HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-15-1994-X-C 1
O R A N G E C O U N T Y
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: MARCH 15, 1994
Action Agenda
Item # X-0,
SUBJECT: POLICY STATEMENT: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC HEARING: Yes _X_N0
COMMISSIONERS' OFFICE
ATTACHMENT(S) : INFORMATION CONTACT:
DON WILLHOIT, EXTENSION 2130
DRAFT POLICY STATEMENT:
TOWARD A SUSTAINABLE TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
COMMUNITY Hillsborough - 732-8181
Durham - 688-7331
Mebane - 227-2031
Chapel Hill - 967-9251/968-5501
PURPOSE: To receive a report from Commissioner Willhoit on the
concept of sustainable development and its application
to Orange County.
BACKGROUND: During the recent deliberations on the EDDs, concern
was expressed regarding the long-term impacts of
growth and development. Questions were raised
regarding the carrying capacity of the land and the
ultimate population density in Orange County. These
concerns are embodied in the concepts of "sustainable
development" which has become a focus of the Clinton
administration. NACo has established a sustainable
development task force and will be developing model
programs for counties to consider.
Until more definitive programs are available from NACo
or 'the Shaping Orange County's Future Steering
Committee, I suggest that we adopt a policy statement
for inclusion in the County's Land Use Plan and
Economic Development Design Manual. Rather than focus
just on development, the emphasis should be toward a
"Sustainable Community. " A draft is attached for
consideration by the Board of Commissioners.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive as information.
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TOWARD A SUSTAINABLE COM UNITI(
Orange County is committed to the concept of a sustainable community. A sustainable
community uses and protects its human and natural resources to meet Current needs while
ensuring 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 by promoting efficiency,conservation, pollution prevention,and developing
IOW resources to strengthen the local economy.
Suatainable Community principles
Interdependence: Integrate long-term economic environmental,and social considerations
into all decisions to reflect their inherent interdependence.
Partnership: Invite cooperation and unify efforts between governments,business,
nonprofit organizations,citizens,and others to address interdependence.
Stewardship: Balance resource use and conservation between present anti future
generations sa that future generations are not compromised.
Diversity: Maintain diverse biological,economic,and social systems.
Prevention: Anticipate and prevent social,economic and environmental problems rather
than attempt to solve them after the fact.
Equity: Ensure all community numbers equal opportunities to contribute to the
economy,enjoy the environment and participate in decisions that affect them.
Responsibility: Ask all community members to take responsibility for sustaining their
community,and environment.
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