EQC Meeting Date: November 18, 2026
To: Environmental Quality Commission
From: Sara Pabich, Sustainability Coordinator
Title
Staff Update
Body
Action Requested:
The EQC receives an update regarding staff activities.
Summary Report:
This update includes items not included as agenda items for this meeting.
Tree Canopy: In May 2026, the City accepted a generous $125,000 donation from Karl Reichert, on behalf of the Loren Dean and Betty Ann Reichert Charitable Fund, to support tree planting and replacement efforts throughout the community. The donation will fund new trees in City parks, assist with replacing ash trees removed due to Emerald Ash Borer infestation, and provide for a memorial bench in Hidden Valley Park. Of the City’s original inventory of 1,048 ash trees on public property, 422 remain unaddressed following previously planned treatments, removals, and replacements. The donation will help support the phased replacement of these remaining trees, with priority given to City parks.
Hennepin County Residential Weatherization and Electrification Action Plan: The Hennepin County Residential Weatherization and Electrification Action Plan evaluates pathways to decarbonize all 1-4 unit homes by 2050, including the associated financial, workforce, and emissions impacts. The study finds that combining weatherization, air-source heat pumps, and heat pump water heaters could reduce residential emissions by approximately 74%-99%, while lowering energy bills for most households when paired with appropriate utility rates and equipment. Achieving the County’s net-zero goal will require weatherizing and electrifying approximately 12,800 homes annually, highlighting the need for expanded programs, workforce development, and equitable policies and incentives to accelerate adoption. Learn more about the study and watch the presentation here <https://www.mncee.org/hennepin-county-residential-weatherization-and-electrification-action-plan>.
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
NA