State has goal to ensure 100% of Minnesotans live in climate-ready communities by 2030
Nearly nine in 10 Minnesota communities have reported experiencing the impact of at least one weather trend caused by climate change, and few cities have defined plans to address it.
This data comes from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s 2025 Climate Resilience Survey, which gathered responses from more than 280 local and Tribal governments across the state. The results underscore that Minnesota communities are feeling the impacts of climate change and that many need more resources to prepare for the future.
“From warmer winters with fewer days of ice on our lakes to poor air quality that keeps us inside in the summer, all Minnesotans are experiencing the impacts of climate change,” said MPCA Commissioner Katrina Kessler. “This survey demonstrates the need to double down on our efforts to equip local communities with the tools they need to protect their families, homes, and businesses.”
Key findings from the survey include:
- 88% of responding local governments said their residents have experienced the impacts of climate-related weather trends.
- 59% said they are experiencing more damaging storms.
- 56% reported more flooding in their communities.
- 51% said poor air quality has affected their residents.
Despite these challenges, just 19% of local governments currently have a specific climate adaptation plan. Most communities cited funding as the top barrier to climate planning and related infrastructure upgrades. More than 59% of respondents said financial barriers prevent them from taking action, and over half said they need more funding to implement projects.
“While hotter summers, poorer air quality, heavier storms and warmer winters affect all St. Louis Park residents, our most vulnerable residents are impacted the most,” said St. Louis Park Mayor Nadia Mohamed. “To respond, the city is actively promoting and pursuing tree planting, green infrastructure and weatherization of buildings. Funding from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has supported the building of shade structures in parks, as well as tree care and planting for income-qualified residents. We appreciate the state support and look forward to implementing additional resiliency projects in St. Louis Park.”
The Walz/Flanagan administration has a goal of ensuring that 100% of Minnesotans live in communities with plans to prepare for climate change by 2030. To support that goal, the MPCA has distributed $95 million to more than 160 local governments for climate planning and infrastructure projects over the past two years through the Climate Resiliency and Water Infrastructure Grant Program.
Demand for funding, however, far exceeds what is available. Local governments have requested more than $165 million for climate-smart infrastructure projects – nearly double the budget of the state’s current program.
The survey findings will help state agencies work with local governments, Tribal Nations, and the Legislature to expand funding and build capacity for climate adaptation.
For more information on Minnesota’s climate resilience work, visit: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/climate-change-adaptation