SE Minnesota News

ROCHESTER, MINN. – On Monday, May 1 the Rochester City Council voted to repeal and replace Chapter 2-6 of the Rochester Code of Ordinance, renaming the Energy Commission to the Sustainability and Resiliency Commission. In addition to the title change, sections pertaining to this chapter of the ordinance were updated to include the city’s newly adopted greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions target, incorporate the Sustainability & Resiliency Community Plan as a scoping document, and to emphasize the triple bottom line of sustainability (environment, economy, social equity) within the commission’s objectives, powers, and duties.

The Mayor’s Office is now seeking applications from community members interested in serving on the new Sustainability and Resiliency Commission. Community members interested in serving on the Sustainability and Resiliency Commission are encouraged to submit applications by the priority deadline of June 7, 2023, although applications for boards and commissions are accepted year round. Interviews will be conducted June 13-16, with commission appointments announced by June 26. The first meeting for the Sustainability and Resiliency Commission will take place on Wednesday, July 12 from 4:30-6:00 p.m. at City Hall. 

The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We believe equity should be at the center of all our work and we strive to represent the community through diverse and inclusive teams. Commission membership aims to represent various segments of the Rochester community, including diverse lived experiences and backgrounds to support the three pillars of sustainability – environment, economy, and social equity. Community members with sustainability program knowledge in one or multiple of these perspectives are encouraged to apply. One commission seat will be dedicated to a youth representative ages 16-23. If you have questions or need assistance filling out an application, please contact Lauren Jensen, Sustainability Coordinator at ljensen@rochestermn.gov or by calling 507-328-2957.

Visit the Sustainability & Resiliency Commission webpage for more information, including the history of the Energy Commission. Community members access the updated ordinance here, the Sustainability & Resiliency Plan here, and the application for boards and commissions here.

Original source can be found here.