In a recent meeting of the City of Burnsville's Special Economic Development Commission, discussions centered on innovative strategies to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability within the community. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as city officials and community members explored ways to alleviate energy burdens, particularly for residents in manufactured home parks.

One of the key highlights was the outreach program aimed at educating residents about energy efficiency. The sustainability team reported reaching over 2,200 individuals through various events last year, including community gatherings like "Party on the Plaza" and "Fire Monster." This year alone, they have already engaged with 306 homes, providing free energy efficiency equipment and information on financial assistance programs.

A notable partnership with the Red Cross added a layer of safety to these initiatives, as they offered free smoke detector checks and battery replacements during outreach events. Residents expressed gratitude for the timely assistance, with many sharing stories of long-dead smoke detectors finally being replaced.

The conversation also touched on efforts to connect with multifamily housing units. The sustainability team has been proactive in building relationships with property managers and integrating energy efficiency education into annual licensing training for rental properties. This approach aims to ensure that property managers are well-informed about available resources and can pass this knowledge on to their tenants.

On the business front, the team has been collaborating with the Chamber of Commerce to disseminate information about energy-saving programs. They emphasized the importance of networking and word-of-mouth communication in encouraging participation in these initiatives.

As the meeting concluded, the sustainability team encouraged community members to reach out with questions or for more information about energy efficiency programs. With a commitment to ongoing communication through newsletters and social media, the City of Burnsville is poised to continue its efforts in fostering a more sustainable and energy-efficient community.