This ordinance is designed to increase the purchase of local food and supports local food growers and producers. It establishes a bid preference of up to 4% for local food purchased from a sustainable business; develops a database of local food producers; and prioritizes local food purchases in contracts under $10,000.

A maximum bid discount of 4% is given based on 2% for local producers, 2% for local sustainable businesses, and 2% for a local-food purchaser.

A maximum evaluation credit of 4% is given based on 2% for local producers, 2% for local sustainable businesses, and 2% for a local-food purchaser.

The City has an emerging urban agricultural small business sector and this resolution will retain a great portion of the money spent annually within the region for food.

The City is also an active member of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, which is a council that supports local governments to promote citywide sustainable development practices.

By reducing the distance food is shipped, this ordinance will reduce energy usage in addition to reducing the City’s carbon footprint. Furthermore, building a stronger local food supply helps regional self-reliance, emergency preparedness, food safety, and the local economy.

The bid discount could add up to 4% to the cost of food purchases.