Creating stronger, resilient communities
Minnesota's climate is changing rapidly and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Extreme rain events are more intense and more frequent than at any time on record, with devastating effects for homes, businesses, and local communities. Minnesota now ranks second in the country for extreme weather events, only behind California, resulting in Minnesotans seeing a 366% increase in homeowner insurance rates since 1998.
Adapting to climate change requires a community-by-community approach. That is why the Walz – Flanagan Administration proposed, and the legislature approved, funding to help local and tribal governments assess the risks of increased flooding and develop plans to enhance stormwater infrastructure. More is needed to ensure communities are prepared to respond to extreme weather and become more resilient to future climate conditions.
Possible goals
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| One third of Minnesota’s local governments have completed planning specifically to address climate vulnerability and build resilience by 2030 | State funding for resilience planning and project implementation has increased by 25% | |
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| Climate risks and resiliency provisions are included in 80% of county hazard mitigation plans by 2025 |
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There are many different ways we can make our communities stronger and more resilient to the effects of climate change. We need your ideas and input on the best solutions for Minnesota.
To participate:
- Add one idea at a time, but submit as many times as you want. Enter a short description for each idea you add.
- "Like" other people's ideas by clicking on the heart icon to express your support or add a comment to share your perspective.
View All Ideasabout 2 months ago
Residential and commercial Rain gardens - simple infrastructure, able to be completed by homeowners, businesses and govts, & many benefits.
3 months ago
Promote green infrastructure to hold water after large rain events, support ecosystems, and inventory water storage opportunities
Green infrastructure uses vegetation and other natural landscape features to collect and treat stormwater runoff in place. Unlike traditional gray infrastructure built to deal with stormwater, green infrastructure also provides environmental, social and economic benefits such as natural habitat, accessible greenspaces like parks in urban areas for recreation or gathering, and green jobs associated with installation and maintenance.
3 months ago
Fund energy retrofits for households in low-income and older home neighboirhoods through city/state/federal and private dollars.
This would help curb inequities and while decreasing energy use. Both are needed for resilient communities.
9 days ago
Incentivize or require that all new development limit and/or offset any net increase in impervious surfaces in a given area.
Through use of green infrastructure practices. Particularly areas prone to flooding or that contribute to downstream flooding.
3 months ago
Seek federal funding and provide resources to help communities and individuals plan for and adapt to climate impacts
Federal funding is necessary to leverage limited state and local resources to meet the significant challenges facing communities from warming temperatures, more frequent floods, sewer overflows, and changing growing seasons for natural flora and agriculture. In June 2021 the Minnesota Legislature and Governor Waltz appropriated $1.9 million to help communities assess climate change impacts however the need is much greater to develop and implement adaptation plans. For example, a 2019 survey determined that $4.12 billion is needed to address Minnesota’s wastewater infrastructure deficiencies. Understanding how climate change impacts individuals, businesses and communities also includes considering insurance to mitigate personal and collective risks.
