An Opportunity to Assist Western Lands and Communities
An Opportunity to Assist Western Lands and Communities
Wednesday July 28, 10 21:58
Western Lands and Communities, a joint venture of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and the Sonoran Institute, is gathering information regarding sustainability and climate efforts initiated by local municipalities in the Intermountain West. This research is a follow up measure to their recently released policy focus report entitled, “Planning for Climate Change in the West” by Susan Culp and Rebecca Carter. They are building on this report by focusing on some of the needs articulated by planners in the West for crafting and implementing local climate change and sustainability policies. They are creating a “Best Practices” database to serve as an online clearinghouse for local governments to use to reference climate mitigation and adaptation measures from large-scale initiatives to small-scale code changes. They intend to provide decision-makers from various community types with information and tools to help them integrate sustainable land-use planning and conservation-related climate change strategies into their growth and land management efforts. Local communities play a decided role in the climate action process and we want to facilitate the process of choosing and implementing effective climate change strategies in their communities.
Western Lands and Communities welcome your feedback on the database as their efforts progress. Also, they are hoping that you will share any climate related policies or ordinances that you have adopted in your own jurisdiction to put climate planning into action. They are looking for Sustainability and Climate initiatives, as well as notable practices in:
- Energy – Efficiency and Renewable Energy
- Land Use and Development – Green Building, Urban Heat Island, Compact Development
- Water – Conservation, Flood and Drought Planning, Future Resources
- Air – VOC Reduction Measures, Carbon Credits
- Waste – Reduction, Energy Generation
- Forestry – Land Preservation and Conservation, Urban Forestry, Local Agriculture
- Climate Adaptation – Risk/Disaster Management, Resource Shortages, Scenario Planning
Please forward all responses to Erika Mahoney at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Your input and expertise regarding the actions within your jurisdiction are greatly appreciated.