Media Release

4:50 p.m.

Pittsburgh, PA - On Tuesday October 9, 2007 at the annual International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Business Meeting, Alachua County Manager Randall H. Reid was appointed Chair of the ICMA Sustainability Advisory Group.  Michal Willis, ICMA 2006 president and the current Executive Director of Wimbledon, London, England, was appointed Vice-Chair.

As reported on September 12, 2007, Reid will join more than 30 International City/County Management Association (ICMA) members, with a demonstrated commitment to sustainability issues in their home communities, in a leadership advisory committee that will provide direction and guidance to ICMA to develop education, knowledge resources, tools, and techniques that support local leaders. 

(Click link below to view the September 12, 2007 release) http://www.alachuacounty.us/government/depts/comm/pressreleases.aspx?pr_id=5561

In speaking of his Chair appointment Reid said, "I have been interested in sustainability for over a decade and was involved during the 1990s when the State of Florida selected Martin County as a sustainable demonstration community under Department of Community Affairs Secretary Murly.  My interest actually dates back to my youth to the scouting program where I was taught we had a responsibility to leave our campsites better than we found them.  I recognized as I grew older that the world is actually one huge campsite and that communities, in order to withstand the changes in technology, economics and demographic shifts, had to take a longer view to prosper."

Reid continued saying, "Our professional association is international, with over 9000 members representing most industrialized countries. It is exciting to see an issue such as sustainability come to the forefront of professional concern to local government managers. The resolution that was approved by our membership on Tuesday October 9, 2007 is significant because for the first time sustainability has been recognized as the "issue of the age" among our global local government membership.  The resolution recognizes the obligation of our members to build an awareness of sustainable practices in our communities and to implement technologies and solutions to community problems.  We have an obligation to consider future generations and seek a synergy in community problem solving that recognizes the environment, economy and social equity.  Serving as Chairman of the 30 member Sustainability Advisory Committee made up of international members will be both interesting and educational.  My Vice Chairman is Michael Willis from the UK who has served in New Zealand and Australia.  While agreeing on a need to protect the environment and build sustainable communities there is a rich and healthy dialogue on the committee regarding issues of property rights, population and impacts associated with climate change."

Reid concluded saying, "What we all agree on is that changes must be made locally if global issues of climate, energy use and poverty are going to be addressed."

To view pertinent documents click the links below.

Mgmt Prsptv Sustainability.pdf

ICMA Resolution on Sustainability_FINAL_Sept7_2007 (3).doc

The leadership advisory committee members will help define the leadership skills required to launch successful community initiatives and identify ways that ICMA can support local governments.  For more information, call Randall H. Reid at 352-374-5204 or e-mail him at Rhr@alachuacounty.us.  

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