RESOLUTION No.  36145            

Adopt Sustainable Procurement Strategy: A Joint City of Portland and Multnomah County Effort – 1st Annual Review - 2003 and direct its implementation (Resolution).

WHEREAS, In November 1994 Council adopted the Sustainable City Principles which direct the City to "purchase products based on long-term environmental and operating costs and find ways to include environmental and social cost in short-term prices;" and

WHEREAS, In April 2001, the City of Portland and Multnomah County adopted a joint Global Warming Action Plan which includes action items addressing purchase of efficient equipment and vehicles and paper with recycled content; and

WHEREAS, In March and April 2002, the City of Portland and Multnomah County adopted the Sustainable Procurement Strategy: A Joint City of Portland and Multnomah County Effort which include the process and direction for a sustainable procurement effort as binding City Policy; and

WHEREAS, the City of Portland values procurement actions that are beneficial for the environment and the natural resource capital base as well as for the health and safety of employees and the public. Changing purchasing practices is an important strategy for meeting the City's solid waste and clean river goals and the City should be a model of good practice; and

WHEREAS, The City of Portland values a strong, varied, adaptive, and diverse contracting economy that provides employment and training for all individuals; and

WHEREAS, The City of Portland values a long-term perspective in evaluating products, avoiding those that appear inexpensive, but cost more in the long run due to maintenance, operation, insurance, handling, training, disposal, or other costs; and

WHEREAS, An evaluation of alternatives is required to make recommendations for changes in how particular commodities are purchased. Identifying workable solutions will require a team approach because responsibility for purchasing within city government is very diffuse and widespread involvement and support will be needed for implementation; and

WHEREAS, A large number of employees affect the City's purchasing decisions, and many are unaware of current procurement policies, or are unclear about how to apply the City's policies; and

WHEREAS, Both the City and Multnomah County are working to promote more sustainable policies and actions, including the evaluation of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the purchases they make. Improvements will occur faster by pooling resources and working together; and

WHEREAS, Assuming a joint leadership role and establishing a joint Strategy and shared procurement standards will increase coordination and staff ability to assess sustainable procurement information of both the City and Multnomah County,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,

That the Office of Management and Finance, Bureau of Purchases and the Office of Sustainable Development and all other affected City Bureaus are hereby directed to continue implementation of the Sustainable Procurement Strategy: A Joint City of Portland and Multnomah County Effort as described in the 2003 update attached hereto as Exhibit A, and that the Sustainable Procurement Strategy: A Joint City of Portland and Multnomah County Effort – 1st Annual Review - 2003 is Binding City Policy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,

That the implementation of the Strategy in a timely fashion is imperative in order to address the many challenges identified; therefore, this Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Council.

Adopted by the Council: June 11, 2003        GARY BLACKMER

Auditor of the City of Portland

Mayor Vera Katz           By /S/Susan Parsons

Sue Klobertanz          

June 11, 2003                Deputy  

BACKING SHEET INFORMATION

AGENDA NO. 564-2003

ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION/COUNCIL DOCUMENT NO. 36145