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 more food variety in our community
2. Expansion of private property rights in support of urban agriculture. This also supports the creation of small 'cottage-food' businesses, lowers the cost of fresh food, and allows more residents to have access to their or their neighbors' free produce.
3. Serving as a communication hub for healthy food preparation, urban and rural agriculture, cottage foods, and healthy eating. Working alongside the El Paso County Extension and other local food-related nonprofits, the FPAB could improve regional access to food-related resources.
A complete listing of proposed FPAB goals and objectives is attached.
Financial Implications:
N/A
Board/Commission Recommendation:
El Paso County Commissioners issued a Proclamation in support of Food Policy Advisory Board on January 15, 2015. Councilmember Gaebler requests that the ordinance be considered on first reading at Council's regular meeting on March 10, 2015, with second reading at the regular meeting of April 14, 2015.
Stakeholder Process:
Councilmember Gaebler formed a committee to explore food policy and our local food system and to research the formation of a food policy board. This group met for over a year, studying other cities that created similar boards, and met with many stakeholders, including local food producers and sellers. The group also held a public meeting to receive input on its draft objectives and goals. The group has met numerous times with El Paso County, PPRBD, and PPACG representatives to explore regional food policy issues and governance.
Alternatives:
City Council could decide not to adopt the ordinance creating the FBAP, or could choose to explore issues relating to local food policy through other means.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Adopt the ordinance as presented.
Ordinance Language
For ordinances, enter the substantive elements in 40 words or less for publication purposes. Enter N/A if not applicable.