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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION TO PARTICIPATE IN USGBC LEED FOR CITIES COHORT
WHEREAS, under Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s leadership, Sustainable Communities is a pillar of the Cook County Offices Under the President Policy Roadmap Strategic Plan, to support healthy, resilient communities that thrive economically, socially and environmentally by prioritizing efforts that reduce the County’s climate impact, improve the resiliency of communities, reduce pollution and support green infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Environment and Sustainability works across the County to foster healthy, resilient and thriving communities by improving the quality of life, protecting the environment and promoting sustainability and environmental justice for all Cook County residents and stakeholders; and
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Asset Management has coordinated actions across the County in an effort to meet the goals outlined in the Cook County Clean Energy Plan including pursuing renewable energy efforts, reducing emissions in Cook County buildings, and improving efficiency; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the leading authority on green building and the global developer of the LEED green building program, has announced Cook County was selected as one of 16 local governments that will participate in the 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort; and
WHEREAS, the program supports efforts from local governments across the country to maximize efficiency, resilience, health and quality of life for residents and USGBC helps cohort participants build plans and capacity to achieve sustainability goals, including LEED for Cities certification; and
WHEREAS, the program aims to equip local leaders with the tools they need to be successful in advancing green building and sustainable development practices in their communities and accelerate progress on sustainability and climate action in cities, towns and counties across the United States; and
WHEREAS, the County will receive training and education, including technical assistance with data collection and development, USGBC membership at the Silver level throughout the program year and a waiver of the LEED for Cities registration fee;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners authorizes the Department of Environment and Sustainability to enter into an agreement with USGBC to participate in the 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort.
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