06-28-2021 BPU RPT 12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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W A T E R E N E R G Y L I F E RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES Board Memorandum P U B L I C U T I L I T I E S BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES DATE: JUNE 28, 2021 SUBJECT: UPDATE ON THE OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY AND CITYWIDE SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS ISSUE: Receive an update on the citywide sustainability efforts, including activities of the Office of Sustainability and Riverside Public Utilities, and provide direction for next steps. RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Public Utilities: 1. Receive an update on citywide sustainability efforts, including activities of the Office of Sustainability and Riverside Public Utilities; and 2. Share thoughts and ideas for RPU's involvement in citywide sustainability efforts. BACKGROUND: On March 10, 2020, the City Council provided direction to establish an Office of Sustainability (OOS) in the City Manager's Office. City Council also directed staff to develop details on staff position levels and an accompanying staff budget, present this information to the Budget Engagement Commission for consideration, and return to the City Council for a recommendation. On October 20, 2020, the City Council approved the Envision Riverside 2025 Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). This document sets forth the priorities and policy direction of the City Council for the next five years and envisions the work efforts by City staff to implement and achieve City Council priorities. A major theme in the Strategic Plan is Sustainability and Resiliency (one of five cross -cutting threads), which speaks to Riverside's commitment to manage resources and assets to meet present needs without compromising the needs of the future. This ensures the City's capacity to persevere, adapt, and grow during good and difficult times alike. Sustainability and Resiliency are embedded across the Strategic Plan's six strategic priorities, goals, and action items. On April 27, 2021, the City Council reconfirmed their March 10, 2020 direction on the Office of Sustainability. Additionally, the City Council directed staff to bring back a job scope and duties and recommended salary range for a new full-time Chief Sustainability Officer position. The Chief