Five cities are collaborating to foster interconnectedness, sustainability, and diversity, resulting in many shared assets including: - A prosperous business climate - High levels of employment and education - Thriving downtown and commercial areas - Engaged residents - Mature, vibrant neighborhoods How are they making this happen? Here is a report that details the planning process and quantitative indicators used as a baseline for measuring progress.

1. Over the course of the planning process, public input was sought through a variety of forums, including:
Sustainability Advisory Board: Representatives from community, environmental, business, health,
education, and local government organizations.
Public Meetings: Two meetings were held to receive direct input from the public.
Surveys: Several surveys of government staff, elected officials, and the public were administered to
gain broader input on the planning framework.
Woodward 5 Sustainability Collaboration
Woodward 5 Communities Vision
The Woodward 5 communities,
collaboration comprised of the cities of
Berkley, Ferndale, Huntington Woods,
Pleasant Ridge, and Royal Oak, embarked
on a joint effort to develop a collaborative
Sustainability Partnership. This effort
was led by a team from Oakland County’s
Department of Economic Development
and Community Affairs and funded by a
grant from the Michigan Department of
Environmental Quality (MDEQ) through
its Pollution Prevention Program.
The Woodward 5 Sustainability
Partnership communities have a history
of collaboration and share many assets,
including a prosperous business climate,
high levels of employment and education,
strong downtown and commercial areas,
engaged residents, and mature vibrant
neighborhoods.
The Woodward 5 stakeholders developed a collective vision for
sustainability:
Empowering our communities to collaborate to make
the Woodward 5 an interconnected, sustainable,
diverse place to live, work, play, and learn.
Sustainability Planning
Sustainability prepares people and communities to thrive now and
in the future by balancing the Triple Bottom Line of environmental,
economic, and community values.
CommunityEconomy
Environment
Sustainability

2. The Sustainability Planning Process
Through the sustainability planning process, Woodward 5 community stakeholders identified actions requiring
collaboration between city governments and community members, as well as actions which should be led by
community and civic organizations. Additionally, communities rely on an infrastructure of existing private, non-
profit, or institutional organizations which contribute to a sustainable future.
Woodward 5 focused on the challenges faced by its communities and the actions it can take to confront their
unique sustainability challenges: community, economic, and environmental.
The process included articulation of a vision, goals, and outcomes for sustainability. A set of quantitative indicators
were identified to measure baseline and progress for these goals into the future. Finally, the communities identified
current and future actions that will move the needle on sustainability.
Vision
An image or description of what
the community desires to become
in the future.
Outcomes
Descriptions of the specific “end
states” a community wants to
achieve.
Indicators
A measurable, standardized,
quantitative value that accurately
measures progress toward
outcomes.
Baseline
Base measurements for indicators,
from which point progress will be
measured.
Targets
Specific, measurable goal or
direction for desired change
from the baseline indicator
measurement.
Actions
Projects, plans, or activities
accomplished to achieve a stated
outcome.
Stakeholders
People and organizations
responsible for planning and
implementing actions.
Sustainability
Planning Process
Tool Kit
Oakland County
City Staff
FTC&H
WARM
Sustainability
Steering
Committee
Sustainability
Advisory
Board
Government
Business
Education
Environment
Community
Health
Oakland County
Ferndale
Sustainability
Planning Process
Royal Oak Berkley
Collaborative Local Government
Sustainability Planning Framework
Definitions
Vision
Triple
Bottom Line
Goals
Outcomes
Indicators
and Baselines
Targets and
Actions
Huntington
Woods
Pleasant RIdge
Collaborative
Sustainability
Plan

