MEMORANDUM 07-92

TO: MAYOR AND COUNCIL

THROUGH: WALT WREDE, CITY MANAGER

FROM: ANNE MARIE HOLEN, SPECIAL O'ECTS COORDINATOR

DATE: May 11, 2007

SUBJECT: SAVING ENERGY AND SAVING MONEY CONFERENCE

As a new member of ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, Homer has the opportunity to take advantage of training and networking opportunities sponsored or co-sponsored by ICLEI. I have been notified of one in July titled Saving Energy & Saving Money: The Economic Benefits of Local Climate Action. It is designed specifically for local government elected officials and staff, and will cover topics such as local economic development through climate protection, job creation, cost-effective transportation planning and green building construction, improving infrastructure to ensure climate resilience, and developing effective climate protection policies.

Despite the fact that the conference is taking place in Fayetteville, Arkansas in July, I would love to go. The problem is that I will be hiking the Resurrection Pass Trail at that time. Therefore, I was hoping the City Council and/or City Manager might identify someone else to go.

The conference will begin the evening of July 10 and adjourn at mid-day on July 13. It will include an opening plenary session by Mayor Dan Coody of Fayetteville and the Executive Director of ICLEI, Michelle Wyman, followed by a wide array of presentations and workshops. It would be great to send someone who is truly interested in these topics and who will come back and share information and enthusiasm with others.

The cost for the conference itself is $150. "Workshop Plus" is even a better deal: $450 covers airfare, 3 nights hotel, and the conference registration. I have $500 in my Economic Development budget for training, which could perhaps be used-?

If someone is identified to go, I will assist him/her in registering for the conference, etc.