TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Krishna Namburi, Interim City Manager
FROM: Brian D. Martin, PE, Public Works Director
SUBJECT:
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The Capital Cities Clean Energy Collaborative.
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
Result Area(s): Natural Environment Stewardship; Safe and Healthy Community; Safe, Reliable and Efficient Infrastructure.
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SUMMARY:
summary
The City of Salem has been invited to participate in the Capital Cities Clean Energy Collaborative. The Collaborative aims to facilitate cooperation among Capital Cities in advancing climate action policies. Participation will provide technical assistance for ongoing City initiatives related to building decarbonization. C40 Mayors Summit is inviting one City delegate and one sustainability support staff member to attend the C40 Mayors Summit in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, November 3-5, 2025.
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ISSUE:
Shall the City authorize the funds for one City Councilor and one City staff member attend the C40 Mayors Summit in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, November 3-5, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Authorize the funds for one City Councilor and one City staff member to attend the C40 Mayors Summit in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, November 3-5, 2025.
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FACTS AND FINDINGS:
The City of Salem has been invited to participate in the Capital Cities Clean Energy Collaborative. This program entails an 18-month commitment to develop a policy roadmap for advancing climate actions in building decarbonization. This work aligns with the current Climate Action Plan activities undertaken by staff and is expected to only require approximately four to eight hours per month for our Climate Action Manager. The City Delegate is anticipated to dedicate approximately 20 hours over the 18-month period, in addition to time spent at the Summit. The City Delegate will present the City’s status and proposed policy roadmap at the Summit and participate in two additional virtual meetings with other Capital City Delegates for progress updates, collaboration, and community learning.
A total of 20 capital cities, including Salem, have agreed to participate in the Collaborative. Mayor Julie Hoy is unable to attend and Councilor Varney has been asked by the interim city manager to represent the City at the Summit. Julianah Douglas, Climate Action Plan Manager, has been selected as the sustainability staff member to support the City Delegate during both virtual technical meetings and at the Summit.
Attendance at the C40 Mayors’ Summit including: visas, flights, ground transportation in Rio, accommodations, and meals during the conference will cost roughly $2,000 per attendee. If authorized, the City delegate would be funded through the general fund, City staff would be funded through the utility fund.
BACKGROUND:
ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives) is coordinating the Capital Cities Clean Energy Collaborative with funding from the Klingenstein Philanthropies. Capital Cities were invited to participate in one of two cohorts: building decarbonization or vehicle electrification. The collaborative will work collectively to advance policies in these critical areas. Participation provides technical assistance for City initiatives related to building decarbonization.
The Salem Climate Action Plan has leveraged Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funding to develop a Municipal Energy Master Plan. This plan will be completed midway through this cohort, offering timely recommendations for policies aimed at reducing the City’s energy consumption.
Participation in the Capital Cities Clean Energy Collaborative will significantly enhance the City’s Climate Action Plan’s goals. Participation will provide access to a wealth of additional resources and expertise. This collaborative effort is designed to facilitate several key benefits, including:
• Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Implementing effective strategies for building decarbonization will contribute to lower emissions.
• Operational Cost Savings: Improving energy efficiency will lead to decreased utility expenses, allowing for better allocation of City resources.
• Enhanced Technical Support and Capacity Building: The collaborative will provide valuable insights and best practices from other participating cities, strengthening the City’s ability to implement successful climate initiatives.
• Alignment with State Programs and Goals: Participation ensures that local efforts are in sync with broader state climate objectives and federal energy policies.
• Opportunities for Community Engagement and Awareness: The collaborative will foster community involvement in climate initiatives, promoting a culture of sustainability.
• Access to Additional Funding Opportunities: Being part of this recognized collaborative may unlock further funding sources to support climate action projects.
Capital Cities Clean Energy Collaborative have been invited to attend the C40 Mayors Summit in Rio de Janeiro on November 3-5, 2025, ahead of COP30. The first two days of the Summit will showcase local leadership in addressing inequity, unlocking resources to meet challenges, and driving transformative climate action. The third day will feature the Local Climate Action Summit and the America’s All In Symposium, which will include presentations from City Delegates on their Clean Energy initiatives.
Robert D. Chandler, PhD, PE
Assistant Public Works Director
Attachments:
None.