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Cities play a key role in fostering sustainable development and other conservation practices due to <br />their role in land use planning and zoning, stormwater and wastewater management, and local <br />economic development. Local governments can take a lead on these issues by choosing to <br />incorporate aspects of sustainable development into their local operations and facilities. They can <br />also develop local policies and regulations that support and guide individual and private sustainability <br />efforts. The ability of a city to affect these changes can, however, be restricted by policies and <br />requirements imposed by other levels of government. <br />Sustainable development initiatives can cover a wide range of issues but share the benefit of <br />lessening the future environmental impacts of communities on the land, air, and water in their area. <br />Lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands, wildlife habitat, shoreland areas, and other natural resources can be <br />protected and enhanced in quality through local efforts. Energy efficiency and renewable energy <br />production reduce the energy demands of a community and the environmental impacts of energy <br />production. By more efficiently using public infrastructure and minimizing resource consumption, <br />the costs to .individuals, business, and government can be reduced. New and expanded business and <br />job opportunities are also generated by the "green" products and services needed to implement <br />sustainable development initiatives. The ideal result of well -planned 27 sustainability, natural <br />resources management, and conservation efforts is a city that is more efficient in the use of its <br />resources and infrastructure, creates fewer environmental problems for future generations to <br />address, and is a more desirable home for residents and businesses. <br />Response: The League of Minnesota Cities supports federal, state, and regional efforts to promote <br />sustainable development where the effectiveness of the proposed practice is supported by sound <br />science, and if those efforts do not supersede the authority of local governments to determine their <br />own policies regarding land use and related issues. <br />Providing technical assistance and financial incentives and streamlining regulations to encourage <br />local governments and private property owners to engage in sustainable development practices, as <br />well as assisting in education and information efforts for the building industry and the public, are the <br />best means to generate successful results. These programs should focus on outcomes, allowing <br />flexibility in how to best meet those outcomes in different locations and situations. The League <br />opposes mandates that limit the authority of cities to determine what practices will best meet the <br />needs of their communities. <br />The League supports sustainable development efforts that meet the above criteria, including <br />programs proposed in the following areas: <br />a) Shifting public resources, services, investments, purchasing power, and procurement toward more <br />economically and environmentally sustainable outcomes where those solutions are cost effective and <br />appropriate. <br />b) Using local land -use planning and zoning to protect and enhance limited natural resources and <br />reduce the impacts of growth and development on local infrastructure. <br />c) Promoting efficient and renewable energy sources. <br />d) Encouraging sustainable building design, construction, and operation strategies focused on <br />integrated design, energy efficiency, water conservation, stormwater management, waste reduction, <br />