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Green Bay commission outlines 2026 sustainability work‑plan priorities and asks staff to study added sustainability capacity
Summary
Commissioners reviewed 2026 work‑plan actions for clean energy, community engagement, climate resilience, waste and habitats; they added an action for staff to research city sustainability staffing needs and report back by May 2026.
At its November meeting the Green Bay Sustainability Commission reviewed proposed 2026 work‑plan priorities for several work groups and asked staff to research city sustainability staffing needs and funding sources.
Work groups presented scoped actions: the Clean Energy group proposed defining internships in Q1, collaborating on the Green Bay Accelerator cohort and conducting outreach to large energy users; the Community Engagement group proposed a central volunteer project list and coordinating transition work for the outgoing clean energy connector. The Climate Resilience group prioritized research into reducing impervious surfaces, residential green stormwater infrastructure, and an East River Collaborative project to survey residents affected by flooding. The Waste group proposed piloting a food‑waste reduction initiative in 2026 and preparing a 2027 report on community composting programs.
Commissioners raised concerns about staff capacity to carry out expanded work. One commissioner proposed that the commission research and recommend options for adding sustainability staff citywide; Chair added an action to "support evaluation of city sustainability staffing needs, options, and funding sources" and set a target for an update to the commission by May 2026.
Work groups also discussed program delivery: the Clean Energy group identified partners such as UW‑Green Bay, NWTC and local large energy users, and said staff planned to continue energy tracking using the Energy Star Portfolio Manager platform with interns. The Waste group listed potential funding sources including USDA cooperative agreements, U.S. EPA grant programs and a pending Feed Milwaukee grant.
The commission chose to hold formal approval of the full 2026 work plan until the December meeting to give work groups time to refine target dates and measurable steps. That motion to hold the item was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Next steps: work groups will submit refined targets and staff will prepare the May 2026 staffing update and research potential funding sources to support sustainable, ongoing staff positions.
