At a press conference to announce his pick, Mayor Nutter urged all organizations and sectors in Philadelphia to lead by example in their sustainability efforts.

"If we are going to become the greenest city in the United States, then all of us in Philadelphia need to be working towards that common goal," said Mayor Nutter. "Whether city government, private industry, non-profit organizations, or private citizens, we all need to make every effort to conserve resources, to reduce waste, and to promote sustainable methods of living and doing business."

Mark Alan Hughes commented: "Local governments are on the front lines when it comes to dealing with climate change and environmental issues. Our goal, here in Philadelphia, is to move the sustainability agenda further and faster than in any city in the United States."

Patrick Starr, Vice President of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, welcomed the appointment, saying, "Sustainability is as much about supporting families with good jobs, quality homes, and clean transportation alternatives as it is traditional environmental issues. Mark's policy background and practical experience in these fields will enable him to blend land use planning, housing and green-collar job opportunities into a compelling
sustainability agenda for a competitive Philadelphia."

Bruce Katz, Vice President of the Brookings Institution and Director of the Metropolitan Policy Program said, "The appointment of Mark Alan Hughes is a major coup for Mayor Nutter and his team. Mark is one of the most creative urban thinkers in the US today and focusing his attention on sustainability matches the right person to the right challenge."

"Mark is brilliant and indefatigable, and will bring tremendous vision and energy to this critically important new role," said University of Pennsylvania President Amy Gutmann.

Related Link: Mayor's Office Press Release

For more information contact:

Luke Butler
Mayor's Office of Communications
City Hall 216
Philadelphia
PA 19107
USA

Phone: 215-686-6210
Email: [email protected]