The council received an informational presentation from Darcy Solutions about commercial-scale geothermal systems, which use underground aquifers to heat and cool buildings without fossil fuels. Robert Ed, the company's director of marketing and strategy, explained that heating accounts for 60 to 75 percent of a building's carbon emissions in northern climates. Darcy's technology offers a competitive advantage because it works in tight urban spaces where traditional geothermal systems cannot fit, while remaining 100 percent electric. Federal tax credits can reduce upfront costs by 40 to 50 percent. The company has completed projects at schools in Winona and Madison, Mayo Clinic facilities, and other sites across the Midwest. Commissioners asked about land usage, system design, and integration with hot water systems, but took no formal action.

More significantly, staff member Ally Wishak announced that Minnetonka won a $50,000 grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies for the Youth Climate Action Fund. The program will distribute micro-grants of $1,000 to $5,000 to teenagers ages 15 to 24 who develop and lead climate action projects aligned with the city's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Projects must involve at least two youth and be sponsored by a registered organization. Wishak emphasized that the program prioritizes youth leadership: "the youth approaching an organization saying this is what we want to create," rather than adults proposing ideas to young people.

The timeline is tight. The city will promote the program in July and August, open applications in September, and close them October 16. The Sustainability Commission will select awardees at a special meeting in October. Selected projects will launch in November and run through April, culminating in a celebration around Earth Day. Commissioners offered positive feedback and pledged to help promote the program and support budget planning. No vote was required on either item.