CM Jamal Osman Votes to Approve the Minneapolis Climate Equity Plan
The Minneapolis City Council Passes Climate Equity Plan with Overwhelming Support
July 21, 2023 — Minneapolis — Today, Jamal and the team are excited to announce that the City of Minneapolis Climate Equity Plan has been passed with an overwhelming YES vote by the City Council!
Jamal shared the following statement after the vote:
“This is a significant milestone for our city as we take a crucial step towards creating a better, more sustainable future for every resident of Minneapolis.”
The Climate Equity Plan is a visionary and science-based roadmap that addresses environmental injustices faced by Indigenous, Black, and Communities of Color while charting a course towards a sustainable and inclusive economy. With ambitious goals to significantly reduce climate pollution by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050, this plan sets the foundation for a greener and more equitable Minneapolis.
“I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you—my fellow council members, our incredible community partners, and every Ward 6 resident who voiced their support for this plan. It is through your dedication and collaboration that we were able to create a Climate Equity Plan that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our diverse community.”
“Throughout the development of the Climate Equity Plan, community input has been at the forefront of the process. The City received an overwhelming response during the public comment period, with over 1,000 responses and more than 1,800 comments. We listened to your voices, and your valuable feedback helped shape the final plan.”
“Environmental justice and equity have been central themes in the creation of the Climate Equity Plan. We recognize that climate change disproportionately impacts underserved communities, including our Green Zones. Therefore, this plan is committed to improving the health and well-being of those living in these areas by providing increased, dedicated, and equitable funding, engaging diverse communities in decision-making, and creating green and union job opportunities with a focus on Black, Indigenous, and communities of color.”
The final plan includes a 12-month working timeline to demonstrate the areas of immediate action, clear connections between strategies and emission reduction targets, a list of departments responsible for implementation, and mechanisms to track and publish data for funding, programs, and environmental justice outcomes.
Together, we will work towards the seven prioritized strategies that will shape our journey towards a sustainable future by 2030:
1. Insulate and weatherize 5,000 homes, with priority given to homes in Green Zones.
2. Eliminate the number of households with an energy burden over 6%.
3. Reduce fossil (natural) gas emissions by 35%.
4. Train and support 1,000 Minneapolis community members in new green jobs.
5. Expand green space, tree planting, and local and sustainable food systems.
6. Reduce emissions from commercial buildings by 75%.
7. Achieve 100% renewable electricity citywide, with 30% coming from local solar energy.
“Our commitment to this plan will not only safeguard our environment but also create a stronger, more resilient, and fairer city for generations to come. I am incredibly proud of our city's dedication to this cause and look forward to working hand in hand with all stakeholders to turn the Climate Equity Plan into a reality.”
“Once again, thank you to all who have contributed to this significant achievement. Together, we will make Minneapolis a beacon of environmental justice and sustainability.”
CM JAMAL OSMAN
(DFL, Ward 6)
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Resources & Background
For more information on the Climate Equity Plan and its implementation, please contact us at info@jamalosman.org or visit these resources:
+MinnPost | "Minneapolis climate equity action plan: How is the city approaching climate justice?”
+MN350.org | “People’s Climate & Equity Plan”
+Minneapolismn.gov | “City Council Approves Climate Equity Plan”
*For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Osman Volunteer Committee
Communications Lead
info@jamalosman.org