Previous Reports from 2007

Beaverton’s Sustainable Future

Welcome to this special edition of Your City that covers the basics of City Government 101. This is an interesting issue providing extensive information about what we do, the basic services we provide and how to access City Hall. Please keep it as a ready reference to utilize when the need may arise.

Recently, the public has been inundated with information about concerns for global warming and the overall condition of our planet. The information is startling and it is difficult to ignore. Last year, I asked the City Council to endorse and support the U.S. Conference of Mayors in calling for cities, communities and the federal government to take action to reduce global warming and pollution. We adopted a slightly modified version of the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement that was recommended by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. We have been an advocate in striving for and facilitating strong environmental leadership for quite some time. Regionally, we have helped lead the effort to preserve wildlife habitat and drastically cut water pollution. Beaverton has been a longtime Tree City USA member recognizing the environmental value of trees, including planting 10,000 trees and native plants in support of the Healthy Streams Plan this past year. We have evaluated our day-today operations for energy efficiencies and reducing pollution. Our City is recognized as a regional leader in recycling efforts and many others have emulated our programs to promote recycling and an improved environment. The State has asked local communities to recycle 64% of the waste stream by 2009 and we’re doing everything possible to help achieve that goal. Currently, about 57% of the waste stream is being recycled. Since 2003, Beaverton has been designated a Bicycle Friendly Community-Bronze Level member. A quality cycling environment helps keep the air cleaner and also promotes personal physical fitness and well-being.

Recently, our City was honored for the Beaverton Central Plant at The Round development by The Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government being named as one of the Top 50 Innovations in American Government. The Beaverton Central Plant was chosen as one of the Top 50 programs from nearly 1,000 applications nationwide. The Innovation in American Government Awards Program www.ashinstitute.harvard.edu/Ash/index.htm identifies and promotes best practices and exemplary initiatives that can be replicated in other settings, providing public official and senior executives with models for innovation at all levels and policy areas of American government. Nearly $20 million in awards have been presented to over 400 programs.

The innovative and energy-saving heating and cooling facility is owned and operated by the City providing these services for housing, commercial and retail tenants of The Round development. The Beaverton Central Plant has utilized only a small portion of its operating capacity and is capable of serving many other properties in proximity of The Round as the area redevelops. It is more energy efficient than conventional heating and cooling systems, providing an additional boost for a cleaner environment. Currently, we are saving enough energy to power 160 homes.

Lastly, as part of the City’s efforts to chart a positive course for the future direction of our community and promoting a cleaner, greener and more sustainable environment, we have begun the early stages of community visioning. We have started in a preliminary and small way by giving citizens an opportunity to weigh in and comment on efforts surrounding the Beaverton Central Plant and the redevelopment begun along Westside Light Rail in our downtown. You can participate in this early effort by accessing the Web site at www.sustainablebeaverton.com and letting us know your thoughts by commenting online. We believe that your comments and participation in this early effort will help guide the overall visioning and direction that will begin this summer. Please participate and let us know what you think!

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