Nearly One-Third of Local Governments Have Adopted Sustainability Plans

Nearly 32% of local governments in the U.S. have adopted sustainability plans, according to results of the 2015 Local Government Sustainable Practices Survey conducted by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). The national study surveyed nearly 1,900 officials from over 8,500 U.S. local governments.

ICMA's findings suggest that local governments are most driven to put sustainable policies in place due to the positive impact they can have on the economy. 

The five factors most commonly reported as being “significant” or “very significant” in motivating local governments’ sustainability efforts are as follows (Q35):

1. Potential for fiscal savings
2. Leadership of local elected officials
3. Federal or state funding opportunities
4. Potential to attract development projects
5. Concern over the environment

Read more from the ICMA report here.