Item A: Sustainability Commission Work Plan

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Sustainability Commission Work Plan Meeting Date: April 23, 2008 Agenda Item Number: B Department: Central Services Staff Contact: Felicity Fahy www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682 5017 ISSUE STATEMENT The Sustainability Commission is required to develop an annual work plan and present it to the council for approval. This is the first work plan developed by the Sustainability Commission; it covers the period from May 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009. BACKGROUND Introduction In January 2007, the council adopted the Sustainability Initiative goal with the focus to develop the Office of Sustainability and the Sustainability Commission to support sustainable practices and businesses producing sustainable products and/or employing sustainable practices. The council adopted Ordinance No. 20379 establishing the Sustainability Commission as a policy advisory body to the council and City Manager to assist in the development of programs to create or enhance sustainable practices within the community. The Sustainability Commission is charged with advising on policy matters related to: sustainable practices, businesses that produce sustainable products and services, City building design and infrastructure, and related issues that directly affect sustainability efforts considered by the City Council. The commission is to prepare an annual work plan and meet with the council to secure approval of that plan. The commission first met on November 28, 2007 and has met seven times subsequently, with one additional meeting of a mission sub-committee. The commission members have: explored their role and that of the Commission; considered the council adopted definition of Sustainability; adopted the Sustainable Business Initiative Taskforce report vision as the draft commission vision; and developed a mission statement. The proposed mission statement of the commission reads: The Sustainability Commission works to create a healthy community now and in the future by proposing measurable solutions to pressing environmental, social and economic concerns to the City of Eugene, its partners and its people. The commission has also elected a chair and vice chair and developed and adopted by-laws. Beginning with the first meeting of the Sustainability Commission, commissioners and community members alike have expressed an urgency to create a work plan and recommend actions to the City Council to establish and advance sustainable initiatives in Eugene. The commissioners are committed to enhancing sustainable operations of the City organization and the community at large – including businesses, households, other organizations and institutions. F:\CMO\2008 Council Agendas\M080423\S080423B.doc