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 Committee, the governing body, and other internal matters. The elected liaison has some discretion as to how engaged they will be with ICLEI.
The ICLEI application also includes identification of a Highest Elected Official. In the case of a local municipality this would normally be the mayor. The Highest Elected Official does not have specific responsibilities related to ICLEI membership. The highest elected official can also be the primary elected liaison if determined by the City and then would then be responsible for both of the roles.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
The membership to ICLEI will cost the City $1,750 annually. The Community Development, Public Works and Silicon Valley Power Departments have agreed to pay equal portions of the membership fee out of existing budgeted resources.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Designate the City’s Primary Elected Liaison in order to complete the application for the City to join the International Council on Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI).
2. Do not designate the City’s Primary Elected Liaison in order to complete the application for the City to join the International Council on Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI).
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff makes no recommendation.
Staff
Prepared by: Calyn Hart, CivicSpark Climate Fellow, Community Development
Prepared by: John Davidson, Principal Planner, Community Development
Reviewed by: Andrew Crabtree, Director, Community Development
Reviewed by: Manuel Pineda, Assistant City Manager
Reviewed by: Walter C. Rossmann, Chief Operating Officer
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager