TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Douglas Hewett, ICMA-CM, City Manager
FROM: Jodi W. Phelps, Director, Chief of Staff
DATE: June 26, 2023
RE:
Title
Resolution of Support for Sustainability and Energy Initiatives
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal #4: Desirable place to live and recreate
Goal #6: Collaborative citizen and business engagement
Executive Summary:
City Council is asked to adopt a resolution of support for the City of Fayetteville’s sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives focused on renewable energy, alternative fuel, conservation and sustainable measures for preservation of our environment for future generations and continued growth.
Background:
In March 2023, the City led the initial formation of a group of community leaders to begin addressing climate, energy and conservation needs in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. This group met with representatives from the US Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency regarding available programs and funding sources for projects and initiatives.
Earlier in the year, the City was allocated $245,040 from the US Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. It was determined that this block grant funding should be used to establish and support a Regional Energy Collaborative with representatives from the City, County, PWC, Fayetteville State University, Fort Liberty, FCEDC, Cumberland County Schools and other public and/or non-profit organizations as identified. The funding will support the team’s efforts to develop and implement a community-wide energy plan that sets overarching goals for our community. The four core principles of the work center on the following:
1. Reduce carbon emissions by 2050, becoming a Net-Zero Community by 2050
2. Increase electric vehicle and alternative fuel use
3. Increase green buildings and construction
4. Commitment to a green community
Issues/Analysis:
The City is leading the formation of the Regional Energy Collaborative and identifying a consultant to facilitate the development of the collective plan. With goals and strategies in place that all organizations are committed to, we can collaborate more effectively on needs and projects, securing funding from state, federal and private sources to meet our objectives on a larger scale.
These efforts will benefit our community and residents by significantly reducing our environmental impact, potentially improving the economy and adding jobs, and leading the region in collective impact.
To better inform the work of the Collaborative, the City will be leveraging available ARPA funding to complete an update of the Sustainability Plan to develop a sustainability report and roadmap. This work, anticipated to begin initiation in August, will set a foundation for our current state and outline a plan for the future of City operations.
Staff seek Council’s support for engaging in these efforts that can dramatically impact our community.
Budget Impact:
No general fund budget impact is expected at this time
Options:
1. Adopt the resolution in support of energy and sustainability initiatives.
2. Do not adopt and request additional information from staff.
Recommended Action:
Adopt the resolution in support of energy and sustainability initiatives.
Attachments:
Draft resolution in support of energy and sustainability initiatives