Strategic Plan

A look forward at the City's goals and plans to achieve them

Environmental Sustainability: A deep respect for our place in relationship with the planet and environment.

We consider the environmental consequences of every decision, big and small, knowing that our actions have impacts beyond our boundaries. We protect and restore our ecosystem to make it healthier and more balanced for future generations.

Progress Indicators

The way in which we accomplish the work set out in this plan is as important as the outcomes. This is why our commitments are essential. With the six commitments to how we do our work, the City will ensure we're following through on our strategic plan in the right way and with excellence. The Progress Indicators associated with the Environmental Sustainability commitment are listed below.

UI-12: Acres of park green space per resident

Strategies:

  • Acquire, identify and develop park properties to assure adequate open space and recreational opportunities are available in all areas of the City.

UI-13: Number of events that celebrate and enhance area environmental sustainability


Strategies:

  • Increase educational classes, public events and celebrations that emphasize preservation of the environment.

UI-14: Number of trees planted, removed and maintained to create a healthy tree canopy

Strategies:

  • Invest in green infrastructure to provide attractive entrances to the City, a sustainable urban forest and an inviting downtown business district.
  • Manage natural resources in the community to assure trees are planted and maintained in accordance with the Street Tree Program.

SWN-12: Acres per resident of public land used for environmentally sustainable uses (examples include: food production, native landscaping, monarch waystations, green infrastructure, etc.)

Strategies:

  • Use public land following available best practices for food production, urban forestry, native landscaping and pollinator habitats.
  • Integrate green infrastructure best practices into public projects.

SWN-13: Connectivity of healthy food providers by transit, bike routes or sidewalks


Strategies:

  • Improve multimodal transportation options when traveling to priority destinations.

SWN-14: Percent of commercial units (all construction) above or at energy code

Strategies:

  • Identify energy efficiency opportunities for residential, industrial and commercial buildings.

SWN-14: Percent of industrial units (all construction) above or at energy code


Strategies:

  • Identify energy efficiency opportunities for residential, industrial and commercial building

SWN-14: Percent of residential units (all construction) above or at energy code


Strategies:

  • Identify energy efficiency opportunities for residential, industrial and commercial buildings.

PES-10: Percent of development that is infill


Strategies:

  • Utilize infill development to enhance the local food system and related businesses.
  • Establish sustainability initiatives for infill development and explore related research and technology partnerships, including smart investments.

CC-11: Percent of residents using non-automobile means of transportation to work


Strategies:

  • Maximize ridership through Lawrence Transit route redesign and improved access, comfort and convenience for all riders.
  • Enhance transportation options and choices to minimize adverse social, economic and environmental impacts created by transportation.
  • Establish land use policies and codes that minimize the need to walk or bike more than 15 minutes for basic needs such as groceries, medicine, general merchandise, schools and transit.

CC-12: Percent of City-used energy (electric) that is renewable

Strategies:

  • Establish a technology strategy and support connectivity through interdepartmental and external stakeholder collaboration.
  • Reduce energy consumption by the City of Lawrence.

CC-12: Percent of City-used energy (natural gas/biogas) that is renewable


Strategies:

  • Establish a technology strategy and support connectivity through interdepartmental and external stakeholder collaboration.
  • Reduce energy consumption by the City of Lawrence.

CC-12: Percent of City-used energy (fleet/fuel) that is renewable


Strategies:

  • Establish a technology strategy and support connectivity through interdepartmental and external stakeholder collaboration.
  • Reduce energy consumption by the City of Lawrence.

CC-13: Miles of trails (8-ft width or greater)

Strategies:

  • Invest in multimodal infrastructure and services to improve mobility, safety and connectivity.
  • Improve multimodal connectivity with an emphasis on pedestrian and bicycle demand and transportation for disadvantaged populations.
  • Enhance transportation options and choices to minimize adverse social, economic and environmental impacts created by transportation.
  • Establish land use policies and codes that minimize the need to walk or bike more than 15 minutes for basic needs such as groceries, medicine, general merchandise, schools and transit.

CC-14: Number of public infrastructure projects that account for climate adaptation

Strategies:

  • Follow the implementation schedule for infrastructure improvements identified in the City's Integrated Plan to achieve clean water and human health goals while addressing aging infrastructure, climate change and competing priorities for funding.
  • Utilize a green rating system for infrastructure projects.