To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Supervisorial District 5
Staff Name and Phone Number: Chair Lynda Hopkins and Tracy Lyons, 707-565-2431
Vote Requirement: 4/5th
Supervisorial District(s): All
Title:
Title
ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability Membership
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
A) Accept recommendation that the County of Sonoma join ICLEI USA-Local Governments for Sustainability, part of the global ICLEI organization.
B) Approve the use of $4,000 in FY 2025-26 General Fund Contingencies for the County to become a member of ICLEI USA.
C) Assign Supervisor Lynda Hopkins as the County of Sonoma representative to ICLEI USA.
end
Executive Summary:
Chair Hopkins recommends that the County of Sonoma join ICLEI USA - Local Governments for Sustainability, a global network of local governments that provides frameworks, tools and convenings to discuss and address climate challenges.
Discussion:
Chair Hopkins recommends that the County of Sonoma join ICLEI USA. Self-described as a “global network of more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development,” ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability (“ICLEI”) provides frameworks, tools, data and opportunities to convene and discuss climate challenges at the local level. ICLEI is organized by 12 regions globally and includes an ICLEI USA <https://icleiusa.org/> office. Stated membership benefits <https://icleiusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Member-Benefits-Brochure-August-2025-2.pdf> include support for navigating the challenges of climate change, technical advice, and support for local climate, energy, biodiversity and resilience planning.
The Sonoma County Transit and Climate Authorities (SCTCA) became a member of ICLEI earlier this year, specifically for access to the Clear Path tool <https://icleiusa.org/clearpath-2/>, an online platform for climate data, modeling and collaboration. It’s expected that the resources provided through the County’s membership will also extend to projects within the ’Countys Climate Plan <https://sonomacounty.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/county-administrators-office/strategic-initiatives/climate-action-and-resiliency/publications/climate-resilience-comprehensive-action-plan>.
ICLEI USA also cites specific benefits of membership to elected officials <https://icleiusa.org/join-iclei/>, including leadership cohorts, advocacy on the global stage, and leadership roles within the ICLEI organization. County of Sonoma staff may also take advantage of the tools, resources and connections that ICLEI offers.
Annual membership <https://icleiusa.org/join-iclei/> to ICLEI USA is based on population size of the applicant jurisdiction. For the County of Sonoma, an annual membership is currently $4,000. After joining ICLEI USA, the County must designate a representative to serve as the lead for the County of Sonoma; Chair Hopkins would assume this role if approved.
Strategic Plan:
This item directly supports the County’s Five-year Strategic Plan and is aligned with the following pillar, goal, and objective.
Pillar: Climate Action and Resiliency
Goal: All
Objective: All
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
Fiscal Summary
|
Expenditures |
FY25-26 Adopted |
FY26-27 Projected |
FY27-28 Projected |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
|
|
|
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
$4,000 |
|
|
|
Total Expenditures |
$4,000 |
|
|
|
Funding Sources |
|
|
|
|
General Fund/WA GF |
|
|
|
|
State/Federal |
|
|
|
|
Fees/Other |
|
|
|
|
Use of Fund Balance |
|
|
|
|
General Fund Contingencies |
$4,000 |
|
|
|
Total Sources |
$4,000 |
|
|
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Annual membership to ICLEI USA is based on population size of the applicant jurisdiction. For the County of Sonoma, an annual membership is currently $4,000. If approved, funds would come from FY 2025-26 General Fund Contingencies for a one-year membership. Should the Board approve membership, this amount will be added to the County Executive Office - Strategic Initiatives division FY 2026-27 ongoing operational budget.
|
Staffing Impacts: |
|
|
|
|
Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
There are no staffing impacts related to this item.
Attachments:
None.
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.