Recent attempts at regionalism underscore the need for a regional sustainability director. Like Cleveland’s sustainability director, one point person for all things relating to sustainability could facilitate progress on many fronts. For example, our sewers are handled by a regional organization – the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District – but related issues such as preserving natural areas along waterways to reduce stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces are not – yet.
We find it encouraging that Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson sees the connection between water and economic development on a regional scale. His proposal that the city maintain the region’s water lines – in exchange for rate increases and a regional agreement that fixes the policy of using tax abatements and income tax rebates to poach companies from neighboring communities – is a cause for celebration. It also underscores the need for a more neutral third party to coordinate the regional cooperative agreements and to push for sustainable economic development.
Here are a few things that a regional sustainability czar could possibly work to implement:
- A food council to build programs connecting fresh food from regional farmers to individuals and institutions in the city
- A regional tax sharing agreement
- A regional affordable housing strategy
- A regional, coordinated conservation and development plan
- Studies and reports on the collective effect of municipal home rule on the environment, i.e. the inefficiencies and inconsistencies of each city having a different building permitting process and codes.
What would be the best place or level of government to house a regional sustainability czar? Is Cuyahoga County a large enough scale? Perhaps the regional sustainability czar could act as an independent loaned executive – a business person with international credentials? Or is it time to finally consider forming a council of governments for Northeast Ohio?
Resources:
- Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG)
- OKI - Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana Regional Council of Governments
- Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships
- Regional Sustainability Strategies, a study that pegs regions as the key to developing long-term solutions to environmental issues.
