Resolution: Promoting Environmental Quality and Economic Prosperity Through Sustainable Land Use Practices
Adopted on June 17, 2003

Whereas, recent decades have seen an increased focus on, and documentation of, the linkage between land use and water quality; and

Whereas, nonpoint sources of pollution, including urban and agricultural runoff, are the leading pathways for pollutants entering the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system; and

Whereas, coastal communities have a vested interest in sustainable land-use practices that restore and protect water quality, as well as advance economic prosperity and quality of life; and

Whereas, the International Joint Commission and Great Lakes Commission, among others, have identified the land use/water quality connection as an issue of priority concern in advancing ecological restoration and protection efforts; and

Whereas, mayors and municipal officials are best positioned to assert and exercise leadership in advancing sustainable land-use practices, including “smart growth” initiatives;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the International Association of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Mayors recognizes that environmentally sound and sustainable land-use practices are key to the future health and prosperity of their communities and the entire Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system; and

Be it Further resolved, that the Association calls for a large-scale binational initiative that characterizes the problem, documents the environmental and economic benefits of sustainable land-use practices and presents case studies of innovative practices that communities can adopt; and

Be it finally resolved, that any such study provide for the meaningful involvement of mayors and municipal officials, and be responsive to their interests and needs.