It is more important than ever for local government professionals to lead efforts toward more sustainable communities. While superior levels of government debate and waiver, local governments are forging ahead. As it was ten years ago, local governments will likely be the engines powering innovations in sustainability strategies that most directly affect the livability of communities.

Huddled in a conference room a decade ago, a group of 30 International City/County Management Association (ICMA) members suggested that creating more sustainable communities was ‘the issue of our age’. Like other professionals at the local level, ICMA members were, in part, reacting to a lack of national leadership and interest in topics such as climate change. They were also reaffirming the important roles of local government leaders, managers, staff, and stakeholders in creating more livable, resilient, and sustainable communities. This group, which became ICMA’s first Sustainable Communities Advisory Committee, helped frame the next decade of ICMA research, education, and technical assistance on sustainability.