Committee asks staff to seek funding and study green‑roof pilots, to be considered in next budget cycle

The Finance & Economic Resiliency Committee on Oct. 15 discussed implementing green roofs on city properties and asked staff to return to the full commission with a project for consideration in the FY27 budget process.

Facilities staff outlined a pilot concept using pre‑vegetated modular roof trays for smaller city rooftops (the facilities management building at 1833 Bay Road was described as a preferred pilot location), and said the modular approach simplifies irrigation and maintenance: trays are engineered with drainage and can be removed individually for service. Frank Garcia, facilities management division director, said City Hall’s existing parapet and roof condition make an amenable pilot on city hall more costly and complex, which is why staff proposed smaller‑scale pilots at three municipal buildings first.

Staff presented an initial cost estimate of roughly $600,000 per pilot package that included a roofing membrane upgrade and a 20‑year maintenance agreement; the estimate reflects work to prepare existing roofs and the modular planting system. Commissioners said the city should explore private‑sector examples and grant opportunities, and some suggested adopting policies that require or incentivize green roofs on new city and private developments. The city’s resilience and grant staff said they would review funding programs and public‑private partnership options.

The committee voted to recommend that the full commission create a green‑roof project and consider it as part of the FY27 budget process; staff were asked to compile additional information on potential funding sources and to report back with a project scope that would include feasibility and maintenance planning. No capital appropriation was approved at the committee level.