A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT GREEN JOBS PLEDGE (2008-10-15/R-4)

WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill is committed to fostering a sustainable community by addressing the environmental, economic and social needs of today’s citizens with equal importance, and in a manner that does not prevent future generations from meeting these same needs; and

WHEREAS, a green economy protects against climate change, pollution and poverty; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill recognizes the nexus between its commitments to climate protection and a sustainable local economy; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill has adopted an Economic Development Strategy that includes a goal to welcome green and ecologically sound businesses and developments; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill has instructed the Town Manager to proceed with the development of a work plan and budget that will carryout the goals and objectives of the Economic Development Strategy; and

WHEREAS, the recommended steps of the Local Government Green Jobs Pledge are generally aligned with the Town’s economic development efforts; and

WHEREAS, the Local Government Green Jobs Pledge is supported by the US Conference of Mayors; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill is well-positioned to work with local businesses and academic institutions such as UNC-Chapel Hill and the Orange County campuses of Durham Technical Community College to identify green job creation and training opportunities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council authorizes the Mayor to sign the Local Government Green Jobs Pledge to reinforce the Town’s ongoing economic development efforts and its goal of welcoming green and ecologically sound businesses and developments.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Offices of Economic Development and Sustainability will work collaboratively under the Manager’s direction to identify actions and resources necessary to carry out the recommended steps of the Green Jobs Pledge in concert with the Town’s overarching Economic Development Strategy.

This the 15^th day of October, 2008.