Commission presses county to restore climate staff and clarify Climate Action Fund use in budget letter

The Climate Change, Energy, and Environment Commission voted to send a letter to the county board expressing concern about the manager’s proposed FY2027 budget, which commissioners said reduces planned climate staffing and did not implement climate-informed budgeting that the county’s earlier resolution promised.

Doug Snow summarized the county’s fiscal picture and described his concerns: "the county manager's proposed budget... is reducing those efforts," he said, noting the county’s operating budget is roughly $1.7 billion and highlighting that a draft allocation includes about $98 million in direct housing subsidies. Snow and other commissioners said the proposed budget would eliminate or freeze several climate-related positions the commission had urged be filled.

Commissioners also discussed the Climate Action Fund. Commissioners and staff said the fund began with approximately $3.0 million and about $1.5 million remains available. Members suggested potential near-term uses — for example, supporting a build-out of community gardens — and asked staff to coordinate with advocacy groups preparing a separate, more detailed letter on funding priorities.

The commission adopted a concise letter that urges the county board to restore climate staffing, use the Climate Action Fund transparently for climate-priority projects, and consider how climate investments can also advance affordability and public health. The letter was approved by voice vote and will be transmitted to the board prior to commissioners’ scheduled remarks to the board.