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Characteristics of Sustainable Communities

Characteristics of Sustainable Communities

Characteristics of Sustainable Communities

Question 1: Characteristics of Sustainable Communities

There are various characteristics used to describe sustainable communities, many of which you explore in this week’s readings. As you do so, it is important to keep in mind that no community exemplifies every characteristic. Generally speaking, sustainable communities minimize environmental impact, increase economic flow, and increase cultural awareness; however, they differ in a variety of other ways. Geographic location, demographics, economy, and culture distinguish one community from the next and contribute to unique needs and problems. Some sustainable communities may focus on using wind and solar power to reduce dependency on thermal and nuclear energy whereas other communities may focus on increasing local employment opportunities to reduce urban sprawl. Similarly, there are different factors (e.g., funding, community commitment, leadership, etc.) that ultimately affect the success of sustainable development in communities.

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With these thoughts in mind:

Post by a brief description of your community. Then describe at least two characteristics you hope your community would exemplify following the implementation of the practice or intervention you selected in Week 7. Finally, describe one factor that might affect sustainable development in your community and explain how and why. Be specific and use examples to illustrate your explanation.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Question 2 Local Codes and Ordinances

Over the past several decades, U.S. legislation has targeted several sustainability issues, including bioenergy and biofuel, solid and hazardous waste, and air and water pollution. While federal initiatives to address sustainability are important, sustainable development really begins locally. Every community has unique needs and problems that ultimately influence sustainability efforts. For instance, one community may struggle with traffic congestion and focus its efforts on public transit or bicycle paths. Another community may struggle with a lack of green space and focus its efforts on altering land use and zoning codes and practices. While communities may differ in their sustainability efforts, they all use local codes and ordinances to further sustainable development and positively affect the behaviors of residents. Codes are a set of all jurisdictional provisions of a community and include ordinances. Ordinances are specific laws or decrees made by a local authority. Both are consulted, revised, and updated according to the needs and problems of communities. The purpose of local codes and ordinances is to guide the community on the path intended to advance sustainable development.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by an explanation of the role and importance of local and regional governments in sustainable community development. Then describe two local codes and/or ordinances your community would benefit from adopting and explain how and why. Be specific and use examples to illustrate your explanation.

 

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.