Becker honored for commitment to sustainability

A commitment to environmentally friendly programs and initiatives has earned Salt Lake City's Ralph Becker a spot among America's Top Mayors for Sustainability.

Becker is one of 20 mayors being praised by Our Green Cities, a group created to help city leaders understand how their governments can make significant progress toward becoming more sustainable.

"Mayor Becker's 180-day plan makes clear the depth and breadth of his commitment to sustainability," said Kent Portney, co-founder of Our Green Cities. "The decision to include him on this year's list was an easy one."

Under Becker's direction, Salt Lake City has launched several sustainability efforts that ultimately will be part of the first comprehensive sustainability ordinance in the nation.

"This credit for award really belongs to many hardworking city employees who have been investing endless time, hard work and fresh ideas to help us achieve a truly sustainable city," the mayor said.

The Top Mayors for Sustainability honors mayors of cities that have in place formal policies or programs to become more sustainable. Each mayor also was determined to be a driving force and leader in crafting a city's sustainability agenda, with a goal-oriented action plan in place to carry it out.

— Jared Page