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

Thursday, May 14, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Near Broadway bridge, North Minneapolis
Saturday, May 16, 2026 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Along a Mississippi River backchannel, Otsego
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Nicollet Island, Minneapolis

Join us for Music for the Mississippi River 

Celebrate the Mississippi River and support FMR with Tina Schlieske and Molly Maher, May 30 at Dual Citizen Brewing in St. Paul.