We're no Portland, but we're no Columbus, either
By Jay Miller
Staff Reporter
Monday, June 12, 2006
The Cleveland area is making progress when it comes to that elusive concept of sustainability, according to a recent study by the for-profit SustainLane web site based in San Francisco.
The survey created a modest buzz when the results were released at the U.S. Conference of Mayors annual summit in Las Vegas this month. Bragging rights as the most sustainable city went to Portland, Ore. Cleveland finished out of the money in 28th place, but it got an encouraging pat on the back as it was described as "making promising strides".
Sustainability - usually defined as processes that produce the best long-term outcomes for both the human and natural environments - is an emerging yardstick for both economic development and regional environments.
Cities were ranked in 15 categories; Cleveland scored best in metropolitan congestion and housing affordability. Low rankings for land-use planning and solid waste diversion cost knocked the city down in the rankings.
For those keeping score statewide, Columbus ranked 50th, dead last.
