Climate Communities Membership2007
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Climate Communities Membership
DATE: July 2, 2008
Assistant City Manager Teri Goodmann recommends that the City join Climate
Communities, an organization that is partnering with the International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) to promote local government leadership regarding
climate change and advocate for local governments at the national level at a cost of
$1,250 in year one and $2,500 per year thereafter.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
l ~
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
2007
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager~°~
SUBJECT: Climate Communities Membership
DATE: June 24, 2008
INTRODUCTION
This memorandum requests City Council approval to join Climate Communities, an
organization that is partnering with ICLEI to promote local government leadership
regarding climate change and advocate for local governments at the national level.
BACKGROUND
Since 2006, the Dubuque City Council has identified sustainability and specifically
becoming a designated Green Community as one of their top goals. Since that goal
was identified, Council, staff, and the citizens of Dubuque have begun the process of
"Leading by Example" to become a sustainable city. Over twenty five green activities
have already occurred or are currently taking place in Dubuque. A green resource
assessment has been completed, a sustainability task force has been convened and
interviews for a sustainability coordinator are underway.
In addition to working at home in our own "backyard" Mayor Buol, Council and city staff
have been working regionally and nationally to advance this sustainable community
priority.
Funding is one of the key components of waging an effective sustainability campaign in
our community. To that end, staff has been focused on Congressional legislation that
would increase the amount of federal appropriations available to local governments as
we strive to implement sustainable, green, policies and procedures. Partnering with
others has been key to past success. In order to achieve legislative goals joining with
partners again will be imperative.
DISCUSSION
Climate Communities is a national advocacy organization seeking new federal
resources, tools, and incentives to support local government action to combat climate
change. Climate Communities is dedicated to: 1) educating national policy-makers on
the critical role of local governments in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution and
adapting to the impacts of climate change, and 2) ensuring that Congress and federal
agencies enact policies and programs that provide the resources, tools and incentives
localities need to meet the climate change challenge.
As a member, Dubuque would have access to the following benefits:
1. Provide input in shaping the federal action agenda for Climate Communities.
2. Obtain national visibility for our sustainability initiatives.
3. Receive access to analysis and information on emerging climate policies.
4. Develop relationships with key national advocates and strategically position
ourselves to gain additional resources and opportunities to act as a pilot
community for new programs.
Currently, 21 local government organizations across the country are members of
Climate Communities. The organization is offering ICLEI members afirst-year
membership discount of 50%. Dubuque's first year membership fee would be $1,250,
with subsequent fees being $2,500.
Funding for this membership will come from the City Manager's Office Dues and
Memberships FY09 budget.
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend that the City Council authorize staff to apply for membership in Climate
Communities.
TG:cb
cc: Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager