renewable energy while creating benefit for low-income community members. Example programs include City of Dubuque Low Income Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC), Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Community Solar for Community Action, and Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute Community Solar Program Model. Goal: 50 MW clean energy generating capacity delivered through programs annually by 2030.

BE 4- 8 Identify the "Solar Top 50" commercial/industrial properties within the region and produce detailed solar feasibility assessments for each site. Include a "Top 20 Community Solar" study to identify top potentials to support community solar benefits for low income residents. Include exploration of "carport" array options over large pavement expanses. Assessments to include potential solar generation and economic performance and return on investment estimates, information on financing and ownership models, and next step resources. Provide solar assessment reports to properties and conduct an informational workshop to assist building owners and businesses in understanding the assessments, incentives, and next step potential. "Solar Top 50" assessment effort could be repeated annually.

BE 4- 9 Coordinate and promote a commercial Solar Group Purchase Campaign annually to help reduce the costs of solar installation through volume purchasing power (goal, 1100KW installed annually). Group purchase campaign could include/focus on properties identified in the "Solar Top 50" assessment effort. Program design to explore strategies to support local small business solar installers and strategies to support local workforce development.

BE 4- 10 Promote Agrivoltaics throughout the region which facilitate agricultural process under and around solar garden installations. Examples include native plantings with pollinator habitat, sheep grazing, vegetable production etc.

BE 4- 11 Incentivize local renewable energy projects. Explore leveraging existing incentives to increase renewable energy utilization and generation throughout the region. These incentives should include support for lowincome solar installations and the creation of green jobs.

BE 4- 12 Conduct Solar Ready training to provide technical assistance using the Region's Solar Ready Guidelines and listening sessions with the home builders association, contractors, building designers, developers, and building owners. Include information on benefits of on-site renewable energy generation. Distribute the Solar Ready Guidelines and checklist through region, county and municipal channels.

BE 4- 13 Collaborate with the region's electric utilities to establish an on-bill financing option for renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades.

BE 4- 14 Join the Department of Energy's National Community Solar Partnership and explore utilizing the program's grant and technical assistance support in advancing solar for the region. Encourage the region's counties and municipalities to join the partnership and participate.

BE 4- 15 Identify opportunities for businesses with significant hot water loads (laundromats and hospitals) to install solar thermal technology.

BE 4- 16 Collaborate with local partners and governments to establish a regional "Clean Energy Independence Plan" to identify renewable energy demand and establish a master plan outlining renewable energy development required to achieve it with an implementation plan. Example: Warren Clean Energy Independence Plan

BE 5: Improve total regional county and municipal government building energy efficiency by 12% by 2030. (electricity and heating fuel)

BE 5-1 Conduct a Building Energy Audit on all primary county / city owned facilities. Fully implement audit recommendations. Prioritization should be given to the county / city's largest energy consuming sites. Implement recommended improvements by 2028

BE 5-2 Encourage local governments to establish a policy that requires all county / municipal buildings to be benchmarked using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. Each primary building's Energy Score rating, and energy use intensity (kBTU/sqft) shall also be posted on the county / municipality's website. Encourage school districts, and other public agencies located within the region to participate in the energy benchmarking and disclosure effort.

BE 5-3 Encourage local governments to establish a Green Building policy that requires all new county/municipal buildings to meet and maintain energy, resource efficiency, and on-site fossil fuel combustion reduction and elimination goals or building standards (ENERGY STAR, LEED, B3 or other). Encourage school districts, and other public agencies located within the region to establish similar policies.

BE 5-4 Establish a program to encourage and educate county and municipal leaders on the benefits of energy efficiency, Net Zero Energy, fuel switching, and on-site solar, share best practices, and providing training. Establish a resource hub for county and municipal leaders and include links to helpful resources and include promotion of rebates and tax credits available for local governments for energy efficiency, high performance buildings, and on-site renewable energy, particularly those included in the Inflation Reduction Act.

BE 5-5 Collaborate with local partners and governments to establish an LED Streetlight Replacement Masterplan, implementation schedule, and funding plan to achieve 100% LED streetlighting region wide by 2030.

