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September 20, 2010 (Regular Meeting) Page 146 3. Use resources wisely and responsibly by protecting assets, minimizing risk, creating partnerships and using technology to maximize the value of county investments, expenditures and services. 4. A fully engaged community with a shared understanding of its issues and challenges and working together to achieve its goals. S. Ensure that all citizens have equal opportunity and access to education, health care, and economic prosperity and encourage citizens to fulfill their potential and contribute to their community. A Sustainable Community The Board of Commissioners determined that a critical element in achieving its vision is the establishment of Cabarrus County as a sustainable community. Sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The pursuit of sustainability involves a triple bottom line approach; that is, policies and regulations are designed to achieve a balance between the social consequences (health, equity and justice), the economic consequences (economic growth and prosperity) and the environmental consequences (wise use of natural resources and protecting the environment). Several policies, programs and regulations have already been implemented in the sustainability effort. For example, energy and water conservation measures have been employed in county -owned facilities, and procurement policies minimize the use of disposable items and require the use of products with recycled content when possible. Also, environmentally (and human) friendly cleaning and grounds maintenance products are used at county facilities. A number of measures have also been implemented aimed at improving air quality, including vehicle idling policies and the establishment of a large fleet of hybrid vehicles. Other efforts go beyond those directed within the county organization itself. Land use regulations are in place that encourage development in areas with existing infrastructure and provide for the preservation of farmland and rural areas. An incubator farm was opened to train new farmers to help meet the demand for fresh, local food and to keep land in agricultural production. A food policy council was appointed by the Board of Commissioners and charged with performing research, educating the community, developing strategies and making policy recommendations that will encourage the development of a robust, sustainable local food economy and a healthier population. • Resilient and Robust Local Economy • sustainable community is prosperous because of a resilient and robust local economy, where a balance is struck between self reliance and trade. The purchase of local goods and services from independent businesses can build a deeper economy where a greater proportion of money re- circulates locally, rather than leaving the community and traveling to corporate headquarters in another state or country. Locally -owned businesses are more likely to be rooted in the community, and less likely to relocate as a result of global economic pressures, as compared to publically traded national or multinational companies. And, a community where independent businesses prosper is likely to be a community where entrepreneurs and creativity thrive. Independent, locally owned businesses in communities that value and encourage entrepreneurs and creativity also help to define a community and give it character, differentiating it from others - an important feature in an age of homogeneity where all metro areas have a striking similarity. This local differentiation, or place -based character, can actually put a community at a