Minneapolis Block x Block
The Vision: Everyone Gets Everything
We believe everyone should live in a home that’s safe, healthy, and powered by clean energy, no matter your income, background, or whether you rent or own. That’s the goal of the Block x Block campaign: to make clean energy upgrades accessible, affordable, and available to EVERYONE in Minneapolis.
No one should be left behind in our city’s climate future.
BlockxBlock Blog
What Is Block x Block?
Block x Block is a campaign to help Minneapolis transition off fossil fuels and into clean energy, one home and one block at a time. In 2023, community members pushed the city to invest $10 million in new programs that support energy upgrades for residents. That includes better insulation, energy-efficient appliances, electric heat pumps, solar, and even geothermal.
These upgrades reduce pollution, lower energy bills, and improve indoor air quality. And the best part? There is no upfront cost to get started.
What We’ve Won (So Far)
Here’s what community power has made possible:
Winter 2021: The People’s Climate and Equity Plan launches with teams forming in every ward
2022: Residents hold house parties, meet with elected leaders, and push for change
Summer 2023: City releases the draft Climate Equity Plan. 800 residents submit comments, and the final plan reflects their feedback
Fall 2023: City Council votes unanimously to approve $10 million in funding for clean energy programs
Spring 2024: Unidos MN engages 500 residents through door knocking and surveys
Summer 2024: Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF) is awarded the contract to roll out the upgrades to 1,000 households per year
Winter 2024: City signs a stronger 10-year franchise agreement with utilities, opening the door for long-term clean energy investments
And we’re just getting started!
Why Green Zones?
Green Zones are neighborhoods that have experienced the highest levels of pollution and the fewest investments. Many residents live with poor indoor air quality, high energy bills, and OUTDATED systems. That is why we are starting here.
We believe the people most impacted by the problem should be the first to benefit from the solution.
How It Works
We’re making this possible together with Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF), a Minnesota cooperative that specializes in community-driven clean energy. CEF brings the technical know-how, contractor network, and financing tools that make upgrades accessible for every household, no matter your income or credit.
Find out what upgrades make sense for your home, like insulation, new windows, or a heat pump
Let CEF handle the work. They coordinate contractors, secure rebates, and cover the cost
You pay back over time and your total energy bill should be less than what you pay now
Simple as that. No hassle, no debt, just a cleaner, healthier home.
See what’s possible in your home. Claim your free assessment.
Discover upgrades that cut costs, improve comfort, and make your home healthier. No credit check, no loan, no upfront cost, just a simple first step toward clean energy.