Item B: Sustainability Initiative Update

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The City has also partnered with Lane County, University of Oregon, Lane Community College and a number of businesses on a grant application to the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department for a clean technology grant. If successful, the grant will provide funds to identify workforce and other needs of an emerging industry cluster. It is anticipated that this grant will aid in the growth and establishment of more clean technology businesses within Lane County, as well as the development of an education node to help provide trained employees to the businesses. The City is co-sponsoring with the Oregon Department of Transportation, local, state and national associations of realtors and other local government agencies, a one-day conference on June 11, tentatively called “Moving Forward Together.” This will bring people from the business/ development community together with community members and government representatives to explore transportation, housing and economic growth issues facing Lane County. Working with a dedicated volunteer team, the Mayor’s Bold Steps Towards Sustainability awards have been enhanced with a clear application process, assessment criteria, wider recruitment process and commitment to making an award every two months. Businesses have responded well to the awards, proudly displaying their awards in their advertising and trade displays. Internal sustainability An internal sustainability policy and implementation team has been appointed from management and senior staff as part of the increased focus on sustainability with the adoption of the council goal and establishment of the Sustainability Office. The team will develop and integrate the next steps the City organization needs to take to operate more sustainably. In order to remain credible with the community and lead by example, it is important that the City continually enhances its sustainability performance and improve its practices across all three aspects of the triple bottom line – social equity, environmental health and economic prosperity. Responding to the Sustainable Business Initiative Task Force recommendations and in alignment with development of City programs, staff is enhancing several different aspects of City operations. Initiatives include developing a sustainable procurement policy, and revising and updating the internal greenhouse gas inventory in preparation for the development of an internal climate action plan for emission reductions. The City recycling and disposal system has also been investigated to establish baseline recycling and disposal rates in order to help identify how to decrease our waste production. Upgrades are underway for an enhanced recycling system covering more materials. Next steps and resources One of the biggest challenges with the Sustainability Initiative Goal is to identify the highest priority issues to address to help the City and Eugene become more sustainable. In the gap analysis undertaken, it has become apparent that a comprehensive approach to climate change that includes reducing emissions and planning for local climate change, as well as responding to peak oil implications including fossil fuel price rises and fluctuations are two of the largest topics that need immediate attention. These and other priorities will be discussed during the Sustainability Commission work plan session, and will be incorporated in the commission work plan. The work of the commission will help define the scope of the Sustainability Office and the development of priority issues. F:\CMO\2008 Council Agendas\M080225\S080225B.doc