BE 6: Achieve 20% regional county and municipal building thermal “fuel switching" from on-site fossil fuel combustion to electrification by 2030.

BE 6-1 Based on county / city Building Energy Audits , identify county / city facilities to prioritize for electrification and schedule improvements in collaboration with the utility provider.

BE 6-2 Encourage local governments to require all new county / municipal buildings to be 100% electric (or zero onsite fossil fuel combustion) by 2030.

BE 6-3 Encourage local governments to participate in the "Electrification and Energy Efficiency/Weatherization" group purchase campaign to reduce fuel switching costs.

BE 6-4 Communicate and promote financing and incentive options supporting fuel switching, such as those supported by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Buildings and Energy

BE 7: Increase renewable energy to 25% of region county and municipal government operations electricity consumption by 2030. (distributed solar and purchased renewable through utilities)

BE 7-1 Conduct a detailed solar assessment and "Renewable Energy Master Plan" for all primary county/city facilities. Include new and existing buildings, incorporate strategies to address electricity storage, and focus on highlighting any hurdles or solutions that would be applicable to the broader community. Region's largest energy consuming properties should be prioritized for assessment. Provide an overview of funding strategies and incentives including those in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, and illustrate potential return on investment and operational savings.

BE 7-2 Support installation of solar on all county/city facilities where feasible, based on implementation established in Renewable Energy Master Plan. Explore creation of a Region 4 Group Solar Purchase program to support cost competitive installations for participating local governments.

BE 7-3 Conduct a study to identify potential renewable energy generation potential at all region solid waste and wastewater treatment facilities including on-site generation of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and/or plasma gasification.

Waste Management

WM 1: Decrease total per capita municipal solid waste handled by 5% by 2030.

WM 1- 1 Encourage local governments to establish a policy to make zero and reduced waste events standard for large community events. Implementation to focus initially on local government events with communitywide events as a second phase.

WM 1- 2 Launch a zero waste comprehensive planning process to identify strategies and actions to move the region's communities toward zero-waste. Include detail for counties and municipalities to incorporate into comprehensive plans.

WM 1- 3 Identify and promote reuse and repair businesses and opportunities which can reduce the disposal of used goods.

WM 1- 4 Eliminate petroleum-based, single-use products through phasing out the use of single-use plastics by 2025. Require food service retailers to use biodegradable, compostable or recyclable packaging. Explore the feasibility of establishing a reusable takeout container service. Explore feasibility of establishing a plastic bag or single-use plastic item fee throughout the region. Explore identifying a "social media influencer" restaurant owner in each county to share why they use compostable takeout containers.

WM 1- 5 Encourage, incentivize, and reward sustainable behaviors (refuse, reduce, reuse) through campaigns and competitions. In addition to general efforts, target high impact times/events such as holidays and weddings. Encourage local businesses to run their own campaigns and competitions for employees.

WM 1- 6 Promote or require the reduction of resource consumption of the waste collection fleet through efforts such as alternative fuel, fuel efficiency, vehicle optimization, and other new technologies.

WM 1- 7 Work with and promote existing organizations such as The Exchange and Habitat ReStore reuse programs for increased diversion. Establish coordinated system to make large item pickup easier and expand partnerships for demolition waste pickup and reuse.

WM 1- 8 Create a comprehensive regional communication campaign to provide standardized information and comunication on waste reduction, reuse, recycling and organics collection option and promote existing resources, services, incentives, and programs. Include identification of regional and county resources. Partner with county and municipal departments, Habitat for Humanity's ReStore and other regional recycling and re-use organizations for promotional content sharing. Example campaigns: City of Portland Be Cart Smart, City of Fayetteville Solid Waste Diversion and Recycling Education Plan.

WM 1- 9 Support and encourage local governments to establish government operations zero waste plans and policy to identify strategies to move the municipal operations toward zero-waste. Achieve the waste reduction and diversion goals of this section within government operations by 2028.

WM 1- 10 Support thrift stores as a waste reduction strategy. Collaborate and coordinate with the region's thrift stores to establish and promote Thrift Store Crawl events.