The City of Zephyrhills, working in partnership with community members, has created a forward-looking plan to help ‘green’ Zephyrhills. The broad goals of Sustainable Zephyrhills, A Community Action Plan are to protect our ecology, conserve finite natural resources, grow a resilient local economy, and enhance quality of life in Zephyrhills. The community feels strongly that the resources and opportunities that have allowed our city to thrive should also extend to generations to come.   

Sustainable Zephyrhills addresses seven sustainability topics (listed below). For each of the topics, the plan includes a guiding principle for city decision-making, a near-term sustainability target, and a set of strategies and actions for reaching the target.    

       *        Community Awareness & Action     

*         Green Buildings & Clean Energy               

*         Green Jobs & Green Businesses                          

*         Land Use, Design & Connectivity          

*         Waste Reduction & Reuse                         

*         Water Conservation & Protection                                    

*         Urban Agriculture              

What can you do to help create a Sustainable Zephyrhills?

Community involvement was a key part of the plan’s creation but will be even more important in the “doing” phase. Your city government continues to look for ways to save energy and reduce costs by greening municipal operations but there is more that could be accomplished beyond the reach of government. Community members and organizations are encouraged to apply their talents, energy, and commitment to the community to the help advance the “whole city” sustainability initiative.

If you are interested in a particular sustainability topic, want lead or support a related project, or have ideas to share, contact Todd Vande Berg, Community Development Director, at (813) 780-0006.

The Sustainable Zephyrhills Community Action Plan was accepted by City Council on Monday, June 11, 2012. Implementation activities have already begun! If you have questions or would like to learn how you can participate, contact Todd Vande Berg, Director of Planning, at vandeberg@ci.zephyrhills.fl.us or (813) 780-0006.