City Council Meeting Date: August 25, 2026
To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Sara Pabich, Sustainability Coordinator
Title
Consider Resolution Authorizing Participation in the Greater Minnesota Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Community Program
Body
Action Requested:
The City Council approves the Resolution authorizing the City of Northfield to participate in the Greater Minnesota Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Community Program.
Summary Report:
The Greater Minnesota Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Community Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), provides grant-funded resources and technical assistance to eligible communities to identify and develop public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The program supports the State’s goals of expanding access to EV charging and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The City of Northfield has been selected to participate in Phase 1 - Preconstruction, which will allow the City to evaluate Northfield Transit Hub, Northfield Community Resource Center, and a multifamily location for a public EV charging site and develop the information necessary to determine site feasibility. A MnDOT-authorized consultant will assist the City with project development, utility planning, installation and operational planning.
Phase 1 is fully funded through federal and state grant funds. Successful completion of Phase 1 is required for consideration for Phase 2, which would involve construction of EV charging infrastructure, anticipated to begin in 2027 pending available funding. Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution authorizing the City’s participation in the program.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
Climate Action Plan - Education and Engagement
Comprehensive Plan - Design for Resiliency and Sustainability
Alternative Options:
N/A
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
Fall 2026 - Program Launch and begin work with consultant