2011 Conference Resources

Cities are critical leaders in the promotion, development and implementation of policies and programs to advance the social, economic and environmental sustainability of their communities. The 2011 Green Cities Conference offered elected leaders and staff a range of tools, resources and practical examples to develop a strong foundation for sustainability; reassess and reinforce existing efforts; and effectively expand initiatives throughout their communities.

Through a series of engaging workshop formats, mobile tours, city showcase displays and peer networking opportunities attendees explored topics ranging from the foundational to the more advanced and gained knowledge and strategies to address today’s challenges and support these efforts over the long-term.

Learn More About the Green Cities Conference

Full Agenda of the Green Cities Conference at the Congress of Cities and Exposition.

Green Cities Conference Offers Cities Strategies to Advance Sustainability Goals

Green Cities Conference Focuses on Local Sustainability

Green Riverside Impresses at the Congress of Cities - From Citiesspeak, the official NLC Blog

Workshop:  Solar America Communities: Getting Started with Solar in Your Community
Plenary Session:  Green Cities Opening General Session
Workshop:  Institutionalizing Sustainability: Building and Broadening Support Throughout City Operations 
Workshop:  Energize Your Community: Preparing for the Smart Grid and Electric Vehicles
Workshop:  Building Codes: The Foundation for an Energy Efficient Future 
Workshop:  Expanding Food Access for Healthy, Sustainable Communities  
Workshop:  Measuring Matters: Strategies to Track, Manage, and Disclose Data from Sustainability Initiatives 
Workshop:  Sustainable, Inclusive Communities:  Engaging Communities for Equitable Development
Roundtable Discusion:  Effective Strategies to Communicate Sustainability Messages and Ideas
Film: Fixing the Future
Workshop:  Translating Livability Principles into Everyday Action
Peer Networking:  Green Cities Peer Networking
Workshop:  Sustaining Sustainability: Finance Strategies for Residential and Commercial Energy Efficiency
Workshop:  Partnerships for Success: Building and Strengthening Partnerships in Your Community and Region
Speed Learning:  Speed Learning and Green Cities Wrap-Up 
Workshop:  Social Media: The New Face of Local Government

Solar America Communities: Getting Started with Solar in Your Community

This workshop will provide an overview of important concepts related to local solar installations, including technologies, costs, and barriers. It will examine how to create a local-level solar program; how to incorporate solar into comprehensive, energy, and sustainability plans; how to finance solar projects; and how to install solar on municipal and other community facilities.

Solar America Communities is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program designed to increase the use and integration of solar energy in communities across the United States. For more information visit www.SolarAmericaCommunities.energy.gov.

Moderator: Casey Johnston, Renewable Energy Program Director, ICLEI

Speakers:
Andrea Luecke, Executive Director of the Solar Foundation
Chad Laurent, Meister Consultants Group
Tad McGalliard, Director of Sustainability, ICMA
Bruce Plenk, Solar Energy Coordinator, City of Tucson, Arizona

Additional Resources and Handouts:
Solar Power Communities: A Guidebook for Local Governments
Planning and Zoning for Solar Energy - American Planning Association
The Solarize Guidebook: A community guide to collective purchasing of residential PV systems
A Guide to Community Solar: Utility, Private, and Non-project Development
DSIRE Solar
ICMA’s Solar Energy

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Green Cities Opening General Session

Out of great challenges come great opportunities. It is well known that across many issues of the day local leaders – elected officials and staff – are facing significant challenges. And yet – in terms of sustainability, could they also be approaching a time of tremendous opportunity? Local governments have the ability to develop and drive important changes – from innovative ways to reduce resource consumption, strategies that support and strengthening local economies, and creative partnerships that ensure lasting impacts. Join us for this opening session to explore opportunities today for a sustainable tomorrow.

