The Sustainability Commission researches, advises, and recommends to the City Council policies and programs that advance sustainability in Tempe, with particular attention to sustainability in the following areas: 

• energy management (City operations and the City as a whole);
• climate-action plan with a roadmap of actions to be recommended;
• local food and agriculture;
• livable neighborhoods and happy communities;
• land use and development;
• building practices;
• purchasing practices;
• economic development (green jobs);
• solid waste, recycling, and hazardous waste;
• water and wastewater management;
• transportation;
• dark skies;
• air quality;
• environmental justice; and,
• preparedness and resiliency.

In addition, the Sustainability Commission:

• assists City departments in executing approved policies and programs;

• supports education and outreach related to the City’s sustainability practices;

• identifies potential sustainability partnerships with public, private, and educational entities; and,

• recommends a comprehensive sustainability plan with measurable goals and benchmarks to ensure year-to-year progress.

The Sustainability Commission is composed of 11 members who shall serve two-year terms (with the exception of students, who serve one-year terms) for no more than three consecutive terms.  Members are from each of the following parts of the community:

• one Sustainability Scientist or staff member associated with Arizona State University’s Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability;

• one faculty or staff member of Arizona State University, At-large;

• one representative from a Tempe business recognized as a leader in sustainability;

• one sustainability-industry representative;

• one representative from a business advocacy group;

• one teacher, student, or staff member from a Tempe public high school;

• one representative from the faith community or nonprofit sustainability advocacy group;

• one graduate or doctoral student from Arizona State University (one-year term);

• one student who lives or attends school in Tempe (one-year term); and,

• two Tempe residents, At-large. 

For member positions where residency is not required, preference will be given to applicants who are Tempe residents and/or those working in Tempe.  

The Sustainability Commission typically meets on the third Monday of the month at 4:30 p.m., in the Engineering & Transportation Conference Room, Garden Level, Tempe City Hall, 31 E. Fifth St., Tempe, unless otherwise noted on the meeting agenda.  

• 2018 Special Moments Catering
• 2018 ASU, Ramsey Social Justice Foundation & Natureworks

If you would like to present to the Sustainability Commission, please fill out a Work Item Form Request and email it to the Sustainability Staff Liaison.

To view the agendas for upcoming meetings, please see below. To view agendas and minutes from past meetings, select "All Past".