Title
Ordinance No. 15-22 establishing a Food Policy Advisory Board
Body
From:
Councilmember Jill Gaebler
Summary:
This ordinance establishes a Food Policy Advisory Board (FPAB) with a charge to advise City Council on matters relating to enhancing community economic development, eliminating barriers to local agriculture and food-related land use, and improving food security in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region. City boards and commissions must be established through ordinance and serve at the pleasure of City Council. The FPAB will be a regional Board, as El Paso County will partner with the City toward Board formation and governance. The El Paso County Commissioners unanimously passed a Proclamation in support of the Food Policy Board at its January 15, 2015 meeting. The signed proclamation is attached. If Council approves the formation of the FPAB, the County Commissioners will consider similar legislation to partner with the City in support of the Board.
Councilmember Gaebler and several local food advocates are currently in discussions with both the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG) and the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) to determine where the FPAB will be housed and receive administrative support.
Previous Council Action:
In 2014, City Council unanimously passed an ordinance to allow miniature goats within city limits. This Board may advise Council on similar legislation that supports local urban agriculture.
Background:
More than 30 Colorado cities have established food policy boards or commissions to advise City Councils and County Commissioners on food related policy issues. These advisory bodies focus their work on issues that include:
1. Support for and removal of barriers for local food producers. This lowers the cost of locally produced food, creates start-up food-related business opportunities, prevents the likelihood of shortages during a crisis, and provides mo...
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