It is becoming apparent that business must regain control of its operations through aggressive environmental programs. As their memberships flatten out, environmental organizations are realizing that they have disenfranchised their members by focusing on fundraising, media, and lobbying in distant capitols. In the year 2000, our challenge will be to define a clear vision and the practical instruments and incentives that allow us all to act on behalf of our common future. The answer lies in building sustainable communities. Sustainability focuses on development versus growth, seeking partnerships between government, business, and the public.
Sustainability promotes economic well-being, social justice and environmental quality.
Local government must be on the frontline, because that is where the rubber hits the road. Whether cities welcome this increasing challenge or not, they will be forced to act. Federal and state mandates will increase local government's share of public sector environmental protection costs to an estimated 87 percent this year. A more important reason for cities to take the lead is that the new strategies needed to build sustainable cities require local programs. It will be the changed consumption patterns of consumers that will spell the difference between success and failure.