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Press releaseSALT LAKE CITY -- Mayor Ralph Becker was named one of America's Top 20 Mayors for Sustainability by Our Green Cities Initiative. The Mayor was given this honor in recognition of the work he's done to advance the cause of long term sustainability in Salt Lake City.
The mission of the Our Green Cities Initiative is to help local city leaders understand how their governments can make significant progress toward becoming more sustainable.
"Mayor Becker's 180-day plan makes clear the depth and breadth of his commitment to sustainability. The decision to include him on this year's list was an easy one," said Kent Portney, Co-founder Our Green Cities.
According to Portney, the criterion for this award was threefold. First the city must have a formal policy or program to become more sustainable. Second, the mayor is a driving force and leader, in crafting the sustainability agenda. Finally, the mayor's commitment to sustainability must be accompanied by a goal-oriented action plan. Mayors selected for the award were required to meet all three criteria.
This year, the Becker Administration has launched widespread sustainability efforts which are moving Salt Lake City towards formulating the first comprehensive sustainability ordinance in the nation.
Upon hearing news of the award, Mayor Becker said, "This credit for award really belongs to many hardworking City employees who have been investing endless time, hard work and fresh ideas to help us achieve a truly sustainable city."
Our Green Cities Initiative helps cities form political strategies likely to be successful in helping cities become more sustainable. Our Green Cities works to assist in the creation of local sustainability policies, programs, and practices. Our Green Cities also serves as a bridge to link local leaders with needed resources as they face judgments about what specific policies and programs are realistic and affordable.
Courtesy Helen Langan, spokeswoman for the Salt Lake City Mayor's Office)
