Amarillo is dedicated to improving the quality of life for its residents and visitors alike.
Sustainability goals include the following:
1) Community compost pile, similar to the community chip sites;
2) Gardens at all elementary schools and urban gardening as a college credit course;
3) Emphasis on "green collar" jobs - weatherizing, building energy efficient buildings, planting gardens ;
4) Investing more in local start-ups and expansions than bring industry from outside the area, targeting industries that can use the city's waste stream, such as crushing glass for recycled glass countertops. Wind turbine production and solar panels are other natural industries to invest in, as well as rain water catchment design and installation;
5) Creation of roof top gardens, saving energy in heating and cooling and cleaning the area at the same time, while creating traffic-free parks all over town. Flooding from runoff will be reduced as well;
6) Water catchment emphasized throughout the city; and
7) Implementing "green business" awards programs for businesses that participate in any of the above, and "green team" awards for businesses and schools that recycle.
Improving the quality of life in Amarillo's low and moderate income neighborhoods is another primary goal for a more sustainable city. The Community Development Department administers 5 major federal programs funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The two primary programs are the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the Housing Assistance Payments program. Each year the city of Amarillo receives approximately $3 million for the CDBG, HOME and ESG programs and $8 million for the Housing Assistance program.
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