Berwyn to launch Sustainability Commission; first meeting set for Feb. 2

Berwyn officials approved moving forward with a Sustainability Commission aimed at coordinating sustainability efforts across the city's governing bodies, schools, parks, and regional partners.

City Administrator Ruth Ciava Green said the commission would be a 9'11-member volunteer body appointed by the mayor, including representatives from school districts, the township health district, park districts, the Berwyn Development Corporation, and two to three resident members. The commission's stated purpose is to "collaborate, educate, and put our ideas into action," not to make rules, but to inventory existing programs, promote community engagement and pursue grant and partnership opportunities.

Ciava Green noted Berwyn is part of the C4 collaborative of Western Suburbs municipalities that shares best practices and resources; she said the first public meeting will be Feb. 2 at City Hall's second-floor conference space. Terms will be staggered two-year volunteer appointments, vacancies filled by the mayor, and meetings will be subject to the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

Council members asked about recruitment and logistics; Ciava Green said she would coordinate a survey with communications staff and share candidate information with elected officials. She also identified a potential representative from District 98 (Mary Beth Arenela) among the early supporters and invitees.

Next steps: city staff will circulate membership-selection materials and post the Feb. 2 meeting agenda once drafted.