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Brookline unveils new Sustainability & Natural Resources division, seeks grants to staff climate plans
Summary
Town officials announced a new Sustainability and Natural Resources division inside DPW, proposed five new positions (two already in operating budget), and said ARPA and Mass Save grant applications will support an updated Climate Action & Resiliency Plan and staffing.
The Town of Brookline announced the creation of a Division of Sustainability and Natural Resources within the Department of Public Works and laid out short- and longer-term priorities for climate resilience and operations.
Commissioner Aaron Gallentine introduced Alexandra Veio as director; Veio said the division will bring together transportation, zero-waste, natural resources and building-decarbonization work and emphasized funding and staffing as immediate priorities. "This team is really set up for success," Veio said, describing a structure that includes a conservation and natural-resources manager (already hired) and proposed deputy director and sustainability outreach/program manager positions under HR review.
Veio said the division plans to use ARPA and grant funding to hire consultants and an energy advocate, and issued an RFP to update the town's Climate Action & Resiliency Plan and its Open Space and Recreation Plan; staff expect a firm selection by year-end and aim to finalize plans in 2025. She cited existing accomplishments — expanded EV charging (64 level‑2 chargers and two DC fast chargers) and 32 electric town vehicles — as foundations for planned work.
Why it matters: The new division centralizes climate, natural-resource and zero-waste efforts and could change how the town pursues grants and implements resilience projects. Funding decisions and hiring will determine near-term capacity.
What’s next: Staff will seek ARPA and Mass Save partnership grants this fall to fund consultant work and an energy advocate position and will return to the board as roles and funding are finalized.
