The changes to the Sustainability and Resilience Commission powers and duties, outlined in Ordinance No. O2024.04, were approved by City Council on February 15, 2024 and become effective 30 days after adoption, which will be March 16, 2024. 

The Sustainability and Resilience Commission researches, advises, and recommends to the City Council policies, programs, and investments that advance sustainability in Tempe, in order to support principles of equitable well-being, healthy environments, and satisfying livelihoods for current and future generations. Particular attention to sustainability shall be in the following areas: 

• Energy management (city operations and the city as a whole);
• Climate-action plan with a roadmap of actions to be recommended;
• Local food and agriculture;
• Livable neighborhoods and happy communities;
• Land use and development;
• Building practices;
• Purchasing practices;
• Inclusive economic development (green jobs);
• Solid waste, recycling, and hazardous waste;
• Water and wastewater management;
• Transportation;
• Dark skies;
• Air quality;
• Environmental justice; and,
• Preparedness and resiliency.

In addition, the Sustainability and Resilience Commission:

• assists city departments in executing approved policies and programs;

• supports education and outreach related to the city’s sustainability practices;

• identifies potential sustainability partnerships with public, private, and educational entities; and,

• recommends for City Council consideration a comprehensive sustainability plan with measurable goals and benchmarks to ensure year-to-year progress.

The changes to the Sustainability and Resilience Commission composition, outlined in Ordinance No. O2024.04, were approved by City Council on February 15, 2024 and become effective 30 days after adoption, which will be March 16, 2024.

The Sustainability and Resilience Commission is composed of 11 members who shall serve two-year terms for no more than three consecutive terms.  The Commission will recommend to the Mayor and City Council qualified and interested members of the community for appointment to the Commission.  It is intended that these members be a representation of Tempe’s diverse demographics and represent a variety of sectors and expertise, including but not limited to the following:

• perspectives from sustainability scientists or sustainability staff at a local university or community college;

• perspectives of or representation from Arizona State University, at-large;

• experience with a Tempe business;

• experience with a Tempe non-profit organization;

• experience with a Tempe public high school;

• experience with the faith community;

• experience with or representation from the region’s indigenous communities including the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community, Ak-Chin Indian Community, Tohono O’odham Nation, Pasqua Yaqui, or other statewide tribes;

• experience with green building architecture, landscape design, green stormwater infrastructure, or a related field;

• experience in urban agriculture or local food economy;

• experience in residential or commercial energy efficiency and decentralized green energy economy;

• experience in transportation, micromobility, or urban planning;

• experience in place-based collaboration and justice/equity approaches;

• experience in local/regional as well as fair and inclusive economic development.

For Commission member positions where residency is not required, preference will be given to applicants who are Tempe residents and/or those working in Tempe.  

The Sustainability and Resilience Commission typically meets on the third Monday of the month at 4:30 p.m., in the Tempe Transportation Center, Don Cassano Room, 200 E. 5th St., Tempe, unless otherwise noted on the meeting agenda.  

• 2018 Special Moments Catering
• 2018 ASU, Ramsey Social Justice Foundation & Natureworks

If you would like to present to the Sustainability and Resilience Commission, please fill out a Work Item Form Request and email it to the Sustainability Staff Liaison.