The commission reviewed results from a recent business survey and discussed how to better reach small and medium-sized property owners—the businesses most likely to take climate action, according to the data. Large companies typically have in-house sustainability expertise, but smaller businesses need more direct support and resources.

To reach these businesses, the city plans to leverage the Thrive newsletter, a paper-based mailing identified as the preferred communication method for Minnetonka businesses. The commission also discussed reviving the "One-Stop Efficiency Shop," a past program that paired commissioners with engineers to visit dozens of businesses in a single day, offering free energy audits and sustainability resources.

On the residential side, the city is amplifying promotion of Hennepin County's "Switch Together" solar group-buy program, which makes rooftop solar installation more affordable by bundling purchases. Participants can save just over $5,000 per installation, and a 30% federal tax rebate is available for installations completed by the end of 2025. Minnesota law limits residential solar installations to 120% of a household's annual electric use, reviewed over the past three years.

The commission also celebrated recent community successes, including a well-attended "Everything Electric" exhibit at Minnetonka's Summerfest and a clothing swap event at The Marsh. Staff reported on the Home Energy Squad program, which provides subsidized home energy audits to residents, and noted ongoing efforts to track participation in organic waste and other sustainability initiatives.

One commissioner noted the contrast between federal climate action efforts—including the discontinuation of the Health and Human Services Climate Office—and the continued momentum of local, county, and state climate initiatives. The commission plans a joint tour with the city council at Ridgedale Commons Park to further coordinate sustainability efforts across city government.