2004 Adopted Resolutions
72nd Annual Meeting
Boston

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ENCOURAGING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

WHEREAS, the World Commission on Environment and Development defines sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”; and

WHEREAS, sustainable development integrates the principles of economic development, environmental protection, social equity and education; and

WHEREAS, a sustainable community seeks to improve public health and a better quality of life for all its residents by limiting waste, preventing pollution, maximizing conservation, promoting efficiency, and developing local resources to revitalize the local economy; and

WHEREAS, elements that make up a sustainable community include the following:

·    establishing open spaces and wildlife conservation zones in order to maintain biodiversity and adequate recreation space for residents;

·    promoting mixed-use development in areas where low to zero polluting transportation modes like mass transit, pedestrian and bicycling are easily accessible;

·    operating municipal fleets that use clean-burning fuels;

·    establishing procurement practices to encourage the purchase of reusable or recycled products;

·    maintaining housing stock that meets diverse income levels;

·    encouraging locally-owned businesses, including minority and women-owned businesses; and

·    engaging and encouraging all members of the public to assist in the decision-making process of the community; and

     WHEREAS, many communities have promoted sustainable development guidelines and concepts in their communities;   

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors strongly encourages Mayors and their cities to adopt sustainable development practices in their own communities; 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Conference of Mayors encourages the federal and state governments to establish policy, programs, and resources that promote the concepts and principles of sustainable communities; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that businesses should be encouraged through regulatory incentives or marketing assistance to become stewards for the environment and to conduct their activities with the principles of sustainable development in mind.