Implementing strategic sustainability planning processes: Lessons from three US cities

The purpose of this thesis is to examine how cities within the United States are holistically implementing sustainability planning processes. Case studies of Madison, Wisconsin; Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon provided insight into the research question: "How can US cities successfully implement strategic sustainability planning processes?" The case studies provided a logical methodology to compare the processes in place in all three cities that allow them to implement sustainability planning strategically throughout municipal operations, as well as within their respective communities.;Several similarities between how the three cities implement strategic sustainability planning processes were found, including: the integration of sustainability, or related goals, into municipal procedures and operations; active engagement of community members in the municipality's commitments to sustainability, which also includes non-profit partnerships with the government; and overall support at the grassroots level complimented by executive level support. The use of a sustainability Framework as a guide for Madison's comprehensive strategy to implement sustainability planning processes proved to be a valuable resource in regards to the education and training of its staff and it has also bolstered the integration of sustainability into the city's operations and facilities.;An analysis of the case studies revealed seven components that are considered significant to the strategic sustainability planning processes for US cities: Strong overall commitment to a common vision for sustainability; On-going Education and training of municipal staff and the community; Executive level support and consistent participation; Broad-based community support; Stable and non-partisan funding source to support long-term sustainability planning goals; Active and on-going community outreach; Short-term and long-term action plans and goals; and Reassessment of vision and goals and a flexible platform to make changes when needed. There still remain significant challenges to local governments working toward sustainability outcomes; however, the results of this thesis offer insight into how US cities can place themselves in a better position for success.;Keywords. Sustainability planning processes; Sustainability planning; Strategic planning; Sustainable community development; Strategic sustainability planning; The Natural Step.