Green City Initiative

February 12, 2008

Mayor Linda Goldstein presented Vision 2013: Building a Bright Future, a new ambitious vision for the City of Clayton. Becoming a regional leader as a “green” city, enhancing its position as a business center and developing a public-private foundation to fund civic goals are among the priorities established.

Goldstein said that Vision 2013 is a first step in a public process to move the city forward as it approaches its centennial in five years. The vision was developed by the Clayton Board of Aldermen, Mayor Goldstein and city staff in strategic planning sessions. The new vision and planning sessions represent the catalyst for a process that will facilitate community dialogue about the city’s future directions.

“Clayton has always been known for innovations that strive to enhance the city’s diverse lifestyles within a solid financial framework, a framework that balances residential and business interests,” Goldstein said. “Our objective is to continue to be a regional leader for many issues that are critical to our larger community and the country.”

Under the proposed vision, the city will emphasize sustainable practices such as: a reduction of fossil-fuel dependency, assessment of utility usage, adoption of LEED certification in the city’s zoning code to incentivize new developments, expansion of citywide recycling efforts, and creation of pedestrian-friendly environments. “The city could also realize long-term cost savings by being more energy efficient,” Goldstein said.

Another highlight of the vision calls for the creation of the Clayton Century Foundation, a public-private partnership that will help fund projects in the community that go beyond traditional city services, services that are currently supported by sales and property taxes. “There are many worthy projects in Clayton that will never be realized because of budgetary limitations and the difficult policy choices that come with maintaining basic services with tax dollars,” Goldstein said. “The Foundation will develop a coordinated fundraising plan consistent
with the city’s mission and priorities. Through the work by the Foundation, the city will reach out to residential and corporate private partners for support in enriching quality of life initiatives.

Additionally, the Foundation will promote the city’s history and plan for the celebration of Clayton’s 100th anniversary in 2013,” she said. Among other notable elements of the vision are:

• Maintain world-class core services, such as public safety and infrastructure, with measurable outcomes to evaluate city implementation.
• Retain and attract businesses and corporate headquarters, encourage greater density and mixed-use development in the Central Business District including more residential properties, and design of specific strategies to increase the vibrancy of downtown Clayton.
• Strengthen the role of partnerships with the Clayton School District, the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, area universities and other community groups.
• Achieve a better balance in tax revenue levels to shift from a disproportionate share paid by residents to revenue derived from business and redevelopment.
• Coordinate with neighboring cities to reduce duplication of efforts, share marketing initiatives and look for savings.
• Expand avenues to communicate with residents and businesses.

Goldstein said Vision 2013 is designed to provide guidelines for engaging the public in discussions and planning for a vital future. The mayor added that the city must also address immediate issues, including recruitment of a new city manager and consideration of proposed new developments.