"Sustainable communities" describes a community planning and management approach that considers the combined impacts of environmental, economic, and socials factors. Considering all these issues is crucial to improving the quality of life for current residents while leaving a healthy community for future generations. Initiatives frequently begin with a visioning process to establish goals. Indicators are often developed to quantify and monitor progress toward these goals.

ACE is committed to the concepts of sustainable communities and provides the following information to increase awareness and understanding of these concepts. Below you will find a description of a community that has made strides toward becoming more sustainable. We also ask that you check back as we highlight other communities that illustrate the variety of concepts important to moving a community in the direction of sustainability.

Highlighted Community
Tucson, Arizona - "Livable Tucson"

The "Livable Tucson" initiative provides a good example of how a visioning process can be used to establish goals based on community input. Tucson has also developed a method to track progress toward those goals with measurable indicators.

You will also read about some specific programs initiated to address some of those goals - initiatives that you may be able to identity as having some significance for Arlington. One program addresses making their community more pedestrian friendly. Two other programs address increasing conservation by reaching out into the community to increase understanding. And one of these programs focuses on an initiative to reach the Hispanic populations in the community.

So click below and read more! And please provide ACE with any input you may have about the value of sustainable community initiatives and their role in Arlington.

Read about "Livable Tucson"

Send your comments on sustainable communities to ACE

Don't forget to watch this site as other communities are highlighted!