Communities Demonstration Program
In April 2000 Illinois Governor George Ryan signed an Executive Order which established the Green Communities Demonstration Program. The purpose of the program is to facilitate and support community based environmental protection strategies that bring together diverse interests, address environmental issues in a collaborative manner, and encourage interaction among all levels of government agencies.
Partnerships
Governor Ryan directed the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), in cooperation with the Illinois Waste Management and Research Center, and the Departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture, Commerce, and Community Affairs to enter into partnership agreements with communities in the State. These communities will undertake an environmental visioning process that builds their capacity to protect the environment while enhancing community well being.