Title
Authorization to Enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with Arizona State University’s Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service (Ordinance S-48402)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with Arizona State University's Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service for a three-year period to pilot test a cooperative-based business model for micromanufacturing plastic products, at the neighborhood scale, using plastic waste. The pilot test intends to accelerate transition to a circular economy in Phoenix in support of the City’s Climate Action Plan and Zero Waste 2050 goals, while also becoming a workforce training and economic development tool benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities. The agreement value will not exceed $750,000.
Report
Summary
The Office of Environmental Programs, Public Works and Community and Economic Development departments propose to partner with Arizona State University (ASU) Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service (RMWSSS) through an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA). This IGA for consultant services supports Phoenix’s commitment to achieving zero waste by 2050 and the updated Climate Action Plan goals to prepare for the impacts of climate change. ASU has conducted a variety of consultant services for the City of Phoenix since 2012. RMWSSS uses the considerable knowledge and research assets of Arizona State University, the nation’s most innovative university and leader in sustainability education, to develop scalable solutions to economic, social, and environmental challenges throughout the globe. Through the IGA, RMWSSS will collaborate with the Public Works and Community and Economic Development departments and the Office of Environmental Programs to support Citywide diversion goals and climate action goals with the following projects:
- Support transition to a circular economy through pilot testing of a cooperative-based business model for a plastics micromanufacturing facility, including establishment of a workforce development training program focused on entrepreneur capacity building; and
- Provide research and evaluation support related to air quality, climate action planning, and other environmental and sustainability areas on behalf of the City of Phoenix Office of Environmental Programs.
Contract Term
The length of the IGA will be for an initial three-year term, following City Council authorization. Provisions of the Agreement may include an option to extend the term up to two years, to be taken in one-year increments, which may be exercised by the City Manager or his designee.
Financial Impact
This item will have an estimated annual expenditure of $250,000, with a total aggregate amount of $750,000.
Funding is available in the Office of Environmental Programs, and the Public Works and Community and Economic Development departments' budgets.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Community and Cultural Investment Subcommittee recommended approval of this item on March 2, 2022, by a vote of 4-0.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Managers Karen Peters and Ginger Spencer, the Office of Environmental Programs, and the Public Works and Community and Economic Development departments.