Land Development Today - July/August 2007 - (Page U10)

Green, that works with other cities and utilities to develop green programs. One Size Doesn’t Fit All The way in which sustainability initiatives are organized varies from city to city, and one size does not fit all. One model is based on leadership from within city government. In some cities, this may be in the form of a lone sustainability director who works to execute the mayor’s directives by facilitating the work of many different departments. Another municipal model is based on a sustainability department. Often, this department is an adjunct to the planning department or environmental department. It is also not uncommon to find a nonprofit organization taking the lead in developing and implementing the sustainability initiative. One of the advantages of this model is the ability a nonprofit may have in creating a broader level of partnership to work on community-wide issues. Within many cities, groups are emerging in the business community as well as in higher education. The business community programs are usually called “sustainable business councils,” and focus on knowledge sharing and pooled programs such as green purchasing networks. Several universities have also begun formal sustainability initiatives on their campuses. In addition, many have developed degree programs and centers of excellence focused on sustainability. As a result, they are reaching out to others in the community—often serving as the forum for discussion of critical issues. will locate in the area. If the right employers come, the right people will come. It is a virtuous cycle. For a city to change in response to the changing world, it needs to reinvent itself — but this can only be accomplished if it has a vision of what it wants to become. Sustainability is proving to be that vision for many cities. SUR About the author: Doug Thompson is a strategy and governance consultant serving the design community. He also works with businesses and communities on developing and implementing sustainability initiatives. He can be reached at doug@thompson-strategy.com. Why Do It? Making a city sustainable is hard work. So, what is driving so many to work so hard? In the end, it all comes back to economic development. Thriving cities are successful cities. This usually implies growth. Cities that are seeking to become sustainable have decided that if they can balance economic prosperity, environmental integrity, and social equity, then they will attract the right kind of people to live in the region. If the right kind of people live there, the right kind of employers INTERNET RESOURCES Minneapolis 2007 Sustainability Report http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/sustainability/2007SustainablityReport.asp Taking Sustainability Seriously – Ken Portney http://ourgreencities.com/ U.S Mayor’s Climate Protection Program http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/climate/ Seattle’s Climate Action Plan http://www.seattle.gov/climate/ Your Water & Wastewater Pumping Specialists Pre-Fabricated Housed Pumping Systems • Pre-piped and wired • Shipped fully assembled and ready to install • Several housing options available • Touch screen control operation • Generator and chemical rooms available • Custom Variable Speed Control Systems Below Ground Prefabricated Lift Stations • Single-source systems complete with all equipment required for operation • Available in stainless steel, coated steel options, high density polyethylene and • Simplex, duplex, triplex or larger systems available • Outside valve box permits servicing without entering sump • Custom Variable or Constant Speed Control Systems 37 Forestwood Drive, Romeoville, IL 60446 815-886-9200 • Fax 815-886-6932 www.metropolitanind.com 1957 th 2007 10 July/August 2007 http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/sus http://ourgreencities.com/ http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/climate/ http://www.seattle.gov/climate/ http://www.metropolitanind.com http://www.metropolitanind.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Land Development Today - July/August 2007

Cover Contents Our Voice: Industry Advocates Your Voice: Reader Response Cover Story: Preparing Your Tax Strategy The Rules of the Game Historical Redevelopment Project Profile: Seattle’s High Point Retention: From Ravine to Road Land Use: Picatinny Arsenal Mixed Use: Florida Offices Industry News Products/Services Showcase Classifieds Recommended Reading Advertiser Index Editorial Board The Last Word: What? Me Plan… Urban Development

Land Development Today - July/August 2007

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