5. Resolution - how to implementThe GreenStep Cities program aims to provide Minnesota cities a clear pathway to
greater sustainability based upon implementing best practices specific to Minnesota
cities of differing sizes and capabilities. Due to the multiple environmental, economic and
social dimensions of the best practices, leadership from the city council is needed to
oversee their implementation and integration with other city and community activities
and with other governmental jurisdictions (such as surrounding townships) as
appropriate.
To join the GreenStep Cities program as a Step One city, cities adopt a GreenStep
participation resolution that names a contact person to be the city s GreenStep
coordinator. This person can be an existing city staffperson, an elected official or an
appointed community member. Cities may also empower an existing or new committee to
lead and coordinate the implementation of GreenStep best practices. Many cities find it
easier to complete more GreenStep actions faster with a committee. The committee can
be an existing city commission or taskforce, an existing civic group, a city staff "green
team, " or a new group. A new group could include city elected officials/staff and
community members, including representatives from civic and religious groups, business
organizations and educational institutions.
Below is a sample GreenStep participation resolution, which should be tailored as
needed to fit the unique situation in your city. Please insert relevant "WHEREAS"
statements — see sample ones on the next page —prior to the THEREFORE statement
below, which can be modified but which must include the four basic elements below.