ICMA's Annual Conference was an invaluable opportunity to gain tools, knowledge, insights and inspiration for improving the quality of life for all residents and enhancing long-term viability of communities through workshops, general sessions, and interactions between members and partners in local government management. We hope to be able to sustain the energy moving forward, as we follow-up on conversations started and opportunities realized and share new information and leading practices with staff and stakeholders who may not have been able to attend. 

Anecdotal evidence from many of our members over the past few days – both one-on-one at the Center for Sustainable Community’s booth in the Exhibit Hall and during many sessions organized by CSC and others – has demonstrated that many of our leaders have been those engaging in efforts to become more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. Some efforts have been carefully coordinated, planned, documented, and implemented while others have been more sporadic; however, achievement of long-term viability and resilience underlie the most progressive and innovative initiatives of our members across the world.

As an ICMA Annual Conference “Rookie” (sports-talk), “First-Year” (Harry Potter talk), “Freshman” (high-school), it was truly an inspiration and a privilege to be able to learn from others' experiences. Three great sustainability stories that I heard about at the conference were as follows:

1. A Sustainability Strategy in Palmdale, California. I spent Friday evening's staff dinner with former ICMA President and current City Manager of the City of Palmdale (pop. 152,000), California David Childs and his wife, Barbara. The City of Palmdale has recently announced its strategy for long-term success, called “Success Through Sustainability” – which builds on the City’s assets and strengths, such as its highly educated workforce and fiscal health, with focus on three key areas: Community, Organization, and Economy.
2. Sustainable Activities in Maplewood, New Jersey. The Township of Maplewood, New Jersey (pop. 23,867) became a Sustainable Jersey-certified community in 2012 and formalized a commitment to the sustainable use of natural resources (Township of Maplewood Resolution No. 69-12). The Township has a number of environmental sustainability initiatives (the Green Day fair last held in April attracts 4,000 attendees) and a Climate Action Plan. Other sustainability-related activities that the township is engaged in include tackling an adaptive reuse project for the local post office building and a recent “look local first” initiative ramping up to support local businesses.
3. Leading Green Initiatives in Gillette, WY.  In efforts to become a model for all communities in Wyoming , the City of Gillette (pop. 29,389), Wyoming uses a three component approach (environmental, economic, and community-focused) to sustainability.  In order to become a “Clean and Green” Gillette, the City engages in partnerships with other community stakeholders and has taken a number of steps and projects to conserve natural resources in operations, including retrofitting lights to LED and comprehensive recycling programs.

These are just a few of the great stories that were shared during the course of the conference in the past few days. Learning about the experiences and initiatives of others are so critical in moving forward sustainability initiatives across the nation and world.

Thank you so much for stopping by at the CSC Booth at this year’s Annual Conference and participating in sessions. Now, let’s continue the conversation! 

• Post resources to the Knowledge Network. -- Make sure that you tag to the Sustainability Topic Page
• Respond to this blog post. 
• Send us an email directly at sustainability@icma.org. 

We look forward to continue hearing from you between now and our 100th Anniversary Annual Conference in Charlotte, NC.