In 2013, Minneapolis adopted their Climate Action Plan, which put into place a comprehensive set of emission reduction strategies. These strategies cover 3 areas: Buildings and energy, Transportation and land use, Waste and recycling.
For buildings and energy, the goal is to reduce energy usage by 17%, and generate 10% of electricity from local, renewable sources. On the residential building side of things, Minneapolis is proposing a "home energy audit" as part of the Truth In Housing program (TIH or TISH, Truth In Sale of Housing). This would require sellers to have an energy score when listing their house for sale. They are proposing that the TISH inspectors be trained to perform this component of the inspection process. The end result of this energy score would be a single number, for example 37 on a scale of 1 to 100. 100 would mean that the house would have virtually no energy costs.
Another part of this program is to make incentives for sellers to improve their homes energy-wise so that they can get a higher sale price due to energy efficiencies. If they don't, the buyers will at least have some knowledge about the energy efficiency of the house, making it an incentive to them to improve the house energy-wise.
Also on the residential side of things, Minneapolis is proposing a "time of rent" energy disclosure for renters. Renters currently have no way of knowing how much their utility bills will be before renting a unit. The disclosure would be mandated so that renters could compare units on energy efficiency. This would give incentives to the landlord (owners) to improve their buildings to make them more attractive to the rental market.
On the commercial side of things, some of them already have to do an energy score of sorts and disclose to purchasers. Minneapolis would like to extend that to all commercial buildings. They also have an Energy Reduction Challenge called the "Kilowatt Crackdown" to encourage commercial buildings to reduce usage.
For renewable energy, Minneapolis is trying to create policies that promote renewable energy, develop a "solar-ready" certification, and encourage "net-zero" buildings.
Making a building "solar-ready" adds virtually no cost at the time of construction, and would potentially have some value to purchasers. This would involve adding some structural supports and electrical conduit so that solar could be installed without adding structural support to the roof trusses, and/or digging in walls to add conduit. Both of these items can be added at a very low cost when in the construction phase.
What is a net-zero building? Basically net-zero means the building (or house) would generate all the energy it needs to power the building itself. This generally means that the building is super insulated so that it requires less energy to heat and cool the building, as well as solar panels to generate the energy it needs. Oftentimes this type of building uses geo-thermal heat pumps to heat and cool the building, running off solar energy. You can read more about "Net-Zero" buildings at this link.
You can read the entire action plan at the link below. Minneapolis Climate Action Plan:
http://www.minneapolismn.gov/sustainability/climate-action-goals/climate-action-planis on one of the best-known lakes in Minneapolis, and in the land of ten thousand lakes, that's saying a lot. There is a ton to do at this park, including archery, fishing (including ice fishing), biking paths, and more. There is a soccer field, a softball field, a (sand) volleyball court, and a picnic area as well. It is vast and lush, and it's the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon with families and/or friends. (Formerly known as Lake Calhoun Park)
is one of the oldest parks in Minneapolis and lines the shores of Lake Harriet. It was named after Henry Beard who in one of three men who donated the land to the city in 1884. This park offers a playground and tennis courts, but is best known as a picnic spot. It has a great picnic shelter and a wonderful view of the lake.
is one of the small parks that brightens up the neighborhood. It's very green and has benches so you can and enjoy said greenery.
is on one of the best-known lakes in Minneapolis, and in the land of ten thousand lakes, that's saying a lot. There is a ton to do at this park, including archery, fishing (including ice fishing), biking paths, and more. There is a soccer field, a softball field, a (sand) volleyball court, and a picnic area as well. It is vast and lush, and it's the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon with families and/or friends. (Now known as Bde Maka Ska Park)
is on perhaps the busiest lake in Minneapolis. It has a bandshell that hosts many popular concerts during the summer. It also has a biking path, a walking path, and a boating dock. In addition, it has an elaborate fountain that is a sight to behold, a playground for the kids, and a picnic area. Your family and friends will all have a great time here.
suitably named for the neighborhood, has much to offer including playgrounds, sports fields and courts, a pool in the summer and an ice rink in the winter. Tennis is a large draw here. It also has a rec center that has many activities to offer for both adults and children that stretch the body and the mind.
is a small neighborhood park that affords the community members a moment of respite in their busy daily lives. It's leafy and green, and it's a breath of fresh air. It also has tennis courts if you want to play a set or two.
contains undeveloped land that is rigorously guarded because it contains specimens of plants from the early days of the neighborhood. Some of the plants include Dutchman's breeches, wood anemones, and blue cohosh. There are plenty of birds, too, for those who love our feathered friends. The park also has a playground and a picnic area.
is a warm and cozy restaurant in neighboring Edina that is perfect for a night out on the town. Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable about wines. They have over 30 kinds of wines, along with a variety of domestic and imported beers. They also have food, including the Beaujo burger, shrimp with a spicy tamarind sauce, and the pan-fried cod sandwich. Their menu includes desserts and coffees, too.
