Local Sustainability Activists

Agenda 21, through ICLEI is intended for changes at the local level. I have been in the real estate development industry for over 35 years and environmental group efforts at the local level have increasingly become more active. Their reach started with flood plains, wetlands and endangered species. Now, it seems that ICLEI will extend its reach and change the environmental focus to global issues governed at the local level. Their approach seems to working.

The following process outlines a defined methodology in researching your local government actions toward passing local ordinances controlling how we use our land. Excerpts provided by Stacy Lynne.

1. Conduct open records access requests. This is a legal process designed to protect our rights to access public information. It is very inexpensive and effective at holding local governments accountable. Focus on the facts through factual research.
a. For excellent help with this, please visit the website of Student Press Law Center. There is an automatic letter generator on that site which can help with the process.
b. In your first open records request, ask for “any and all documents and communications related to or concerning the organization called ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability.”
c. The information you receive as a result of your first open records request will be the starting point for researching actions taken by local government in implementing ICLEI goals and objectives.
2. Attend council meetings and commission meetings. Read the agendas.
3. Listen for sustainability buzzwords at public meetings.
4. Research local environmental groups. These are the powerful and effective “stakeholders” who are pressuring your local officials into adopting stronger environmental ordinances at the local level based on ICLEI’s goals and objectives.
5. Read your local climate action plan/local environmental action plan/city plan, etc. Research who prepared the report, who paid for the report, and learn how the report plans, will impact people.
6. Read your local budget; watch for triple bottom line budgeting process. Follow the money and total the amount being spent on sustainability or green programs. Include salaries of the employee who implement those programs in the total budget amounts.
7. Research which private companies are in partnership with local government (public/private partnerships). Those private companies are profiting from taxpayer money.
8. Ask your local government for the definition of “sustainable development” and “sustainability”.
9. Photographs are powerful communication tools.
10. Research the websites of: Michael Shaw, Dr. Stan Montieth, and Tom DeWeese. These are excellent resources for information about sustainability, Agenda 21, and ICLEI.

In my post last week, go to the list of cities which are members of ICLEI. Is your city on the list and will you become an activist to protect our use of our land? It is all in the land!



Please research your local ordinances that have been passed during 2010 or 2011 further controlling land. Please send me the ordinance.