3. Action Key Partner
Time
Frame
Healthy
Community
Well
Educated
Diverse
Community
Civic and Social
Engagement
Arts and
Cultural
Engagement
City-ledActions
Work with Oakland County
to better publicize available
health resources
Oakland County 2015
Encourage development
of new Welcome Wagon
program
Community
Organizations
2015
Develop and maintain
collaborative Woodward 5
event calendar
Community
Organizations
2015
Community-ledActions
Hold community organization
open house/roundtable
Community
Organizations
2018
Organize Woodward 5
annual event (to celebrate
community diversity)
Michigan
Roundtable for
Diversity and
Inclusion
2020+
Develop and maintain
community gardens
Community
Organizations
2018
Action Key Partner
Time
Frame
Fiscal
Sustainability
Economic
Development
Friendly
Economic
Diversity
Services and
Infrastructure
Economic
Prosperity
City-LedActions
Establish and maintain
community-wide WiFi
Chamber of
Commerce/DDA
2018
Recruit businesses
Michigan
Economic
Development
Corp
2018
Institute an underutilized
equipment sharing program
Chamber of
Commerce
2018
Community-LedActions
Develop and support
business incubators
Businesses 2020+
Improve alignment between
job growth sectors and
school curriculums
Chamber of
Commerce
2018
Use crowd source financing
for public project (i.e., parks)
Citizens 2018
Action Key Partner
Time
Frame
Quality Air and
Water
Green
Infrastructure
Energy
Efficiency
Sustainable
Transportation
Waste
City-ledActions
Develop a W5 park and
greenspace resource map
Non-profit 2018
Develop a map of routes
and “bridges” to connect
communities
Oakland County
Planning
2020+
Coordinate bike route
signage for continuity
amongst communities
Oakland County
Planning
2018
Community-LedActions
Advocate for a complete
regional bus system
Regional Transit
Authority
2015
Encourage green
infrastructure through
workshops, seminars, and
advocacy
Conservation
groups, SEMCOG,
Oakland County
2018
Develop and deliver
sustainability education for
businesses and residents
Environmental
Commissions
2018
Collaboration
For a full list, please view the entire report at www.ftch.com/woodward5
Economy
Environment
Community

4. Community
Why does it matter?
A sustainable community honors and engages its citizens, fostering a
sense of connection and place based on a celebration of history, culture
and diversity.
Baseline** Target*
Arts&
Cultural
Engagement
Number of Events (Total number of events) 80
Attendance at Events (Total attendance) 390,476
Arts and Culture Program Spending (Percent public funds) 5%
Well-Educated
Residents with Bachelor's Degree or Higher (Percent population) 45%
W5 Public Schools Racial Diversity (Scale of 0 to 100; All students K-12, combined W5 Districts) 51.7
High School Graduation Rates (Percent students in 4-year cohort, combined W5 Districts) 91.2%
Healthy
Community
Walkability (Percent residential parcels within 1/4 mile of a commercial parcel) 76%
Recreational Pathways (Miles of trail per square mile) 6.0
Transit Access (Percent residential and business units within 1/4 mile of a bus stop) 33%
DiverseCommunity
Affordability (Percent income used for housing [ownership] based on regional median income) 35%
Racial Diversity Index (0-100) 18.38
Same-Sex Households (Percent households) 0.9%
Where we are and where we are going
1 Diverse Community: Ethnic, religious, age and cultural diversity of residents and business owners is
welcomed, celebrated, and protected.
2 Healthy Community: Communities feature many opportunities and facilities to allow residents to
engage in physical activity and care for their health.
3 Well-Educated Community: Residents are well-educated. Educational institutions in the communities have
a range of offerings to meet diverse needs.
4 Strong civic and social activity and engagement: Businesses and residents are actively involved in civic
life through service, school organizations, and political participation.
5 Strong engagement with science, arts, historical cultural programs and institutions: Multiple
opportunities exist within the community to participate in cultural and education opportunities through
partnerships with relevant institutions.
Outcomes
Sustainability Indicators
* In the target column, arrows denote desired direction. For more information on baselines, including benchmarks, standards, and comparisons, please view the full report at www.ftch.com/Woodward5
** Baseline years are predominantly 2010.

