Council appoints Brandon Edwards to Environmental Sustainability Commission after two interviews

The City Council appointed Brandon Edwards to the Environmental Sustainability Commission after interviewing two finalists and conducting an open discussion of qualifications. At a hybrid meeting, Brandon Edwards introduced himself as a 29‑year‑old Tracy resident with a political science degree and an environmental science minor; he told the council he has volunteered with the Tracy Earth Project and served on a regional climate collaborative advisory board.

Deputy City Clerk Nancy Lopez had explained that the vacancy exists under the commission bylaws and that the remainder of the term runs through Dec. 31, 2029. Midori Lightwood, the city manager, corrected a staff report note during the meeting and said the opening is for a full four‑year term because the prior member’s term expired rather than being vacated for attendance reasons.

Councilmembers used a preselected set of interview questions. Members praised both applicants’ experience and community engagement, but after deliberation Mayor Areola expressed a preference—stated on the record—for Mr. Edwards to fill the vacancy and for the other applicant to be placed on the eligibility list. The council moved to appoint Brandon Edwards and to add the other candidate to the eligibility list; the motion carried on a roll call vote.

The appointment was made under the council’s appointment policy; council also reviewed interview protocols that will govern future advisory‑body selections. The council meeting record shows that members emphasized collaboration, water and wastewater expertise, and outreach to youth as key strengths in the candidates’ answers.

With the appointment complete, council and staff closed the special meeting and later resumed the regular session.