Blue Star Award Program turns 1, exceeds goals

The Blue Star Award Program is a one-of-a-kind program that offers communities that excel in urban runoff management the public recognition they deserve.

Communities participate in this voluntary program by completing a rigorous self-assessment that rates key community indicators such as city development codes, site-design guidelines and post-construction stormwater runoff standards. Communities that score high enough earn the Blue Star Award, and are recognized as leaders in protecting Minnesotas water resources and public health.

Launched in July 2010, the Blue Star Award Program is proud to honor the 42 communities that have participated during its first year. FMR and our Blue Star Award Program partners would also like to thank each of our 14 Blue Star Award-Winning communities for their efforts to protect Minnesotas water resources, including top-scoring city Independence, Minnesota.

Is your community a Blue Star Award Winner? Find out at www.bluestarmn.org. While you're there, be sure to check out our leaderboard to see the most recent list of Minnesota's Top 10 Clean Water Communities.

Upcoming Events

August 13 through October 31, 2026
Throughout St. Paul
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - 8:00pm to 9:30pm
TPT, Twin Cities PBS
Thursday, September 10, 2026 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Near the Mississippi River backwaters, St. Paul Park

Take Me to the River 

Celebrate the Mississippi River and choose your own adventure while supporting FMR at our reimagined fall fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 24.