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TO: Aurora City Council
FROM: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
DATE: April 22, 2016
PURPOSE:
The City of Aurora is seeking to join other communities throughout the State of Illinois in supporting the goals of the Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2) in order to continue the advancement of sustainability in the City of Aurora.
BACKGROUND:
The GRC2 was formulated by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to work in tandem with cities existing environmental programs and policies and sustainability plans. The goal of the GRC2 is to gather consensus to further support common goals related to municipal environmental achievements and sustainability plans. Additional information regarding the specific goals of the compact is attached.
DISCUSSION:
The GRC2 is not a specific commitment to take actions on the goals listed, rather it is an indication of Aurora’s consensus with the goals.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended the City of Aurora approve the Resolution endorsing the goals of the GRC2.
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Endorsing the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2).
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus provides a forum for the chief elected officials of the Chicago region to develop consensus and act on common public policy issues and multi-jurisdictional challenges; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus created the Greenest Region Compact 2 to address environmental sustainability issues of global importance at the local level; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ participating Mayors and their communities have a history of environmental stewardship, ranging from energy efficiency to water conservation; and
WHEREAS, it is important for Mayors and local governments throughout the United States to take leadership roles to advance sustainability both in their own communities and in concert with regional, national and global initiatives; and
WHEREAS, the Greenest Region Compact 2, also called the GRC2, is built on important environmental initiatives already underway in communities, in partnership with many non-profit, state, regional and national organizations; and
WHEREAS, the GRC2 synthesizes sustainability goals already adopted by leading communities in the region; and these consensus goals align with common regional, state, national and global objectives; and
WHEREAS, the GRC2 offers a companion Framework to guide communities of all sizes and strengths to assess their current efforts; develop a sustainability plan suited to local priorities; and will offer resources to help them succeed; and
WHEREAS, the consensus goals of the Greenest Region Compact 2 will guide coordinated efforts toward enhanced quality of life for residents; protection and stewardship of the environment and sustainable economic vitality.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: endorses the Greenest Region Compact 2 proposed by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and agrees to work to achieve them, both in their own communities and in collaboration throughout the region.