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Commissioners consider LEAD for Cities framework to benchmark Indio's sustainability work
Summary
Indio City staff presented the U.S. Green Building Council's LEAD for Cities framework and commissioners discussed using it as a planning and benchmarking tool; staff will return with more detail on pilot options, departments to involve, and a proposed next-step vote.
Ellen, the city's environmental programs fellow, presented the sustainability work plan and the LEAD for Cities (USGBC) framework to the Sustainability Commission on June 22, describing how the program's prerequisites and credits overlap with Indio's seven sustainability goals (clean energy, low greenhouse gas emissions, zero waste, water resources, natural systems/land use, outreach, and resilience).
Ellen said LEAD for Cities can function as a planning and benchmarking tool whether or not Indio pursues formal certification. "We could definitely go for platinum if you want to, but I'm not saying that we are or we aren't," she said, explaining that certification is optional and the program can also serve as an internal management framework.
Commissioners supported exploring the approach but asked staff to clarify resource needs and an achievable timeline. Questions included whether LEAD for Cities has a test or pilot phase (several commissioners said many USGBC programs allow staged or pilot approaches), and how interdepartmental coordination would be formalized. Commissioners suggested targeting achievable "low-hanging fruit" credits first and asked staff to identify departments likely to participate (for example, engineering for transportation/bike lanes and water for water-efficiency items).
Several commissioners recommended bringing a formal action item back to the commission after staff identifies a recommended approach (pilot vs. full third-party certification), possible timelines and estimated staff/departments involvement. Staff agreed to gather that information and return to a future meeting with a proposal and associated resource estimates.
