RMC Recommendation 20240319-005: Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Recommendations — original pdf

Recommendation

BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20240319-005 Resolution on Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Recommendations WHEREAS, the City of Austin has numerous sustainability incentive programs aligned with the goals of Climate Equity Plan; and WHEREAS, many of these programs are underutilized, especially among low-income households; and WHEREAS, additional community outreach by trusted organizations can increase the effectiveness of these programs, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends that a minimum of $320,000 be allocated to the Office of Sustainability for: a. A Community Engagement Specialist (1 FTE) to coordinate community outreach and partnership activities associated with promoting the full suite of City of Austin sustainability incentives (i.e., home weatherization and repair, water conservation, rainwater collection, landscape, and green infrastructure programs), with a focus on building relationships with low-income communities, communities of color, and related organizations and service providers. (est. $120,000). b. $200,000 for grants, contracts, and stipends for community leaders and community-based organizations to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs in targeted Austin communities, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability. Commissioner Paul Robbins, Vice Chair; Commissioner Melissa Carugati; Commissioner Charlotte Davis; Commissioner Trey Farmer; Commissioner GeNell Gary; Commissioner Shane Johnson; Commissioner Dino Sasaridis; Commissioner Alison Silverstein Vote: 8-0 For: Against: None Abstentions: None Off Dais: None Vacancies: Mayor Absences: Commissioner Louis Stone, Chair; Commissioner Chelsey Scaffidi Attest: Natasha Goodwin, Staff Liaison