TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION ONE
Acknowledgments 4
Introduction 6
Principles 8
Outreach & Engagement 10
Survey Results 12
SECTION TWO
Executive Summary 14
SECTION THREE: Conditions
Environment & Public Safety 22
Environment, Land & Water Infrastructure 30
Environment & Mobility 36
Environment & Economics 42
Environment & Urban Cleanliness 44
Environment & Public Health 46
SECTION FOUR: Recommendations
Clean Air 50
Clean Water 51
Clean Energy 52
Zero Waste 53
Healthy Land 54
Healthy Housing 55
Healthy Neighborhoods 56
Active Transportation 57
Community Benefits 58
SECTION FIVE: Policies
Green Highlights from City Charter 60
Detroit Green Policy Case Studies 61
Suggestions for Detroit Future City 62
SECTION SIX
Glossary of Terms and Resources 64
GREEN HIGHLIGHTS IN 2012 REVISED DETROIT CHARTER
THREE SECTIONS IN THE CURRENT CITY CHARTER HAVE SPECIFIC IMPLICATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH.
In our charter, we have the tools of publicly voted mandate to establish citywide recycling, a city-led comprehensive environmental policy, and a Green Initiatives and Sustainable Technologies plan.
The city’s financial challenges and the presence of an Emergency Manager who has the authority to bypass the voter-approved charter present barriers to implementation.
However, where recycling, coordinated environmental policy, and support for green initiatives and sustainable technologies can help build financial and ecological sustainability for City operations, spur economic development, and improve resident well-being, these activities should be pursued.
(Image: Charter of the City of Detroit seal)
SECTIONS 6-501 AND 6-502 instruct the Buildings, Safety, Engineering and Environment Department (BSEED) to develop and implement a comprehensive and coordinated environmental policy to conserve and protect the city’s natural resources for the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Detroit.
SECTION 6-509 instructs BSEED to develop a “Green Initiatives and Sustainable Technologies” plan to establish and support green initiatives, technologies, and businesses.
SECTION 7-403 instructs the Department of Public Works to prepare, implement, and update as necessary a comprehensive citywide Recycling Plan for the City of Detroit that provides for the capture of the city’s waste stream prior to disposal.
SECTIONS 9-101 TO 9-103 describe the purpose, composition, and responsibilities of Community Advisory Councils (CAC), which are meant to improve citizen access to City government. District-based CACs are established by ordinance by petition of city residents to City Council.
