Sustainable Cities: A comparison of Portland and Philadelphia By Chloe Williams

How Green is your city? City rank is gauged by dependence on fossil fuels: Quality of Life Clean Technologies Public Transit Renewable Energy Local Food Availability

United states #1 Greenest city Ranked as Sustainability leader in: City Commuting Air Quality Planning/Land Use Local Food and Agriculture Solid Waster Diversion LEED Buildings

# 8 Philadelphia, Pa Ranked Sustainability Leader in: City Commuting Metro Public Transit Planning/Land use Energy/Climate change policy Natural Disaster risk Philadelphia #1 By 2015?

Portland’s Success “Since 1970, Portlanders have generally accepted the notion that government should enforce a system of public planning and land-use controls to guide private land developers towards collective goals” Development commission has had a mission since it began in 1958 to create a city with economic prosperity, quality housing, and employment opportunities Institutionalization of sustainability as a core business driver Three separate era’s Era of Grand Projects (1958-60’s) Era of Activism (Early 60’s-Late 80’s) Era of Post Modern Urban Planning (Early 90’s- current)

Urban Growth Boundaries Land use pattern that works for the local environment economy, and community Major goal has always been to keep urban development out of surrounding farmlands Residential and commercial activity concentrated around a network of regional and town centers linked to public transit Provides certainty about future developments for businesses Reduces pollution from transportation, relieves development pressure on sensitive areas Creates healthy neighborhoods where people can walk or bike to the services they need

Greenworks Project in Philadelphia 15 sustainability targets set to be reached by 2015 Targets areas of: Energy, Environment, Equity, Economy, Engagement Targets 1,2,3, and 4 areas on energy: Reducing government energy consumption by 30%, citywide building consumption by 10%, Retrofit 15 percent of housing stock with insulation, air sealing and cool roofs, purchase and generate 20 percent of electricity used in Philadelphia from alternative energy sources Targets 5,6, and areas of environment: Reduce greenhouse emissions by 20%, improve air quality toward federal standards, divert 70% of solid waste from landfills. Targets 8,9,10, and 11 areas of equity: Manage storm water to meet federal standards, provide part and recreation resources within ten minutes of 75% of residents, bring local food within ten minutes of 75% of residents, increase tree coverage toward 30 percent in all neighborhoods by 2025 Targets 12,13,14, and 15 areas of economy: Reduce vehicle miles traveled by 10 percent, increase the state of good repair in resilient infrastructure, double the number of low and high skill green jobs, Philadelphians unite to build a sustainable future

Philadelphia’s Progress "When I said that Philadelphia will be the number-one green city in America, I'm sure many felt the goal was too bold," Mayor Michael Nutter said. "Now, looking back on the first year of Greenworks, I am more confident than ever that we will be successful." According to the 2010 progress report Philadelphia is at an average 44% of meeting their goals

Differences Portland, OR Philadelphia, PA City has been working towards a sustainable city for decades Citizens work hard at being involved Historically a strong regional government Developed with technologies of the time De-industrialization led to hard economic downturns Urban sprawl away from core to fringes Social conflicts, growth of inequality

Work Cited “Phila.Gov Mayor’s Office of Sustainability Greenworks Philadelphia” City of Philadelphia. http://www.phila.gov/green/greenworks/index.html Portland Development Commission-Economic Prosperity, Quality Housing, Employment Opportunities http://pdc.us/ Karlenzig, Warren, and Frank Marquardt. How Green Is Your City?: the SustainLane US City Rankings. Gabriola Island, B.C.: New Society, 2007. Print. Kemp, Roger L. Cities and Nature: a Handbook for Renewal. Jefferson, NC: McFarland &, 2006. Print.