By David George
research associate
NACo and The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) have been awarded three federal grants, which total $550,000, for the establishment and operation of the Joint Center for Sustainable Communities (JCSC). The $225,000 Department of Commerce, $225,000 EPA and $100,000 Department of Energy grants will solidify the position of the joint center, which will be housed at both NACo and USCM. JCSC is expected to begin full operation, Nov. 1.
Earlier this year, President Bill Clinton directed federal agencies to assist the center in its development. President Michael Hightower praised the award announcement. "This is outstanding news for the Joint Center for Sustainable Communities," said Hightower. "Created by NACo and The U.S. Conference of Mayors, the center will enable counties and cities to develop a strong partnership to pursue many of the challenges we see before us."
In addition to the federal funding, NACo and USCM have held very positive discussions with corporations and foundations regarding their support of the center.
NACo's 25-member Sustainability Leadership Team (SLT) will provide guidance and advice to the JCSC. The SLT is chaired by former NACo president Randy Franke.
Franke and President-elect Randy Johnson are nationally recognized as leaders in promoting sustainable development and the building of sustainable communities.
"The concept of this center is to create a resource center for city and county leaders across the country where they can turn to get help in addressing local problems regarding sustainability, where they can get a list of best practices or other communities they could contact to see how others have dealt with similar problems," Franke said.
The center will provide technical and financial support to community visioning or collaborative processes. The center will also develop education programs promoting collaborative leadership, provide training for county and city officials, and review public and private sector policies that hinder building of sustainable communities.
The JCSC will give equal attention, and in some cases, a particular focus to the needs of rural communities in its work.
Jerry McNeil, management team member for the center, says that "given
the makeup of NACo's membership and need for collaboration across urban
and rural areas, NACo's experiences and leadership will ensure the support
of rural communities at the level of the more urban neighbors."