Requesting approval to accept and expend a $50,000 grant with no new match required, from Commonwealth of MA Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Office of Sustainability and Environment for a study investigating possible zoning incentives to increase the ability to comply with the Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance.

To the Honorable City Council: The Mayor respectfully requests that this Council accept and approve expending a grant of $50,000 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to the Office of Sustainability and Environment, under the provisions of MGL Chapter 44, Section 53A. This grant does not require the commitment of new matching funds. The purpose of this grant is to pay for a first of its kind study investigating possible zoning incentives to increase the ability to comply with the Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance, in addition to exploring mechanisms to encourage property owners to oversize transformers to facilitate cost-effective, space-efficient electrification in Somerville's densely populated neighborhoods. Appropriate staff will be available to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your consideration of this item. Respectfully submitted, Katjana Ballantyne, Mayor