The Chico City Council appointed recent Chico State graduate Bryce Ingersoll to the Climate Action Commission at its Sept. 2 meeting.
Ingersoll, who was nominated by Councilmember Bryce Goldstein, won unaninmous Council approval, and said he wants to work toward making the city more bike-friendly and increasing the supply of housing that doesn’t worsen urban sprawl.
“Chico has been ripe for climate solutions,” Ingersoll told ChicoSol later.
“With this position, I hope to spark new conversations with community organizations, university students and staff, and the City,” he said in a presentation to the Council.
Ingersoll recounted his experience in environment-related fields, such as his geography degree, volunteer work for Butte Environmental Council, and participation in prescribed burns with Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve.
In an interview with ChicoSol, Ingersoll said he also wants to promote community education on correct recycling and composting programs that reduce carbon emission from food waste processing.
“Our urban form facilitates alternative transportation and our proximity to agricultural lands allows opportunity for sustainable food networks,” Ingersoll said. “As the largest city in Butte County, we can act as a model for our neighboring cities with less resources. There is also work to be done to create climate resiliency, particularly in the case of devastating wildfires and drought.”
Three other candidates — Natalie Norton, Sarah Lanum and Cecelia Lore-Ramsey — vied for the position. Ingersoll will replace resigned commissioner Jared Geiser.
Goldstein explained why she nominated Ingersoll.
“I nominated Bryce Ingersoll because he brings a unique perspective as a recent graduate with connections to Chico State as well as experience in prescribed fire and community engagement,” Goldstein told ChicoSol. “I want commissioners to work with each other and their networks to bring forward new ideas this year.”
Goldstein told ChicoSol that she believes in the importance of engaging community members in governance.
“I see an opportunity for the commission to brainstorm what it can do to further support climate action, both within the City government and in partnership with the community,” Goldstein said.
Goldstein has said that active boards and commissions can help “decentralize our power, because we’re not just relying on seven people on the City Council to hold all the power and know everything.”
Yucheng Tang is a California Local News fellow reporting for ChicoSol.