HomeMy WebLinkAboutSustainability Manager Press ReleaseContact: Brittany Bader, Digital Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-826-0396 • BBader@EdinaMN.gov • EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Marisa Bayer Begins Work as City’s Sustainability Manager
Edina, Minn., March 8, 2024 – Marisa Bayer began work as the City of Edina’s Sustainability Manager Feb. 26.
Though new to this role, Bayer previously worked with Edina while at the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) to provide the City with services as part of Xcel Energy’s Partners in
Energy program, which Edina has participated in since 2015, and other energy consulting services.
Her positions at CEE included Community Energy Planner, Community Energy Program Manager and most recently, Senior Manager of Community Planning. Over her six years at the organization,
Bayer worked with several Twin Cities metro area cities – including Edina – on energy planning to meet climate action goals. For Edina, she worked on data analysis, energy plan implementation
and co-facilitating the policy development process for the City’s Sustainable Building Policy, which went into effect in 2022.
Assuming the City’s Sustainability Manager position marks Bayer’s return to local government. She previously worked for the City of Eden Prairie, where from 2016-2018 she was the Community
Development Coordinator and helped launch and manage sustainability initiatives, including a community sustainability recognition program.
“Marisa brings great experience. She’s worked on projects requiring very detailed reviews of energy management, but also unique and challenging community engagement components. That
balance is what our Sustainability Manager needs to be successful. Because of that experience, she will be able to quickly understand our current programs and advance them with her
own ideas,” said Engineering Director Chad Millner, her supervisor.
In her new role, Bayer will champion the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), which was approved by the Edina City Council at the end of 2021 and got off to a successful start under her
predecessor, Grace Hancock. Hancock left the position in late 2023 to take a job out of the state.
In addition to overseeing the completion of the CAP’s more than 200 actions by the plan’s end in 2030, Bayer will also ensure sustainability principles are incorporated into all projects
and programs for the City; serve as the staff liaison to Edina’s Energy & Environment Commission and represent the City on sustainability and conservation issues to the City Council,
community and other levels of government.
“Edina is really well known as a leader in climate action and sustainability. I am excited about the opportunity to be the staff member who helps continue that great legacy,” said Bayer.
For more information, contact Bayer at mbayer@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-1621 or Millner at cmillner@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0318.
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