Atlanta, GA

In the City of Atlanta, the sustainability functions are housed within the Division of Sustainability.  This division reports to the City Chief Operating Officer and is housed in the Mayor's Office (Department of Executive Offices).  Currently, there are four staff positions in the Division of Sustainability - 1) Director; (2) Budget and Policy Manager; (3) Public Information Manager; and (4) Executive Assistant.

The program is currently funded through Stimulus funds at about $500,000 annually.  The current budget and programs are driven by the stimulus funding we've received. We must meet the goals set forth by the grants. These are tied to energy reduction, carbon emission reduction and job creation.

1. Develop a multi-faceted communication strategy within the organization and the community to promote the City's efforts locally, statewide, and nationally to gain recognition
2. Foster, develop, and launch projects in partnership with city departments and external stakeholders
3. Develop criteria, policies and procedures for sustainable programs
4. Draft procedural and training manuals, process flow charts, and implementation plans
5. Develop Sustainability Plan and Climate Action Plan
6. Identify and secure funding resources from outside sources (ex. Federal grants) for projects
7. Maintain updated Sustainability Plan and Climate Action Plan
8. Oversee and maintain sustainability budget
9. Perform financial analysis on ongoing and new projects
10. Track, monitor, and report utility usage and greenhouse gas emissions of city operations
11. Support city executive and senior management team in the design of overall strategy and process for the project
12. Track, monitor, and report greenhouse gas emissions at the community level
13. Represent the City at key meetings
14. Track and report about sustainability programs underway on a regular basis through the City's performance management program

1) We recently passed legislation that makes the Division of Sustainability officially part of the city code. Previously, it was grant funded and staffed by a loaned executives. The office is part of the Mayor's office, has 4 staff positions, defined projects, and a budget. We believe this formal structure will ensure continuity. (2) I have met with leading political advisers to develop a strategy for ensuring sustainability remains a top priority. (3) Sustainability has been a major part of the mayoral and City Council candidate debates. As the Director, I have helped draft the questions that are asked to ensure the candidates are publicly being asked questions where they are forced to go on record committing to making sustainability a priority. (4) City Council is regularly briefed about sustainability. The leading candidates are on City Council. This ensures they are aware of what we are doing and our accomplishments.  (4) After the election, I will meet with the mayor elect to review our program and strategic plan. (6) I have identified key influencers of each leading mayor candidate. They will be mobilized to lobby on our behalf after the election. (7) I will mobilize the community to write in to the Mayor elect and show their support for the Division of Sustainability.

Atlanta Profile from Sustainable Cities Institute on Vimeo.