5. Community
Woodward 5 Sustainability Collaboration
A collaborative project between Berkley,
Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, and Royal Oak.
For the full report, please visit www.ftch.com/woodward5
Design courtesy of engineers | scientists | architects | constructors
What we are doing
Berkley
Inclusionary zoning to encourage affordable
housing
Frequent online updates using websites,
e-newsletters, and social media
Ferndale
Diversity training for all staff
Partner in Eight Mile Boulevard Association
Huntington Woods
First local Human Rights Ordinance in Oakland
County
Active City Art Gallery and Cultural Center
Pleasant Ridge
Pleasant Ridge Recreation Center
Joint recreation program with Oakland County
Royal Oak
Royal Oak Farmer's Market
Woodward Dream Cruise
WHEN
Berkley
Adopt a community-wide anti-idling policy. 2015
Require or encourage a Health Impact
Assessment to evaluate the public health
impacts of projects, policies, or programs.
2018
Ferndale
Assess local community for language needs and
effective venues for City communications.
2015
Downtown Ferndale Smartphone application 2015
Huntington Woods
Install bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure to
facilitate biking and walking to multiple land uses.
2020+
Provide reduced-cost opportunities to access
local cultural institutions.
2015
Pleasant Ridge
Conduct walkability, bikability, and road safety
audits around key destination area, and develop
and implement a plan to address deficiencies.
2018
Make public art a priority in capital improvement
projects.
2018
Royal Oak
Incorporate measures of citizen satisfaction into
budgets and service provision decisions
2018
Consider public arts and culture in capital
improvement projects.
2020+
What we are planning
For More Information Contact
Whitney Calio
2100 N. Pontiac Lake Road,
Waterford, MI 48328
(248) 858-2071

6. Baseline** Target*
Economic
Diversity
Young Professionals (Percent population age 24-35 with Bachelor's Degree) 68%
Management, Business, Science, and Arts Occupations
(Percent workforce employed in management, business, science, and arts occupations)
51%
Commercial, Office and Industrial Parcels within 1/4 mile of a Bus Stop
(Percent units measured along road network)
75%
Economic
Prosperity
Resident Income (Per household) 62,942
Income Disparity (Gini index) 0.40
FiscalSustainability
General Fund Balance (Percent fund balance vs. general fund expenditures) 21.9%
Municipal Bond Rating A+ to AA+
Tax Base Diversity (Percent assessed value)
Residential 84%
Residential Vacant 0%
Commercial/Office 12%
Commercial/Office Vacant 0%
Industrial 3%
Industrial Vacant 0%
Other 0%
Services
Infrastructure
Condition of Roads (Percent mile lanes in poor condition) 15%
Cost of Public Services (USD per household) $2,685.48
Economy
Where we are and where we are going
Why does it matter?
A sustainable community supports a robust business climate, residents
who are economically secure and well-educated, and training, mentorship,
and educational opportunities available to all.
Outcomes
1 Efficient High-Quality Services and Infrastructure: City services are high quality and transparently and efficiently
delivered. Infrastructure is maintained in good condition and improvements are completed on time and on budget.
2 Fiscal Sustainability: Local government maintains a balanced budget, defined as: funded liabilities; stable and diverse
tax base; competitive tax rates; and accurate forecasting.
3 Economic Development Friendly: Local business activity is encouraged through consistent and straightforward
regulatory and procedural requirements. Applications are processed in a timely manner.
4 Economic Prosperity: Businesses and residents are financially stable resulting in low vacancy rates.
5 Economic Diversity: Businesses and residents represent a diversity of sectors, income levels, and life stages.
Sustainability Indicators
Residential
Industrial
Commercial/
Office
* In the target column, arrows denote desired direction. For more information on baselines, including benchmarks, standards, and comparisons, please view the full report at www.ftch.com/Woodward5
** Baseline years are predominantly 2010.

