REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Sustainability Speakers Series
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 has been 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 Commissioners Jansen, Pistone, and Vice Chair Nabhan. They propose the topics and identify potential speakers. City Council approves the Series topics. Staff provides logistical support for implementing the events.
The FY 2024/25 Sustainability Speaker Series was approved by Council on July 23, 2024, (RTC No. 24-0643) and included the following topics, with events held in the months noted:
1. Restoring Wetlands for Climate Resilience (Christina Toms and Judy Nam), January 29, 2025
2. Waves of Change: Ensuring Equity in Coastal Access (Seraph White), March 19, 2025
3. Cleaner Stormwater, Cleaner Bay (Josh Quigley), June 18, 2025
Between the first two events, there were a total 98 attendees.
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, which include advising Council on ways to drive community awareness, education and participation in best practices.
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 physica...
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