FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/31/2025
For further information, contact:
Susan Scully Petroni
City of Framingham Public Information Officer
spetroni@framinghamma.gov
508-782-8629
City of Framingham Advertising For Youth & Adult Seats on the Sustainability Committee
FRAMINGHAM - The City of Framingham is seeking applicants to fill two seats on the Framingham Sustainability Committee.
The Sustainability Committee works to make Framingham a more sustainable community by developing practical programs and policies, and through public engagement activities that address environmental, resource, and energy challenges.
The deadline to apply is Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
The Committee engages residents in understanding sustainability principles and their role in creating a more sustainable city. The Committee serves as a resource to the City, providing expertise and recommendations to enhance the sustainability and resiliency of municipal operations and promote environmental justice.
Each year, by October 1, the Committee provides recommendations to the Mayor, Energy Task Force, and Sustainability Coordinator for consideration in the annual budget process.
Committee Goals & Responsibilities:
- Advise the Mayor and Sustainability Coordinator on environmental impacts, challenges, and opportunities.
- Recommend programs and policies to promote greater sustainability and resiliency.
- Promote the adoption and benefits of sustainability among residents, businesses, and community organizations.
- Serve as a resource for municipal departments and boards on sustainability and resiliency initiatives.
- Support municipal projects and programs such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and climate resiliency planning.
- Develop and maintain annual short- and long-term sustainability goals.
- Provide written recommendations to City leadership by October 1 each year on sustainability priorities and progress.
Member Requirements:
- Must be a resident of the City of Framingham.
- Serve without compensation.
- At least one member shall be a youth between 16 and 25 years old.
Desired Skills and Experience:
Individuals with a passion for sustainability are encouraged to apply. Preferred, but not required, experience includes:
- Environmental justice, law, or education
- Renewable energy or energy management
- Environmental science, public health, or safety
- Land use planning or green building
- Water conservation, waste reduction, or stormwater management
- Climate resiliency or corporate responsibility
Current Committee Members (and Term Expiration):
Erin Ellsworth, Chair, District 3 – June 2027
Aimee Powelka, Vice Chair, District 1 – June 2027
Donald Grose, Secretary, District 6 – June 2026
Vacant, Youth Member – June 2028
Vacant, Member – June 2028
Sean Bilodeau, Member, District 8 – June 2028
Donna Kramer Merritt, Member, District 1 – June 2026
Larry Stoodt, Member, District 3 – June 2026
Deb Berlin, Member, District 8 – June 2027
The Committee typically meets monthly or as needed.
Interested Framingham residents may apply online via the City’s Boards & Commissions application portal at https://www.framinghamma.gov/FormCenter/City-Clerk-6/Boards-Committees-Commissions-Officers-Appli-61
No resume or cover letter is required to apply.
The Mayor will review applications submitted by the deadline and make nominations to the City Council.
The City Council has 30 days to approve or reject the Mayor’s nominations.
Questions about the nomination process can be directed to Framingham Citizen Participation Officer Nicole Horton-Stimpson at NHS@framinghamma.gov
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