DRAFT On The Edge

The 2005 Sustainability Indicators Report

Cape Cod 2020 Project

 

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Introduction

 Foreward

Accessible Services

 Balanced Demographics Competitive Economy Continuous Education
Directed Growth Good Health Integrated Infrastructure Valued Ecosystems

2003 Report

An Uncertain Future (pdf)

2004-2005Visioning Workshop Summaries

Top Eight Action Items:

 

Although this report contains many recommended action items covering a broad spectrum of issues, the Cape Cod Sustainability Indicators Council has selected eight of the most important for our region to concentrate on.   The following action items are synergistic – ie. they interact with each other such that their combined impact is greater than the sum of their individual effects.   In other words, achievement of (or failure to achieve) one action item contributes to achievement of (or failure to achieve) connected ones.   Therefore, focused action on these action items will move us toward sustainability on many fronts.

 

The Sustainability Indicators Council recommends that all individuals, towns and decision-makers on the Cape work together to implement these eight action items:

1. Accessible Services:   Institute a locally owned and managed affordable health insurance program to cover all Cape Cod residents.  
2. Balanced Demographics:   To promote a balanced population in terms of age, racial ethnicity and income, institute programs and adopt zoning bylaws to create a greater number of and a wider range of workforce and affordable housing choices.
3. Competitive Economy:   Promote energy sustainability through efficiency and renewable sources.
4. Continuous Education:   Promote four-year degree programs at Cape Cod Community College focused on preventive health care and alternative energy development and technology.
5

Directed Growth:   Change zoning to allow for mixed use and increased density in village centers concurrent with reduction of development potential and protection of open space in rural and less developed areas.

6.

Good Health:  Institute a “welcome program” for immigrants, both permanent and seasonal, that assists with health care, housing and legal employment with competitive wages.

7.

Integrated Infrastructure: Plan for and finance wastewater infrastructure in downtowns and village centers to accommodate higher density development in these areas without compromising water quality.

8. Valued Ecosystems:   wastewater tax - Chris