(iii) increase access to sustainable energy, and (iv) track progress of these policies and
<br /> measures in meeting or exceeding the Paris Agreement objectives;and
<br /> WHEREAS, in keeping with our pledge, our City has already measured and reported both our
<br /> community and government operation levels of greenhouse gases, we are next poised under
<br /> this global framework on climate action to set a greenhouse gas reduction goal and create a
<br /> climate action plan encompassing not only the City of South Bend's operations, but our
<br /> community as a whole as defined by the geographic limits of our City; and
<br /> WHEREAS, the Common Council, on November 28, 2019, passed Resolution 4787-19,
<br /> entitled "A Resolution of the South Bend Common Council Concerning Climate Recovery and
<br /> Our Commitment to Develop a Climate Action Plan Aimed at Greenhouse Gas Reductions for
<br /> the City of South Bend and to Support Other Climate Related Initiatives"; and
<br /> WHEREAS, Resolution 4787-19 stated: "Both the municipal greenhouse gas inventory and the
<br /> community greenhouse inventory will be updated every 3 years, and the climate action plan
<br /> updated on a 3-year cycle"; and that best practices require an updated climate action plan on a 5-
<br /> year cycle instead of a 3-year cycle.
<br /> THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the South Bend Common Council hereby supports the
<br /> City Administration's current Q2-Q3-2019 initiative to develop a climate action plan that:
<br /> specifies climate actions most impactful in South Bend, identifies ambitious but achievable
<br /> greenhouse gas reduction goals customized to South Bend, includes both immediate internal
<br /> actions and longer-term programs and policies, and outlines appropriate timelines for
<br /> implementing the specific climate actions and achieving the greenhouse gas reductions, and
<br /> THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the South Bend Common Council requests this plan
<br /> be completed by the Fall of 2019, and the administration's planning process include
<br /> appropriate stakeholder feedback, consider Council and administration priorities, including
<br /> but not limited to opportunities for climate action to increase social equity, maximizing
<br /> benefits and minimizing impacts on individuals and businesses; and consideration of any
<br /> action through the lens of the "triple bottom line." This approach posits we can slow the
<br /> pace of climate change in ways that save money, build a better quality of life for our
<br /> residents, and drive economic growth.
<br /> THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, and to this end of triple net returns, the South Bend
<br /> Common Council will look to support the administration's current and future internal policies, and
<br /> community-focused measures to reduce greenhouse emissions. Accordingly, Council will
<br /> respond to administration proposals; act to adopt proposed plans, goals, targets, and measures
<br /> as appropriate, including the consideration of a local ordinance or ordinances by the end of
<br /> 2019; and to ensure adequate funding and staffing for adopted operational climate and
<br /> community priorities.
<br /> THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the South Bend Common Council also sets, henceforth,
<br /> that the administration create an iterative process of setting goals, tracking progress, and
<br /> reporting. Specifically, Council and the community will be provided annual progress reports
<br /> on the climate action plan well in advance of the budget planning process. Both the municipal
<br /> greenhouse gas inventory and the community greenhouse inventory will be updated every 3
<br /> years, and the climate action plan updated on a 5-year cycle.
<br /> THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Council will seek opportunities to demonstrate
<br /> climate leadership in Indiana, throughout the Midwest, and in our own community. It will
<br /> also support the work of the Office of Sustainability and the Administration in doing the
<br /> same, including collaboration with other governmental entities and agencies, assisting in
<br /> engaging community stakeholders, and through public-private partnerships. These
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