City Accepting Applications for New Environment and Sustainability Commission

After many years of planning, St. Louis Park's Environment and Sustainability Commission is finally a reality. 

One week after the City Council approved the advisory commission, the City of St. Louis Park is accepting applications from residents and students to serve as part of the newly created group. Sustainable SLP is tasked with studying issues related to the environment and sustainability within the city.

The commission will be comprised of 13 members in total—including eight regular members, two business members, one residential tenant member and two youth members. All of them will be directly appointed by the City Council.

Speaking at a City Council meeting late last month, Council Member Anne Mavity said Sustainable SLP was "one of the first things I was excited about in coming on this council." Mavity said she sees tremendous potential in the commission to serve as a vehicle for getting residents involved in issues important to the entire community.

"Whether it's community gardens, whether it's getting rid of buckthron, whether it's recycling in the parks—all of those kinds of issues," Mavity said. "There's now going to be a great forum for residents to come together to solve them and I think it's just a great start, great energy for this."

As outlined in city ordinances, the commission's objectives will be as follows:

1. Provide recommendations to advance city goals, policies, and programs.
2. Provide advice and assistance to staff and council through collaboration.
3. Provide leadership in engaging the community, encouraging relationships and partnerships with neighborhoods, special interest groups, churches, business leaders, and other commissions.
4. Serve as a conduit for environmental and sustainable information, topics, and direction from residents and the public.

Individuals interested in being considered for appointment to the new commission must submit an application to the City Clerk's office by Friday, April 26. Forms are available at City Hall, online or by contacting the city's Administrative Services Department at 952-924-2505.

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