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Hello, and welcome to the November 2023 edition of the Sustainability, Healthy Homes, and Environment newsletter.
We are now accepting applications for the Green Zones Community Project funds.
The funds are available for community-led, environmental justice projects in the North and Southside Green Zones.
- Individuals can apply for up to $5,000
- Organizations can apply for up to $25,000
Read more about the goals and strategies of the Green Zones Community Project funds:
Read the request for proposals
Submit questions to health@minneapolismn.gov by Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. Responses to all questions will be posted by Wednesday, Dec. 6
Submit your application on the City's eSupplier portal. Proposals are due Wednesday, Dec. 20 at noon. Late proposals will not be accepted.
The City of Minneapolis Health Department’s City Trees program is expanding our residential tree sale. We are gathering community input to decide what types of trees to offer. Share your thoughts with us!
Please share your ideas with us via this survey link
In June 2023, City Council published a legislative directive written by Council Members Ellison, Chavez, and Chughtai requesting information and recommendations to strengthen environmental justice in Minneapolis. The directive requested information related to the creation of an environmental justice checklist, a data disclosure form that would require moderate and high-impact use businesses to report information to the city regarding pollution and community impacts.
City staff responded to the legislative directive and presented at the Business, Inspections, Housing, and Zoning (BIHZ) committee on Nov. 9. This presentation showed how the City used to address industrial uses and how the new zoning code aligns with Minneapolis 2040 to address environmental justice. They also went over multiple policy changes that could address the cumulative impacts of air pollution in the Green Zones.
Examples of possible policy changes include:
- Requiring moderate-impact production uses to obtain a conditional use permit or business license in the Green Zones and prohibit new moderate-impact production uses that are state air emissions permit holders in the Green Zones
- Requiring all moderate-impact production uses to submit an environmental justice checklist and conditional use permit and/or business license
The response to the legislative directive was received and filed by the BIHZ committee.
For more information watch the recording of the BIHZ committee meeting and read the Environmental Justice Legislative Directive briefing memo
Join Minneapolis Edible Boulevards at their next cooking class with Tamuno Imbu.
Dec. 9 at 11 a.m. on Zoom.
More information will be available at Minneapolis Edible Boulevards page
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is planning to adopt new rules to implement and govern regulation of facilities that emit air toxics in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington County.
As part of the early stages of developing the rules, MPCA is hosting a virtual informational meeting on Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. At this meeting you are invited to provide feedback after a short overview of the rule.
Join the Dec. 13 informational meeting via this Zoom link.
You can find more information on this rule and the rulemaking process on MPCA’s Air Toxics Regulations webpage.
 Have you heard about heat pumps, induction stoves, or clean energy? Hennepin County residents are invited to learn all about home electrification at the Electrify Everything workshop on Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 5:30 to 7:30p.m. at the Brookdale Library in Brooklyn Center (6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy). At the workshop you will learn about how to switch from fossil fuel-powered appliances to electric ones and the resources available to help. You will also have the opportunity to connect with contractors at the event to ask questions and get projects started. Electrify Everything Minnesota will also share how you can electrify your home.
Please RSVP here. All are welcome. Contact info@electrifyeverythingmn.org with questions.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is co-hosting two community meetings with the East Phillips Improvement Coalition to share information and hear community concerns surrounding Smith Foundry. There will be representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and leaders from the Smith Foundry present.
Community meetings:
Monday, Nov. 27, 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Phillips Community Center
Friday, Dec. 1, 11:30a.m. to 1p.m. Attend the virtual Zoom meeting with this link
For more information visit the MPCA website
At the next WHEJAC virtual meeting, members of the public can provide comments that are relevant to current topics the council is working on:
- The Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool
- The Environmental Justice Scorecard
- Carbon management
- Ways that the WHEJAC could recommend advancing environmental justice through a whole government approach
- Examples of environmental hazards of particular concern for Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Nations related to federal activities that may affect sacred sites and areas of cultural significance, cultural or other traditions or practices, subsistence, and ways of life
- Ways the federal government can address community impacts on, and concerns of Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Nations
- Ways in which the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge into Federal decision-making could help address environmental hazards and environmental justice concerns
The deadline to sign up to speak during the public comment period is Nov. 29.
