SUBJECT
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Appointment recommended to be approved by City Council of one (1) board representatives to the Laredo Center for Urban Agriculture and Sustainability (LCUAS) Board, in accordance with the bylaws. Servando Leal is being appointed by the current board under Urban Livestock Advocate. This member will serve term ending March 31, 2029.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
The resolution was presented to City Council on May 6, 2019. Since then, there have been changes to the board. The most recent board appointments were presented to Council on April 7, 2025, and were made in accordance with the bylaws.
BACKGROUND
As approved by council under budget appropriation. The Organization shall utilize funds to share the mission of developing and implementing policies and programs that support the growth of urban agriculture and environmental sustainability practices in the City of Laredo.
VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating:
Moderate
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
Goal 6.3 - Promote Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 6.18)
"Encourage urban agriculture initiatives and partnerships that increase local food production and access to healthy foods."
Policy 6.3.2 - Support Urban Agriculture Programs (Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 6.19)
"Facilitate the creation and governance of urban agriculture programs through public-private partnerships, community organizations, and educational institutions."
Relevance:
The agenda item directly contributes to the governance structure of LCUAS, which is an urban agriculture and sustainability initiative. By formalizing board appointments, the City is supporting the operational management and continuity of urban agriculture programs, aligning with Goal 6.3 and Policy 6.3.2. This supports local food production and community-based sustainability efforts, though the alignment is indirect because the agenda item focuses on board appointments rather than programmatic actions themselves.
Summary of alignment:
The appointment of LCUAS board members provides the institutional foundation necessary to implement urban agriculture and sustainability initiatives in Laredo. This action supports the intent of Goal 6.3 and Policy 6.3.2 by ensuring that programs promoting local food production and sustainability are governed effectively. While the agenda item does not implement specific agricultural projects, it strengthens organizational capacity, public-private collaboration, and oversight-critical components for achieving the City’s urban agriculture objectives. Therefore, the alignment is moderate, intersecting with broader themes of sustainability, community engagement, and food security.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that City Council approve the item.
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Fiscal Impact
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Budgeted Y/N?: Click or tap here to enter text.
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Account #: 101-9810
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: Click or tap here to enter text.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No financial impact.