Title
Partner with FUSE to Host Two Executive Fellows in Support of City Solar Programs (Ordinance S-51451) - Citywide
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an agreement with FUSE to recruit two FUSE Executive Fellows to support the City of Phoenix Office of Sustainability solar programs for one year, with the possibility to extend for an additional year. FUSE will cover 90 percent of the Fellows' compensation cost; the City will cover 10 percent of the cost, or up to $20,000 per year for each Fellow. The total City cost is up to $80,000 over two years.
Report
Summary
FUSE is a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing the capacity of local governments to engage communities, advance equity, and work more effectively for everyone. Founded in 2011 by a group public-, private-, and social-sector leaders, FUSE assists communities in adapting to constantly evolving sustainability challenges. FUSE administers an executive fellowship-based model funded through philanthropy to accelerate community-based, renewable energy focused programs and projects.
Two City of Phoenix sustainability programs that accord with FUSE's criteria were identified for the Executive Fellows:
-The first Fellow would help organize and promote the forthcoming Solar for All program to Phoenix residents. The City partnered with the State of Arizona in applying for the Solar for All grant, which was awarded $156 million through the Federal Inflation Reduction Act. The Fellow will work with City departments, community-based organizations, and the State of Arizona to widely market the program to Phoenix low- and middle-income residents to ensure a significant portion of the funding flows to Phoenix residents.
-The second Fellow would be dedicated to evaluating and advancing solar energy development on City property. This role will require experience with solar development, as well as strong leadership, project management, and collaboration-building skills to work closely with local utilities, solar developers, and City departments in locations where the issues are complex and involve multiple stakeholders.
Contract Term
The contract will begin Spring of 2025 for a one-year term with a one-year option to extend.
Financial Impact
The Office of Sustainability has the funding to cover the City's portion of up to $80,000 for two Fellows for up to two years, using existing grant funds from the U.S. Department of Energy that previously supported the Energize Phoenix Program. All program funds and expenses will be covered within the existing Office of Sustainability budget.
The City will have the option to terminate the agreement with FUSE at any time and the City's costs will be prorated based on the amount of time each Fellow provides to the City.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Office of Sustainability.