Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ethical Investment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board adopts ethical‑investment language; public urged stronger divestment
Summary
The board voted to adopt an ethical investment framework after public commenters urged divestment from fossil fuels and certain corporations. The motion passed on roll call, and supervisors directed staff to continue work with the Treasury Oversight Committee and county administration.
Santa Clara County supervisors voted April 26 to advance updated county investment policy language emphasizing environmental stewardship and ethical investment. The item drew substantial public comment from activists and community groups calling for a stronger divestment stance.
Public commenters asked the board to ban investments in fossil‑fuel companies and to adopt an ethical investment policy that would exclude companies tied to militarism or human‑rights abuses. Harry Adams, speaking in support, told the board the county should “invest ethically and morally.” On Zoom, Mark Grossman thanked the board for prioritizing fiscal and physical health and said the updated policy would ensure county tax dollars no longer support “one of the dirtiest industries on the planet.”
Supervisor Duong thanked the Treasury Oversight Committee and county executive staff for preparing the update and emphasized local leadership on climate and investment policy. Motion by Supervisor Duong, second by Supervisor Ellenberg; the clerk called roll and the motion passed.
Board members noted outreach from the public and the broader fiscal‑policy implications and told staff to continue coordination with the Treasury Oversight Committee and finance staff.
