§ 2-405 — Legislative declaration

Sec. 2-405. - Legislative declaration.

(a) The city council finds, determines, and declares: (1) For nearly twenty (20) years, the city has endeavored to reduce its impact on the environment, conserve natural resources, and protect its residents and thriving business community from the perils of climate change; (2) The damage to people, business continuity, and the natural systems that sustain life caused by climate change demands swift and meaningful action, including steep reductions in fossil fuel consumption and significant improvements in air and water quality; (3) The disproportionate health, social, and economic impacts of climate change is falling on under-resourced communities; (4) The lack of leadership at the national level leaves cities to combat climate change on their own. The city's sustainability accomplishments to date have garnered national attention and respect and with this act the city will propel to the highest ranks of cities developing innovative solutions that address not only climate change, but also improve public health and dismantle racist systems; (5) Dedicated funding for climate action, sustainability, and resiliency will help ensure that future generations will be able to live, work, and thrive in the city without an omnipresent climate crisis; (6) This dedicated funding should maximize investments in under resourced communities, and communities most vulnerable to climate change effects to ensure equity and help these communities prepare for a changing climate through innovative mechanisms such as community-based grants and partnerships with community-based environmental and climate justice organizations; (7) Funds should be expended on the permitted uses listed below while allowing for the flexibility to take advantage of one-time opportunities and catalytic projects but should, over the long term, endeavor to invest fifty (50) percent of the dedicated funds directly in the community with a strong lens toward equity, race and social justice. (b) Therefore, the city council has determined that the question of whether the city shall be authorized to impose a 0.25 percent sales tax for the purposes and in the manner set forth in this ordinance should be submitted to the registered electors of the city at the special municipal election to be conducted in coordination with the state general election on November 3, 2020.

(Ord. No. 684-20, § 6, 8-3-20)