TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution approving the City of Long Beach’s participation in the Institute for Local Governments Beacon Program. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Beacon Program (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. Through this Program, the Institute for Local Government and its non-profit and utility partners provides a framework for cities and counties to implement and share best practices that create healthier, more efficient and sustainable communities.
The Program also hosts an annual ceremony honoring efforts by cities and counties that save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopt policies and programs that promote sustainability. Participating agencies can earn Beacon Spotlight Awards based on five different levels of sustainability achievement: Community GHG Reduction, Agency GHG Reduction, Agency Energy Savings, Natural Gas Savings, and Sustainability Best Practices. To win a full Beacon Award, participants are required to demonstrate achievements in all five areas. The Program and its partners encourage and provides assistance to participating agencies to achieve success in all five areas of sustainability achievement.
In addition to awards recognition, participants receive monthly communications about innovative practices and/or funding opportunities, access to peer to peer networking opportunities, and invitations to showcase sustainability efforts.
To participate in the Beacon Program, the City of Long Beach (City) must complete a simple application and do the following:
• Adopt a Resolution by the City Council committing the City to participate in the program;
• Designate the City’s Office of Sustainability Coordinator as the lead staff as a point of contact; and,
• 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 Program is funded by California utility customers and is 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. Additional detailed information about the program can be found at www.ca-ilg.org/BeaconAward <http://www.ca-ilg.org/BeaconAward>.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on May 1, 2018 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on May 2, 2018.
SUSTAINABILITY
The goals of the Beacon Program align with the Sustainable City Action Plan as well as the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan currently being developed. This program will provide support, incentives, and recognition for achieving the City’s sustainability goals.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Beacon Award applications are due June 1, 2018. For the City to be considered for awards, the City must become a member before this date.
FISCAL IMPACT
Program participation is voluntary and does not require in-kind sustainability matching funds to participate. The program is designed to complement existing sustainability efforts with no fiscal impact. Participating in the program may increase the City’s competitiveness for future state or other grant funding and the City’s ability to showcase its achievements both locally and state-wide. The Beacon Program has no set expiration date and the City may opt out of the program at any time.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER