Environmental Policy Commission urges 'EcoCity' budgeting, carbon budget and revolving fund

At the March 10 public hearing, a representative of the Environmental Policy Commission (EPC) asked the council to apply an “EcoCity” framework to the FY2026 operating budget and the 10‑year capital improvement program. The EPC speaker, identified in testimony as Ms. Chance, said the commission’s budget letter lays out interdepartmental recommendations intended to ensure city investments advance climate goals and environmental justice.

“Overall, we support city climate action that advances decarbonization of buildings and transportation, that improves climate resilience and adaptation, and focuses on environmental justice,” the EPC speaker said. The commission recommended four city‑wide priorities: (1) an EcoCity approach applying a climate lens to operating and capital budgets, (2) exploring a carbon budget (described as a “shadow price on carbon”), (3) establishing an EcoCity internal revolving fund to capture savings from climate projects to finance future projects, and (4) using the Environmental Action Plan (EAP 2040) goals to organize cross‑departmental coordination.

The EPC representative cited specific program recommendations in the commission’s letter, including funding the Healthy Housing Initiative, supporting the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) decarbonization, and prioritizing geothermal options at the City Hall Market Square project. The speaker asked the council to consider financial mechanisms to offset incremental upfront costs of net‑zero features, and to prioritize transportation projects such as dedicated bus lanes and protected bike lanes.

No formal action or vote occurred on the EPC requests during the hearing.