GreenStep Cities

"Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance, and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. This free continuous improvement program, managed by a public-private partnership, is based upon 29 best practices. Each best practice can be implemented by completing one or more actions at a 1, 2, or 3-star level, from a list of four to eight actions. These actions are tailored to all Minnesota cities, focus on cost savings and energy use reduction, and encourage civic innovation." - GreenStep Cities Website

The City of Crookston has been a proud participant in the GreenStep Cities program since 2015. As members, we strive to improve the city in terms of sustainability in order to work towards a greener tomorrow.

Current initiatives taken:

  • The city will enact an electronic shutdown policy within city buildings. This would involve turning off computers, lamps, and other electronics overnight or when otherwise not in use. By doing so, the city will decrease energy usage by preventing vampire energy.
  • Mass transportation: Crookston is serviced by T.H.E. Bus service. Call 218-281-0700 to schedule pickup. Same-day scheduling costs $3 to destination and $2 to return. Schedule a day in advance for $2 to destination and $2 to return. UMC students ride free with their U-CARD on class days. Service in Crookston runs from 6 am to 6 pm. Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm. Saturday and 7:30 am to 1:30 pm. Sunday (Note: must call at least a day prior for Sunday pickup. No dispatcher available on Sundays). For more information on T.H.E. Bus service, visit the transportation programs page of the Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc website.
  • Tree planting: the City of Crookston plans to plant between 90 and 110 trees per year. These will be planted within city parks, along roadways, and in new developments.
  • A committee will be formed in order to pursue GreenStep initiatives and investigate ways to achieve our goals. The committee will be made up of Shannon Stassen (City Administrator), Dr. Katy Chapman (UMC Associate Professor, UMC Sustainability Coordinator), and a UMC Sustainability Department student intern.