HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 155-26 - Resolution - Sustainability Pilot Programs
RESOLUTION
Authorizing $100,000 in 2026 Council Contingency Funding for Sustainability Pilot
Programs, Including Residential Rebates and an Expansion of the Building
Community Grant Program, and Authorizing Staff to Implement the Programs and
Return to Council with Results and Recommendations.
WHEREAS, at its April 13, 2026 Study Session, the Common Council directed staff not to
move forward with a natural gas franchise fee and instead supported development of
sustainability pilot programs based on community feedback, coordination with Rochester
Public Utilities (RPU), and a request for approximately $100,000 from 2026 Council
contingency funding; and
WHEREAS, community engagement identified priorities including home energy
improvements, direct community investment, resident-led sustainability projects,
accessibility, and measurable outcomes; and
WHEREAS, since April 2026, City staff have collaborated with Rochester Public Utilities and
other City departments to refine program concepts, eligibility requirements, estimated costs,
implementation strategies, and administrative needs; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends allocating $75,000 for residential sustainability rebate pilot
programs, including rebates for plug-in solar systems, battery storage, electric panel
upgrades associated with electrification, air sealing and insulation improvements, and
program administration; and
WHEREAS, staff further recommends allocating $25,000 to expand the Building Community
Grant program to support resident- and community-led sustainability projects; and
WHEREAS, the proposed pilot programs will leverage existing City and Rochester Public
Utilities program structures where practical, with staff finalizing program requirements during
2026, launching eligible programs in 2027, evaluating participation, costs, energy savings,
greenhouse gas reductions, and administrative effectiveness, and returning to the Common
Council with recommendations for future consideration; and
WHEREAS, these pilot programs support the Common Council's Responsible
Environmental Stewardship strategic priority and advance the Council Action Plan by
expanding residential energy efficiency and beneficial electrification programs in partnership
with Rochester Public Utilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Common Council of the City of Rochester,
Minnesota, that $100,000 from 2026 Council contingency funding is hereby authorized for
sustainability pilot programs, consisting of $75,000 for residential sustainability rebate pilot
programs; and $25,000 for a sustainability-focused expansion of the Building Community
Grant program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that City staff are authorized to finalize and implement the
pilot programs, evaluate program performance during the 2027 pilot year, and return to the
Common Council with results and recommendations for future sustainability programming.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA, THIS __________ DAY OF _______________, 2026.
___________________________________
PRESIDENT OF SAID COMMON COUNCIL
ATTEST: __________________________
CITY CLERK
APPROVED THIS _____ DAY OF ______________________, 2026.
___________________________________
MAYOR OF SAID CITY
(Seal of the City of
Rochester, Minnesota)