Green Initiatives

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Issue Brief

The 2012 Charter mandates that the Detroit Department of Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environment study and implement a long-term strategic plan (“Green Initiatives and Sustainable Technologies Plan” or “GIST Plan”) for the establishment, use and support of green initiatives, technologies and businesses, utilizing public and private partners. The Mayor shall commission a public study (“Study and Report on Green Initiatives and Sustainable Technologies” or “SRGIST”) to determine the feasibility and requirements for engaging in and supporting this activity in the City of Detroit and areas outside the City of Detroit for the benefit of residents.

The study is to commence by March 30, 2012 and be completed by March 30, 2013, where it will be presented to the broader public. By August 30, 2013, the Mayor is to finalize the plan and present it to City Council for approval and implementation.

Departments Involved

• Mayor

• Department of Public Works

Charter Language

Sec. 6-509. Green Initiatives and Technologies.

1. The Department shall study the matter and prepare and implement a long-term strategic plan (“Green Initiatives and Sustainable Technologies Plan” or “GIST Plan”) for the establishment, use and support of green initiatives, technologies and businesses, utilizing public and private partners. The Mayor shall commission a public study (“Study and Report on Green Initiatives and Sustainable Technologies” or “SRGIST”) to determine the feasibility and requirements for engaging in and supporting this activity in the City of Detroit and areas outside the City of Detroit for the benefit of residents. The SRGIST shall be initiated within three (3) months of the effective date of this Charter, completed within one (1) year of its commencement and publicly disseminated upon its completion.

2. Within six (6) months after completion of the SRGIST the Mayor shall prepare the GIST Plan and submit it to City Council for approval before it may be implemented. City Council may hold public hearings prior to taking formal action on the GIST Plan, and if approved shall create any ordinances required to achieve the GIST Plan’s objectives.

3. The GIST Plan shall be comprehensive and may include solar, wind, thermal and other forms of alternative and renewable energy production and uses; alternative fuels; or other sustainable technologies and endeavors; green public works, construction and building programs; and any other green initiative or technology considered feasible. The GIST Plan shall incorporate green initiatives and technologies within the workplace and for use with City owned vehicles and property, real and personal. The GIST Plan may include methods and support for citizen initiated green initiatives and sustainable technology uses.

4. The GIST Plan shall be reviewed yearly by the department and revised as necessary. All revisions to the GIST Plan must be approved by City Council, who shall implement all ordinances necessary to achieve the objectives of the revised GIST Plan.

5. The Mayor may create advisory commissions under section 7-103 to assist with the development, monitoring, implementation and revision of the GIST Plan.

Resources

DetCharter Resources

• Green California

• Madison, Wisconsin Green Initiative Planning

• Madison, Wisconsin Sustainability Plan

• Mission Verde Community Sustainability Plan

• Richmond, Virginia Sustainability Plan

• Asheville, North Carolina Sustainability Plan

• Atlanta, Georgia Sustainability Planning

• Milwaukee, Wisconsin Sustainability Planning

User Generated Resources

• If you have any information relevent to this topic please mail it to info@detcharter.com and we will include it in our list of resources.