Green Bay Sustainability Commission amends and approves 2026 work plan, adds waste‑reduction targets

The Green Bay Sustainability Commission amended and approved its 2026 work plan to prioritize waste reduction and community engagement, adding language to evaluate opportunities to engage and educate the public — particularly businesses — about recycling and waste reduction.

During review of the draft plan, commissioners discussed concentrating efforts by work group, setting one to three specific targets per work area, and adding partners such as UW Green Bay programs and private clean-energy and electrical-service companies. Commissioners agreed to a proposed action phrasing: "Evaluate opportunities to engage and educate the community, particularly the business community, about recycling and waste reduction." They also set reporting expectations: an update by the second quarter of 2026 on initial engagement efforts and a parks-related pilot update by the fourth quarter of 2026.

The body voted on an amendment to the draft plan to include the agreed waste-reduction language and partner additions; the amendment carried by voice vote. A subsequent motion to approve the amended 2026 sustainability commission work plan also passed by voice vote. Commissioners identified next steps including adding pilot planning for parks recycling to the work-plan timeline and coordinating presentations (for example, school-district clean-energy updates) as agenda items in 2026.

The commission also received and placed on file the proposed 2026 meeting dates (with April and July dates adjusted to Thursdays when city council scheduling required), confirmed the next meeting date (January 21) and adjourned. The approved work plan will guide the commission's presentations and monthly work-group updates in 2026.