Make our streets safe for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles.

By Laura Friedman

A safe and inviting urban environment. Our streets must be made safe for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Sustainability as a priority. We must take steps to minimize our environmental footprint. The city should work with employers to establish an incentive program to reward employees who utilize alternative or public transportation. The city should enact strict green building standards, such as the LEED program, and offer incentives to entice developers to meet or exceed those standards. We must strive to bring parks and recreational services to our most underserved areas.

Glendale should designate responsibility within city staff for Environmental Sustainability, with oversight of all other departments. Currently, various city departments are attempting to "go green" independently. Having a centralized department is the only way to insure efficiency and cooperation. An internship program at the environmental sustainability division will minimize human resource costs while capitalizing on the fresh ideas originating from college-age students seeking to pursue a career in the environmental field.

Conservation and preservation as part of the development equation. We must continue to enhance protection of our historic neighborhoods and open spaces. The City of Glendale should conduct a city-wide historic survey in order to protect historic resources while providing more clarity and predictability for developers during the entitlement process.