04-23-2024 PRF Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Interdepartmental Team Fostering an environment for interdepartmental collaboration is one of the key components of a suc- cessful planning process. The planning process will help to break down departmental silos and encour- age local government staff members to collaborate on issues that cross multiple departmental boundar- ies. Local governments will find that the planning process will spark a new way of thinking and will help to build new relationships within the government to create an atmosphere for innovative problem solving. Developing in a sustainability plan requires participation and commitment from a variety of governmental departments. The chief elected official should communicate that this effort is a top priority to ensure the relevant departments commit the appropriate staff resources to the plan. Departmental directors should assign a departmental liaison to participate in the interdepartmental team and ensure that the team mem- ' ber can devote sufficient time to the plan. The interdepartmental team is responsible for researching best practices, gathering data for the sustain- ability assessment, and vetting potential measures. Typical departments involved in the team include public works, planning, transportation, buildings, environmental protection, parks, sanitation, housing, economic development, public health, and education. INTERDEPARTMENTAL TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES • Gather and analyze data for the sustainability "`' assessment ` • Analyze existing sustainability programs or measures • Research best practices from other jurisdictions • Analyze and vet strategies and measures for the plan • Write chapters of the plan ,,, • Manage implementation of relevant measures Sustainability Advisory Board A major interdisciplinary effort like a sustainability plan requires guidance and advice from a diverse external group of experts on a sustainability advisory board. In their capacity of contributing ideas and guidance, board members should act as representatives of their various constituency groups in addition to being demographically diverse. The board should be comprised of a variety of stakeholder groups focused on big-picture issues rather than specific interests, including environmental and community advocates, business leaders, real estate developers, planners, philanthropists. academics, and labor leaders who can act as representatives for their constituency groups. In addition, local governments may also want to include representatives from regional planning, state, or county offices on the sustainability advisory board. Forming the board requires striking a balance between being inclusive while ensuring that the board stays small enough to be manageable and productive.