HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-17-2018 Item 8 - Institute for Local Governments Beacon Program for Sustainability
Meeting Date: 7/17/2018
FROM: Robert Hill, Interim Deputy Director, Office of Sustainability
Prepared By: Chris Read, Sustainability Manager
SUBJECT: ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO JOIN THE INSTITUTE FOR LOCAL
GOVERNMENT’S BEACON PROGRAM FOR SUSTAINABILITY SUPPORT
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution (Attachment A) to approve participation in the Institute for Local
Government’s Beacon Program to support local sustainability initiatives.
DISCUSSION
Background
In June of 2017, the City made Climate Action a Major City Goal as part of the 2017-19
Financial Plan with an overall goal of reducing citywide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The
City of San Luis Obispo’s Climate Action Plan provides a roadmap for achieving the City’s
adopted 2020 GHG reduction target and provides strategies for reducing GHG emissions through
agency and community actions.
The Institute for Local Government – Beacon Program
The Beacon Program is an established program of the Institute for Local Government, the non-
profit training and education affiliate of the League of California Cities, the California State
Association of Counties, and the California Special Districts Association.
The Beacon Program provides a framework for cities and counties to implement and share best
practices that create healthier, more efficient, and sustainable communities. The program honors
voluntary efforts by cities and counties to save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions , and
adopt policies and programs that promote sustainability.
Beacon Program participants receive valuable data, support and encouragement from the
Institute for Local Government and its non-profit and utility partners. The team helps local
governments apply sustainability best practices and collect and organize data to advance
participants’ achievements within the program’s five areas of accomplishment. Within each area,
the participant can earn Beacon Spotlight Awards-based on level of achievement. To win a full
Beacon Award, participants are required to demonstrate achievements in all five areas.
In addition to award recognition, participants receive monthly communication about innovative
practices and/or funding opportunities, access to peer-to-peer networking opportunities, and
invitations to highlight sustainability leadership.
In order to participate in the Beacon Program, cities and counties must complete a simple
application and do the following:
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• Adopt a resolution by the governing body committing the agency to participate in the
program;
• Designate a lead staff person as a point of contact;
• Seek to implement energy efficiency or sustainability programs, policies or procedures
that achieve measurable greenhouse gas reductions and promote energy conservation
activities in the community.
The Beacon Program is funded by California utility customers and administered by Pacific Gas
and Electric Company, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison and
Southern California Gas Company, under the auspices of the California Public Utilities
Commission.
Adoption of the resolution (Attachment A) will allow the City of San Luis Obispo access to the
funded technical resources and the ability to be recognized in the Beacon Award program.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The resolution to join the Beacon Program is not a considered a project subject to CEQA. Even if
joining the Beacon Program is a project under CEQA, it would be categorically exempt per
CEQA Guidelines 15306 (Information Collection).
FISCAL IMPACT
Program participation is voluntary. The program is designed to complement existing
sustainability efforts of the City. Participating in the program may increase the City’s
competitiveness for future state or other grant funding and the City’s ability to highlight its
achievements both locally and statewide.
ALTERNATIVE
Do not join the Institute for Local Government’s Beacon Program. This alternative does not
preclude any sustainability actions from occurring and would limit the small amount of staff time
required to coordinate with Institute for Local Government staff.
Attachments:
a. - Draft Resolution
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R ______
RESOLUTION NO. _____ (2018 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, TO APPROVE PARTICIPATION IN THE
INSTITUTE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT’S BEACON PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo is undertaking policies, programs and activities
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy and promote environmental stewardship; and
WHEREAS, these policies, programs and activities conserve natural resources, save
energy and money, and promote healthier, safer and more sustainable land use and transportation
planning in the community; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo is leading by example by adopting innovative
sustainability programs and policies, including working with community residents, business
groups and others; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo wishes to expand these activities, share its
experiences with other communities, and be recognized for its accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, the Beacon Program is a voluntary program of the Institute for Local
Government, the non-profit research and education affiliate of the League of California Cities, the
California State Association of Counties, and the California Special Districts Association; and
WHEREAS, participating in the Beacon Program is an opportunity for the City of San
Luis Obispo to learn about best practices.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
that:
SECTION 1. The City of San Luis Obispo agrees to participate in the Beacon Program.
SECTION 2. The City of San Luis Obispo will work towards achieving Beacon Spotlight
Award levels in its journey to be a more sustainable city.
Upon motion of _______________________, seconded by _______________________, and on
the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _____________________ 2018.
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Resolution No. _____ (2018 Series) Page 2
R ______
____________________________________
Mayor Heidi Harmon
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City
of San Luis Obispo, California, this ______ day of ______________, _________.
____________________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
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