Sustainability and Resiliency Commission Meeting - February 11, 2026

The Sustainability and Resiliency Commission (SRC) met on February 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall Room 104. The meeting included a detailed presentation on the new Healthy Air and Homes Initiative (now publicly branded as Healthy Home Helpers), an update on the Natural Gas Franchise Fee community engagement process, and the appointment of members to write the 2026 Sustainability Spotlight articles. No public comments were received.

Consent Calendar

• Approve January Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously (6 ayes, 0 nays, 3 absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the open comment period.

Discussion Items

• Healthy Air and Homes Initiative (Healthy Home Helpers): Sustainability staff presented a new program launching spring 2026. The initiative aims to improve indoor air quality, lower utility costs, and increase home safety/energy efficiency through three components: workforce development (hiring limited-term navigators), provision of healthy home and energy kits (including radon test kits, smoke detectors, LED bulbs, weatherization supplies), and in-home consultations. The program targets census tracts 1–3 but is open citywide, including renters. Navigators will be trained and BPI-certified. Up to 300 kits will be distributed. Commission members discussed marketing strategies, safety protocols for navigators, and potential self-assessment tools. No action was taken.
• Natural Gas Franchise Fee Engagement: Staff reported on ongoing community engagement, including virtual and in-person listening sessions, business outreach, and presentations to various groups. A commission member shared that feedback at a housing coalition meeting was overwhelmingly negative, citing concerns about cost pass-through to schools, nonprofits, and RPU customers. The commission discussed the need to contextualize the fee (estimated at ~$2/month per household) and to clarify that revenue use has not yet been determined. The March SRC meeting will focus on drafting a recommendation report to City Council. Members were urged to participate in remaining sessions and the online feedback form.
• 2026 Sustainability Spotlight: Staff outlined the quarterly newsletter articles (300–500 words) written by SRC members. Topics are flexible and seasonal. The commission appointed members to write the next three articles: Ace for spring (April issue, related to new growth/planting), Stewart for summer (July issue, related to heat resilience), and Edward for fall (October issue, related to leaves/composting). The motion passed unanimously (6 ayes, 0 nays, 3 absent).

Key Outcomes

• Approved January meeting minutes (6-0).
• Appointed Ace, Stewart, and Edward to write spring, summer, and fall 2026 Sustainability Spotlight articles (6-0).
• No formal action was taken on the Healthy Air and Homes Initiative or Natural Gas Franchise Fee; these items were for discussion and update only.
• Staff announced upcoming events: Earth Fest Expo on May 2, 2026, at St. Mary’s University; and further franchise fee engagement sessions (Feb. 12 virtual, Feb. 26 in-person, and March 3 League of Women Voters).
• The March SRC meeting will focus on the Natural Gas Franchise Fee recommendation report and 2026 event planning.

Note: The meeting occurred on February 11, 2026, though the required date in the prompt indicated February 17, 2026. The summary uses the actual meeting date from the source material.