is situated on the waterfront of Lake Harriet, serving an American style grill and seafood menu on a seasonal basis. They are environmentally conscious and use locally-farmed ingredients when possible. Many people stop here for ice cream or a bite to eat on their stroll around the lake. It is right next to the Lake Harriet Bandshell where, throughout the summer, music and other shows are performed.
is a cozy neighborhood Chinese restaurant that serves all your favorites. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the service is quick. They serve dishes from the four most popular Chinese cuisines--Hunan, Peking, Szechuan, and Cantonese. Their menu includes crispy boneless duck, Mandarin pork, and lobster Cantonese-style. They have vegetarian options as well.
is an open and airy restaurant with Argentinian-influenced cuisine. The atmosphere is intimate and classy, yet also relaxed. Their menu is focused on meat and seafood, including spicy tuna tiradito, steamed mussels, braised lamb fusilli, and grilled octopus. They also pride themselves on their inventive cocktails, which include Frida's House and Sous Les Mer. Finish off your meal with something sweet like the flan.
opened in 2011, and the owners, Naviya and Kim Labarge have been running Thai restaurants since 2004. It is a small and cozy restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere and a friendly staff. They use the freshest vegetables as the base for their dishes, and each dish is an explosion of flavor. Their menu has many different options including hot plates, curries, and stir fried rices. The favorites include Sawai Fillet with Red Curry, Rama Thai, and the Basil Turkey Stir Fry. They are also serious about the wine they serve ,and they have an extensive list of teas and beers as well.
is the newest endeavor of Dave Anderson, the founder of Famous Dave, in his quest to bring barbecue to everyone in the Midwest. They smoke their meat daily, and all the sauces and sides are made every day as well. It's a casual BBQ joint with big and bold flavors, a friendly staff, and all the barbecue you could ever want. They have a BBQ bowl you can fill with your favorites if you can't decide on just one, sandwiches, and tacos. They have ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and so much more. If you are a BBQ lover, this is the place for you.
is an open and inviting restaurant that believes in sustainability. They use locally-produced ingredients when possible, and they have gluten-free options as well as vegetarian dishes. Their menu includes Norwegian salmon, lobster and pork belly, clams & bison sausage. They have some decadent desserts as well, including the brigadeiro chocolate cake.
is a cozy restaurant with a great staff. They pride themselves on crafting food that looks as good as it tastes, and they like to take familiar foods in excitingly different directions. They have a small menu with big flavor, featuring dishes such as hamachi crudo, cacio e pepe, and slow-poached eggs in parmesan cream. For dessert, there's always the butterscotch pot de crème.
opened in 1996 with the belief that good food takes time, patience, and passion. Since then, they have expanded to other locations and also a restaurant with wood-fired pizza. The decor is homey and inviting, and the staff is friendly. They are known for their fantastic breads and pastries, which include spinach bread, asiago pepper dinner rolls (seasonal), croissants, and puff pastries. They also have cakes, cupcakes, pies, and other sweet treats. Finally, they also have other food, such as soups, sandwiches, and quiche.
has a nouveau rustic decor and a friendly staff. It's been a neighborhood favorite for over two decades, and it's family-owned and family-friendly. They serve breakfast and lunch, and they are hearty portions. They put a healthy twist on old favorites such as chicken wild rice hash, buckwheat wild rice pancakes, and an albacore tuna and cheddar melt.
is a warm and inviting florist shop that offers a wide array of European-style still-life arrangements. The staff is helpful and friendly, and they will work with you to ensure that you have the right arrangement for any given situation. They have everything from hand-held bouquets to plants and creations for weddings, and they have a selection of cards that range from humorous to thoughtful.
is a Tibetan store with a calm and soothing atmosphere. They have been around for more than 25 years, offering authentic Tibetan textiles, jewelry, books, and more to the community. The staff is very knowledgeable about all things Tibetan, and they are happy to share everything they know with their customers. They also have meditation classes, and anyone from the community is welcomed to join in.
is a community favorite as it has a homey and inviting atmosphere. It was opened by Lisa MacMartin because she wanted to share her passion for natural arts and crafts to people of all ages and skills. The staff is cheerful and knowledgeable, and they love sharing both with their customers. The store has a large crafted tree that kids can play in and around when they're taking a break from crafting. The store offers times every month that members of the community can come in and do crafts, and they have birthday party packages as well.
describes itself as a 'vintage amusement store' by which they mean that they have two levels filled with curios, baubles, knickknacks, and other antiques. They have fifteen dealers who are all eager to match you with the perfect retro find. Jewelry, houseware, clothing, and much more. The store is crammed with interesting antiques, and you are sure to find something to tickle your fancy.
is a women's boutique in a refurbished red house. The store is comfy and homey, and the clothing is on-point and trendy. They have a Mix & Mingle every week and a warehouse sale once a month. The staff is friendly and flexible, and you can order online if you see something you like on their Facebook wall or their Instagram.
is a Sunday morning must in Linden Hills. It is open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m./2 p.m. in rain, shine or even snow from the middle of May to the end of December. Locals love their farmer’s market so much that when the weather becomes untenable, they move it inside. They see this as an opportunity to strengthen the local musicians, growers, artisans and businesses and teach others the importance of community. They also include the Minneapolis Craft Market, which is a roaming marketplace that is devoted to, yes, crafts.
is a women's fashion store started by Jill Henderson (the second of three) as a way to bring fun fashion to the community. The store is cozy and warm, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The clothing is mostly casual with some of it being classic and some of it being quirky. There are accessories as well, such as jewelry, scarves, and bags.
is a vintage shop run by two best friends (Lisa Balke and Susan Blankenship). They have jewelry, interior decor, light fixtures, books, and much more. Candles, soap, and eyebobs are also part of their inventory. They have furniture as well, and mirrors and frames. If you're looking to brighten up your home, this is a great place to look for an unexpected treasure.
is not your typical children's bookstore. Its been around for more than 25 years, and its most distinguishing feature is that it is home to many different animals, including cats, chinchillas, a chicken, spiders, and more. Parents can bring their children, not only to read and learn, but for an eye-opening and heart-warming experience involving both the loving animals and the kind and fun-loving employees.
is a warm and cozy restaurant in neighboring Edina that is perfect for a night out on the town. Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable about wines. They have over 30 kinds of wines, along with a variety of domestic and imported beers. They also have food, including the Beaujo burger, shrimp with a spicy tamarind sauce, and the pan-fried cod sandwich. Their menu includes desserts and coffees, too.
is the brainchild of Suzie Marty, someone who wanted to combine her passion for art with the love of her grandchildren. She believes that art should reflect the experiences of the artist, and the store reflects that belief. It has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and helpful. There is a variety of artist mediums, and the products include jewelry, paintings, furniture, and more.
features the art of Jimmy Wilson and select guest artists. His work includes still-life, figures, and plenty of nature. There is a serenity in his paintings that you can feel as you walk by and study them. If you want some art and a moment of respite in your busy day, this is the place to visit.
is a community gathering place that has something for everyone, including events throughout the year. The indoor activities include adult yoga, a computer lab, and more. For the more outdoor-oriented, they have a baseball field, a basketball court, a hockey rink, and ice-skating rink, and that's not even the half of it. They also have a soccer field, a softball field, a playground, a tennis court, and a wading pool. They also have events such as the spring fling egg hunt.
is a beloved tradition that happens every summer at five parks around Minneapolis, including Lake Harriet Band Shell, Nicollet Island Park, Father Hennepin Bluff Park, Minnehaha Park, and Bryant Square Park. The music includes rock, swing, classical, pop, alternative, and so much more. At the bandshell, free concerts are offered daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day except on Wednesdays. It's a great way to enjoy a nice summer day with friends and/or family.
is an annual winter get together for the community. There is horse-drawn wagon rides, sledding, ice-skating, music, marshmallow roasting, and so much more. It's a great way to get the circulation going and to get to know your neighbors while enjoying many winter activities. There are warm beverages available as well to warm the stomachs and hands.
Kites of all shapes, sizes, colors, and themes will fly over frozen Lake Harriet. Other fun family activities at the festival include ice fishing, snowshoeing, and a marshmallow roast. This event is free and open to the public! No registration required.
is an annual Minneapolis tradition that has happened for over 40 years. It's a one-hour free concert by the Minnesota Orchestra at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, and it's part of their week of free outdoor concerts for the community to enjoy. What's better than music in the great outdoors?
is an annual festival hosted by the Linden Hills Neighborhood Council. It has been a community favorite for nearly half a century, and it's filled with activities that everyone can enjoy. It starts with the always fun Decorate Your Wheels, and Parade of Wheels and Pets. There's also a silent auction, live music, a used book sale, tons of food, and much more. All the proceeds go back into the neighborhood, so you can benefit the community while enjoying yourself at the same time.
is also known as the Big Corn Feed, and it's an annual community tradition. it's a night full of family entertainment such as face painting, inflatable structures to jump in, and of course, delicious corn on the cob. What could be better on a Minneapolis summer night?
is an annual event in which the members of the community gather in order to enjoy autumn together. Who doesn't love making s'mores by a nice toasty fire while chatting with their neighbors? There is also a bouncy house and a food truck. In addition, you can vote for members of the Linden Hills Neighborhood Council while you're there.
is going to the dogs in the best of possible ways. It's an annual puppy fest sponsored by the Linden Hills Business Association and several other co-hosts. It's a highly-anticipated yearly event when all the pooches in the neighborhood come out to play. There are more than 40 booths in the Woodstock Exhibition. There is live music that is guaranteed to make your hound howl in glee. There are internet-famous dogs who will gladly race about with the local dogs. If you are a dog lover, this is definitely the event for you.
