Sustainability Board

Red Lodge is a small mountain town defined by values of community and environmental quality. Because of this, The City of Red Lodge has long been committed to environmental protection and sustainability. In order to achieve these goals, the City employed an Energy Corps AmeriCorps member to coordinate energy and sustainability-related projects from 2015-2020. After the program was discontinued in Montana, these goals are achieved by a collaboration between City staff and the Sustainability Board. The Sustainability Board was formed in 2018, in order to fulfill goals and objectives laid out in the City's Energy Conservation Plan. 

The Energy Corps AmeriCorps project was an initiative of the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) in cooperation with The Corporation for National and Community Service. It was created to address unmet community energy needs by promoting sustainable energy consumption and education, fostering community sustainability, and helping to mitigate the effects of global climate change.

Even without access to an Energy Corps member, the City is committed to completing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and waste management projects. This work is a valuable asset to the community because it saves the taxpayer’s money in the long term, reduces carbon emissions, and promotes tourism.

The purpose of the City of Red Lodge Sustainability Board is to assist the Mayor, City Council, and City staff in implementing the strategies of the City of Red Lodge Energy Conservation Plan. These strategies address a) Fleet, Buildings and Streetlights b) Internal Policies and Practices c) Solid Waste, Recycling and Compost d) Wastewater and Water, and e) Codes and Land Use. The overall goal of the Energy Conservation Plan is to reduce the City government’s energy use, energy costs, and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Energy Conservation Plan was passed on October 23, 2018. Resolution 3505 established the City of Red Lodge Sustainability Board on December 11, 2018, as per the Energy Conservation Plan’s recommendation.

Members

The Sustainability Board members are appointed by the mayor with the approval of the City Council. There are five (5) to seven (7) voting members from the public and organizations, a City Council member (non-voting), and a staff liaison (non-voting). The term of the members shall be for two (2) years serving staggered terms with at least two members’ terms expiring each January 1.

Corey Thompson- Chair
Appointed by: Mayor
Current Term Expires: January 1, 2025

MaryDelle Gunn
Appointed by: Mayor
Current Term Expires: January 1, 2024

Julie Hancock
Appointed by: Mayor
Current Term Expires: January 1, 2026

Deb Muth
Appointed by: Mayor
Current Term Expires: January 1, 2025

Alan Best
Appointed by: Mayor
Current Term Expires: January 1, 2025

Joy Goodwin
Appointed by: Mayor
Current Term Expires: January 1, 2026

- City Council Representative (non-voting)
City Staff Support

- Planning Director (non-voting)
City Staff Support

Ad hoc: The Sustainability Board works closely with the Red Lodge High School's Green Team, who designate 1-2 of their members to serve on the Board.