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Advisory board proposes nonfinancial incentives, "sustainable property" recognition; will draft criteria
Summary
Board members proposed a low‑cost, ward‑based recognition program (rotating signage, mayoral mention, community wall) and agreed to draft objective sustainability criteria and coordinate with communications and the beautification board before recommending action.
The Fort Myers Environmental Advisory Board spent a large portion of its March 2 meeting discussing nonfinancial incentives to encourage environmental stewardship, including a proposed ward-based “sustainable property” recognition program.
Board members proposed low-cost recognitions such as rotating "Fort Myers green home/property" signage (one home or property per ward per month or year), a mayoral mention or newsletter highlight, and a community recognition wall at a public park. Members emphasized the program should reward sustainability actions (native plants, rain gardens, pervious landscaping, reduced pesticide use, responsible lighting) rather than aesthetics alone.
"We could put a Wufoo form up on the website" to accept nominations, one member said, suggesting the communications team publicize nominations and winners. Members discussed coordinating with the Parks & Recreation beautification awards (which already publish criteria) and noted the value of hearing from that board before finalizing criteria. Several members urged keeping nomination and judging simple with checkboxes and a short supporting statement.
The board agreed to draft objective criteria and return the list to the next meeting for refinement; members also suggested inviting the beautification board and a developer or builder to provide perspective on practicality and marketing value. No formal vote was taken.
Background: Members discussed distinguishing this program from purely aesthetic awards by focusing on sustainability attributes (stormwater capture, native landscaping, pollinator habitat), limiting use of invasive species and pesticides, and ensuring lighting does not contribute significantly to light pollution.