Opening Remarks:
Carolyn Bristo, Phoenix Sustainability Officer, Phoenix, Arizona

Keynote Speaker:
Bob Berkebile, FAIA / Principal, BNIM Architects

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Institutionalizing Sustainability: Building and Broadening Support Throughout City Operations

Incorporating sustainability principles and concepts throughout city operations is one of the most effective ways to build, strengthen and sustain sustainability. As resources to support local efforts dwindle, cities at various stages of sustainability efforts are finding themselves “making the case” to continue efforts in a funding constrained world. In this session city leaders and staff will discuss strategies they have used to embed sustainability concepts, programs, and policies across city departments to maximize impacts and create an enduring culture of sustainability. Come learn about approaches that others have used to gain support for, diffuse principles and build a culture of sustainability within internal operations.

Speakers:
Roy Buol, Mayor, City of Dubuque, Iowa
Cindy Circo, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Kansas City, Missouri
Haris Alibasic, Director of the Office of Energy and Sustainability, City of Grand Rapids, Michigan
John E. Baker, Policy and Program Development Administrator, Department of Environmental Policy and Energy Resources, City of Tallahassee, Florida

Additional Resources:
Office of Energy and Sustainability Website, City of Grand Rapids, MI 
Sustainability Plan, City of Grand Rapids, MI
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, City of Grand Rapids, MI
Green Grand Rapids Master Plan Update, City of Grand Rapids, MI

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Energize Your Community: Preparing for the Smart Grid and Electric Vehicles

Emerging technologies brought forth through the development of the smart grid and current deployments of electric vehicles are having a transformative impact on the energy demands of cities. And while both present exciting opportunities to diversify and reduce energy consumption across the country, many questions regarding “next steps” for local leaders still remain. In this session utility and federal experts will discuss specific aspects and synergistic qualities of smart grid and electric vehicle technologies, their application and the important roles of local government. Come learn what strategies, tools and resources are available for your city to prepare for and take advantage of opportunities within this rapidly expanding energy landscape.

Moderator: Matt Appelbaum, Councilmember, City of Boulder, Colorado

Speakers:
Mike Simpson, Vehicle Systems Engineer; Center for Transportation Technologies and Systems National Renewable Energy Laboratory
John Marks, Mayor, City of Tallahassee, Florida
Mark Lesiw, Associate, The Cadmus Group, Boulder, Colorado

Additional Resources and Handouts:
Smart Grid 101for Local Governments
Cyber Security Concerns for Local Government Energy Assurance Plan

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Building Codes: The Foundation for an Energy Efficient Future

In an effort to create more energy efficient buildings there may be no greater opportunity for local governments than through the development, adoption, implementation and/or enforcement of strong building codes. In this session national, regional and local experts will review the importance of codes; discuss roles of various stakeholders and opportunities for local government to engage in the process; and provide examples of city initiatives from across the country. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of the code process as it relates to local government and practical components of building codes to take back to their communities.

Moderator: Karen Messmer, Senior Project Manager, Washington State University (WSU) Extension Energy Program

Speakers:
Cliff Majersik, Executive Director, Institute for Market Transformation
Jim Meyers, Director Buildings Efficiency Program, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP)
Elizabeth Vasatka, Business Sustainability Coordinator, Community Planning and Sustainability Department, City of Boulder

Additional Resources and Handouts:
2009 Washington State Energy Code
Institute for Market Transformation’s Code Compliance
Boulder, Oregon’s Green Building Codes
Boulder Oregon’s SmartRegs

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Expanding Food Access for Healthy, Sustainable Communities

Cities play an important role in ensuring that all citizens in their communities have access to food that is healthy, nutritious and affordable. Food choices in a community not only impact public health but can also affect local economies, promote cultural awareness and increase social equity. In this session city leaders and practitioners will discuss various strategies cities can use and/or promote to increase access to healthy foods including: Healthy Corner Stores; Farm to School; Food Policy Councils; Food Trucks and Farmers Markets. Come learn from city leaders and expert practitioners on innovative strategies that have been successful across the country and gain ideas and resources to implement in your community!
View the full NLCTV Webcast

