Page 39 - Greensboro, NC-GSO 2040 Comprehensive Plan

CHAPTER 7: BIG IDEA - PRIORITIZING SUSTAINABILILTY

ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES ADDRESSED
The goals and strategies in the Prioritizing Sustainability Big Idea address issues
and opportunities discussed in public meetings or observed when collecting
data about the city. More details are available in the Data Book, the Conditions
and Trends Report, and in the public comment summary.

Global Change
Among other effects of human-induced global change, Greensboro will
experience less predictable rainfall patterns, with increased periods of drought
and more intense storms. More frequent and more intense storms are likely
to exceed the capacity of older portions of the storm sewer system, resulting
in flooding in low-lying areas and along Greensboro’s many small creeks. This
increased uncertainty emphasizes the need for Greensboro to build greater
resilience into its economy and infrastructure.

Social Equity
Disparity in employment, income, wealth, and other factors has been increasing
throughout the U.S. and in Greensboro for several decades. These disparities
are most visible in east Greensboro, but have significant negative effects on
Greensboro’s overall economy. Reversing these inequities presents a major
opportunity for improving our economic strength, stability, and resilience.
Ensuring that City services and facilities are provided as equitably as possible
throughout Greensboro, both geographically and socio-economically, is
important if we want to erase disparity gaps. Examples of these gaps may
include employment, income, wealth, educational attainment, health, social
capital, civic engagement, access to healthy food, access to safe and affordable
housing, and access to transportation.

Regional Cooperation
The problems and opportunities that cities face often do not align with
their boundaries. Solutions may be more attainable through cooperation
and collaboration with adjacent city and county governments. Successful
management of resources and systems and efficient provision of infrastructure
and services often necessitate area-wide coordination, and regional partnerships
or governments are a common means of comprehensively addressing issues
that reach beyond the boundaries of a single city or county.

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