Decatur Sustainability Plan: Creating a Sustainable Future for Generations to Come

1. Illinois APA, September 24, 2010

2. Getting Started • Decatur took an unique approach to EECBG funding • Rather than focus solely on specific projects, the City chose to undertake a Sustainability Plan that would prioritize projects across a range of topics • Goal is to utilize sustainability as a coordinating theme to market Decatur

3. Sustainable Decatur Vision • The Decatur area promotes economic prosperity, social and community well-being, and environmental stewardship for generations to come. • We welcome the world to join our region to seek innovative, marketable, and environmentally sound public and private actions, strong collaboration to improve the community, and involve residents who are stewards of their city and environs.

4. Timeline MAY 19 Workshops: -Reviewed Baseline -Goal /Vision Setting -Brainstorm Strategies -Public Meeting AUGUST 19 : -Sustainability Team to Refine Plan -Public Meeting FEB-APRIL: -Consultant Data Review -Baseline Analysis • APRIL 14 Sustainability Team: • -Introductions • Goal /Vision Setting • Identified Issues JUNE 30 Workshops: -Reviewed Strategies and Projects OCT: -Council Consideration

5. 2030 Goals The Decatur region will be served with a sustainable water supply to meet current and future needs. • Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be utilized in 50% of new development by 2030 to filter stormwater and reduce runoff. • Energy consumption in Decatur will be reduced by 25% in households and 10% for commercial and industrial use by 2030.

6. 2030 Goals Renewable energy sources will account for 25% of all electricity usage by 2030. Bicycle, pedestrian and transit trips will increase by 25% by 2030, while vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per capita will be decreased by 25% by 2050. • New development in the “urban core” will account for 60% of the all new development by 2030.

7. 2030 Goals Community supported agriculture and urban gardening will increase in acreage to 300 acres by 2030. Waste going to landfills will be reduced by 50% by 2030.

8. Water 2020 Goals, Strategies, and Actions Goal 1: Ensure adequate water supply: Strategy 1.2: Expand public water supply: Action: Develop the use of shallow aquifers Work with ADM on water supply enhancement Proceed with plans for Lake Tokorozawa.

9. Water 2020 Goals, Strategies, and Actions Goal 2: Improve stormwater quality and reduce runoff that causes flooding and siltation in Lake Decatur: Strategy 2.1: Promote the use of BMPs to manage stormwater: Action: Update Stormwater Management Ordinance

10. Water 2020 Goals, Strategies, and Actions Goal 3: Promote environmentally responsible and efficient conveyance & treatment of wastewater: Strategy 3.1: Maintain and make most productive use of wastewater: Action: Promote reuse of treated water.

11. Energy 2020 Goals, Strategies, and Actions Goal 1: Be conscious of building energy usage and utilize all technologies and techniques to increase efficiency: Strategy 1.1: Provide incentives for improving energy efficiency: Action: Create energy assessments or energy audit program and identify options for providing assistance in the implementation.

12. Energy 2020 Goals, Strategies, and Actions Goal 2: Investigate and utilize renewable energy: Strategy 2.3: Create a market for sustainable bioenergy production: Action: Begin test projects of growing perennial bioenergy crops that utilize less water and fertilizer and test the impacts on water quality.

13. Energy 2020 Goals, Strategies, and Actions Goal 3: Reduce total and average household Vehicle Miles Traveled: Strategy 6.1: Encourage carpooling: Action: Create regional carpooling program for employment centers in the region.

14. Land 2020 Goals, Strategies, and Actions Goal 1: Development practices will focus on urban infill and revitalization: Strategy 1.1: Create a market for homes in urban core: Action: Promote urban infill development through financial assistance, revolving loan fund and coordination with energy programs

15. Land 2020 Goals, Strategies, and Actions Goal 2: Incorporate appropriate Sustainable Neighborhood Design and Practices: Strategy 2.1: Utilize techniques that reserve land, promote common open space, and natural stormwater management: • Action: Amend Zoning Code to Allow “Conservation Design Development” as a Permitted Use.

16. Land 2020 Goals, Strategies, and Actions Goal 3: Be a leader in urban greening and community supported agriculture: Strategy 3: Convert vacant and underutilized properties into community gardens and urban agriculture uses: Action: Set aside areas of City land that could be used for Urban Agriculture Demonstration Projects.

17. Waste/Recycling 2020 Goals, Strategies, and Actions Goal 1: Reach our region’s full potential for recycling: Strategy 1.1: Increase Recycling Practices: Action: Improve existing residential waste and recycling collection procedures.

18. Waste/Recycling 2020 Goals, Strategies, and Actions Goal 2: Reduce waste at the source and at the consumer level: Strategy 2.1: Reduce waste at the source and at the consumer level: • Action: Find markets for the compost and mulch and other environmentally friend products generated in our county.

19. Waste/Recycling 2020 Goals, Strategies, and Actions Goal 3: Encourage use of recycled products: Strategy 3.1: Encourage use of recycled products: Action: Create a program to pursue economic development opportunities through sustainable business development

20. Waste/Recycling 2020 Goals, Strategies, and Actions Goal 4: Embrace beneficial reuse: Strategy 1: Embrace beneficial reuse: Research and create information clearinghouse and network for reuse of waste.

21. Implementation Identifies action, priority, time frame, funding source, and partners.

22. Next Steps • Council Presentation – October • Begin Cross-Cutting Projects, starting with Public Education Campaign • Seek resources for key projects