TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Janai Bowens MBA M.Ed, City Manager's Office
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: December 10th, 2024
Title
2025 ALL-AMERICA CITY AWARD APPLICATION CONSIDERATION
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Motion to proceed with the 2025 All-America City Award Application process and development of a steering committee.
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Background:
The City of Delray Beach will seek a fourth consideration for the 2025 All-America City Award. This year's theme focuses on strengthening environmental sustainability though inclusive community engagement. The City of Delray Beach has continuously supported community-based organizations and nonprofits that have mobilized our local community to take action against challenges related to climate change and environmental degradation. This year's All America City Award will capture the ways in which the City of Delray Beach has worked with these agencies to educate our residents on sustainable practices through conservation projects, tree planting initiatives, waste reduction efforts, and green infrastructure developments. Notable projects that the City of Delray Beach has initiated that are aligned to the 2025 theme includes:
-Climate Action Planning
-Mobility considerations to increase biking, walking and public transit use
-Community-based workforce development projects focused on increasing access to green jobs
-Neighborhood climate resilience projects including community gardens, urban agriculture initiatives, and tree planting programs
-Community forums on climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies
-Working with local schools to increase awareness and understanding of climate change impacts
-Raising climate change awareness through the arts and entertainment
The Education and External Opportunities Manager, Janai Bowens, is in the process of developing a steering committee comprised of various internal and external stakeholders. The steering committee is essential in maximizing the City of Delray Beach's civic capital and creating a network of practitioners committed to environmental sustainability and resiliency. The steering committee will need representation from the Delray Beach City Commission, City Manager's Office, City of Delray Beach Parks and Recreation Department, City of Delray Beach Sustainability Department. City of Delray Beach Neighborhood and Community Services Department, Delray Beach Historic Society, and environmental agencies based in Delray Beach.
Important upcoming deadlines for the All-America City Award consideration includes the letter of intent which is due on December 30, 2024 and the application submission on February 27th, 2025.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
N/A
Timing of Request:
N/A