Over 130 acres of new park space. 100,000 new trees planted since 2008. Miles of new trails and bike lanes in every corner of city. A city reconnecting to its waterfront. An increase in alternative energy use from 2 percent to almost 14 percent. A recycling rate that has quadrupled. A new, sustainable zoning code. A world class plan to manage storm water with more green, and less gray. A more walkable, bikable, livable Philadelphia.
All of this progress would have been unimaginable without the Mayor's Office of Sustainability (MOS). MOS has worked tirelessly across departments and citywide to advance the goals outlined in Greenworks, the City's sustainability plan.
Through PennFuture's Next Great City coalition, we are proud to have helped chart the path toward a more vibrant, healthy, sustainable city. Our coalition members -- which include faith, labor, civic and environmental groups -- have worked closely with the Mayor's Office of Sustainability and have experienced first hand the value in having a partner and advocate in city government.
Mayor Michael Nutter created the office in 2008 -- but it is not a permanent office and could be eliminated by a future mayor. Philadelphia has made tremendous progress over the past six years but there is clearly so much more to do.
That's why several City Council members are trying to make MOS a permanent fixture of city government. They are sponsoring charter change legislation that would incorporate a question onto November's general election ballot that would ask voters if the office should be made permanent.
(The answer is a resounding YES.)
A committee hearing on the charter change legislation will take place this coming Monday, April 28 in Council chambers (located on the 4th floor, Room 400 of City Hall).
Please come out and show your support for this vital step in making Philly's sustainability truly sustainable.
4/28/14 Update: The bill was voted out of committee during the hearing, and is expected to be considered by the full Council within two weeks.
Andrew Sharp is PennFuture's director of outreach and is based in Philadelphia. He tweets @RexBainbridge.
