Future work in sustainable economic development is expected to continue to focus on green building <br /> issues. In addition, there is a planned study of barriers and issues related to commerciaUindustrial <br /> redevelopment. This redevelopment study is focused on sustainable development, growth management <br /> and compact urban growth. <br /> Environmental Policy Team <br /> The City of Eugene provides a great variety of services to the community related to environmental <br /> management and protection. These diverse services range from the management of wetlands and <br /> stormwater, wastewater collection and treatment, to waste recycling education and land use planning. The <br /> services are spread among many different Departments and work units. <br /> The increasing breadth and complexity of environmental regulations coupled with a strong community <br /> interest in proactive stewardship of natural resources has emphasized the importance of effective <br /> coordination of the City's environmental programs. This coordination is being provided by the <br /> Environmental Policy Team (EPT). Comprised of members from the Planning and Development and <br /> Public Works Departments, the EPT was formed in 1999 and charged by the City Manager with <br /> responsibilities to conduct oversight and coordination of the City's various environmental protection and <br /> management activities. In addition, the EPT identifies major environmental policy issues that need to be <br /> addressed by the Executive Managers or the City Council, makes recommendations for environmental <br /> priorities to the Executive Management Team, and forecasts future issues and needs for City activities in <br /> environmental management and protection. <br /> In December of 1999, the EPT chartered the Eugene ESA/Salmon Team (ESAST) and the <br /> Environmental Review Team (ERT). The ESA/Salmon Team was provides oversight and coordination <br /> of the City's response to the listing of the Upper Willamette Spring Chinook salmon under the <br /> Endangered Species Act (ESA). One of the important duties of the ESAST is assessing the City's <br /> responsibilities and liabilities under the ESA. The ERT has conducted a comprehensive assessment of <br /> internal City practices to identify areas where negative environmental impacts could be reduced and <br /> positive environmental impacts could be enhanced. <br /> ESA Team activities <br /> Eugene's ESA/Salmon Team (ESAST) has completed more than 18 months of evaluation, planning, <br /> strategy-development and outreach work in response to the federal listing of the Upper Willamette Spring <br /> Chinook under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Three key studies were managed by ESAST. These <br /> included the "City of Eugene ESA/Salmon Regulatory Review Project Final Report," the "City of Eugene <br /> ESA/Salmon Regulatory Review Project: Stormwater Supplement," and the "Aquatic and Riparian Habitat <br /> Assessment for the Eugene-Springfield Area," which was conducted in conjunction with other local <br /> government participants in the Metro ESA Coordinating Team (MECT). ESAST also participated <br /> significantly in the "Review of City of Eugene Activities for Potential to Affect the Natural Environment." <br /> The MECT was initiated by the ESAST Chair in 1999 to coordinate a series of workshops on the Chinook <br /> salmon listing for local government staff. In conjunction with MECT, ESAST also helped present a special <br /> briefing on the salmon protection rules for elected and appointed public officials in 2000. <br /> The ESAST, in conjunction with its ESA/Salmon Outreach Subcommittee, developed an ESA/Salmon <br /> Outreach Plan and work program. These were presented to the Eugene Environmental Policy Team and <br /> <br /> reviewed and approved by the Council on December 12, 2001. In 2002, the staff team utilized interim <br /> funding to create a new website, to conduct a public opinion survey, to conduct a public outreach meeting, <br /> and produce educational displays. Further outreach work has been on hold pending resolution of budget <br /> <br /> issues related to the Stormwater Fund. <br /> <br />