Commission finalizes FY26 subcommittees; members raise Sunshine Law guidance and USDA grant uncertainty

Commission members worked through FY26 planning and finalized initial sign-ups for subcommittees including built environment, transportation (including Safe Streets), natural environment and community engagement. Members discussed Sunshine Law requirements for subcommittee meetings. One member asked whether a quorum meeting of a subcommittee must be documented under Sunshine Law; another member clarified that more than three people in a subcommittee could trigger public-meeting requirements and recording/documentation obligations. On funding and grants, a member said of a previously sought USDA grant, “the USDA Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production is largely defunct. It hasn't been officially canceled, but, like, everybody was fired or given early wish. So pending any updates, I don't foresee that grant becoming a and in fact, there's been no update on whether the recipient from fiscal year 25 has or will be receiving.” Discussion only: commissioners agreed to collect the selections of absent members by e-mail so subcommittees can be filled and to make a note in the minutes of members’ present selections. Commissioners emphasized that subcommittees should try to limit in-person membership so that informal meetings do not create unintended public-meeting obligations. Direction: staff will e-mail absent commissioners to request their subcommittee preferences and will note membership in the minutes. Staff and commissioners agreed that subcommittees will decide whether to meet in person, virtually, or by email and will ensure compliance with open-meeting requirements. Ending: members who volunteered were asked to liaise with assigned groups and to report progress at future regular meetings; staff will follow up with an e-mail to finalize committee rosters.