Change Process: Ordinance
The cornerstone for creating sustainable change is public education which positively affects the attitudes and behaviors that negatively impact our quality of life. One very important way to address this is enforcement of laws and ordinances. In some cities, ordinances are in place, but not vigorously enforced. In others, new ordinances are required to address pressing community concerns.
COMMUNITY BENEFITS
Local ordinances (a public injunction, regulation, or law) combat litter, illegal dumping, vacant lots, graffiti, and other conditions in a city that have the potential to create blight.
Use ordinances to:
- Raise public awareness
- Ensure local laws support community objectives
- Empower police, inspections department, and other enforcement
agencies
CITY FOCUS
Trends and Results in U.S. Cities
Ordinances that target quality of life issues, or even specific neighborhood issues, are growing in communities across the U.S.—and getting results:
Anaheim,CA Cincinnati, OH
Albany, GA Nashville, TN
TAKING ACTION
Local ordinances set the agenda for change. If your community has a vision of what needs to be done to reduce vandalism, litter, and crime, ensure that local ordinances are in place that encourage this to happen.
For example, if the city has a problem with illegal dumping:
1. Find out if proper ordinances are in place. Are there stiff penalties or
fines for ordinance violation?
2. Determine whether there is public support for an existing ordinance or
for establishing one.
3. Educate citizens and community leaders about the law.
4. Establish a method for citizens to report a violation.
5. Ensure proper government agencies are enforcing the law.
TOOL TIME
To help you get started:
- Download a model ordinance.
- Get information about acquiring Keep America Beautiful’s
measurement tools. Use good data to show the need for an ordinance
and to determine results.
- Gain access to the best practices for establishing a local ordinance—
and network with colleagues in over 500 cities.
Become a Keep America Beautiful affiliate.
COMMUNITY BENEFITS
Local ordinances (a public injunction, regulation, or law) combat litter, illegal dumping, vacant lots, graffiti, and other conditions in a city that have the potential to create blight.
Use ordinances to:
- Raise public awareness
- Ensure local laws support community objectives
- Empower police, inspections department, and other enforcement
agencies
CITY FOCUS
Trends and Results in U.S. Cities
Ordinances that target quality of life issues, or even specific neighborhood issues, are growing in communities across the U.S.—and getting results:
Anaheim,CA Cincinnati, OH
Albany, GA Nashville, TN
TAKING ACTION
Local ordinances set the agenda for change. If your community has a vision of what needs to be done to reduce vandalism, litter, and crime, ensure that local ordinances are in place that encourage this to happen.
For example, if the city has a problem with illegal dumping:
1. Find out if proper ordinances are in place. Are there stiff penalties or
fines for ordinance violation?
2. Determine whether there is public support for an existing ordinance or
for establishing one.
3. Educate citizens and community leaders about the law.
4. Establish a method for citizens to report a violation.
5. Ensure proper government agencies are enforcing the law.
TOOL TIME
To help you get started:
- Download a model ordinance.
- Get information about acquiring Keep America Beautiful’s
measurement tools. Use good data to show the need for an ordinance
and to determine results.
- Gain access to the best practices for establishing a local ordinance—
and network with colleagues in over 500 cities.
Become a Keep America Beautiful affiliate.
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