Sustainable Economic Development Workshop · Results of USDN Workshop •28 Action Plans created by...

Sustainable Economic Development Workshop

• Nationwide conference held in September 2016 in Cleveland

• Grant from USDN Innovation Fund

• Cooperative effort:

• Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN)

• International Economic Development Council (IEDC)

• Facilitated by Institute for Conservation Leadership

• 25 communities participated 3 from Illinois

Goals of USDN Workshop

•Develop a common understanding of Sustainable Economic

Development (SED)

•Learn from SED success stories from the U.S. and Canada

•Identify projects that can be accomplished at the municipal,

regional, or network level

Defining Sustainable Economic Development

The creation and retention of jobs and wealth in ways that maintain or improve

social and natural environments now and into the future.

The investment in business, social, built

and natural environments that creates increasing

prosperity for all, now and into the future.

Results of USDN Workshop

• 28 Action Plans created by participants for their own communities

• Nearly all indicated desire to collaborate—with leadership, other

organizations, councils or target populations

• 2/3 involved creating better system for measuring metrics, goals, and policy

• ½ would like a new plan for SED

• 3 want to establish programs that recognize, incentivize and support green

initiatives in community

• 2 seek increased engagement toward creating innovation

Results of USDN Workshop

• How will they know SED is furthered?

• Businesses take advantage of programs/incentives

• Sustainability practices added to policies

• New metrics developed

• Sustainability included in dialogue around new economic

development

Results of USDN Workshop

• What will participants do to help advance SED within the

network (USDN/IEDC)?

•Continued dialogue and convening—within community &

network (38%)

• Increased leadership/involvement (33%)

• Increased participation in and promotion of workshops/

webinars (33%)

Success Story #1: Austin, TX

•“Reverse Pitch Fest”

•Businesses with byproducts ask for pitches for free access to

byproducts for further commercial use

•Media attention was strong

•Program’s success gave Austin the will to look into crowd

sourcing and “bounty hunting” to solve problems

Learn more at http://reversepitch.org/

Success Story #2: Montgomery County, OH

•“Dayton Regional Green – People, Profit, Planet”

•County partnership with local utilities allowed for

leverage of strengths

•Free and low cost energy audits, partnered with

college students, encourages more businesses to

take advantage

Learn more at www.drg3.org

Success Story #3: Lucas County, OH•“Sustainable Business Recognition Program”

•Businesses that exemplify:• Responsible use of natural resources

• Equitable employment practices

• Economic prosperity that benefits community

•Free sustainability assessments using 8 metrics not only

environmental data

•Better Buildings of NW Ohio led by Toledo Port Authority

• Connect businesses with low-interest PACE financing

•$20.5 million in projects completed using $12.5 million in financing

Learn more at www.lucascountygreen.com & www.toledoport.org/BBNWO

Success Story #4: Sustainable Cleveland

• Ambitious initiative to transform Cleveland into a

“Green City on a Blue Lake” in 10 years

• 9 action areas extra focus on one area each

year

• Progress Dashboard

• Business, Social, Built, and Natural

Environments

• 28 indicators

Learn more at www.sustainablecleveland.org

Success Story in Progress: Kane County, IL

• Kane County 2040 Plan (adopted in 2012)

• Foundation for sustainable economic development

• Key objectives/policies to support SED projects

• Economic Prosperity & Sustainability and Energy

chapters

• Potential for expanding economic development

goals & integrating SED concepts into 2050 Plan

www.countyofkane.org/FDER/Pages/development/planning.aspx

Kane County Economic Development Initiatives

• Answer the question “Why Kane County?” to draw new business investment

• Recognize Kane County “Sparklers”

www.whykane.org

KANE COUNTY FOOD HUB FEASIBILITY STUDY

Success Story in Progress: Park Forest, IL

•Park Forest’s Growing Green Sustainability Plan (adopted in 2012) • SED Goals related to Development Patterns, Green Economy, Local Food, Arts and Culture,

Transportation and Mobility

• Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and Complete Streets Policy adopted in 2014

•SED Successes to Date include• Two Park Forest businesses have conducted ComEd energy audits and upgraded all lighting

free of charge• Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances being totally overhauled to address sustainability • Village-sponsored business events have focused on green energy and sustainable office

retrofits• Village works closely with local arts organizations to promote their activities and co-promote

other business during arts activities (local art fair, free concerts, etc.)• Bike and pedestrian network to TOD area upgraded and in place

Success Story in Progress: Park Forest, IL

•SED Challenges and Next Steps• Worked with Illinois Green Business Association to create a Park Forest Green

Business certification program. Businesses were not supportive. Need to make a renewed effort.

• Expand number of community gardens and encourage a cooperative booth at the Park Forest Farmers Market

• Looking for resources to assist in creating a commercial kitchen that can also be used for education and training, to be part of Village’s MakerLab

• Reach out to more Park Forest businesses to upgrade lighting using ComEd’s energy audit/replacement program

• Expand Village’s economic development marketing to emphasize sustainability