Each policy is evaluated for its potential contribution to the sustainability of the city as a whole and for potential links to other policies. Links among policies help garner support for implementation from other city departments and nongovernment organizations. For example, a policy on housing density in specific areas of the city encourages collaboration between the housing department and the transit agency. Calvin Broomhead, project manager at San Francisco's Bureau of Energy Conservation, believes one of the most important lessons learned from the Sustainable City Project is that no single approach to sustainability exists. Even though the Sustainable City Project officially ended several years ago, Broomhead says San Francisco has continued on the path to sustainability.
Sustainability is about creating partnerships and relationships.
San Francisco is promoting interdepartmental cooperation on projects ranging from city facilities to public education. Broomhead thinks cities can no longer afford to support energy projects that are just energy projects, especially in an era when resources are so scarce. One such project is an environmental fair booth displayed around the city as an educational outreach effort to citizens. In this hands-on booth, people get tips on ways to save energy, use less water, and dispose of hazardous household wastes. The booth is so popular that it's booked for the next 6 months.