Full Title: American Mayors and Businesses: Building Partnerships for a Low-Carbon Future
Author(s): Alliance For a Sustainable Future Partnership
Publisher(s): Center for Climate and Energy Solutions
Publication Date: September 1, 2017
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
Never have the stakes been higher to advance the cause of carbon reduction and climate protection. For more than a
decade, cities have promoted climate protection strategies at all levels of government, and businesses have made great
strides in their commitment to reduce greenhouse gases and to develop new, more cost-effective renewable energy
technologies. But the recent intensity and destruction of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, coupled with wildfires that consume
our Western forests and threaten cities, make us all realize that the time for talking is over and time for greater climate
action is now.
To respond to the need to expedite climate protection programs, The U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Center for Climate
and Energy Solutions formed last year the Alliance for a Sustainable Future. The purpose of the Alliance is to promote
greater partnerships between the public and private sectors in advancing climate solutions.
Expediting clean energy technologies almost always involves cooperation between the public and private sectors. According
to the Alliance’s recent 100 city survey on sustainability, about one-third of cities already partner with the private sector and
another half are taking steps to do so. But the most important finding of the survey is that cities are poised to make even
greater strides in the near future, and are looking to their peers and businesses to help make that happen.
The summary case studies contained in this document are meant to illustrate how cities can partner to achieve their clean
energy goals. Whether it is Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonazales’ Verde Fund, Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski’s Climate
Positive 2040, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh’s Renew Boston Trust, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman’s “100 Percent Renewable
Energy”, Kansas City Mayor Sly James’ HERO Residential PACE program, or Duke Energy’s Utility Collaborations with the cities
of Charlotte and Asheville, North Carolina – all these model programs