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Roseville Public Works, Environment and Transportation Commission Agenda Item DATE: April 25, 2023 ITEM: 6.a. ITEM DESCRIPTION: U of M Climate Policy Student Group - Walk Friendly Community Project Background Roseville is involved in the Gold Leaf program, which is a pilot recognition program through the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program offered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The Gold Leaf program focuses on adding climate action components to the existing GreenStep Cities program. A climate action program through GreenStep helps address the concerning climate trends in Minnesota. Temperatures are warming, especially during winter. Summers are becoming drier while precipitation events have become more severe. Our natural environment is increasingly unreliable for migratory animals, birds, pollinators, and, indeed, us. Local governments are already seeing these impacts in their communities. Cities, tribal nations, and other governmental units are at the vanguard for climate action. However, there is still an unfilled niche or support for a climate action program specifically for local governments. The University of Minnesota has a course on climate policy, offered as an undergraduate course through the Humphrey School. The City of Roseville was introduced to Professor Fred Rose through our involvement with the Gold Leaf program. After a discussion with Professor Rose, staff thought involving this student group to help expand our existing program and help move Roseville toward being certified as a Walk Friendly Community (CM7 in the Gold Leaf program) would be a great idea to encourage active transportation within the community. Recommendation Receive presentation from the University of Minnesota Climate Policy Student Group, provide feedback and ask questions. Attachments 1. Presentation 2. Course Syllabus 3. Gold Leaf Program Page 23 of 185