SRC By-Laws

Established:

There is hereby created and established a Sustainability and Resilience Commission for the purpose of providing expertise and information to support the equitable sustainability efforts of the City of Richmond.

Composition; Terms of Office:

The Commission shall consist of nine voting members and one non-voting member who shall be a City employee in the Office of Sustainability appointed by the Mayor. The Council shall appoint seven voting members. The Mayor shall appoint two voting members.

Members shall demonstrate expertise in sustainability or equitable climate action through professional or volunteer efforts, or experience, which may include policy expertise, technical skills, community outreach, organizing, advocacy, or other sustainability and climate related skills. The composition of the Commission’s membership shall reflect the diversity of the City. The voting members of the Commission shall serve for terms of three years and shall be limited to two consecutive terms. All voting members shall reside in the city.

Upon the expiration of a term of office, the member holding that office may continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualified. Any vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term in the 3 same manner as provided in this subsection. All other aspects of the Commission and its membership not addressed in this division shall be governed by Article V, Division 1 of the Chapter.

Responsibilities and Duties:

The Commission shall fulfill the following responsibilities and duties:

1. Provide expertise and information to the City to support the equitable sustainability efforts of the City.

2. Consult with the state government and other local governments with regard to such governments’ sustainability efforts and methods.

3. Recommend changes to the Code of the City of Richmond (including the City’s zoning regulations and building codes), the Code of Virginia and other laws as necessary to implement sustainable methods in the city of Richmond.

4. Encourage the adoption of sustainable business and building approaches by the private sector and sustainable, community-led approaches by the residential sector.

5. Meet with other City boards and commissions with a similar or related purpose on a regular basis to coordinate the goals, efforts, and recommendations of each such board or commission with the goals, efforts, and recommendations of the Commission.

6. Consult with the Office of Sustainability to support the implementation of the RVAgreen 2050: Climate Equity Action Plan 2030, established by Resolution No. 2023-R005, adopted February 13, 2023, any amendments to such plan, and any future sustainability plans adopted by the Council.

7. Prepare and submit an annual report to the Council by December 31 of each year.

Rules of Procedure:

The Commission may adopt rules of procedure or by-laws not inconsistent with this division to govern the conduct of its meetings and operations. The Commission may elect a chairman and such other officers in accordance with the Commission’s rules of procedure or by-laws.

Meetings:

The Commission shall hold regular meetings at least quarterly and other meetings as needed.

Administrative Support:

The Commission shall have as its staff the Council Chief of Staff and such other staff as the Chief of Staff may identify. The Council Chief of Staff shall coordinate with the Chief Administrative Officer and the City Clerk as needed to furnish the Commission with such other staff and resources as may be necessary to assist the Commission in discharging the duties imposed on the Commission by this division.