Hopkins Heat Vulnerability Study

With a grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Local Climate Solutions partnered with LHB to complete a Heat Vulnerability Study for the City of Hopkins, MN. This study looked at the Excelsior BLVD and Blake Road corridors to identify how businesses and residents are affected by extreme heat events and what can be done to mitigate heat and provide affordable cooling options.

These corridors are susceptible to urban heat island effect and can be up to fifteen degrees warmer than surrounding areas. These corridors are also home to a large majority of city rental housing stock as well as many immigrant, BIPOC, and low-income renters. Part of the process involved direct engagement with residents throughout the study area to gather input for future recommendations.

This project resulted in a story map that offers a visual report for how the City can address urban heat island effect and help its residents be more resilient as climate hazards become more prevalent.