Buffalo Rising Online

Feb 28th 2008, 8:42am By Great Lakes United

The Great Lakes region is at a crossroads. As environmental problems are continually recognized as serious issues by political leaders from both sides of the aisle and countries throughout the world, cities that are actively working to change the unsustainable features of our societies are poised to be leaders in upcoming century. If the major metropolises of the Great Lakes work together to handle individual problems, the combined effect could be the creation of one of the world’s most ecologically and economically sustainable regions.

The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is working hard towards that goal. By putting cities and local leaders at the same table as state, provincial, and federal officials, a broader and more holistic approach to environmental policy could be the result. Founded in 2003, by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and Toronto Mayor David Miller (photos), cities throughout the region have become full participating members. Right here on the eastern shore of Lake Erie, our neighbor to the south, Erie, Pennsylvania has become an active member. Mayor Robert Duffy and Rochester are full members. Niagara Falls, ON is a full member. With a new mayor in Paul Dyster, will Niagara Falls, NY soon be joining? While Buffalo is listed as participating city because of its initial interest, Mayor Brown has yet to stand up and take strong action with this coalition and spur the investments in sustainability that will reap benefits for decades to come.

Buffalo faces the same issues that many other older, former industrial cities face. Waterfronts lined with contaminated brownfields and neighborhoods built upon aging and ineffective sewer systems are not unique to our city. The answers do not have to be either. By working with other cities in the Cities Initiative, Buffalo can have access to the experience of best practice techniques and restoration projects from all across the region.

Mayor Brown and Buffalo have taken one step. Buffalo is a participating city in the GLSLCI Water Conservation Framework. This Framework is a voluntary program in which cities commit to reducing water use within their city limits by the dissemination and annually sharing of best practices and recognizing cities’ efforts to reduce water use. How is Brown living up to this Framework so far?

Buffalo needs to join the leading edge of sustainable cities in the Great Lakes region to truly realize its vision of revitalization. The Cities Initiative is an opportunity for Buffalo and Mayor Brown to connect with leaders outside of the city for inspiration and help. If a rift is to be drawn between innovative Great Lakes Cities that are looking to the future (e.g., Chicago or Toronto, both members) and cities that are struggling with their pasts (e.g., Detroit, not a member), which side will Buffalo fall on? Hopefully, the city will not look back on the sustainable communities’ movement and see another missed opportunity.

*This is the third posting by Great Lakes United related to the Great Lakes and St Lawrence Cities Initiative and Buffalo – to read the first two postings, click here.

Blogging for Great Lakes United is Nate Drag