The most debated topic during the meeting was the proposed increase in franchise fees, which seeks to generate an additional $5 million annually to fund clean energy and climate resilience projects. Over 50 individuals participated in the public hearing, expressing a range of opinions. Proponents of the fee hike argued that the increase is essential for achieving the city’s climate goals and addressing the needs of marginalized communities. They emphasized that the additional revenue would support projects like weatherization and energy efficiency retrofits, crucial for reducing carbon emissions and energy costs.

Among the supporters, community members from various wards shared personal anecdotes about the challenges they face due to inadequate funding for clean energy projects. Many highlighted the importance of these initiatives in improving air quality, reducing energy bills, and creating local jobs. Speakers like Roxanne and Marsha Mays underscored the necessity of the fee increase in supporting community projects such as the first solar mosque equipped with solar panels and battery systems. They argued that these initiatives not only aid during power outages but also empower communities by reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

Despite strong advocacy for the fee increase, opposition also emerged. Critics raised concerns about the financial burden on residents and questioned the transparency and accountability of the fund’s allocation. Representatives from utility companies, such as Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy, expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed fees, citing a lack of communication and consideration of unintended consequences. They contended that the city already receives substantial franchise fees and that further increases could exacerbate the financial strain on residents.

In response to these concerns, city officials assured attendees that the proposed fee adjustments would be implemented thoughtfully, with a focus on equitable distribution of funds. They highlighted that deferment options would be available for residential properties, providing some relief to homeowners facing financial difficulties.

Several speakers criticized the council for not fully delivering on promises of reinvestment into marginalized communities, calling for more robust action and funding to bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality. Leslie Jackson, a representative of the green zones, characterized the shortfall as a “crisis of conscience” and urged the council to fulfill its commitments.

In addition to the franchise fee discussion, the committee considered various infrastructure projects, including significant reconstructions on 1st Avenue South, Cedar Avenue, and Lowry Avenue Northeast. These projects are part of the city’s efforts to improve pedestrian and cyclist accessibility while addressing aging infrastructure. The public hearings for these projects saw limited engagement, with no community members signing up to speak, except for Sayad Habdi who raised concerns about the financial burden on non-profit organizations due to ongoing construction costs.

Council Member Osman and others on the committee acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the need for careful coordination to minimize disruptions and financial impacts on local businesses and non-profits. The committee also discussed the necessity of establishing work groups among the city, county, and state to ensure efficient project implementation and to mitigate potential negative effects on the community.