REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the Fiscal Year 2026/27 and Fiscal Year 2027/28 Sustainability Speakers Series Topics
Report
BACKGROUND
The Sustainability Speaker Series has been running since Fiscal Year (FY) 2016/17, with three to four events hosted each FY. Beginning in FY 2021/22, the Sustainability Speaker Series was funded through the operating budget in the Environmental Sustainability Program of the Environmental Services Department.
The Series is led by a Subcommittee of the Sustainability Commission consisting of Commissioner Jansen, Vice Chair Pistone, and Chair Nabhan. They propose the topics and identify potential speakers. City Council approves the Series topics. Staff provide logistical support for implementing the events.
The FY 2025/26 Sustainability Speaker Series was approved by Council on June 3, 2025, (RTC No. 25-0574) and included the following topics, with events held in the months noted:
1. United for Disability and Climate Justice (Daphne Frias), October 27, 2025
2. The Buzz on Multifamily Electrification (Nick Dirr), January 21, 2026
3. SMaRT Steps Towards Zero Waste (Jeff Dobert), March 18, 2026
Each event was hosted virtually. Between the three events, there were a total of 107 attendees.
While virtual events initially were successful, attendance as of 2024 has steadily declined (Attachment 1). As a result, the Subcommittee is proposing an in-person, interactive event format for the upcoming series. Together with staff, they also proposed that the series cover a two-year period (FY 2026/27 and FY 2027/28) to allow ample time to plan for up to three interactive and engaging community events.
EXISTING POLICY
Implementing the Sustainability Speaker Series is included as Move 5.C of the 66 "Next Moves" (specific actions) in the City's Climate Action Playbook (Playbook) Game Plan 2028, adopted in June 2024.
This Series is also aligned with the Sustainability Commission's duties, pursuant to City Council Policy 7.2.19...
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