September 16, 2026 - Environmental Quality Commission

The City of Menlo Park Environmental Quality Commission held a virtual meeting on September 16, 2026, focusing primarily on sustainability initiatives and climate action planning. Key procurement-related discussions included the presentation by Hillary Barnador from the US Green Building Council about the LEED for Cities program, which offers a certification framework to help local governments measure and advance sustainability goals. The commission discussed potential participation in this program, including available fee waivers and the use of interns or fellows to support the certification process. Additionally, the commission reviewed and formed several ad hoc subcommittees to address topics such as building emissions standards, climate action plan updates, municipal decarbonization, and community resilience projects. While no specific contract awards or RFPs were mentioned, the meeting highlighted strategic planning and potential future procurement activities related to sustainability projects and climate adaptation efforts. The commission also discussed coordination with public works on flood resilience and soil contamination issues, emphasizing community engagement and equity in environmental initiatives.