Commission drafts letter to mayor supporting climate budget and 1% equity initiative

The San Francisco Commission on the Environment convened to discuss critical budgetary support for climate initiatives during a meeting on July 4, 2025. The primary focus was on drafting letters to the mayor and other city departments to advocate for climate-related funding and emphasize the importance of climate work in their budget proposals.

Commissioner Walled proposed that the commission write a letter to the Board of Supervisors supporting the proposed budget, particularly the general fund request. He suggested expanding the letter's scope to include other commissions and departments, urging them to highlight their climate efforts in their budget submissions. This approach aims to foster collaboration among city departments in addressing the climate crisis.

Commissioner Anshar supported the idea, recommending that the letter be directed towards the mayor, given the budget submission process. The commissioners discussed the timing of these communications, noting that while some departments were preparing for immediate budget presentations, others had more time to consider their climate strategies.

The commission also deliberated on the inclusion of a 1% allocation for climate equity in their letter. While some members expressed support for this aspirational goal, they acknowledged that it should be framed as a starting point rather than a maximum target.

Ultimately, Commissioner Walled moved to delegate the drafting of the letters to the commission president and staff. The motion included support for the budget request, the 1% climate equity goal, and a call for other departments to showcase their climate work. The motion received unanimous support from the commissioners.

This meeting underscores the commission's commitment to advocating for climate initiatives within the city's budget, reflecting a broader strategy to engage various departments in addressing climate challenges. The next steps will involve finalizing the letters and ensuring that the commission's message is effectively communicated to city leadership and relevant departments.