INTRODUCTION

Since 2007, Minneapolis Climate Action (MCA) has worked in collaboration with community members andlocal organizations to create energy democracy through community building and climate solutions rooted in deep systemic change. In 2024, with the advent of new executive leadership and the introduction of a major clean energy and sustainability workforce development training program, Minneapolis Climate Action engaged in an organizational development process in partnership with Michael Anderson Consulting with the goal of building consensus across the organization regarding organizational identity and key priorities. This report documents the work completed and decisions made at the organization’s June 21, 2024 organizational identity retreat, including new mission and vision statements for the organization. Vision: Engaged, resilient communities with democratized, equitable access to sustainable climate solutions. Mission: Weadvance equitable opportunities to build resilient communities through climate solutions.This process was led by a Strategy Team that worked closely to manage the project, distill information, and vet feedback and concepts throughout the process. A list of all MCA board and staff who participated in this organizational development process can be found in the Appendix.

LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS

Michael Anderson Consulting conducted a set of eight interviews of internal and external stakeholders in April and May 2024 to gain various perspectives on Minneapolis Climate Action’s unique strengths, sector trends, and opportunities that could position the organization for greatest impact in the community. Detailed interview findings and the list of interviewees can be found in this document.

RELEVANT THEMES

Differentiating Strengths Interviewees and stakeholders described Minneapolis Climate Action’s differentiating strengths: ● MCAhasuniqueexperiencein community solar garden (CSG) and clean energy and sustainability workforce development. ● MCAanditsExecutiveDirector Akisha Everett have strong reputations within the field and community as trustworthy partners. ● MCA’sworkcentersauthentic community connection and engagement

Field Trends and Opportunities

Interviewees revealed the following trends in Minneapolis Climate Action’s field: ● Thereisgrowing demandandahugegapininfrastructure for clean energy and sustainability workforce development in Minnesota. ● Asignificant increase in resources available for community solar garden and clean energy and sustainability workforce development, and this means that more organizations are entering these markets. ● Theclimatejustice field needs more diverse perspectives and action on equity. ● Becausemoreorganizations are entering this market and more diverse perspectives are needed in the field, there is opportunity for increased sector collaboration.

Organizational Identity Interviewees

had the following insights into Minneapolis Climate Action’s organizational identity: ● Interviewees understand that MCA’s mission connects climate justice issues and related opportunities with BIPOC and low- and middle- income (LMI) communities. ● Thereisalackofclarity around MCA’s program focus as well as the differentiation between MCAandits partner, Renewable Energy Partners (REP). ● MCAisexperiencing culture change and has significant operational needs.

CURRENT PROGRAMMING

Minneapolis Climate Action’s current programming falls into three main programs: clean energy and sustainability workforce development, community solar garden development, and community engagement.

CLEAN ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

MCAcurrently hosts eight classes in partnership with vendors and other organizations, on topics such as solar installation and sustainable landscape development. MCA coordinates the space, addresses operational needs, and provides wraparound services to increase access to workforce development programming, such as providing meals, bus passes, and stipends. Renewable Energy Partners owns the facility in which classes are held and is the recipient of a Bush Foundation grant that supports capacity building and general operations for clean energy and sustainability workforce development. MCA is the primary tenant, facilitates partnerships, and manages leasing space to other tenants.

COMMUNITY SOLAR GARDEN DEVELOPMENT

MCA,inpartnership with Renewable Energy Partners, operates two existing community solar gardens at North High and EMERGERecycling and coordinates two community solar gardens in development at Repowered and Eureka Recycling. MCA identifies sites for CSG development, engages, educates, and recruits subscribers and provides ongoing subscriber relations, manages maintenance and contracts, and engages with policy and utility companies. REP finances, builds, owns, and maintains community solar arrays, procures engineering and construction services, develops financial models to inform the projects, and partners with MCA to engage policy and utility companies.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

MCAconvenes the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Resiliency Hub work group, which engages community in informing the Resiliency Hub’s green energy pilot projects. MCA also engages, educates, and recruits community members to subscribe to community solar gardens and enroll in clean energy and sustainability career courses.