7. Economy
What we are doing
Berkley
Basic building permits issued in 48 hours
No escrow accounts required for site plan or
development reviews
Ferndale
Information technology needs coordinated with
Oakland County
Updated Master Plan, 0rdinances, tax-
increment financing information, and forms
available online
Huntington Woods
Improved workforce flexibility through cross-
training and job rotation
Conducting a study for public safety services
sharing between other Woodward 5
communities
Pleasant Ridge
Coordinate library services with Huntington
Woods
Coordinate water and sewer maintenance
services with Royal Oak
Royal Oak
Participate in Michigan Intergovernmental
Trade Network
Participate in Woodward Avenue Action
Association
Woodward 5 Sustainability Collaboration
A collaborative project between Berkley,
Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, and Royal Oak.
For the full report, please visit www.ftch.com/woodward5
Design courtesy of engineers | scientists | architects | constructors
WHEN
Berkley
Establish a business liaison to act as a
concierge between the business, county, state,
and the City.
2015
Implement a main street type 4-point approach
in downtown areas.
2018
Ferndale
Develop non-motorized transportation and
multi-modal plans.
2015
Revise zoning code to allow for more diverse
neighborhoods, mixing small and large homes,
to encourage resource sharing.
2020+
Huntington Woods
Establish a regular meeting between City
leadership and the local business community.
2015
Encourage greater diversity of housing choice
along corridors
2020+
Pleasant Ridge
Develop a place-based economic development
program, identifying opportunities, resources,
and promotional materials to leverage place
as a marketing tool in attracting businesses.
2018
Work with neighboring local governments to
harmonize permit processes and requirements,
where feasible.
2018
Royal Oak
Formalize asset management program into a
plan.
2018
Make sustainability dashboard detailing fiscal,
service, and sustainability performance metrics
available on website.
2015
What we are planning
For More Information Contact
Whitney Calio
2100 N. Pontiac Lake Road,
Waterford, MI 48328
(248) 858-2071

8. Environment
Why does it matter?
A sustainable community features policies that promote green
infrastructure, energy efficiency, recycling, and proper disposal of
hazardous wastes.
1 Access to Sustainable Transportation Options: People can travel easily throughout the city and region without a
car through non-motorized transportation (biking, walking) and efficient, timely public transportation.
2 Strong Green Infrastructure, Natural Resource Networks, and Outdoor Recreational Assets: The community has
numerous, connected green spaces and parks that provide both recreational opportunities and ecological services.
3 Conservation of energy is energy efficient and uses alternative fuels: Governments, businesses, and residents
lower their fossil fuel use.
4 Excellent Air and Water Quality: Air and water quality meets national standards.
5 Conservation of waste resources: Community members practice recycling, reuse, composting, and proper disposal
of hazardous waste.
Outcomes
Sustainability Indicators - Combined Woodward 5 Communities
Baseline** Target*
Energy
Efficiency
LEED and Energy Star Certified Buildings
(Number of buildings per 1,000 non-residential parcels)
0.77
Household Energy Use
Natural Gas (Thousand cubic feet per 1,000 residents) 4.22
GreenInfrastructure
Residential Parcels within 1/4 mile of Public Recreation Land
(percent units measured along road network)
80%
Active Parkland (Acres per 1,000 residents) 9.08
Public Recreation Funding (USD per resident) $47.69
Tree Canopy Coverage (percent Area) 26%
Transportation
Walkability (percent residential parcels within 1/4 mile of a commercial parcel) 76%
Transit Access (Percent residential and business units within 1/4 mile of a bus stop) 33%
Recreational Pathways (Miles of trail per square mile) 6.0
People Biking or Walking to Work (percent population) 2%
Waste
Residential Recycling Ratio
(Ratio of pounds of waste recycled per household to pounds sent to landfill)
0.2
$
$
$$
Where we are and where we are going
* In the target column, arrows denote desired direction. For more information on baselines, including benchmarks, standards, and comparisons, please view the full report at www.ftch.com/Woodward5
** Baseline years are predominantly 2010.

