What is Sustainability?

A sustainable city is one that has environmental, economic and social health. In Coon Rapids, we support long-term ecological balance and the preservation and restoration of natural resources. We want our current residents to thrive and we want to ensure future generations of residents have the same ability to thrive. Additionally, we strive to be responsible stewards of the city’s economic resources by finding efficient ways to do our work.  

Sustainability in Coon Rapids

Coon Rapids works to create a sustainable city for everyone to enjoy. Learn more about our sustainability initiatives, how our resident advisory commission aids in this process and what steps you can take to help us advance this work by exploring the pages in the menu to the left. Have questions about Sustainability in the city? Email the Sustainability Planner.

Many departments and staff are involved in advancing sustainability in Coon Rapids. Visit the following webpages to learn more about sustainability throughout the city:

• Recycling
• Anoka County's Compost Site
• Forestry
• Coon Rapids' Water System

Coon Rapids Leads the Way

GreenStep Cities

Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance, and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. As one of over 100 participating cities, the City of Coon Rapids is helping to lead the way in sustainability across the State of Minnesota.

In March of 2014, Coon Rapids became a Step 1 City. This designation recognizes Coon Rapids' continued focus on cost savings, energy use reduction and encouragement of civic innovation.

In June of 2015, Coon Rapids became a Step 2 City, and in June of 2021, Coon Rapids reached Step 3. The City has undertaken sustainability programs include efficient lighting and street signals, sustainable mobility options, urban forestry programs, stormwater management and efficient city growth.

View Coon Rapids' GreenStep City Resolution.

View Coon Rapids' most recent GreenStep City Assessment.

B3 Energy Use Reporting

Coon Rapids reports public building energy consumption data as part of the B3 Benchmarking program which helps the City monitor and improve energy consumption at our facilities. Visit the B3 website to learn more about the initiative and view Coon Rapids' energy data here.

Greenhouse Gas Inventory

The Metropolitan Council has a Greenhouse Gas Inventory tool for all communities in the Twin Cities metro area. Visit the inventory online to learn more about what sectors emit greenhouse gases in Coon Rapids and how we compare to our neighbor cities.