Actions taken: Hopkins uses the Minnesota B3 database to assess energy efficiency in City-owned buildings. Hopkins had two buildings fall into the bottom third of the B3 energy performance ranking: City Hall and the municipal parking ramp. In November 2010, City Hall received new boilers. The parking ramp is scheduled for new lighting by the Spring 2011. Both projects are eligible for rebates.

Actions taken: The City has installed and will continue to install LED lights, Dark-Sky compliant outdoor lighting, and solar-powered signs whenever possible. Stoplights are designed to minimize the wait time for cars, cutting down their idling time.

Actions taken: Hopkins updated its Comprehensive Plan in 2009; it will guide the City’s land use regulations and policies for the next 10 to 20 years.

Actions taken: Hopkins’ Comprehensive Plan plans for a variety of land uses in its downtown district and specifically addresses vertical mixed-use development.

Actions taken: Every year as part of street reconstruction projects, Hopkins documents the installation of trees, green stormwater infrastructure, and any utility renovations as needed.

Actions taken: The City has long realized the need to improve the connection between Excelsior Blvd and Mainstreet for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The plan for a Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) station at 8th Avenue South and Excelsior Blvd has underlined that need and identified an important goal of attracting transit riders to Downtown Hopkins.

Hopkins also participates in various Active Living campaigns such as the Step to It Challenge and the Hopkins Citizens Academy.

Actions taken: Hopkins currently monitors the fuel usage and costs of the Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments. Monthly maintenance is scheduled on all city vehicles. Hopkins has bike police patrols, and bicycles are made available for City inspectors. There are two designated electric car permit stalls with electrical outlets located in the public downtown parking ramp.

Actions taken: The City requires higher-density housing around transit zones. It also uses Travel Demand Management (TDM) to increase the number and proportion of people who share rides and who travel outside of rush hours.

Actions taken: Hopkins currently follows Minnesota’s state statutes on purchasing EnergyStar certified equipment as well purchasing 30% post-consumer recycled paper. There is no specific policy in place which Hopkins will be looking into.

Actions taken: In 2009, Hopkins was named a Tree City USA for the 30th time. Hopkins meets the four standards to become a Tree City USA by having a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance.

Actions taken: All the water from rain and snow that fall in Hopkins and is not absorbed or evaporated runs into the City’s storm sewer system. In 2010, Hopkins became one of only four cities in Minnesota to be awarded a Blue Star Award, given to communities that are taking a leadership role in protecting Minnesotas water resources and public health through excellence in stormwater management.

Actions taken: The City initiated an Earth Day event during which several community volunteers cleaned up parks and trails in Hopkins. The Meadowbrook Golf course has been a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for over two years. Hopkins uses a standard of seven acres of municipal park land per 1000 people as a benchmark for planning purposes.

Actions taken: The City’s solid waste collection system encourages residents to reduce waste through our mandatory recycling ordinance, volume-based pricing structure, and added fees for extra refuse and bulk. Additionally the City regularly provides promotional materials and activities to educate residents on waste reduction, reuse, recycling and purchasing recycled products. Our current in-house purchasing policy advocates the purchase of products made with recycled content. There is also an organics recycling program in place.

Actions taken: Hopkins has two designated electric car permit stalls with electrical outlets located in the public parking ramp.

Actions taken: Hopkins currently compiles this information every 10 years in its Comprehensive Plan. The City will be looking into a system to report annual progress to community members.

Actions taken: The City of Hopkins’ Housing and Redevelopment Authority has awarded multiple sites (such as Cargill/Excelsior Crossing, LA Fitness, Hopkins Business Center, Hopkins Honda) clean up money for development.

Actions taken: The Hopkins Farmers’ Market features Minnesota grown vegetables, fruits, herbs, meat, poultry, honey, flowers, annual plants, handmade soaps, crafts, jewelry, kettle corn, pet toys, herb cookbooks, jams and jellies, bakery items, bread, and snacks. Hopkins high school and elementary schools also have gardens.