A template for local government sustainable development initiatives
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Date
2001-01-29
Authors
Bryant, Steve
Burgess, Scott
Hare, Wes
Jordan, Roger
Mott, Gregory
Pappas, Cynthia
Rohde, Karl W.
Schubert, John
Friedman, Bill
Swaim, Mike
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Center for Watershed and Community Health, Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University
Abstract
This document outlines a step-by-step process, or template, which any local government can follow when adopting sustainable development policies, programs and practices. It is intended for use with an introductory companion document entitled Context and Background for Local Government Sustainable Development Initiatives. Members of the League of Oregon Cities developed both documents, with staff assistance from the Center for Watershed and Community Health at Portland State University. The documents are working drafts, and the authors request feedback on their usefulness, content and presentation. While organized sequentially here, the development of a sustainability initiative is not a linear process. You can start anywhere you want. Some communities may follow the template step-by-step, starting with the adoption of authorizing policies and guiding principles. Others may initiate pilot projects to understand the costs and benefits of the approach. The more effective sustainability initiatives usually circle back and forth through the inter-related steps a number of times as they develop and continually improve their program. This template, therefore, simply outlines the common, major components of successful local government sustainable development initiatives. It offers suggestions for how to approach key issues. It also provides examples of how various communities have approached the issues. Though there are commonalities among strategies, there is no one-size-fits-all design. Each local government must develop an initiative tailored to the unique needs, culture, economy and environment of its community.
Description
47 p.