Commission outlines 2026 priorities; adds staff‑needs evaluation with May 2026 update target

At its November meeting the Green Bay Sustainability Commission reviewed proposed 2026 work‑plan actions across five work groups and added a formal action to study the city's sustainability staffing needs and potential funding sources, with a status update expected by May 2026.

Work‑group leads presented umbrella actions: the Clean Energy group proposed Q1 internship placements, continued energy‑use tracking using Energy Star Portfolio Manager, collaboration with the Green Bay Accelerator cohort and outreach to large energy users. The Community Engagement group recommended establishing and promoting a central list of volunteer sustainability projects and coordinating with the outgoing clean‑energy connector to preserve relationships and resources.

Several commissioners raised concerns about limited staff capacity and the sustainability of grant funding. One commissioner urged the commission to treat adding staff as a multiyear objective; commissioners and staff agreed to add an action to research staffing gaps, identify funding sources, and provide a commission update by May 2026. Maria, city staff, said researching rough budgetary numbers and funding sources would be part of that process.

Other work groups reported actions and next steps: the Climate Resilience group will research municipal incentives to reduce impervious surface, study residential green stormwater infrastructure and produce recommendations; the Waste group proposed piloting a food‑waste reduction initiative (education, a 'food saver' challenge and partnerships) with a Q2 2026 pilot target and a community‑composting report by year end 2027. Commissioners agreed to hold final work‑plan approval until the December 17 meeting to allow further refinement.

Next steps: staff and work‑group leads will refine targets and metrics, compile funding research for the staffing evaluation, and return an updated draft work plan at the Dec. 17 meeting.