TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Executive |
Zach Houvener |
425-655-9820 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Executive |
Micah Bonkowski |
Sustainability Program Administrator |
|
Executive |
Jenny Lybeck |
Sustainability Manager |
TITLE:
title
Acceptance of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund Grant
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
The City of Redmond has been awarded a Youth Climate Action Fund grant in the amount of $50,000 from Bloomberg Philanthropies. This grant will fund 10-50 mini-grants to youth 15-24 to complete projects in the City that advance sustainability or resilience. The grant equips cities to surface new ideas from young people, support them through small grants, and build city capacity to engage young people in advancing local climate priorities. The grant program includes technical assistance from Bloomberg Philanthropies, and peer learning from other participating cities. Completion of the program qualifies the City for consideration of another $50,000 grant in 2027.
Approval of this item authorizes the Mayor to execute the $50,000 Youth Climate Action Fund grant agreement with Bloomberg Philanthropies and/or Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.
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☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☒ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Community Strategic Plan, Environmental Sustainability Action Plan (ESAP), Climate Vulnerability Assessment, Climate Emergency Declaration
• Required:
The City Council must approve grant acceptance.
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
The grant commits the City to an aggressive timeline, with a mini-grant solicitation anticipated in late summer and mini-grant awards disbursed by November 2026.
OUTCOMES:
Work completed under this grant will support multiple ESAP actions depending upon the projects submitted and selected for mini-grant funding. This project will increase engagement with community youth around climate and resilience.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
The Youth Climate Action Fund grant requires ongoing community engagement, and requires awardees meet critical milestones.
o July 15-September 4: Call for applications open
o September: Application review
o October: Application awards
o April 2027: Project close out
• Outreach Methods and Results:
Robust outreach will be an integral part of this project, including partnerships with multidisciplinary non-profit and community-based organizations.
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$50,000
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
000220
Budget Priority:
Healthy and Sustainable
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
Grant Funds
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
5/26/2026 |
Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability |
Provide Direction |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
The work funded through the grant must be complete by April 15, 2027.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
The City will not accept grant funding if Council does not approve the grant.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Funding Program Charter