January 16, 2006

Salt Lake City won a World Leadership Award December 7 in the environmental category. Following a half-hour live keynote presentation by Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, a panel of seven judges declared the state of Utah’s capitol city the winner in a ceremony at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

Anderson said, “Salt Lake City has been awarded the World Leadership Award for the environment because of the tremendous work by many people in our community, including city staff, local businesses, and our Salt Lake City Green Team. The competition was very stiff. We are thrilled that our leadership, particularly in combating global climate change, was acknowledged for its comprehensiveness and effectiveness as we work with cities throughout the nation and around the world to provide a model for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and better air quality. This work is about better public health, a better quality of life, and a more sustainable future for all. I am grateful for everyone who has helped Salt Lake City shine as an important leader in the international community. We will continue our efforts with renewed vigor.”

Anderson and the city’s Environmental Programs Manager Vicki Bennett represented Salt Lake City when the award was announced. The other two finalists for the environmental category were Calgary for their “Ride the Wind” program and Port Elizabeth for their “Van Der Kemp’s Kloof” project, which combines environmental preservation with social history.

The World Leadership Forum describes Anderson as “a leading international spokesman and expert on combating global warming. His ambitious environmental program ‘Salt Lake City Green’ is a coordinated series of major initiatives including alternative transportation, zero-waste, recycling, climate protection, e2 business promotion, high performance buildings, open space, urban forest and smart growth.”

The World Leadership Forum (WLF) contacted leaders in 400 of the world’s largest cities and asked them to submit synopses of their most successful projects. The judges apply three criteria: the quality of leadership displayed; the difficulties or obstacles that the city has over come; and the degree of inspiration that the city has provided to others.

The WLF award projects cover a wide range of categories including the environment, urban renewal, housing, health, town planning architecture, civil engineering, education, development of the young, the economy and employment.