Moderator: Richard Conlin, Council President City of Seattle and Chair of the Puget Sound Regional Food Policy Council

Speakers:
Jean Wallace, Director of Development, The Food Trust, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Matt Geller, CEO, SoCal Mobile Food Vendors Associations
Cindy Gentry, Executive Director of Community Food Connections, Phoenix, Arizona

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Measuring Matters: Strategies to Track, Manage, and Disclose Data from Sustainability Initiatives

It’s been said – ‘you can’t manage what you don’t measure’ – and for many sustainability initiatives the value of measuring, tracking and disclosing economic and environmental impacts associated with programs and policies has never been greater. Quantifiable information can help cities demonstrate the value of their sustainability investments, identify opportunities to cut costs and even attract private funding to support efforts.  In this session learn about three specific strategies cities can use to manage resources, measure success, track data and disclose results: resource conservation managers; building rating and disclosure; and city-led sustainability metrics. Experts will present an overview of each topic and then facilitate small-group discussions to provide participants an in-depth look at these strategies.

Moderator: Jonce Walker, Sustainability Manager, Maricopa County

Speakers:
Karen Messmer, Senior Project Manager, Washington State University (WSU) Extension Energy Program 
Cliff Majersik, Executive Director, Institute for Market Transformation
Michael Bacich, Assistant General Manager, Sustainability Officer, City of Riverside, California

Additional Resources and Handouts:
WSU’s Energy Extension Program: Resource Conservation Management
Green Riverside
Riverside’s Green Action Plan 
Sustainability Matrix - Used to track progress on the City’s goals internally
Sustainability Workbook - Designed to assist Riverside’s citizens reduce energy, waste, water and transportation using local programs
Green Action Workbook
Institute for Market Transformation: Building Rate and Disclosure
Benchmarking Policy Factsheet for Local Governments
IMT-ICLEI Commercial Energy Policy Toolkit

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Sustainable, Inclusive Communities:  Engaging Communities for Equitable Development

The pursuit of social benefits for all members of a community is an important core element of sustainability. Yet efforts to actively plan for and incorporate social equity within city-led sustainability initiatives have traditionally received far less direct and strategic attention than the more popular components of environmental protection and economic health. Join experts as they explore this topic and its value in creating truly sustainable communities. Through a moderated discussion speakers will discuss the important roles cities play in promoting social equity and specific strategies that have been used to foster inclusion as part of achieving their sustainability goals.
View the Full NLCTV Webcast

Moderator: Michael Sesma, City Councilmember, EENR Vice Chair, City of Gaithersburg, Maryland

Speakers: 
Carlton Eley, Urban Planner, Planning and the Black Community Division of the American Planning Association
Nora Liu, Neighborhood Planning Manager, Neighborhood Planning and Community Land Use, City of Seattle, Washington
Emily Talen, Director, Phoenix Urban Research Lab, Arizona State University and Professor, School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning School of Sustainability

Additional Resources and Handouts:
Recommended Resources from this Session

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Effective Strategies to Communicate Sustainability Messages and Ideas

Proactive messaging is a critical component to a successful campaign or local project. In this session participants will learn tips, based on recent polls and research, to develop positive messages and frame their vision and project. Topics to be covered will include: defining sustainable communities, emphasizing the community’s role in determining their future, and presenting the facts about economic and fiscal health in communities pursuing sustainability. Participants will learn strategies and receive resources to use for their own work back home.

