Richmond receives gold level awards for sustainability initiatives through Institute for Local Government’s Beacon Program

RICHMOND, Calif. – Richmond Mayor Tom Butt announced on Thursday, September 8th that the City of Richmond has earned two gold awards from the Institute for Local Government’s Beacon Program. The City is a Spotlight Award winner and received a Gold Level Award for 14% Agency Energy Savings and the Gold Level Award in Sustainability Best Practices.

The Beacon Program highlights innovative practices of local governments through awards and information sharing to that contribute to developing greener, healthier, and more sustainable communities. “I’m proud of the City’s longstanding commitment to sustainability practices and combatting climate change,” said Mayor Tom Butt. “All of the initiatives that helped us earn these awards were voluntary policies and practices that directly improve the quality of life for our residents.”

Sustainability practices featured in Richmond’s Beacon Program application include the recently redesigned Mathieu Court Alley, water conservation initiatives at City Hall, Richmond’s partnership with Marin Clean Energy and the City Council’s adoption of a Single-Use Bag Ordinance in 2013.

“Participation in the Beacon Program allows us to highlight our sustainability policies and programs as a model for other communities throughout the state,” Mayor Butt stated. “Receiving gold brings noteworthy attention to Richmond. We’ve set out to be a leader in developing a green city and I’m pleased that years of creative practices are being recognized throughout California.”

The Richmond City Council approved participation in the Beacon Program in April 2015 through a resolution sponsored by the Mayor’s Office. This is the first year that the city participated in the program. City of Richmond officials have been invited to accept the awards at a special ceremony in Long Beach, California in October during the League of California Cities Annual Conference. The award application was prepared by Christopher Whitmore, Director of Community Engagement of the Mayor's Office. 

More information about to Beacon Program and details about the City of Richmond’s awards can be found at the following link: http://www.ca-ilg.org/beacon-participant-profile/city-richmond.