In early 2011 a team within NLC’s Center for Research and Innovation reviewed 31 “State of the City” speeches from across the country and found sustainability to be a common theme that local leaders were already embracing and preparing to advance in the year(s) ahead. While the specific issue areas and actions cited in these speeches — and ultimately pursued throughout 2011 — varied across cities, if there is one common message that emerged this past year it’s that as cities look toward their futures, they’re looking toward sustainability.

http://www.nlc.org/news-center/nations-cities-weekly/articles/2012/january/multiple-strategies-one-goal-cities-continue-to-lead-on-sustainability