At the same time, the Sustainable Communities Initiative actively seeks technology transfer of proven sustainable practices and technological advances from other communities. Earlier this year, the Joint Center for Sustainable Communities of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Association of Counties assisted us in bringing to Austin representatives from the cities of Tucson, Santa Monica and Chattanooga, as well as national and international sustainability experts, as part of a peer exchange program. The Joint Center's peer exchange program highlights the fact that we as mayors have so much to learn from each other's successes and best practices. Our one-day event with the Joint Center provided new insight about sustainability. Here's what we learned.
Building design plays a key role in sustainability.
The City of Tucson, in partnership with private businesses, is building a model sustainable community called Civano that will include 2,500 new homes and apartments incorporating solar power, solid waste recycling, harvested rainwater and lighting that reduces energy consumption within a mixed-use community. Sustainable indicators help achieve sustainability goals. A biennial review enables the city to measure its progress and focus on obstacles hindering sustainability. Strong community involvement increases the likelihood of success. Since 1984, the City of Chattanooga has invited all members of the community to envision what they want for the future through a formal visioning process.