City Government

PLANTATION GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE INITIATIVE

Welcome to the City of Plantation, where the grass is greener!®

The City of Plantation recognizes that global climate change is a real concern for our generation, and future generations as well.  We are committed to reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, a significant contributor to global climate change.

The City understands that its employees, residents and businesses do have in fact an effect on the local, regional and global environment.  We believe that successful environmental stewardship will:

  • enhance local and national energy savings efforts,
  • lessen the City’s negative impact on the environment,
  • protect natural resources for future generations, and
  • result in long term cost savings

We want to be a leader in these stewardship efforts by being: 

  • Example to residents – in the areas of energy efficiency, recycling, waste reduction, water conservation, and more.
  • Educator to Plantation businesses and residents – communicate the benefits of sustainable practices.
  • Influencer to Plantation development and redevelopment – update zoning ordinances and land use plans, and encourage private development to incorporate “green” principals into their building and decorating.

A recent survey of City departments shows that we are already doing a number of things to lessen our impact on the environment, and reduce, reuse or recycle many of the items we rely upon every day.  And many of those initiatives, programs or policies have been in place for 20 years or more. 

But Mayor Rae Carole Armstrong believes we can and should do more.  She has directed Susan DiLaura of Administration/Public Relations along with Carlos Andres Gonzalez of the City’s CRA office, to organize a global climate change initiative task force.  Our first meeting was held early November, and we continue to meet monthly.   

The first and most important goal of the task force is to work to become a Florida Green Building Coalition certified “Green Local Government.”  It is a standard that was developed by Florida organizations for Florida cities, and is endorsed by the Florida League of Cities.  It provides an action plan or framework by which we can move forward with our green efforts, and because of this, it is one of the most comprehensive, flexible and realistic certifications available to Florida municipalities today. 

Additionally, City Council passed Resolution 10481 that formally communicates the City’s position, and its commitment to change. 

Once we have received certification, the task force will work to:

  • update the City mission statement and annual budget goals to include a green component;
  • make recommendations for policies that will lessen our impact on the environment and hopefully save money at the same time; and
  • review City usage of electricity, paper, fuel and water, and make recommendations to City administration to for conservation targets. 

We have quite a long, and perhaps arduous road ahead of us, but the group we have assembled is ready for the challenge.  They are excited, enthusiastic and ready to move forward.  And I look forward to providing City residents, employees and elected officials with news of our progress as time moves on. 

Look for updates in the City’s resident news magazine, Plantation Quarterly.  For questions, call Susan DiLaura at 954-797-2221.