How Sustainability Can Be Embedded In Core City Infrastructure

Embedding sustainability in city infrastructure is no longer optional—it’s essential. From energy-efficient buildings to resilient transportation networks and smart waste systems, sustainability must be built into the bones of urban development.

Through active community engagement, leaders like Peoria, Arizona’s Denette Dunn have demonstrated how cities can align infrastructure with environmental responsibility through policy, innovation, and community-driven solutions.

As the most effective community leaders have realized, a key piece of the puzzle is sustainable urban planning. Cities must look beyond short-term needs and consider the environmental impact of zoning, development, and land use. 

Shaping Sustainability Policies  

Denette Dunn’s remarkable track record on the Peoria Planning and Zoning Commission reflects this approach. Her influence in Peoria, Arizona, helped shape policies that support green space preservation, responsible development, and future-ready infrastructure. Similar efforts can be seen in Portland, Oregon, where zoning laws support walkable neighborhoods and require green building compliance.

Of course, sustainability relies greatly on close collaboration between public institutions and private enterprises, without which the best intentions are futile. 

Dunn’s tenure at Republic Services, where she served as Municipal Services Manager, brought her into direct contact with the operational side of waste management. By working with municipalities like Peoria to implement efficient recycling systems, she has played a key role in bridging policy and practice. 

San Francisco offers a powerful example of this dynamic. Its partnership with Recology has helped the city achieve an 80 percent landfill diversion rate, making it a model for many communities on the West Coast.

The Value of Community Engagement

Another crucial element is community engagement. Infrastructure shaped by public input is more likely to meet both environmental and social needs. Dunn recognized this when she created the Pine Citizens Advisory Committee in Peoria, Arizona, giving residents a platform to shape the future of their district. 

Seattle has adopted a similar approach with its Neighborhood Matching Fund. The program invests in grassroots environmental initiatives and small-scale infrastructure improvements led by the community.

Waste management remains a core pillar of urban sustainability. Dunn has served on several influential boards, including the Arizona Recycling Coalition and the Solid Waste Association of North America. These roles reflect her dedication to making waste reduction and recycling central to city operations.

In Sweden, the country’s innovative waste-to-energy model offers a global benchmark, where nearly all household waste is diverted from landfills to generate heat and power. Already, many US cities like Peoria, Arizona, are exploring this approach.

Integrating Sustainability With Infrastructure

Green energy and clean transportation must also be part of a city’s infrastructure blueprint. Municipal leaders play a key role in shaping policies that support electric vehicles, energy-efficient buildings, and renewable grid integration. In Peoria, efforts are underway to support EV adoption and smarter grid technology, with advocates like Dunn helping push these initiatives forward.

Sustainability in infrastructure doesn’t happen by accident. It requires long-term planning, cross-sector collaboration, and strong community ties. Denette Dunn’s leadership across city government, waste management, and public outreach illustrates how sustainability can move from an abstract goal to an operational reality. Cities (such as Peoria, Arizona) that follow this example will not only reduce their environmental footprint but also create healthier, more resilient communities.