The City of White Bear Lake joined the GreenStep Cities Program in 2011. The program is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. White Bear Lake is currently recognized as a Step Four City, and is working towards Step Five. The program is based upon 29 best practices in five categories:
1) Buildings and Lighting
2) Land Use
3) Transportation
4) Environmental Management
5) Economic and Community Development