SLP Environment, Sustainability Commission Another Step Closer to Reality

St. Louis Park's long-planned Environment and Sustainability Commission is one step closer to fruition, following a successful first reading before the City Council this week.

Sustainable SLP, a 13-member advisory commission, received unanimous support from the City Council during its Monday, Mar. 18 meeting, though it won't officially get the green light until the council's April 1 meeting.

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."

Council Member Susan Sanger echoed Mavity's comments, saying the council has spent many years talking about and promoting this very commission.

"I'm thrilled that we're finally at this point," Sanger said. "I'm looking forward to getting the commission up and running and helping advise the council on a number of issues."

As outlined in the ordinance, 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.

A second reading on the ordinance establishing the Environment and Sustainablity Commission is currently scheduled for the City Council's April 1 meeting, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at St. Louis Park City Hall.

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