Office of Sustainability Nixed in Louisville

According to Ryan Van Velzer, budget cuts made last month included a decision to lay off the city's sustainability director and fold the Metro Office of Sustainability into the Office of Advanced Planning.

The decision to eliminate the position and the office was made just months after Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer reaffirmed a commitment to a coalition of U.S. cities that have pledged to meet emissions reduction targets set by the Paris Climate Agreement. The city is aiming to cut emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050.

"Fischer says sustainability will continue to be integrated across city departments like what’s being done with Louisville’s resiliency plan, which among other goals seeks ways for the city to adapt to the changing climate," according to Van Velzer.