9. Environment
What we are doing
Berkley
Green infrastructure planning incorporated into
the City's Master Plan
Energy tracking and management systems for
municipal buildings
Ferndale
No idling policy for City vehicles
Developed City-wide traffic management and
calming program
Huntington Woods
Single-stream recycling pilot program
participant
Weatherization program for commercial and
residential properties
Pleasant Ridge
Composting collection for City residents
Participate in SMART's Bike Rack program
Royal Oak
Road safety is continuously evaluated through
road safety audits, signal synchronization,
access management, and crash evaluation
A healthy urban forest and street trees are
maintained
Woodward 5 Sustainability Collaboration
A collaborative project between Berkley,
Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, and Royal Oak.
For the full report, please visit www.ftch.com/woodward5
Design courtesy of engineers | scientists | architects | constructors
WHEN
Berkley
Low impact development techniques to manage
stormwater in new and redevelopment projects
where feasible.
2015
Provide electric vehicle charging stations in
public areas.
2018
Ferndale
Install recycling receptacles on sidewalks and in
highly trafficked areas.
2018
LED streetlight conversion in downtown area. 2018
Huntington Woods
Reduce use of bottled water at City events and
venues.
2015
Expand the quantity of materials diverted/
recycled from solid waste stream.
2018
Pleasant Ridge
Expand local trolley program. 2018
Develop additional on-road bike facilities
(bike lanes, sharrows) and bike parking
infrastructure in downtown, commercial, and
park destinations.
2020+
Royal Oak
Implement construction site management and
minimization of environmental impacts.
2020+
Promote a biologically diverse landscape in
parks.
2020+
What we are planning
For More Information Contact
Whitney Calio
2100 N. Pontiac Lake Road,
Waterford, MI 48328
(248) 858-2071

10. Sustainability Steering Committee
Jane Bais-DiSessa City of Berkley
April McGrath City of Ferndale
Alex Allie City of Huntington Woods
Sherry Ball City of Pleasant Ridge
Don Johnson City of Royal Oak
Nina Misuraca Ignaczak Oakland County
Bret Rasegan Oakland County
Michele Buckler FTCH
Joel Howrani Heeres WARM Training Center
City Government Support
Phil O’Dwyer Mayor, City of Berkley
Dave Coulter Mayor, City of Ferndale
Ron Gillham Mayor, City of Huntington Woods
Ralph Castelli Mayor, City of Pleasant Ridge
Jim Ellison Mayor, City of Royal Oak
Sustainability Advisory Board
Ann Heller Ferncare
Carmine Palombo SEMCOG
Dave Coulter City of Ferndale
Gary Meier Ferndale Schools
Janet Turner City of Huntington Woods
Jeff McKeen SOCRRA/SOCWA
Jennifer Roosenburg Ferndale Chamber of Commerce
Joe Rozell City of Huntington Woods
John Iacoangeli Beckett and Raeder
We would like to thank all who have served on the SSC and SAB, as well as those
residents and business owners who have participated in the planning process.Thank You
For More Information Contact
Whitney Calio, Environmental Program Coordinator
2100 N. Pontiac Lake Road
Waterford, MI 48328
(248) 858-2071
Woodward5 Sustainability Collaboration
A collaborative project between Berkley,
Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge,
and Royal Oak.
For the full report, please visit www.ftch.com/woodward5
Design courtesy of
engineers | scientists | architects | constructors
Prosperity
Climate
FUTURE EARTH
community
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability Advisory Board Cont.
Lea Luger Yad Ezra
Lisa Platt Auensen City of Berkley
Lloyd Crews Oakland Community College
Maureen Elliott Beaumont Health System
Michael Kulka PM Environmental
Patricia Capello City of Royal Oak
Paul R. Good Detroit Zoo
Ralph Castelli City of Pleasant Ridge
Ronald Gillham City of Huntington Woods
Scott Pietrzak City of Pleasant Ridge
Shelly Kemp Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce
Stewart Meek City of Royal Oak
Woodward 5
Royal Oak
Berkley
Huntington
Woods
Pleasant
Ridge
Ferndale
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