News & Ideas

An Uptown Minneapolis auto body repair shop is proving cleaner air starts in the garage

Hagen’s Auto Body recently completed a major transition to water-based paint. Thanks to Clean Air Assistance Project and the City of Minneapolis Green Cost Share Program, this switch created a safer, more productive work environment and significantly reduces emissions of volatile organic compounds.

Project CAR nears 1,000 free emissions repairs

Project Clean Air Repair (Project CAR) is approaching a milestone that felt distant when the program launched in 2017: it’s 1,000th free vehicle emissions repair. 

National study addresses costs, barriers, and opportunities in connecting farmers, ranchers with conservation programs

What does it really take to connect farmers with conservation programs? A first-of-its-kind national study examines the capacity, resources, and partnerships shaping enrollment today.

Solidarity in the world we’re building together

Reflecting on what working in partnership means while navigating times that are in tension with our values.

2025 Environmental Initiative Awards recap

In the past three decades, the Environmental Initiative Awards has allowed us to uplift over 200 environmental changemakers from communities, businesses, governments, and nonprofits. 2025 marks a crucial turning point in the program.

Opening pathways, investing in our future

Executive Director Mike Harley shares his thoughts on Environmental Initiative's two youth-serving projects, Roots for the Future and Collaborative Pathways.

Changing course: How community feedback transformed SGC’s engagement workbook

Learn how Sustainable Growth Coalition's workbook "Community Engagement Best Practices" was transformed into a stronger, clearer guide by community input.

Building effective communications for water resource professionals

The Source Water Protection Collaborative recently transferred engagement resources for water resource professionals to a new home on The Confluence of Watershed Leaders website.