Commissions
The Office of Sustainability and Innovations supports two community advisory commissions: The Energy Commission and the Environmental Commission.
What is the role of the commissions?
City boards and commission make periodic public reports and recommendations to the City Council and the City Administrator on ways to improve city government programs and ordinances on energy or environmental topics. Commissions generally meet once monthly, are open to the public, and are broadcast and recorded on the Community Television Network (CTN).
The Energy Commission
The Energy Commission, which meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6pm, is a group of residents, including youth, charged with:
- Advising City Council on energy efficiency and renewable energy policies and programs.
- Creating periodic public reports for improving municipal and community energy efficiency and renewable energy usage.
- Preparing, adopting, amending, and recommending plans to City Council that identify municipal and community-based energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
- Researching, designing, and supporting community education programs.
- Identifying and making recommendations regarding energy project financing options.
The Environmental Commission
The Environmental Commission was created by City Council in 2001 and is comprised of up to 15 members of the public appointed by City Council, including two youth members. The Environmental Commission meets on the fourth Thursday of the Month at 7pm. The Environmental Commission is tasked with:
- Advising staff on the development of comprehensive, integrated environmental policies to protect and enhance our air, water, land, and public health.
- Helping set goals and policies for the City and community to continuously improve the natural and built environment.
- Working collaboratively with other City commissions and committees which have responsibilities for specific issues, including but not limited to the Planning Commission, Energy Commission, Park Advisory Commission, and Leslie Science Center Advisory Board.
Helpful Links: What projects have our commissions helped to advance?
Green Streets Policy
Environmental Commission's Water Committee proposed a Green Streets Policy that City Council adopted that sets stormwater infiltration standards for public streets
Energy Benchmarking
Energy Commission proposed a resolution to develop an ordinance to disclose commercial building energy data. City Council approved this resolution and the Energy Commission is now working on the proposed ordinance.
Community Solar
Energy Commission proposed a resolution that was adopted by City Council in support of piloting options for community solar with DTE
Urban and Community Forest Management
Park Advisory and Environmental Commission both provided comment and recommended the adoption of the first Urban and Community Forest Management Plan for Ann Arbor.
How can I get involved?
City residents interested in applying for an open position on a City board or commission can complete an application form and submit it to the Mayor's Office on the 3rd Floor of City Hall. Currently available positions are listed in the vacancies report. For more information about serving on any City board, please contact the Mayor's Office at 734-794-6161.
What are other commissions related to sustainability?
