Board of Estimate & Contract:
RESOLVED, that an ordinance adopted by the City Council on September 24, 2025, and signed by the Mayor on September 25, 2025, authorizing the Mayor to Enter into a Non-Binding Memorandum of Understanding with the Center for Economic and Environmental Partnership, Inc (CEEP) - (the authorization granted herein shall remain effective for the duration of the grant funding provided through the New York Community Trust, which is anticipated to extend through March 31, 2026, unless otherwise extended or modified by the City Council); be, and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
ENTER INTO A NON-BINDING MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING WITH THE CENTER FOR ECONOMIC
AND ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERSHIP, INC. (CEEP)
Whereas, in a letter dated September 8, 2025, the Director of Sustainability and the Commissioner of Public Works formally requested authorization for the Mayor to execute a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with the Center for Economic and Environmental Partnership, Inc. (CEEP), enabling the City’s participation in the Climate Action Planning Institute and enhancing Mount Vernon’s ability to advance state-aligned climate objectives; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon is committed to advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and climate resilience in alignment with New York State’s climate and clean energy goals; and
Whereas, the Hudson Valley Regional Council’s Climate Action Planning Institute (CAPI), with support from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Climate Smart Communities program, provides structured technical assistance to municipalities for developing comprehensive climate action plans, greenhouse gas inventories, and resilience strategies; and
Whereas, the Center for Economic and Environmental Partnership, Inc. (CEEP), a nonprofit organization with decades of experience supporting municipalities across New York State, has secured grant funding through the New York Community Trust to provide technical and administrative support-including a part-time Sustainability Coordinator-through March 2026; and
Whereas, participation in CAPI and partnership with CEEP will enhance Mount Vernon’s ability to:
• Engage fully in regional climate action planning;
• Advance Climate Smart Communities (CSC) and Clean Energy Communities (CEC) program goals;
• Position the City for state and federal recognition, technical assistance, and future grant opportunities;
• Demonstrate regional leadership in sustainability, environmental justice, and workforce development without imposing immediate financial burdens on the City budget; and
Whereas, entering into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with CEEP is necessary to formalize this strategic collaboration and ensure Mount Vernon maximizes its participation in CAPI; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Authorization. The Mayor of the City of Mount Vernon is hereby authorized to enter into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with the Center for Economic and Environmental Partnership, Inc. (CEEP) to facilitate the City’s participation in the Climate Action Planning Institute and to strengthen Mount Vernon’s capacity to implement state-aligned climate goals.
Section 2. Scope of MOU. The Memorandum of Understanding shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) Provision of a part-time Sustainability Coordinator (approximately eight hours per week) to assist with project management, reporting, and interdepartmental coordination.
(b) Technical assistance to advance Climate Smart Communities and Clean Energy Communities programs.
(c) Engagement and support for the City’s full participation in the Climate Action Planning Institute.
(d) Confirmation that the agreement is non-binding and imposes no direct financial obligation on the City.
Section 3. Term. The authorization granted herein shall remain effective for the duration of the grant funding provided through the New York Community Trust, which is anticipated to extend through March 31, 2026, unless otherwise extended or modified by the City Council.
Section 4. Implementation. The Mayor, Corporation Counsel, and all appropriate City departments are authorized and directed to take any and all necessary actions to execute and implement the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding.
Section 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the City Council and subsequent approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.