Item Description:
title
Establish Community Environmental Advisory Board - offered by Commissioner Lunde
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WHEREAS, Hennepin County’s vision is a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive; and the county’s abundant natural resources, including lakes, rivers, forests, and natural areas, and clean environment serve as an important foundation for a healthy and thriving community for current and future generations; and
WHEREAS, negative environmental impacts more acutely affect historically marginalized communities and too many people, especially Black, Indigenous and people of color, low-income families, and people with disabilities, bear disproportionate impacts of pollution and climate change; and
WHEREAS, the county has set ambitious goals for climate action, zero waste, community forestry, natural resource protection and sustainability efforts to be implemented in ways that benefits are shared equally and disparities are eliminated; and
WHEREAS, transformative environmental policies and programming must be driven by and widely supported by residents that represent the diversity of the county; and
WHEREAS, young people are the future guardians of our planet and are the ones most impacted long-term by the environmental management decisions made today and young people are often at the forefront of grassroots movements and activism and can provide valuable insights into the concerns and priorities of their peers
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners hereby establishes the Community Environmental Advisory Board (CEAB) to provide input and recommendations to the Board on environmental matters affecting the county; that the advisory board be comprised of:
• Appointed community members with knowledge or interest in environmental topics, ages 22 years or older.
• 2-year, staggered terms
• At least 11 members and no more than 15.
• Each county commissioner shall appoint one representative from their district.
• Remaining seats shall be filled using the county’s open appointment process; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners hereby establishes a Youth Environmental Advisory Board (YEAB) to provide input and recommendations to the Board on environmental matters affecting the county; that the advisory board be comprised of:
• Appointed youth with knowledge and interest in environmental topics, between the ages of 15-21.
• 1- or 2-year term
• Shall have 14 members
• Each commissioner shall appoint two youth from their district; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the CEAB and YEAB shall have a broad mandate to provide advice and recommendations on environmental matters affecting the county, including:
ü Climate change and sustainability initiatives
ü Environmental justice and equity issues
ü Waste management and recycling policies and programs
ü Land, water, and natural resource protection; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the CEAB and YEAB shall work closely with county departments and agencies and be authorized to:
• Meet regularly to identify issues and priorities
• Bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table and learn from each other and subject matter experts
• Serve as a liaison to the community and their peers to gather input and raise awareness about programs, services and resources and public engagement opportunities
• Provide input and recommendations on environmental policies and initiative
• Increase transparency and facilitate community involvement in measuring progress toward goals and outcomes; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the county will periodically host joint CEAB and YEAB meetings so CEAB members can benefit from YEAB members creativity, enthusiasm and activism and YEAB members can benefit from CEAB members lived experience and educational and professional expertise; and all members can expand horizons, build new areas of interest and expertise, realize the benefits of mentorship; and influence public policy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator be authorized to provide staff support to the CEAB and the YEAB and assist with the coordination of meetings and communications; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that after review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, the County Administrator be authorized to create a Community Environmental Advisory Board and a Youth Environmental Advisory Board on behalf of the County.
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval