Journal article
Sustainability in the USA and New Zealand: explaining and addressing the implementation gap in local government
Journal of environmental planning and management, Vol.59(12), pp.2124-2144
12/01/2016
DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2015.1130688
Abstract
This paper describes the frustrating reality of sustainability implementation in the USA and New Zealand (NZ), an early adopter of sustainability mandates. Local government has a key role in implementation, but has been slow to uptake sustainable practices. We surveyed senior planners in small to medium-sized local government agencies in both countries to identify which features of local government support (or hinder) sustainability in practice.
Environmentally sustainable practices are not well entrenched in either country. In the USA, the framing of sustainability and public support are significant predictors of implementation. However, sustainability is rarely a priority. In NZ, local government capacity is the main driver of implementation. We recommend that planners promote sustainability values, reconcile economic development goals with sustainability (e.g., green economy model), and translate public support for sustainability into institutional priorities. NZ localities also need increased capacity and US localities need continued Federal and State support.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Sustainability in the USA and New Zealand: explaining and addressing the implementation gap in local government
- Creators
- Lucie Laurian - University of IowaJan Crawford - Planning Consultants Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of environmental planning and management, Vol.59(12), pp.2124-2144
- Publisher
- Routledge
- DOI
- 10.1080/09640568.2015.1130688
- ISSN
- 0964-0568
- eISSN
- 1360-0559
- Grant note
- 1122730 / Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (10.13039/100000088)
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 12/01/2016
- Academic Unit
- School of Planning and Public Affairs; Public Policy Center (Archive)
- Record Identifier
- 9984270202102771
Metrics
16 Record Views