SPEAKERS

Kayla Betzold is the Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Rochester, Minnesota, where she leads initiatives on clean energy, climate resilience, and community sustainability. Previously, she served the City of Louisville, Colorado, overseeing the development and implementation of environmental programs, projects, and policy initiatives in alignment with the City’s Sustainability Action Plan. With over a decade of experience in municipal sustainability, including work spanning three states, Kayla brings deep expertise in advancing policies and partnerships that reduce emissions, improve air quality, and foster more resilient communities.  

Zack Wood is the Manager of Facilities and Property for the City of Rochester, Minnesota. He has over two decades of experience in building automation and public sector facility management, focused on optimizing building systems and supporting reliable, high-performing public facilities. In his role, he oversees a diverse portfolio of municipal properties and leads efforts to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and long-term asset stewardship. His work emphasizes delivering safe, efficient environments that effectively serve the community while maximizing the value of public investments.

PRESENTATION

A high-level look at Rochester’s sustainability efforts – why they matter, what’s already underway, and how they benefit residents, businesses, and the broader community. Kayla Betzold, the City’s Sustainability Coordinator, will highlight the City’s environmental goals, recent progress, and priority projects, and discuss a potential natural gas franchise fee as a tool for providing stable, long-term funding for current and future environmental initiatives.

A tour of the Mayo Civic Center mechanical system is scheduled for May 19^th at 3pm.  More details and registration forthcoming. 

AGENDA AND REGISTRATION

11:30 - 11:50 - Social / Lunch

12:00 - 1:00 - Presentation

Registration cost is $25 per person. Please RSVP by EOD on Monday, April 20th. Members who do not register by this time cannot be guaranteed meal availability due to contractual requirements with the meeting facility.