"Charlotte will become a national leader in environmental initiatives to preserve our natural resources while balancing growth with sound fiscal policy."
The City of Charlotte recognizes that environmental stewardship both now and in the future is fundamentally important to our quality of life and essential to maintaining a vibrant economy. Protecting our natural resources, promoting conservation on all levels, and improving the environment enhance our City's mission to enhance the quality of life for our citizens.
Charlotte's economic vitality presents challenges to maintaining a healthy environment.
The City is committed to:
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promoting environmental best practices and protecting our natural resources: the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the natural ecosystems we cherish, including the tree canopy;
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recognizing important interrelationships among air quality, water resources, land preservation, and energy and resource conservation;
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making sound land use decisions regarding our future growth and development. The City is aware that to sustain a high level of growth today, we cannot jeopardize our future generations of citizens;
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achieving our goals of becoming a natural leader in the successful stewardship of our environment by maintaining a cooperative and open agenda with Mecklenburg County, our regional neighbors, and the business community; and
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leading by example and promoting sound, cost effective environmental and energy conservation practices in City operations.
Leadership Role:
The City of Charlotte will take a proactive leadership role in modeling best practices for its citizens. The City recognizes that conscientious environmental stewardship and concern for the public interest requires more than meeting mandates and minimum standards.
Evaluation of Conditions:
The City will evaluate environmental conditions and opportunities in order to determine what approach is best for our community's optimal environmental stability. By always being conscious of the need to meet regulatory compliance standards and the needs of future generations, the City will avoid costly remedial action.
Other Focus Areas:
The actions associated with the other City Council Focus Areas - Community Safety, Housing and Neighborhood Development, Economic Development, and Transportation - are supported and enhanced by stewardship of our natural resources and the environment.
