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Sustainable Communities Defined

A sustainable community can persist over generations, enjoying a healthy environment, prosperous economy and vibrant civic life. It does not undermine its social or physical systems of support. Rather, it develops in harmony with the ecological patterns it thrives in.

A sustainable community is one that:

• Acknowledges that economic, environmental and social issues are interrelated and that these issues should be addressed "holistically."
• Recognizes the sensitive interface between the natural and built environments.
• Understands and begins to shift away from polluting and wasteful practices.
• Considers the full environmental, economic and social impacts/costs of development and community operations.
• Understands its natural, cultural, historical and human assets and resources and acts to protect and enhance them.
• Fosters multi-stakeholder collaboration and citizen participation.
• Promotes resource conservation and pollution prevention.
• Focuses on improving community health and quality of life.
• Acts to create value-added products and services in the local economy.

Sustainable development is an ambitious process in which a community develops attitudes and ongoing actions that strengthen its natural environment, economy and social well-being. Benefits include more livable communities, lower costs and an environment safe for future generations.

A growing number of communities across America have begun this process, gathering a number of local initiatives under the umbrella of sustainability. They are bringing preventive, integrative strategies to bear on crime, health, jobs, land use and community values.

Sustainable development means development that maintains or enhances economic opportunity and community well-being while protecting and restoring the natural environment upon which people and economies depend. Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.