During a recent city council meeting, significant discussions emerged regarding the disbandment of a climate advisory committee, sparking a divide among council members about the future of climate action in the community.

Councilor Jordan expressed disappointment over the decision to disband the committee, arguing that it represented a missed opportunity to harness diverse voices in addressing climate change. He advocated for a \"gear shift\" rather than a complete disbandment, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue and experimentation in tackling climate issues.

In contrast, Councilor Sherrill acknowledged the city's evolving needs and the importance of staff capacity, suggesting that the committee's work could be transitioned into a task force format. He highlighted the necessity of strategic resource allocation, particularly in light of the city's growing climate department and partnerships with organizations like Climate Smart Missoula.

Councilor Campbell supported the resolution to disband the committee, framing it as a move to reduce bureaucracy and redundancy within local government. He emphasized the importance of consolidating climate action efforts under existing staff, while ensuring transparency and public input through regular updates.

However, Councilor Becerra voiced strong opposition to the disbandment, citing the committee's historical role in advocating for climate initiatives and its connection to the community. She argued that the committee's expertise was vital for guiding the city’s climate strategies and that disbanding it would undermine ongoing efforts to address climate change.

Councilor Carlino echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for a citizen advisory group to hold the council accountable to climate science, particularly in light of recent environmental challenges faced by the community, such as wildfire smoke.

The council's deliberations reflect a broader tension between efficiency and the necessity of community engagement in climate action. As the city navigates its approach to climate policy, the future of the advisory committee remains a contentious topic, with calls for reform rather than disbandment gaining traction among several council members.