As our economy recovers, the post-recession era will have implications for two interrelated conditions: urban form and societal behavior.  We can anticipate a convergence between sustainable development principles and the post-recession economy.  First, the need to increase fiscal efficiency and maximize value of government services will greatly affect public policy.  Second, general consumer lifestyle choices and other behavior will impact the urban form as people respond to either actual financial austerity or the perception of it.

H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES), has created an opportunity to fundamentally transform our economy towards promoting energy independence.  ACES focuses on creating new alternative energy jobs, and thereby transitioning the U.S. into a clean-energy economy.  Maintaining our present course, which is likely to include profiting from the use of the soon-to-be obsolete practices over the next 10-20 years, could place the US in the backseat of the global economy in the coming decades.  However, if we embrace change and capitalize on new market opportunities, we have the potential to bolster local, regional and national economies while strengthening our global position in the alternative energy industry sectors.

Municipal Sustainability Programming (SP) focuses on a holistic, coordinated approach to economic development.  Sustainability programming attempts to maximize local resources (social and physical) and promote efficient economic development through enhanced interdepartmental, sustainability focused, coordination among municipal agencies.  There are advantages to undertaking progressive programmatic changes in periods of fiscal stress.  Part of sustainability programming (SP) involves finding ways to accomplish more with less, and generally making operations more efficient.  Sustainability programming allows communities to make progress in the face of adversity, which sends a strong positive message to constituents, potential investors (in both the private and public sectors), and city staff.