GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance, and recognition program, managed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, that helps communities implement best practices related to energy efficiency, transportation, land use, and climate resilience. Rochester is one of over 150 cities and Tribal nations participating in this program and has earned Step 4 and Step 5 certification, which is the highest level of certification possible.

Highlights of Rochester’s recent achievements include:

• Lower energy use in City facilities
• A more fuel-efficient municipal fleet
• New public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
• Expanded green space and tree canopy

More details: Rochester GreenStep Profile

Rochester is proud to be the first city in Minnesota to achieve LEED Gold City designation by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a globally recognized framework for measuring sustainability and resiliency. This certification reflects performance in energy use, water and waste management, transportation, and human experience.

The designation supports continuous improvement in environmental outcomes, equity, and livability. 

The City of Rochester earned a Silver-level designation through the U.S. Department of Energy’s SolSmart program in 2018, recognizing the city’s efforts to make it faster, easier, and more affordable for residents and businesses to go solar. This national recognition highlights Rochester’s commitment to supporting local solar energy development and advancing clean energy goals.

To achieve this designation, the City of Rochester took steps to improve the solar permitting process, align local policies with best practices, and provide greater clarity for residents and installers. These efforts help reduce barriers to solar adoption and demonstrate the city’s broader commitment to accessible, community-wide clean energy solutions.

Rochester earned a Silver-level designation through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Charging Smart program, which helps local governments implement best practices for planning, regulation, education, and operations related to EV adoption. This national recognition reflects Rochester’s efforts to make electric vehicle (EV) charging more accessible across the community.

Through process improvements and collaboration with Rochester Public Utilities, the City of Rochester has taken key steps to support the expansion of EV infrastructure. As part of the Charging Smart certification, the City of Rochester developed resources such as residential and commercial EV installation checklists, installed chargers at City facilities to support municipal fleet electrification, and implemented a streamlined permitting process.

The City of Rochester received a Bronze-level designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) from the League of American Bicyclists in 2010 and was re-designated in 2014, 2018, and 2022. This recognition highlights the city’s ongoing commitment to creating safe, accessible, and connected bicycle infrastructure. Key highlights include:

• Building an All Ages and Abilities Bicycle Network connecting downtown and neighborhoods
• Upgrading bike lanes to protected lanes for improved safety
• Implementing traffic calming, lower speed limits, and bicycle boulevards
• Expanding bicycle safety education in schools and improving safe routes
• Promoting bicycle benefits programs and encouraging local businesses to support cycling

These recognitions reflect Rochester’s dedication to enhancing active transportation options and fostering a healthier, more sustainable community.

The City of Rochester earned a Bronze-level designation through the Walk Friendly Community Program due to its engineering practices, extensive trail network, and commitment to pedestrian safety. Key highlights include:

• A 99+ mile trail system anchored by the Rochester River Trails, with expanded winter maintenance for year-round access.
• A city-wide sidewalk and curb ramp inventory, with ADA-accessible ramps at 100 percent of intersections and regular maintenance cycles.
• Development of the Active Transportation Master Plan to guide future investments.

These recognitions highlight Rochester’s commitment to expanding mobility options and improving quality of life.

Rochester is proud to be recognized as a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation, a designation the city has earned for its ongoing commitment to effective urban forest management for over 40 years. This honor reflects the City’s investment in maintaining and expanding its tree canopy through sound policies, community engagement, and dedicated tree care.