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Defining Sustainability <br /> The board's vision for Orange County is one of "sustainability." Board members <br /> and staff believe it is important to define and operationalize the term. <br /> Preliminary discussions defined sustainability as having three primary elements: <br /> 1 . Environment <br /> • Preservation of rural character of the county; preserve farms, maintain <br /> good water quality, preserve habitats and natural biological resources, <br /> and open space. <br /> • Manage growth by adopting land development policies and applying <br /> them consistently in the approval process to protect the natural <br /> environment, promote `sustainable development' and provide <br /> `appropriate amenities' such as parks and open space. <br /> 2. Social Justice <br /> • Preserve cultural resources <br /> • `Ensure that all residents are treated equitably and fairly.' <br /> 3. Economic Development <br /> • Grow economic base in a sustainable, green manner <br /> The notion of sustainability can be applied to the services we provide, the <br /> organization we oversee, the policies we adopt or promote for our community <br /> and our organization, and <br /> the ordinances we pass. <br /> Organizational Perspective of Sustainability: <br /> 1 . Fiscal responsibility <br /> 2. Efficient staff and processes <br /> • Reorganize county departments in order to operate more <br /> efficiently. Consider creating a Department of Sustainability <br /> • Structure an integrated, coordinated approach to sustainability <br /> • Use advisory boards in BOCC decision-making <br /> 3. Plan for the sustainability of the organization <br /> 4. HR <br /> • Implement staff development that keeps staff technologically <br /> current and up-to-date <br /> • Develop succession plan for departments and administration <br /> 5. Public Works <br /> • "Green" fleet management purchases and maintenance <br /> 6. Public support <br /> 9 <br />