REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
International Council on Local Environmental Initiatives Appointment of Elected Liaison
Report
BACKGROUND
The City has begun the process of preparing a comprehensive update to the City's Climate Action Plan. In support of this effort, staff is proposing to join the International Council on Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). ICLEI membership will provide the City with access to useful technical resources related to climate action planning. As a part of the City's application for ICLEI membership the City is asked to identify two elected officials with roles relevant to the City's sustainability efforts.
ICLEI is a non-profit global network of local governments that jointly work towards creating and accomplishing sustainability goals on a local level. ICLEI provides assistance with emissions management, climate preparedness and resilience, resource efficiency and renewables, climate finance, international collaboration and City-Business collaboration. ICLEI's main objective is to aid local governments in reducing their CO2 emissions and improve the overall sustainability and resilience of that municipality. The City was a member in 2011 but did not maintain this membership once the City's Climate Action Plan was completed.
DISCUSSION
Staff is asking Council to identify the City's Primary Elected Liaison in order for the City to complete the application to join ICLEI. The Primary Elected Liaison is considered to be the key political figure/lead for all elected officials in the City regarding issues of climate. This person will be contacted if an opportunity arises to feature Santa Clara in ICLEI events and publications. ICLEI may invite elected representatives of the City to participate in events such as the annual Conference of Parties (COP), the CA Climate Summit, and at UN Headquarters and would send such invitations to the elected liaison. The elected official will also vote for members of ICLEI's Global Executive ...
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