 |
More SAM Information
|
|
Issues of climate change, resource scarcity, and population growth are transforming the topic of community sustainability from a “niche” issue to a mainstream issue. The opportunity for local government is seizing the leadership role to confront these seemingly daunting trends on behalf of our citizens.
A Powerful Tool: The Sustainable Action Map (SAM) is a simple yet powerful, one page decision tool that is currently being used at the City of Olympia to help guide sound sustainable decisions and policy choices. The model has helped the City to move forward:
- A Zero Waste Resolution;
- Controversial multi-modal transportation projects; and
- Reclaimed water with strong Council and community support.
Creating Balance: The fundamentals of sustainability center on creating balanced solutions. Balance includes delivering a level of service citizens expect; doing it in an environmentally and socially responsible way; and insuring the best economic choice for the long-term.
Three Key Elements Work Together: SAM is on one page, but has three key dimensions that work together in the model.
N.I.C.E.: There are four key components of sustainability: the Natural, the Individual, the Community, and the Economy components. All four of these components must be in balance to achieve a sustainable solution.
S.W.O.T.: For any given action being considered, there are likely Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Each of theses four components that should be factored into a decision.
The Stoplight - Green, Yellow, Red: This system provides an indicator for how well a particular action achieves a component of sustainability.
- Green: If it is green, the action provides value to that component (more strengths and opportunities).
- Yellow: If it is yellow, there are risks, but they are manageable.
- Red: If it is red, there may be some fatal flaws (many weaknesses and threats). This will prompt leadership to consider innovative solutions to overcome these risks before the action can move forward.
Need More Information? Contact the Public Works office.
Address: 924 7th Ave. SE, Suite A
Download a printer friendly (PDF) copy of directions to our office Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (360) 753-8588
Email: click here