Urban Sustainability Bulletin

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August 2020

 

GHG Reduction

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Flagstaff AZ Declares Climate Emergency: Flagstaff AZ declared a Climate Emergency that commits to eight actions, including updating its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to achieve community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030. These actions include supporting a collaborative climate action mobilization with full community participation, and educating Flagstaff's youth, while keeping the concerns of vulnerable communities, minorities, and those experiencing poverty central to all efforts.

Portland OR Adopts Climate Emergency Declaration: Portland OR adopted a Climate Emergency Declaration that focuses its climate action work on climate justice by centering the needs and priorities of communities on the frontlines of climate change and delivering on racial justice as well as carbon reductions.

Boise ID Creating First Climate Action Division: Boise ID is creating a Climate Action Division made up of existing city staff to advocate for climate action, preparedness, and innovation while leading the development of their first climate action plan.

Social Equity and Community Engagement

 

U.S. Green Building Council Recognizes USDN Members as Sheroes: USGBC's Women in Green 2020 platform is celebrating women who elevate equity and sustainability in their communities, including USDN members Sonrisa Lucero (Denver CO) and Jasmin Moore (Lawrence and Douglas County KS).

Oakland CA Adopts Equitable Climate Action Plan and Carbon Neutrality Target: The Oakland CA City Council unanimously adopted a 2030 Equitable Climate Action Plan and a 2045 Carbon Neutrality target, which includes a racial equity impact assessment and implementation guide developed through the innovative Equity Facilitator model and incremental action items.

Phoenix AZ Seeks Public Input on Climate Action Plan Update: Phoenix AZ released a public survey to help inform its 2020 Climate Action Plan update with questions focusing on attitudes towards climate change and potential actions.

Fort Collins CO Launches Virtual Community Engagement for Climate Actions: Fort Collins CO is continuing community engagement efforts by providing virtual workshops and an online platform for residents to provide input on their energy policy update, Road to Zero Waste Plan, and Climate Action Plan.

USDN Members Recognized for Racial Justice Inclusion in Climate Plans: GreenBiz spotlighted seven USDN Members that are embedding racial justice goals in their climate plans, including Boston MA, Houston TX, Los Angeles CA, Oakland CA, Orlando FL, and Richmond VA.

Providence RI City Council Supports Anti-Racist Institution Resolution: The Providence RI City Council introduced a resolution to become an anti-racist institution, prioritizing investment and support structures that align with their Just Providence Framework and Climate Justice Plan.

Seattle WA to Purchase Land for Food Innovation Center: Seattle WA's Equitable Development Initiative committed $2.1 million to fund the purchase of land for a Black-led community organization to build a center supporting unique food cultures, economy, and prevent displacement of cultural communities in the neighborhood.

Urban Sustainability 

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Planning Institute of British Columbia Awards Recognizes USDN Members: PIBC recognized USDN member cities Vancouver BC, Saanich BC, and Surrey BC for their planning and development achievements in sustainability plans and projects.

Washington DC Creates Car-Free Lanes to Increase Bus Transit: The Washington DC Department of Transportation is planning to install car-free lanes to reduce traffic in their high-traffic corridors and create space for more bus and bike travel.