Environmental protection is no longer the sole province of environmentalists, but has taken center stage as a key element of every world-class city’s competitive edge in creating a high quality of life for its citizens and in attracting the best companies and their jobs. In the coming City Council election I will be focusing on the following Green/Sustainability initiatives:
 · Additional legislative authority for funding sources that make
growth pay for growth
· Increased citizen participation in government – including
park planning
· Emphasis on sustainable development and natural resource
conservation in upcoming Raleigh Comprehensive Plan
update
· Increased partnerships & incentives for energy efficiency –
including more LEED certifications and renewable energy
sources
· Increased cooperation between Raleigh and Wake County in
park planning and school planning
· Increased regional cooperation including transit alternatives
that reduce fossil fuel consumption while promoting higher
tax value development that is compact, walkable, mixed use
and mixed income.
· Additional investments & partnerships to protect water
quality and open space
 · Continue working with legislators and advocates to make the
Dix property as a great destination park
· Encourage Council to enact water conservation measures
recommended by Water Conservation Advisory Council
Notable Affiliations
· Sierra Club
· US Green Building Council
· Triangle Land Conservancy
· American Institute of Architects
· Congress for the New Urbanism
· National Trust for Historic Preservation
· Active supporter of WakeUP Wake County |
Key Issues
    2009 Endorsements
2011 Endorsements TBA |
Russ' Record on Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development |