HomeMy WebLinkAboutCM Justice40 Initiative____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: July 10, 2023
Disposition: Resolution 15235
Agenda Item No: SM 3.b
Meeting Date: July 10, 2023
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: City Manager
Prepared by: Bernadette Sullivan
Senior Management Analyst
City Manager Approval: ______________
TOPIC: JUSTICE40 INITIATIVE
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE GOALS OF THE JUSTICE40 INITIATIVE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The proposed resolution recognizes the environmental and social challenges posed by climate change
and affirms the City of San Rafael's support of the goals of the Justice40 Initiative, a federal effort to
deliver significant environmental and economic benefits to disadvantaged communities. This resolution
also underscores the City’s continued commitment to policies and programs that promote sustainability,
equity, and social justice.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a resolution supporting the goals of the Justice40 Initiative.
BACKGROUND:
Climate change has become a significant global issue, impacting the environment, economy, and human
health, with effects including rising sea levels, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather
events, and loss of biodiversity. These impacts disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities.
The impacts of climate change are already evident globally and locally, with changes in weather patterns,
sea-level rise, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. These changes disproportionately
affect disadvantaged communities, compounding existing socio-economic challenges. By placing
disadvantaged communities at the forefront of planning, the City acknowledges the systemic inequities
that communities have experienced. This commitment can help rectify past injustices and build a more
equitable community.
The Justice40 Initiative is a federal policy introduced by the Biden-Harris administration, with a
commitment to ensuring at least 40% of federal investment benefits in climate and clean energy are
directed to disadvantaged communities. It is designed to address economic inequality, environmental
injustice, and the broader impacts of climate change.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
Recognizing these challenges, the City of San Rafael places historically disadvantaged communities at
the forefront of our neighborhood planning processes, further demonstrating our commitment to equity,
sustainability, and social justice. These efforts are consistent with the goals of the Justice40 Initiative and
aim to help dismantle the legacy of systemic racism and discrimination.
ANALYSIS:
The adoption of this resolution would further strengthen the City’s commitment by showing public support
for the goals set forth by the federal government’s Justice40 initiative. Supporting the Justice40 Initiative
not only aligns with the City's principles but also offers potential benefits. By formally supporting this
federal initiative, the City may qualify for additional funding or resources to address climate change,
improve energy efficiency, and enhance the resilience of disadvantaged communities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with accepting this resolution.
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options to consider on this matter:
1. Staff’s recommended action adopt the resolution
2. Adopt resolution with modifications.
3. Direct staff to return with more information.
4. Take no action.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt the resolution
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Justie40 Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. 15235
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE GOALS OF THE JUSTICE40 INITIATIVE
WHEREAS, climate change is a global issue affecting the environment, economy, and human
health; and
WHEREAS, the impacts of climate change are already being felt around the world, including
rising sea levels, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and loss of
biodiversity; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael recognizes the urgent need to address the challenges
posed by climate change, economic inequality, and environmental injustice; and
WHEREAS, the Justice40 Initiative is a whole-of-government effort to ensure that Federal
agencies work with states and local communities to make good on President Biden’s promise
to deliver at least 40 percent of the overall benefits from Federal investments in climate and
clean energy to disadvantaged communities; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael is engaged in multiple planning and infrastructure projects
that would address climate-related vulnerabilities of disadvantaged communities; and
WHEREAS, the Justice40 initiative has the potential to create meaningful opportunities for our
community and our government to address these issues; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael commits to placing historically disadvantaged communities
at the forefront of our planning processes. Doing so aligns with our City commitment to equity
as well as the Justice40 initiative. City departments and community partnerships share
resources and work from a shared analysis and understanding of power, privilege, oppression,
and racial justice. Equitable representation and racial inclusion in the public sector are a result
of our community’s shared commitment to becoming anti-racist; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the San Rafael City Council supports the goals
of the Justice40 initiative and commends the Biden-Harris Administration for their leadership
in addressing the challenges of climate change and environmental injustice; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the San Rafael City Council will continue to prioritize
policies and programs that promote sustainability, equity, and social justice, and will seek
opportunities to collaborate with the federal government to advance these shared goals.
I, LINDSAY LARA, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution
was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a special meeting of the City Council of the
City of San Rafael, held on Monday, the 10th day of July 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Bushey, Hill, Kertz & Mayor Kate
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Llorens Gulati
Lindsay Lara, City Clerk