The virtual meeting is Dec. 6 at 1p.m.
Written comments are due Dec. 20.
See the meeting description for more information
Learn more about the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council | US EPA
Are you a home or property owner in Minneapolis looking to upgrade your windows, or improve your heating and cooling system?
The City’s application process offering community members financial assistance in making energy-saving and weatherization improvements is now open. The program, a partnership between the Green Cost Share and Lead and Healthy Homes programs, aims to make homes more energy efficient for qualified homeowners.
Kosar’s story: From high bills to living in a paradise
Meet Kosar Mohamad, who, after years of high energy bills, went to the City for help weatherizing his home. After getting the energy-efficient updates, Kosar describes living in his home as a “paradise.”
Watch Kosar’s story:
Transforming Homes and Lives: The Green Cost Share Program in Minneapolis
How to apply
Take the first step towards a more energy-efficient home and reduce climate change by visiting the Green Cost Share page for more information.
Apply for various programs
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Minnesota state government is partnering with local leaders to develop climate-adaptation plans so that we are ready for what lies ahead. The MPCA has $750,000 available to support climate-planning projects in communities across Minnesota. This funding will help communities assess vulnerabilities and plan for the effects of Minnesota’s changing climate in three areas:
- Improving stormwater resilience and reducing localized flood risk.
- Improving the resilience of wastewater systems.
- Reducing human health effects and adapting community services, ordinances, and public spaces.
Applications are due Dec. 14
Any questions about this grant must be submitted to grants.pca@state.mn.us with the subject line “FY 24 Planning Grants for SWC Resilience” by Dec.11
Visit MPCA's website to learn more.
The University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership is accepting nominations for the Minnesota Climate Adaptation Awards. These awards celebrate people and organizations working on climate resilience and climate justice by developing, advancing, or implementing climate adaptation strategies.
Achievements can be demonstrated through:
- Leadership
- Education
- Research
- Policy
- Practices
Award categories include:
- Individual Adaptation Award
- Collaborative Adaptation Award
- Organization Adaptation Award
- Creative Climate Communication Award
- Climate Justice Leadership Award
Complete the online nomination form by Nov. 26
Visit the webpage for more information
The Midwest EJ Network seeks an experienced Fundraising Director to serve a key leadership role within our organization and movement. The Fundraising Director will be responsible for:
- Developing and implementing the network’s overall fundraising strategy.
- Stewarding and deepening relationships with existing funders.
- Developing new funder relationships.
- Creating and leading a capacity building program for our grassroots partners.
- Providing input on our communications strategy in order to grow resources for movement organizations in the region.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until Dec. 7.
For more information see the full job posting
Climate Fellows get paid to gain the skills and experience needed to be successful in a clean energy career.
The position includes:
- Training – learn industry-recognized certifications and credentials for future employment.
- Experience – serve on projects like energy audits, and efficiency maintenance.
- Education support – be eligible for loan forbearance on student loans while serving plus an education award.
Learn more and apply on the Conservation Corps website
Are you interested in a career in solar energy?
Registration is now open for our Green Careers Exploration Program. There are several classes offered for those in the industry and people who are new to green jobs.
Our December class is specific to people with some background in electrical work.
Register for the class taking place Dec. 4-8
The class includes an opportunity to test for a NABCP PV Associate Certification.
The Minneapolis Health Department’s Green Careers Exploration Program is partnering with Minneapolis Climate Action and other community partners for the next round of Solar Installation Training.
Green career jobs Jobs in clean energy and solutions for climate change are some of the fastest growing and best paying in the nation.
Young adults, people of color and women are encouraged to register.
If you're looking to get into a solar career look for free training opportunities in 2024.
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