Moderator: Ilana Preuss, Chief of Staff, Smart Growth America

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Fixing the Future

Fixing the Future profiles people creating the new economy and sustainable ways of living from the ground up. In this PBS NOW documentary David Brancaccio visits communities across America that are using innovative approaches to create jobs and build prosperity. He talks to working Americans from Maine to Washington State, and from Texas to Ohio, who are re-engineering the future and building on American values of commonwealth, shared prosperity, fairness, wellbeing, sustainability, and creativity. A facilitated discussion will follow to explore questions such as - 'Is a new economy possible?' and 'What role will cities play in promoting sustainable, equitable, and prosperous growth?'
Learn More About the Film
Film Credits

Moderator: Deb Perry, Program Officer Climate and Environment Programs, Institute for Sustainable Communities

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Translating Livability Principles into Everyday Action

In 2009, the US Department of Transportation, US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development established six principles for Sustainable Communities. Working collaboratively with the National Association of Regional Councils, the National League of Cities (NLC) and other local government organizations are providing policy direction for the on-going research. NLC is also advising on the development of mechanisms to implement livability. This session will review common themes and solicit feedback on how local elected officials can lead the conversation on livability in their municipalities.
View the Full NLCTV Webcast.

Speakers:
Erika Young, Transportation Director, National Association of Regional Councils, Washington, DC
Julia Pulidindi, Senior Associate, Infrastructure Program, National League of Cities, Washington, DC

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Green Cities Peer Networking

Connect with peers, share resources, and learn about innovative policies and programs to advance sustainability efforts from cities across the country at this informal networking event! Come prepared to discuss successful programs taking place in your community and seek out information about initiatives of interest. Light refreshments will be served – a great way to wrap up the day and mix and mingle with colleagues!

Moderator: Michael Sesma, City Councilmember, EENR Vice Chair, City of Gaithersburg, Maryland

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Sustaining Sustainability: Finance Strategies for Residential and Commercial Energy Efficiency

The word is out – going “green” (sustainability) saves “green” (money) – but in a financially constrained environment, what strategies and resources are available for cities to invest in sustainability efforts or support the continuation of existing programs? In this session representatives from local government and business communities will discuss two specific strategies - on-bill financing and commercial PACE - that cities can and are using to advance energy efficiency throughout their communities. Come hear from some of the leading voices in the field and learn about these emerging finance opportunities!

Moderator: Amy Bolton, Sonoma County Water Agency/ Applied Solutions

Speakers:
Dan Schaefer, President, Ygrene Energy Fund
Marlowe Kulley, Clean Energy Specialist, City of Portland, Oregon

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Partnerships for Success: Building and Strengthening Partnerships in Your Community and Region

The field of sustainability is comprised of a complex and dynamic web of topics, and is often best approached through a complex and dynamic set of players and stakeholders. Come to this engaging session to learn more about the partnerships local governments are forming, and share your own examples of success. Representatives from partnerships involving universities, utilities, regional bodies and community groups will share their experiences and facilitate small group discussions to promote idea sharing and strategies other communities can use to build similar networks back home!

Moderator: Christopher Jones, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, City of San Marcos, Texas

Speaker:
Dennis Murphey, Chief Environmental Officer, City of Kansas City, Missouri
Michael Bacich, Assistant General Manager, Sustainability Officer, City of Riverside, California
Dave Richins, Councilmember, City of Mesa, Arizona
Mary Hamann-Roland, Mayor, City of Apple Valley, Minnesota

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Speed Learning and Green Cities Wrap-Up

With so many great workshops, activities, and conversations happening at the Green Cities Conference we understand that you may not have been able to attend every event, or may simply wish to share reflections and build upon ideas before returning back home. Join colleagues, peers, and session presenters for the final Green Cities “speed-learning” and wrap-up session where you’ll get an opportunity to review information from workshops and discuss ideas and next steps to take home to your communities. You won’t want to miss this highly dynamic conclusion to the Green Cities Conference!

Moderator: Henrietta Davis, Vice Mayor, Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Social Media: The New Face of Local Government

Social media is bringing a revolution to citizen’s expectations in how they interact with their local government.  In this workshop, city leaders will learn some key strategies for determining when and how to use these multi-channeled formats effectively to enhance and expand their outreach and engagement with residents.  In addition, the legal issues of language, privacy and management of records will be addressed with authentic scenarios.

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