City and regional planning is related to defining how, where, and when development occurs, which affects resources.  Recognizing the crucial role planning plays in improving the sustainability of communities and the fiscal and natural resources that support them, we are committed to ensuring our communities are developed in a way to protect and enhance our environment, economy, and reduce energy consumption.  In an effort to promote sustainable living and further the “green” building, planning and design movement, the Planning Commission is “Going Green”.

We will take steps which encourage local governments and the private sector to adopt “green” comprehensive plans, policies and developments that create communities which reduce consumption of energy, natural, fiscal resources.  Planning practices which the Planning Commission promotes include:

• Developing future-oriented visions for our communities which look beyond our current needs. 
• Encouraging projects that promote economic development by efficiently and equitably distributing resources and goods, minimizing and reusing waste, and protecting natural ecosystems.
• Encouraging local governments and the private sector to adopt the Kyoto Protocol and to take full responsibility for economic, environmental, and social consequences of their actions, balancing needs and wants with nature and the public good. 
• Encouraging the drafting and implementation of local and regional plans, policies, and regulations that support sustainability. 

We believe in development patterns that expand choice and opportunity for all persons.  Our communities should be resilient, diverse, and self-sufficient economies that meet the needs of residents and build on the unique characteristics of the community.  In addition, our communities must have a healthy economy, environment and social climate that function in harmony with natural resources and allow people to lead healthy and productive.

Part of the “greening” of the Planning Commission itself is to rely more heavily on digital information.  By converting many documents to digital form, we can increase the visibility of the Planning Commission by reaching a far wider audience.  At the same time we are reducing our need for printing and mailing.  This will lead to a cost savings and help reduce our impact on the environment.  Over the next year other Planning Commission produced newsletters and reports will go on-line as well.  We encourage you to sign up for our online newsletter at www.tpcnewsletter.org and when in need of information or a specific document please visit our newly redesigned website. 

Take time to review our website and new online newsletter to learn more about how you can take steps to “green” your life and reduce your impact on the environment.