Agenda - 05-23-1994 - C-1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGECOUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 23, 1994 Agenda Abstract Item # C 1 SUBJECT: SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PRINCIPLES DEPARTMENT: Plannin g PUBLIC HEARING: —X—Yes No ATTACHMENTS: INFORMATION CONTACT: Draft Policy Statement Planning Director X2592 PHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Mebane 227.2031 Durham 688-7331 Chapel Hill 967-9251 PURPOSE: To receive public comment on a proposed policy outlining sustainable community principles which could be used to evaluate local programs and policies. BACKGROUND: A sustainable community is one which uses and protects its human and natural resources to meet the current needs while insuring that enhanced community assets are available for future generations. It seeks improved public health, an informed citizenry, and a better quality of life.for all of its residents while promoting efficiency, conservation, pollution prevention, and developing local resources to strengthen the local economy. Nationally, the concept of sustainability has been advanced by several recent developments.The idea has become the focus of the National Commission on the Environment, and it was highlighted by Vice President Albert Gore in his book, Earth in the Balance. In communities across the country, information networks have been formed to promote the concept. Planning and design professions have also given attention to the subject,as evidenced by the growing number of articles and books on various perspectives of sustainability. In March of this year,Commissioner Don Wdhoit presented a report to the Board of Commissioners on the concept of sustainable development and its application to Orange County. His presentation was based on his attendance at a National Association of Counties (NACo) Conference in Washington, D.C. NACo has established a sustainable development task force and will be developing model programs for counties to consider.However,until more definitive programs are available through NACo or the Shaping Orange County's Future Steering Committee, Commissioner Wilhoit suggested that the Board consider adoption of a policy statement with emphasis on a"Sustainable Community"rather than just development.