Delco sustainability office reports grants, programs and a six‑day conference ahead

Rebecca Jurkovich, director of Delaware County’s Office of Sustainability, briefed council Wednesday on the office’s 2025 priorities, staff size, grant activity and community outreach. Jurkovich described work spanning climate resiliency, natural resources, transportation, energy, waste and health and wellness.

Jurkovich told council the office was created in 2021 and currently operates with a small staff; she said the team is “just myself and the assistant director of sustainability finance” and that a new staff member will join soon. The office uses the SustainDelco plan (adopted August 2023) to guide priorities and balances what the county can control, influence and educate.

Why it matters: Jurkovich said the office has pursued grant funding aggressively so sustainability measures do not become a financial burden on residents. She told council staff applied for “over $16,600,000 in funds” and commented in the meeting that they had “hit at least 4 12 so far in the bank,” a phrasing used during the presentation to describe the amount of grant awards already secured.

Programs and partnerships: Jurkovich said the county participates in joint energy purchasing with Chester, Montgomery and Bucks counties and has adopted a joint renewable‑energy strategy. The office has also supported flood mitigation coordination, campaign‑sign recycling, back‑of‑house composting at the county cafe (more than 7.1 tons composted in a year) and a county tree‑canopy study. The office reported roughly 18 outreach events or engagement points so far in 2025.

Conference and outreach: Jurkovich promoted the county’s expanded sustainability conference scheduled June 9–14, which will include virtual sessions, an EV expo, a guided hike at Ridley Creek State Park and an in‑person closing session in Tinicum Township; local meteorologist Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz is listed as the keynote speaker.

Council reaction: Councilmembers praised the office’s grant work and emphasis on making practical, low‑cost operational changes for county departments. Members noted the office’s small staff footprint and encouraged continued collaboration with municipalities and regional partners.

Ending: Jurkovich invited residents and municipal officials to participate in the conference and to contact the office for technical support on municipal sustainability issues, including tree plantings, litter mitigation and flood planning.