Title
Resolution to Adopt the City of Ann Arbor Sustainability Framework (Adopted by the CPC on January 3, 2013 - 7 Yeas, 0 Nays)
Memorandum
Approval of this resolution will adopt the City of Ann Arbor Sustainability Framework as an element of the City Master Plan.
The City of Ann Arbor Sustainability Framework (the Framework) lays out a set of sixteen overarching goals to guide Ann Arbor become more a sustainable city. The sustainability goals build on goals already developed through a variety of public processes - city plans, council resolutions, and the Council-approved Environmental Goals. The Framework synthesizes twenty years of planning into one document that recognizes the broad spectrum of Ann Arbor's city plans, goals, and resolutions.
The Sustainability Framework project began in January 2011 and was fully funded by a grant from the Home Depot Foundation. The project was carried out by commissioners from city commissions concerned with sustainability issues and a team of city staff. A few of the steps to completion included: organizing over 200 city goals from more than twenty plans into four theme areas and sixteen sustainability goals; joint meetings with four city commissions; four Sustainable Ann Arbor forums held in early 2012 that drew over 300 members of the public; blog updates; a public meeting on the draft sustainability goals; and unanimous resolutions from six city boards and commissions recommending that Council adopt the sustainability framework into the City Master Plan.
On July 2, 2012, City Council approved a resolution directing the City Planning Commission to initiate the process of adopting the sustainability framework into the City Master Plan. On October 15, 2012, City Council approved the distribution of the draft sustainability framework to adjoining jurisdictions, which were duly notified of the planning effort and provided an opportunity to comment on the draft master plan element. A public hearing was held at the City Planning Commission on December 4, 2012, at which time the Commission postponed action to investigate revised wording of the Climate and Energy "High Performance Building" goal to better reflect an emphasis on preserving existing buildings.
The City Planning Commission, at its meeting of January 5, 2013, adopted the City of Ann Arbor Sustainability Framework, revising the "High Performance Building" goal to read:
Sustainable Buildings
Reduce new and existing buildings' energy use, carbon impact, and construction waste, while respecting community context.
The Commission also recommended City Council adoption of this plan as a part of the City Master Plan.
Attachments: Adopted City of Ann Arbor Sustainability Framework (January 3, 2013)
1/3/13 Planning Staff Report
12/20/12 Planning Commission Minutes
1/3/13 Planning Commission Minutes
Staff
Prepared by: Jill Thacher, City Planner
Reviewed by: Wendy Rampson, Planning Manager
Sumedh Bahl, Community Services Area Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City Planning Commission and City Council are authorized by the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (P.A. 33 of 2008, as amended), to make and adopt a master plan for the City;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor Sustainability Framework will establish a set of overarching sustainability goals to help better communicate our community's vision for the future, foster a culture of sustainability within our community, and help cultivate our people, place, and potential to build a more sustainable Ann Arbor;
Whereas, An extensive public input process was implemented, including multiple public meetings, four community sustainability forums, working sessions with key city commissions and boards, and public outreach through blog posts and web updates;
Whereas, Public review of the draft plan was completed including all surrounding municipalities, townships, Washtenaw County, and public utilities, as required to incorporate the City of Ann Arbor Sustainability Framework into the City of Ann Arbor Master Plan;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor Sustainability Framework includes goals, background information, and other descriptive matter as required by the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (P.A. 33 of 2008, as amended);
Whereas, The City Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on December 4, 2012, to gather input regarding the City of Ann Arbor Sustainability Framework; and
Whereas, The City Planning Commission adopted the City of Ann Arbor Sustainability Framework on January 3, 2013;
RESOLVED, That City Council adopts the City of Ann Arbor Sustainability Framework, now on file with the City Clerk, as an element of the City Master Plan.