Sustainability Commission

The purpose of the Sustainability Commission shall be to advise the City Council and recommend action on policies and practices that relate to the sustainable use and management of our collective resources, including both human and environmental, as well as our economic resources. The Sustainability Commission will help to ensure that such resources will be sustained and continue to provide for a high quality of life for present and future generations of Decorah doing so by following the processes outlined in the Decorah Sustainability Plan and updating the plan accordingly every 5 years. 

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Collaborate with city staff to review, evaluate, develop, and advise the City Council on policies and practices regarding the sustainable use and management of resources to include the eight categories or systems outlined in the Sustainability Plan including Energy, Transportation, Waste, Economic Development, Communication and Educational Outreach, Social Sustainability, Land Use, and Air and Water;
2. Act as a change agent, coordinator, and educator for policies, procedures, and proposals that relate to environmental, social and economic sustainability;
3. Engage with the Decorah community and serve as a community liaison for issues, ideas, and proposals and provide appropriate feedback;
4. Cultivate relationships with residents, community groups, businesses, institutions of higher learning, faith-based organizations, outside government bodies, and non-governmental institutions;
5. Serve as a resource for other Decorah commissions, boards, committees, and task forces on any issues related to sustainability;
6. Adopt criteria and processes for making decisions about the use of resources and selection of sustainability projects;
7. Review sustainability proposals and make recommendations; and
8. Submit written annual work plans and progress reports to the City Council.